BuzzCuts: New Music
Gipsy Kings remain close to the core on "Pasajero" and John Mellencamp's patriotism also questions the country's direction on his new CD.
Gipsy Kings, "Pasajero" (Nonesuch Records)
Gipsy Kings — "Pasajero"
John Mellencamp – "Freedom Road"
The Gipsy Kings must be happy. "Pasajero," the new album from this 25-year-old band of flamenco artists from the south of France, brings a fresh combination of their signature sound — driving rhythms, skilled guitar work and the unmistakable vocals of lead singer Nicolas Reyes.
It's been 20 years since the Gipsy Kings broke onto the international stage with their self-titled debut album and the phenomenal single "Bamboleo." But from there, the band wandered off into well-worn territory, covering standards such as "My Way" and "Volare" and relying more on production and sound effects.
In 2004, they stripped down to their essence for the album "Roots," a welcome return to their origins. Thankfully, "Pasajero" remains close to this core.
The 14-track album, its name meaning "Passenger," is meant to be a journey to South America, according to co-producer Philippe Eidel. The land's flavor is present in folk rhythms such as "Cafe" and in the flamenco-infused version of "Chan Chan," made famous by the Buena Vista Social Club. Instrumental tracks such as "Canastero" and "Recuerdos a Zucarados" combine entrancing accordion rhythms with simple percussion and strings that leave the impression of traveling across the South American countryside.
Flamenco, with its heavy passion and soaring vocal style, often is mournful. But "Pasajero" is filled with major harmonies and a tone of lightness, even when Reyes follows melodic minors. The result is a sense of happiness from the Gipsy Kings that most likely will please their longtime audience. (Michelle Morgante)
Back to topJohn Mellencamp, "Freedom Road" (Universal Republic Records)
"Our Country," John Mellencamp's hit that's currently running in a television commercial for Chevy Trucks, sounds like a Hallmark card to America — on the anthemic choruses, at least. But the middle stanzas question whether his country lives up to its democratic ideals.
In that sense, the song adroitly represents the heartland rocker's 19th studio album, "Freedom Road," which celebrates the American dream while pointing out darkening clouds on its political and social landscape.
"Jim Crow," a duet with Joan Baez, deals with modern bigotry, while "Heaven Is a Lonely Place" pricks religious narrow-mindedness. The title song, one of eight featuring harmonies by vocal quartet Little Big Town, suggests that with liberty comes responsibility and the potential for abuse. The angriest cut refers to President Bush in its title, "Rodeo Clown," and describes America as "an arrogant nation" with "blood on her face."
As usual, Mellencamp wraps his commentary in moody heartland rock, played with spare intensity by his longtime band and given plenty of bite by the twin guitars of Andy York and Mike Wanchic. Like classic Mellencamp tunes "Pink Houses" and "Rain on the Scarecrow," "Freedom Road" thrusts a rocking fist in the air while putting Americans on alert about problems bedeviling their nation. (Michael McCall)
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