Various Artists - Kcrw Presents Sounds Eclectico (16 tracks) +Album Reviews

Latin (or electronic?) ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Lil' Creeper | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Sounds Eclectico" is the best collection of Latin alternative artists I have seen to date. Incredible and intimate live recordings from such stellar acts as Cafe Tacuba, Manu Chao, Julieta Venegas, and Aterciopelados all in one place? I'll take it!

But not only that, this album will also appeal to open-minded gringos who dig the electronic grooves of acts like Thievery Corporation and Brazilian Girls (who are also on the album). Nic Harcourt has done it yet again. Kudos to KCRW for having the smarts to expose the English-speaking masses to such incredible talent."

Great compilation of the best music sung in Spanish these da

Manny Hernandez | Bay Area, CA | 02/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" has a well-earned reputation in indie radio circles, of introducing independent acts to the American public. U.S. and European acts that are initially unknown to most of us typically get exposed first in this program. So is the case with numerous acts that deliver their message not in English, but in Spanish. So, in the same tradition of the successful "Sounds Eclectic" compilations (the most recent one of which was released in early 2005), "Sounds Eclectico" does a magnificent job at presenting the work of some of the best acts that sing "en español" these days.

Though most of the songs on the album are not new to those familiar with the production of the artists included, it represents a great acoustic introduction to those unfamiliar with them. Most of the tracks come from the world of "Latin Rock", with a few exceptions: an exquisite bolero by Omara Portuondo, of Buena Vista Social Club fame; a mariachi performance by Los Lobos; and a lounge rendition by Thievery Corporation. All through the album, there is truly no weak point. It's solid from end to end. As for my favorites, I'd probably say they are Mexicans Cafe Tacuba and Kinky, Argentinean Juana Molina, Venezuelans Los Amigos Invisibles and the most global artist there will ever be: Manu Chao.

This album is a keeper and also a great compilation and an even better introduction to the best of what's around "south of the border"."

World Music from nearby

William Merrill | San Antonio, TX United States | 09/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This disc is a great way to expand your musical horizons a little by hearing some music and artists you are perhaps mostly unfamiliar with. Drawing from various live-in-studio performances from the superb KCRW radio program "Morning Becomes Eclectic," this CD specifically features Latin music. Show host Nic Harcourt has very good and cutting edge taste, and the collection of artists he put together for "Sounds Electico" lives up to the title - a diverse and intriguing lineup. The styles range widely, including acoustic folk, dancable electro-pop (a la Nortec), Beck-ish hip-pop, and several things that defy categorization. (Ex., is the Brazilian Girls song orchestral cabaret-trip-hop-noir?) Among the 16 cuts, my favorites are Juana Molina's lovely/melancholy "Insensible," the slightly goofy "Gorditas de Mario" by Los Amigos Invisibles, and a nice piece by Jorge Drexler where it's just him and his guitar. There are many other worthwhile songs on the CD. Definitely recommended. By the way, fans of Nic Harcourt might also want to check out his new book, Music Lust."

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