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Knowing that Amaia had departed and that the change brought the LOVG to a critical juncture, I bought this CD with some trepidation, unwrapped it, slid it into my car player, played it, played it again...and was blown away. It was as good, if not better, than what preceded it; I listened to it all summer, never tiring of perceiving something new each time: a perfect chord or sound effect, a turn of phrase, a catch in Leire's voice: sheer aural candy. Leire matches the band flawlessly, miraculously: amazingly good fortune. Then, an earlier reviewer mentioned the Beatles connection: in addition to the "Let it be" ending to La Visita, the subject matter, emotions, and musical styles run the gamut, and that is what is reminiscent of the Beatles--we were willing to follow wherever they led. This album coheres in that rare way in which there are no songs to skip. A rundown:
1-El ultimo vals: The Last Waltz
2-Inmortal: Immortal Love the guitar intro, the stereo separation, the varied tiempo, the sha-la-la at the end. Fun. A song of love, almost obsession...lovers becoming a part of each other.
3-Jueves: Thursday A requiem for the bombing victims in Madrid on March 11, 2004. (Clips can be seen on You-tube.) One of the most touching tributes to victims of terrorism ever, the story of an ordinary couple, how fate takes them to this point, the what if's, the if only's of all tragedies.
4-Mas: More Good rock.
5-Cumplir un ano menos: To celebrate the birthdays backwards (to a time before love ended).
6-Europa VII: Europe 7 From a spaceship departing "a small blue point that is lost in a million sparks," an astronaut records a message to serve as a lesson in the future. She rips the national flag from her space suit and writes on the reverse "I am of humanity."
7-La visita: The Visit Doubts and hopes of a terminally ill person who has a vision. "It could be that the journey isn't bad and that a celestial angel will invite me to dine. It could be that there's no beyond, that the tale ends badly and won't begin again. Today a tall, smiling woman came to see me, saying, 'Take my hand and follow me...'." Ends with a few notes from "Let it be."
8-Sola: Alone Begins with techno, rocks with some good electric guitar. Good poetic images. Ends with "Ven, acercate" from Paris(I think), an earlier hit sung by Amaia.
9-Palabras para Paula: Words for Paula This song is for one of the band member's baby daughter. "I wept when I took you in my arms; I couldn't contain myself because I love you so...If you cry, I'll sing; if you suffer, I'll talk to you; If you die, I'll die, too." A parent can relate to the fierce, yet tender love for a child.
10-Flores en la orilla: Flowers on the shore Fun, touching song of being a fool for love and the longing we've all been left with. Ah, well.
11-Un cuento sobre el agua: A story (written) on the water If you're a Spanish student, try singing along with this one!
12-La primera version: The first version Nothing will ever be the same. Bonus Song Footsteps, puddle splashes, a squeaking door opens. Love song.
LOVG's varied themes and music seem to proceed out of a genuine gift and sensibility. One feels listening that they aren't merely adhering to a formula for another hit and safe sales. I would love seeing them play and sing their hearts out in concert.
P.S. I use a lot of music in my Spanish classes. It is extremely motivating and songs get stuck in the students' heads. Hispanic music is a wide, wonderful world for the exploring and yet another reason for learning Spanish. Couldn't resist the plug.
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