Reviews (1)

Just as good now as then
I was very glad to see that this CD was released recently from the recordings of the original 1962 LP. This is a rich, historical, musical tresure that features the romantic musings of Javier Solis interpreting some of the great Mexican composer Augustin Lara's finest songs. As stated in the title, this is a "Spanish Fantasy", all songs were written by el maestro Augustin Lara with a Spanish theme, there are many pasodobles. The ex-boxer, Mexican crooner, turned movie-idol was five years into his musical career when these original recordings were released and his voice was magnificent. One of the best interpreters of the bolero, el sonorense Javier Solis performs with El Mariachi "Nacional" de Arcadio Elias with supreme confidence as his voice cascades and transcends ordinary offerings by other less notable interpreters. Nearly half a century old, the music is a reminder of the artistic past that prematurely ended for Javier Solis because of an accident.His voice was soft and beautiful, yet able to authoritatively command attention because of the subtle phrasing and wonderful velvety sound of his voice. His unique voice was best suited to the bolero as he softly whispers at times, building gently, rising to fantastic high notes, rollercoasting to low notes and slowing back down to deliver his musical seduction. The songs included are definitely Spanish with many of the themes built around La Fiesta Brava, including Lara's "Novillero" (about an apprentice bullfighter), "Fermin"(in homage to Fermin"Armillita"Espinoza), "Silverio"(a tribute to Silverio Perez, the great Mexican torero) and others. The great cites of Spain are honored as well including "Valencia", "Toledo" and the classic, "Granada". "Granada" is one of those songs that although interpreted by many and so many times, is just one of those songs that cannot be played too often , it is just more beautiful than words can explain. This music is almost fifty and those old enough fondly remember Javier Solis either from his movies or recordings. Those younger have probably never heard of him, but make no doubt about it, once you've heard his remarkable velvety voice you'll never forget him. Javier Solis, one of the best interpreters of the bolero genre is unforgetable/inolvidable and this CD allows a new generation of listeners to hear him at his best. If you like Spanish music with mariachi, Augustin Lara compositions or just one of the best boleros, Javier Solis, this CD belongs in your collection, he was/is one of Mexico's treasures. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Incredible!!!
I speak very little Spanish, and understand even less. However, I love to listen to Spanish music. The first time I heard a Pepe Aguilar song I became obssessed with finding out who he was. After asking a co-worker who he was, I ran out that night and bought this CD, and Por Mujeres Como Tu. In the past 3 months, I must have listened to this CD more than 100 times. It is the most beautiful, heart felt, incredible, awesome CD EVER recorded!!! I can not say enough how this man and his music have touched me. Pepe's voice is in my opinion the most awe inspiring I have EVER heard in ANY language. I now own 4 of his CD's.

Magnifico
I just love this CD. Pepe has such beautiful voice and because of this he has created his very own unique style for singing romantic rancheras. The music arrangements to these old songs are incredible. In addition to that he seems like a very down to earth kind of guy, he has a lot of "carisma" just like his father. Last year I was very fortunate to see him at the his first ever Universal Amphitheater Concert in LA and it was wonderful!

This is pure emotion that reaches into your very soul.
Pepe has yet again delivered an emotionally provocative set of heart-felt ballads. He continues to touch every aspect of the human emotion, from heartache to happiness at its deepest. "El Mariachi" is truly an artist worthy of generations of admiration.

"Bello"
I must encourage all of you who love to hear beautiful, soulful music to stop by and listen to just one of Pepe Aguilar's songs from this album. It is beautiful!! My favorites, and it is very difficult to just chose one or two...are tracks #1 and #8. Please, listen and enjoy a wonderfully, sexy hour or so, of some of the most seductive sounds and voice you'll every hear. A voice that I can't seem to describe. But it is somewhere between "hauntingly beautiful" and "richly smooth" ENJOY

I like it
I like Pepe Aguilar songs as a Mariachi. I first saw him in La Paso Texas when his father had to hold him while his father sang. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The classics Selena
Im so glad to buy this album. Many of these songs I found near impossible to find before. I cant think of a song I dont like, 'Ya se va' is my favourite. There are the old classics 'Costumbres' and 'Estoy contigo' and fun upbeat like 'Dime'. Selena had a voice and talent you cannot imagine. I love this album and i'd say you must buy this you have good taste!

TEJANO QUEEN DOES IT AGAIN
SELENA Q PEREZ IS FAR MORE THE BEST AND ALWAYS WILL BE BUY IT ITS WELL WORTH IT

Selena, The early years
one of the best albums from tejano's bigest superstar SELENA|!
this is her 2nd album made in 1989.Don't think about it . Go out and by it right now! Try it you won't regret it.

