Search - Enrique Bunbury, Nacho Vegas :: El Tiempo de Las Cerezas

Bad companies made the best album of 2006

R. Suarez Giacoman | Mc Allen, Texas United States | 04/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bunbury and Vegas have known each other for a while now, they toured together for `Radical Sonora', Nacho with Manta Ray was one of the opening bands in Enrique's concerts for that tour. Years later, they toured together again but now with Bunbury's `Freak Show'. It was during this time that the two of them, as well as Carlos Ann came up with the idea of recording an album together, due to creative differences Carlos decided not to continue, Bunbury and Vegas started working on what later would be `El tiempo de las cerezas'



The project worked out well for both artists, showing that bad companies are not always that bad; Enrique doesn't sound overly produced as he usually does and his lyrics are without a doubt some of his best so far. Nacho on the other hand, sounds better produced and delivers 8 of his best songs so far. Their influences are clear: Dylan, Van Zandt, Cohen and even Cash.



`No fue bueno pero fue lo mejor' sounds autobiographical and tells us how Enrique feels after the separation from the `Huracan ambulante', its accompanying video shows a clown wearing Enrique's outfit from the Freak Show to finally place it in a suitcase and leave. `El rumbo de tus sueños' is another song that has already become a classic. `Ahora', one of the best songs in this album was ironically written for Raphael (it is actually included in his latest album `Cerca de ti') yet Enrique's version makes it one of the best songs in this double album. Enrique goes back to basics and his interpretative style sounds better than in `El viaje a ninguna parte'. `Welcome to el callejon sin salida' is another great song that has Enrique experimenting with new sounds resulting in an awesome track.



Being a fan of Enrique for years now, I have to admit that Nacho Vegas is better than Enrique in this album. His lyrics and music are more elaborated and the feeling with which Nacho sings gives a different tone to his songs (a perfect example would be `Va a empezar a llover' and `Bravo' original of Luis Demetrio in which Nacho delivers a powerful interpretation of this old song) `El cazador' has a clear influence of Dylan in its intro and chorus, `La fin' is another great song from Nacho that has its best part in an ending theme clearly influenced by Enrique from his days with the `Huracan ambulante'. `Serie negra' shows a different approach from Nacho, the lyrics and music are just some of the best I've heard in a while. `La pena o la nada' would be, in my opinion, Nacho's best contribution to this album.



The only co-written song, `Latex' is a total letdown, it is not a bad song but considering they separately wrote all this incredible songs I guess I expected something better for the only one in which they worked together, the music is fine yet the lyrics are nothing compared to others included in this same album.



Bottomline, an incredible album that cannot be compared to their previous works. Definitely one of their best so far. No wonder why this album was considered one of the best of 2006 by many specialized music sites and magazines.

"

Beautiful Rock

Elizabeth Renee Blue | New York, NY | 01/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Think Nick Cave, Mark Lanegan, and Leonard Cohen... Seminal musicians both and this CD does not dissapoint. Each song feels necessary and in the right place. Its an organic experience. I instantly felt like this was one of my favorite all time CDs. Its so familiar, so comforting. The songs are tender but edgy, definitely rock, melodious, with some experimental edges, and the lyrics are well developed stories. Very evocative and the kind of album you play at midnight with candles burning. Or, if you like (as I do) on your MP3 while walking the dog. No matter where you are or what you are doing, this CD will provide the right ambience. A must have for fans but a great entrypoint for those not familiar with either artist. Your music collection will be enriched. Epa el Rock en Espanol!"