Published on Apr 6, 2000
The first time I discovered groups like Gipsy Kings, I was
instantly hooked. I might not have understood a word they were
saying (having been conned into taking Latin during high school
instead of Spanish), but I loved the rhythm of the music and the
magical poetry of the vocals.
So it should be no surprise that I would like a group like
Gipsyland, which is led by Antoine “Kiko” Motos, the touring
vocalist for Gipsy Kings. What is surprising about their debut
release
Viva La Música is how incredible it is – especially
when you think that a good portion of this band is still in their
twenties. If they’re this good
now, they’re going to be unstoppable in the future.
The main difference between Gipsyland and Gipsy Kings is that
there’s almost a more modern beat behind Gipsyland’s music. At
first, hearing such a rhythm shocked me, especially on the title
track that opens the album. But quickly this becomes an intregal
part of the sound, and to Gipsyland’s credit, they don’t overuse
it. If anything, they use it to strengthen their own
guitar-oriented rhythms.
Now, I am sure that having a working knowledge of Spanish is
very helpful, but even if you don’t speak a word of the language,
it’s impossible not to get swept up in the verbal rhythms that are
laid out on
Viva La Música. Tracks like “Ana María,” “La
Quiero, No, No” and “Mamá” literally suck you in from the
beginning. The lead guitar work of Cyril “Mario” Cablat is
absolutely astounding, and he, as well as the entire band, know how
to make their guitars sing like you’ve never heard before.
What is especially intriguing about this disc is that the more
you listen to it, the more you want to listen to it. Many discs
I’ve listened to get better with additional listens. But
Viva La Música is unique in that you won’t want to
take it out of the CD changer. For that matter, you might want to
make it the
only disc in the player for a while; it’s that good an
album.
I hesitate, though, to say that Gipsyland is better than Gipsy
Kings, if only because these bands draw inspiration from the same
musical well that to slight one band you unintentionally slight the
other. Instead, listen to both Gipsyland and Gipsy Kings together
and revel in the shared heritage. It absolutely lifts the spirits
like you could never imagine unless you have experienced this
musical tonic.
Viva La Música is an outstanding first effort, and
Gipsyland is a very welcome addition to anyone’s musical library.
If you don’t have it, run down to Best Buy and snag it
now. If you have it, slap it in the player again and
celebrate in the joy of music.