A well done masterpiece! by one of latin's greatest SELENA
This very enjoyable first recording by one of Latin's greatest singer Selena Quintanilla Perez is the best cd someone with such young age had ever done. Selena's voice is amazing ,and the songs are phenomenal making this cd a Must Have for everyone out there who enjoys good quality music.
This remastered makes it even more enjoyable due to the new sounds added to this recording.
Don't even think it twice!
YOU MUST BUY IT , IS THE BEST! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Award-winning Mexican singer-entertainer Luis Miguel is old school in his near-falsetto tenor delivery and new school in the way he packages and presents his golden voice for today's fans. Amandote a la Italiana is standard Luis Miguel, with a focus on love songs. There's lots of synths and strings, and any other artist other than Miguel could get easily lost in this sonic sauce, but he manages to pull it off most of the time. Thematically, this recording picks up where his 1985 release, Canta in Italiano, left off, as he revisits several Neopolitan-flavored songs. With taste and verve and yes, nerve, Luis Miguel delivers Old World passion in a New World musical dish. --Eugene Holley, Jr. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

GREAT blast from the Past...
I am sooo happy to have found this CD! And so, I must add my two cents, and try to offer a "balanced" opinion in response to some of the "teeny-bopper" comments made above. As a "hardcore" Luis Miguel Fan, I've watched him progress, from the first performance I ever viewed: the rendition of "Malaguena" at age 10. He was ADORABLE, in that once adorable "Jackson 5/Michael Jackson" kind of way... Yes, and I'll admit that I loved his "little boy" songs even though my parents would repeatedly tease me with: "Are you sure that's a boy -it sure SOUNDS like a girl??"
Later, in 1985, after a brief hiatus, he stole my heart with the "Ragazzi di Oggi" song...it was the first time I heard him sing in his "manly" voice and to top it off - in Italian. We swooooooned!
Today, in 2002, while he has nicely matured in -oh, so many ways... you must remember: when this CD was made, he was just a young kid with a great voice and a future! And we all had to start somewhere!! Today, at 32 (a year younger than Luis Miguel) I am a little older, hopefully a little wiser and would hope that my current patients (I am a physician) wouldn't judge my current professional skills by viewing an old school project I'd composed while in Junior High??!! Right? So give him a break for not being the suave and composed artist, back then, that he is today!
I bought this CD (my original is safely put away) and I will make an effort to not sing it too LOUD! YAAAAAAY! (Swoooon)

GREAT CD
GREAT CD, adds to the fact why his voice is known world wide.

BeeBop--No Heartstrings
Ptoooey! This is an insult to the classical language of romance and love. Even his native language would recoil in disgust. Give it a miss unless you want some shallow workout beats. Sigh.

Teenage LM in Italian with no lyrics!
Old LM from his early career. We are talking about teenage lollipop immature voice. The material is just run of the mill boring commercialized adolescent rock converted to Italian. This stunt adds no value to the songs. LM's italian is rather bland and uninspiring. On top of that, the cd includes no lyrics!!

Skip this one. A waste of money. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great cd as always.....
Solo Para Ti" is another great album from Mazz. This album hits you with everything from super hits "Estupido Romantico" and "Mas y Mas" to ballads such as "Sentimientos Medley" and even a cover of the popular dance hit the "Macarena". This is such a great CD, that once you start listening to it you will not be able to stop without finishing it. This is a classic Mazz album that features the normal variety of song styles and great vocals from one of Tejano music's most recognizable frontmen, Joe Lopez. Mazz continues its tradition of great albums with "Solo Para Ti" just as it did with "Lo Hare Por Ti" released a few years earlier which featuredthe hits "Lo Voy Hacer Por Ti" and "Vuelvo".

Like many of Mazz's other great Cds, this one has a couple of popular signature songs. "Estupido Romantico", the first song released from this album, is totally classic Mazz. This song features not only a great sound to "cumbia" to, but also provides great lyrics to sing along with as well. Another constant on many of Mazz's albums is the ballad. This is filled by the song "Sentimientos Medley". This "ranchera" ballad is awesome! It is one of my favorite songs on an album filled with great songs.

Mazz's variety of sounds and styles is a drawing point for many fans. You never have to worry about getting the same old sound from every song. Instead, you are constantly fed with an innovative and creative style rarely found with other Tejano groups.

Mazz's tradition of great music can be compared to one of their contemporary Tejano counterparts, La Mafia. The brother duo of Oscar and Leonard Delarosa, have displayed the same creativeness and innovation in their music over a period of time as Mazz has. They have been able to change their sound and keep it new to many of the fans who enjoy their music. However, if you only can listen to one Tejano CD, I suggest "Solo Para Ti" from Mazz.

Phenominal!
Mazz never fails their fans!All of the songs on this CD are incredible.There is a great mix of dance songs, love songs, heartbreak songs and you did me/I did you wrong songs.The music is always a pick-me-up in themorning on the drive to work, and a second round of energetic shocks tokeep me going in the evening.Keep up the great work!

