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Saturday 8 December 2012

Cafe Cuba (50 original Cuban Classics)



It's hard to say when it's an appropriate time to listen to Cuban music. Whatever I've done whilst listening to Cafe Cuba, the music has seemed a particularly ridiculous backing track. To fully appreciate this collection you probably need to visit Cuba, it just feels so out of place in downtown South Yorkshire, even though we are both (or have been) socialist republics.

If you smoke large cigars, role them on women's thighs, or partake in Salsa, Bolero or Cha Cha Cha then this is the CD for you. If you like doing a camp, jaunty little dance around the house then perhaps it's for you too. But for the rest of us it's just not appropriate.

It's quality, well made music, but unlike the rest of World music it seems pretty location specific. Every track has the same vibe combining 1950's film soundtracks with Strictly Come Dancing, but I did enjoy the contributions of Ruben Gonzalez, Ibrahin Ferrer and Pupi Campo.

However every cloud has a silver lining, and there is one outstanding track out of the fifty which transcends the cultural, social and geographical differences between Havana and Rotherham. Omara Portuondo's 'Ti Dije Quedate' is a passionate, full bodied Cuban work of genius and well worth the price of the CD alone.

If you're going on holiday to Cuba or perhaps you live in Cuba, then buy this immediately. Be a little more circumspect if you live in Denaby.

 

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