Café Tacvba – Avalancha de Éxitos

Cover art for Café Tacvba – Avalancha de Éxitos

Type: Album (covers)

Genre(s): Latin Alternative, Art Pop, Pop Rock

From: Mexico, State of Mexico, Naucalpan de Juárez, Ciudad Satélite

Release: November 5, 1996

Producer(s): Gustavo Santaolalla

A diverse set of covers, with the musicality being constantly used to complement the equally diverse set of lyrical gems. For this record, eclecticism was an important part of its through-line — and it can truly be said that every style and idea explored here was greatly executed.

•Mid-High 8•

Highlights: No controles, Alármala de tos, Ojalá que llueva café.

Lowlifes: Perfidia.

Track-by-track review

Chilanga banda is a lyrical masterpiece, it even almost goes without saying. It’s a fantastic exploration of the Chilango language. From a thematic perspective, it’s an emotional dive into the negative aspects of both police and thieves; it does so by equating them and painting a pretty grim message: everyone is dreadful. However, there is a silver lining in the form of the protagonist, enjoying life from the perspective of a “chafirete” (a public transport driver). Finally, the ending line is great and charismatic. Musically, it’s an absolutely fantastic, playful, and fun track — it’s full of energy although a tad repetitive/not that greatly arranged.

Low-Mid 8.

Metamorfosis explores growing apart from someone near and dear because they’ve changed for the worse. The lyrics come to life beautifully because of the great vocal performance, and an instrumental which is incredibly immersive and makes the lyrics pop up, highlighting their relatability.

Mid-High 8.

No controles seems to be about wanting to stay true to oneself. Instrumentally, it features absolutely fantastic performances, brimming with energy, in an enveloping and applaudable way.

High 8.

No me comprendes is about being misunderstood because of a well-kept secret that seems to be about the narrator’s identity, and has a life-changing weight; without any specificity in what afflicts the song’s subject. Musically, it’s another excellent performance along with a great, jazz-influenced instrumental. This calming and more laid-back composition also features fitting and slightly psychedelic guitar arrangements.

Low-Mid 8.

Alármala de tos is a great but horrible depiction of the events leading up to the femicide of “Lola”. The language used is based on the verb coined by the “¡Alarma!” magazine — which is wildly creative. The instrumental and lyrics come together to make an absolute heartbreak of a song. Audibly, it’s very immersive and intimate, but also slightly abrasive when it needs to be — and these moments are chosen with a lot of taste.

High 8.

Perfidia is a kind of underwhelming instrumental interlude, to be honest. The production and arrangements are a pretty interesting combination of the acoustic and electronic, but it’s not all that emotive — or necessary for that matter.

Mid-High 7.

Ojalá que llueva café is a very lyrical and poetic wish for abundance; specifically, in areas of farmland. This fanatically energetic, fun, and happiness-inducing huapango performance is a near-immaculate moment within an already impressive record. This is especially true in the second half, courtesy of those beautiful, huasteco, yodel-like vocal performances.

Mid-High 9.

Cómo te extraño mi amor is about missing a loved one — simple and wholesome. The instrumental is highly loveable and high-spirited. With fantastic production, capturing an incredibly energetic longing for someone, almost as if forcing oneself to stay positive amidst the pain.

Low-Mid 8.

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