Manu Chao?
Well his music is in my blood like for most Argentines. So a new album.. is not something that I can opine on simply with a “it’s awesome “ or “it sucks”
So far the songs are beginning to worm their way in like his songs typically do…they initially sound very slight…basic…floating..like you have heard them all before….but they start to reveal themselves
There are a lot a lot less found sounds or samples on this…yes the train whistle is still ubiquitous but usually just inserted at end of songs and the last song features an Argentine female community organizer…there is a lot less cut and paste collage going on like Clandestino/Esperanza… he has new collaborators mainly an Argentine acoustic guitarist…
You got to remember that for Latin America manu is the closest thing to a third world rock star and “prophet” since Bob Marley…so the words and messages matter…to me it seems a bit politically toned down as his left wing babble can be pretentious and offputting..more songs about love and less about the evil America…environmental concerns continue front and center
The multiculturalism and polyglot nature of manu continues and I am here for it..who else sings in Spanish, French, English and Portuguese in an album?
Not sure why Willie Nelson is credited as featured on one track? What does he do? I mean I hear his harmonica player Mickey Raphael but Willie?
Only Time will tell if this album has depth or is just trifling catchy songs
