Willie ColA³n with RubA©n Blades - Canciones del Solar de Los Aburridos

Excellent music

For anyone who loves salsa, Ruben Blades or just any upbeat tempo to get one through the long winter, this is a great album to have. Sadly, for me, because I know very little Spanish, it does not have the lyrics in the liner notes, much less the English translation common with later albums. No matter, this is great music, great for dancing, or just listening to in the car. March 3, 2008

Willie Colon/Ruben Blades "Canciones Del Solar De Los Aburri

The Poet, Ruben Blades join Willie Colon, the man who revolutionized salsa music to make the third of three albums that you most have in your collection: "Metiendo Mano", "Siembra" and "Canciones Del Solar De Los Aburridos".

This is an original album, not a compilation of "hits".

1. TIBURON (Shark) This song is a critic to the Imperialism. A five stars hit.
2. TE ESTAN BUSCANDO (They Are Looking For You) This song is about a guy who owns money to the mob. A five stars hit.
3. MADAME KALALU (Madame Kalalu) This song is so funny. Is about psychics and those who believe in them. A five stars hit.
4. EL TELEFONITO (The Telephone) This is the song that star the jokes between Ruben Blades and El Gran Combo. Is about a guy whose girl friend don't let pass an hour without call him. This song is pretty good, but not that good. Maybe a four stars hit.
5. Y DEJA (And Halt) This song is not that good.
6. LIGIA ELENA (Ligia Helen ) This is a funny love song. Is a some kind of reversed Cinderella story, where a rich girl left her home and escape with a poor musician against her parents will. A five stars hit.
7. DE QUE (For What?) This song is a critic to avarice, envy, and all those defect many people suffer today. A five stars hit.
April 18, 2005

Contains a couple of classics

Although several of the songs on these records are not ones Ruben is particularly proud of, at least three of them are fundamental, must have, classics for any serious Ruben fan. The first song, Tiburon (shark), is my particular favorite. One of the key elements is the rich bass line which "grooves" the entire song throughout its two major sections. The song also contains great production (ocean sounds accompanied by "wave lifting" violins). Then, when you already thought you just heard a masterpiece the second portion starts. This could've basically been a second song altogether. The brass section on this second part is excellent. If it wasn't enough the poignant lyrics strongly criticize the United States foreign policy of the time (clearly mentioning its involvement in El Salvador), the shark (tiburon) being a metaphor for the invader lurking near the coastline. In fact, the song was banned from airplay in several radio stations in Miami at the time. Now, that's what I call a masterpiece. December 20, 2002

Classic Ruben

With songs like Tiburon and Ligia Elena, this album is quintesentially Ruben and should be on any fan's selection. The music is classic Blades and the lyrics are poignant, funny and socially concious. As always, Mr. Blades' insight into Latino culture reverberates throughout his music and offers a better understanding of our dynamics as children of the Caribbean and Latin America. August 15, 2000

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