
Type: Album
Genre(s): Latin Alternative, Third Wave Ska
From: Mexico, Mexico City
Release: September 24, 1991
Producer(s): Gustavo Santaolalla
Eulalio “Sax” Cervantes’ brass arrangements are a consistently impressive addition to all of the tracks on this record. It’s also worth mentioning that every one of these cuts boasts raw and contagious high-energy deliveries, beautifully complemented by the skilful performances of every band member.
Lyrically, this album successfully completes a tight rope walk from start to finish; balancing politically charged messages that are wittily put together —like those of social class discrepancy— as well as more carefree and endearing dispositions, thus painting quite a rich and nuanced picture of Mexico.
•Mid-High 8•
Highlights: Pachuco, Un poco de sangre, Un gran circo, Querida.
Lowlifes: Toño, Solín.
Track-by-track review
Pachuco is a fantastically fun counter-argument song, aimed toward an older generation who criticises a younger one for what they wear and listen to. It specifically targets the hypocrisy of the argument, since previous generations used to dress as *pachucos*, glorifying gang culture and thus being just as provocative as the “punk” style mentioned in the track. Eulalio “Sax” Cervantes really knows how to transmit energy with his mind-blowingly fun saxophone arrangements, which are a highlight of this instrumental.
Mid-High 9.
Un Poco de Sangre tells the story of a careless driver; driving too fast due to an infatuation with their new car — and how this led to a kid on the job being run over. Moreover, it doubles as a stark social commentary; contrasting the happiness of “Junior” who just bought a new car, with José’s sadness for having to work at that age. Instrumentally, the spoken word section, the sax arrangement and the basslines are all highlights within this amazing cut.
Mid 9.
Toño is a wholesome listen of a guy playing his trumpet around the city and generating joy. The instrumental is as lighthearted and enjoyable as the lyrics are. The trumpet arrangements are really creative, and the production is really interesting. However, it lacks the substance and passion of the previous two tracks.
Low-Mid 7.
Solín is about a guy (José) that, inspired by the Mexican superhero ”Kalimán”, decides to become a fakir and partake in augury during fairs. Again, just wholesome retellings with anecdotal specificity. This instrumental is another enjoyable one: with tight performances and consistently enjoyable arrangements. On the other side, it remains a tad one-dimensional on the structural and compositional fronts.
Mid-High 7.
Kumbala is another really heartwarming listen of how, at night, people get together and dance at “Baile Kumbala Bar”. The calmer, slow-paced beginning of the track intimately compliments the lyrics, and commendably sets up for a simple albeit evocative breakdown towards the second half.
Low 8.
Un Gran Circo touches upon the poverty present in Mexico, as well as critiquing the rich for being detached and heartless. It ultimately paints a bittersweet picture, with the perspective that poverty doesn’t hold people back from living an emotionally fulfilling life — regardless of their struggles. Instrumentally, this track is a near-immaculate amalgamation of what every performer on this band is capable of — both compositionally and performance-wise; especially, the sax arrangement is, once again, amazingly euphoric and admirably memorable.
Mid-High 9.
Pata de Perro talks about a guy (Mario) who really liked to travel. He found comfort in this and felt confined seeing life pass him by, so he kept travelling — and now people remember him for this, with an almost heroic and mythical status. Sonically, the listener is treated to another energetic and fantastically fun instrumental — with great use of Latin percussion, greatly complementing the up-tempo approach of the cut.
High 8.
Crudelia is a comical and smile-inducing retelling of an all-too-familiar story: a party ending in a hangover (*crudelia*). This track has one of the best, and most passionate —albeit easygoing— vocal performances delivered by Roco on this record; additionally, it really compliments the chaotic nature of this song’s spirit.
Low 8.
Mare is about someone from Yucatán that tries to live in Mexico City, and decides to go back to his quieter —and calmer— comfort zone. There also seems to be a romantic prospect that the narrator sings to and addresses; with the “sopa de lima” being a funny and playful lyrical gem that alludes to it. Additionally, this cut features some of the brightest and most playful performances off of the record.
Low 8.
Otra is a funny cultural nod, and an enjoyable moment to let the listener chuckle.
Low 8.
Querida: This cover of a Juan Gabriel song is kind of a codependent and hurt breakup song when the lyrics are read on their own. However; due to the amusing and absolutely delightful, energetic, and lively ska performances; they come across as a playful and hyperbolic call for a lover to come back.
Low 9.