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
THIS IS A BRILLIANT ALBUM WITH LOTS OF VARIETY.AS A LONG TIME FAN OF JOE LOPEZ, HE NEVER FAILS TO AMAZE ME. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Though little known in Mexico, Jiménez is the conjunto figure who has captured a non-Latino audience, through his work with pop and rock figures from Doug Sahm to Ry Cooder and his membership in the Texas Tornados. Son of accordion pioneer Santiago Jiménez Sr., Jiménez is perhaps the most fiery and brilliant button accordion player on record. His dazzling instrumental lines are balanced by understated vocals, and always backed by fine bands. This CD includes his Grammy winning LP, plus selections from the earlier "El Sonido de San Antonio," perhaps his single greatest album. Here is a masterpiece of stripped-down, Texas barroom music. --Elijah Wald ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Real Tex-Mex Treat
I grew up in California listening to a lot of Mexican music but never to anything like this. When I moved to Texas, I found modern Tex-Mex/Nortena quite distasteful. What was played on the radio had a dreadfully cheesy, commercial top 40 sound to it and so I was completely turned off. Then I saw Flaco play onstage with local legend Tish Hinojosa. I was captivated by his mastery of the accordion and the verve with which he played. He was good and he knew it! So I went out and bought this blockbuster of an album. I already knew the title cut and liked it, having heard the excellent Los Lobos rendition. When I put it on, I found that I am partial to rancheras, polkas, and the waltz. My favorite rancheras here are the title cut, Ni el Dinero ni Nada, and Gritenme Piedras del Campo. Not only does Jimenez play with great virtuosity, he also sings with great emotion. The best polkas are the world-famous El Barrelito, Traigo Un Recuerdo, and the high-energy La Barranca which inspires a desire to get up and dance. The waltz Morir Sonando is reminiscent of the style of Argentine waltz which was popular simultaneously with tango in the 1920s. I also really enjoy the accordion heroics displayed on Juarez as well as the vocals on the cancion Las Gaviotas. I like the rest of the album too except for Rosa Maria. Cumbia does not appeal to me. If you like Mexican music or are a fan of accordion, then this CD should appeal to you. Flaco Jimenez is a musician's musician and his music is the best introduction to what Tex-Mex can be in competent hands. A working knowledge of Spanish of course will add to your enjoyment of this brilliant work, but musically this is something even a monolingual gringo can enjoy. Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio is a real Tex-Mex treat. Treat yourself today!

Just Add Cerveza, Makes Its Own Sauce
This music goes by several names. Some say Conjunto, others call it Musica Nortena. North of the border it often gets the handle of Tex-Mex or Tejano. San Antonio native "Flaco" Jimenez is probably best known as a member of the Texas Tornados, even though he's been cutting records since the early 1950's.

This disc is full of Polkas, Redovas, Rancheras, Cumbias, Boleros, and more. This disc consists of his Grammy winning record (I'm Going To Leave You In San Antonio), filled out with most of an earlier LP he cut for Arhoolie, "El Sonido de San Antonio." Standouts include the title track, "Juarez," "Morir Sonando," and "Mujer Casada (Married Woman)." There isn't a bad cut out of the 22.

I can't speak to how this disc compares to his other "roots" records. I backed into this one via the Tornados records and his 1992 record "Partners." This is a great party record, or excellent background music for a stay on your favorite beer-drinking porch. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Slain Tejano star Selena's second posthumous album surveys a hodgepodge of the singer's early material, which comes gorgeously packaged in a sleek snap case. It's a nice addition for the collections of loyal fans, but new listeners should stick with one of Selena's better-assembled retrospectives. Most of the songs here just don't measure up to Selena's stellar work on later recordings, such as Ven Comigo and Amor Prohibido. Remixed versions of pop ditties "Only Love," "A Million to One," and "No Queiro Saber" are expectedly slight. The exception is "Siempre Hace Frio," an exquisite mariachi ballad originally recorded for use in the movie Don Juan de Marco. Selena, who appeared in the film, was nursing a sore throat the day of recording, which adds a painful layer of emotion to her delivery. --Joey Guerra ... Read more

Reviews (9)

simpre selena
one of the most passionate albums in our times

Beautiful songs with a beautiful voice!
This CD is really awesome! I was surprised at how great the remixed songs sounded. My 3 favorite have to be Ya No, Costumbres & Cien Anos. Costumbres & Cien Anos were beautifully remixed!! The new Ya No version rocks! (It's probably my most favorite on this album!) ALL the songs on this album are great! No question about it... this Album deserves it's 5 stars! Selena sings with all her heart and soul!

