Search - Da Lata :: Remixes

Beat Heavy - be warned

bordersj2 | Boston | 10/19/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I couldn't wait to get this. After Songs from the Tin, I was excited about another Da Lata release. But then when I got it in my hands and looked at the back cover, I was a bit surprised - I honestly expected to hear some tracks from Songs from the Tin remixed. But that's not what this album is about. It is actually in the same mold as Jazzanova's remix album or Thievery Corporation's Abductions and reconstructions. I.E., remixes of other's music.None-the-less, I figured it would still be pretty solid. And it is, however it doesn't quite live up to expectations - and even some of the remixes hardly surpass the original works of the artists. For instance, August Day Song - which even features Nina Miranda of Smoke City (Christian Francks other group) doesn't have the same kind of glide that it does on Bebel Gilberto's album, or even on her remix album. The good thing about this album? There is Ponteio - what sort of put them on the map in my book. The track wasn't released on their debut album (surprisingly) and somewhat saves face here. All in all, it's not a bad album. It's very folkish, and very beat heavy. Da-Lata always did focus on the rythms and percussion of Brazil. If you're a big time fan of the "Brazilian Beats" series, you'll probably love this - same with Bebel Gilberto's remix album. But if you're a pure Songs from the Tin fan, and liked the melodic music they proposed... specifically the first five tracks on the album - be warned - this is nothing like it."

Gotta chalk it up to taste

Kenneth C. Herbst | Austin, TX United States | 09/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! It's a good thing I disregarded the reviews you can read below, because this is one of the best collections of beat-heavy Brazilian trax that I've ever come across...and I've listened to hundreds of CD's claiming 'the new Brazil sound."First off, it should come as no surprise that this collection isn't going to appeal to the "Songs From the Tin" crowd. Come on people, if you want more downbeat, sappy love songs or just plain cheesy house stuff there are a ton of labels out there to serve you. Ditto on the purely Brazilian fare. Ethnomusicologists have pretty much got you covered.What's a lot harder to find is top-quality electronica that smartly incorporates Brazilian influences without seeping into Queso.Well, this disc succeeds on many levels. Aggressive rhythms with sweet flourishes added in for flavor. Organic production. Interesting sequencing between the songs and high quality throughout.If you want sappy love songs, kindly look elsewhere..."