Ahhh, Siempre Selena....
Really good CD, better than the one before it (Dreaming Of You...but anyone who's been to my site knows how I feel about that CD). There are some really, really good songs on this CD, like Cien Anos, Como Quisiera, No Quiero Saber, (the chopped-up-radio-ready version) and Costumbres (the cumbia version, better than the original, which was accordion/synthesizer-based). WARNING: there are two really really really bad remixes on this CD: Ya No (originally from Amor Prohibido) and Tu Robaste Mi Corazon (originally from Live). Because of the yukky remixes (you just don't know how bad they really are unless you've heard the originals and then you hear these--what was her father thinking?????????), I'm giving it 4 stars. However, Selena always shines, and this CD is no exception to that rule.

Thank you for this album, Abraham Quintanilla!
"Siempre Selena"is my favorite album after "Amor Prohibido".Selena`s father has chosen her most beautiful songs to put in it. The best song is "Soy amiga", I still can`t believe our queen is not here to sing other hits like that. "Cien años"is also very good,it is one of her best Mariachi style music. One of the reasons everybody should listen to this album is because of "Tu robaste mi corazon", a duet with Pete Astudillo.I think it is her most beautiful ballad, and this version is much better than the original. If you want to buy a treasure, you must buy "Siempre Selena".

A Fine Introduction to Selena The Whole Entertainer.
"Siempre Selena" Showcases Selena The Mariachi Singer, The Pop Singer, The Latin Rock Singer, and The Greatest singer that ever lived. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

This Collection has it all !!
Javier Solis' collection of unfogettable love songs, what a
"Torch" singer! he must have carried the Torch for someone to sing his love songs with such feelings the way he did!( just like Frankie did for Eva Gardner)
This CD. has it all Tangos, Boleros, Rancheras all sung to the masterful mariachi arrangement of F.Z. Maldonado(the Mexican Nelson Riddle)This was Javier Solis' highest selling L.P. at the time of it's release with such memorable songs as Sombras,En Mi Viejo San Juan, Cuando Calienta El Sol, Songs that have become closely associated with Javier Solis, in my opinion there's not a weak trak in the whole bunch!
This CD is sure to compliment anybody's music collection, Listen to it with someone you Love!

Recommend for new Javier Solis fans
Contains all the great JS music for new and old fans. This is a must for all fans of Mariachi music.

Voice of voices
At 15 years old I heard Javier for the first time eventhough, he had already died. Slowly, this voice melted into my heart and now at 51, I still can't get enough of the same songs. "Cuando calienta el sol" is beatifully performed by this magnificent voice. His premature death has me saying, "there were too many romantic boleros that needed to be sung by this particular voice that were left begging and poor because they were not recorded by Javier Soliz." I have one question for the recording companies. "Why haven't you released the other great recordings by Javier with songs like, ""Siento Alejarme de Ti, Mi Medallita, Desierto en el Alma, etc.""?" I would buy this CD in a heartbeat as I know others would, so please release these recordings. We fans recognize that this voice does not come around but only about every hundred years. His premature death in his late thirties and the fact that he only sang in Spanish was a loss for the whole music loving peoples of the world.

Sombras
I have been listening to Javier Solis for over 40 years. My dad would listen to his albums early every Sunday Morning. He would come and get my sisters & I to dance with him! Sombras was my favorite. Javier wrote his love songs to this famous movie star in Mexico who never returned the love. He loved her all his life. He sang with such passion. Even if you don't understand the vocabulary, the intensity of his passion is definately understood. I love listening to him. I bought two of his CD's, one for my dad and one for me. I have been looking for this CD for years! Thank you Amazon.com.

Main Man After Many Years
I recently listened to a Viki Carr cd re Javier S.

Excellent, and then I heard Javier at his prime. wow!!

Now we know why immitation is the greatest compliment. Hey don't get me wrong. Ms. Carr is the greatest. Buy both Cd's. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Same old stuff.
I felt that this Cd could have been better.I loved Baila Esta Cumbia, Dreaming of you, and Don't cry mama because they were new or remixed.I went out and bought this Cd and I was so excited cause I thought it was gonna have all new songs but instead I get a bunch of the old ones.I love my Kumbia Kings though. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Beyond Description
I highly recommend Grandes Exitos. When I first listened to the CD, I found Alejandro's voice monotonous. He stays well within his range while singing the songs in this collection. Most popular singers do the opposite, so the lack of vocal "surprises" took a little getting used to.

At any rate, I soon came to appreciate the mellow, hypnotic quality of Alejandro's voice. I think that you will too. Read on to find out why I recommend this CD.

Tingle All Over
---------------

Alejandro's singing voice vibrates. It fills the room like an aura. I am not kidding. I get especially tingly every time he draws out the word "Coo-n-sen-tii-da" in "Mi Consentida."

Make Beautiful Women Fall at Your Feet!
---------------------------------------

In my opinion, Alejandro does not look very handsome. Forget the album cover, I mean in real life. Nevertheless, he has managed to cheat on his wife--who is still madly in love with him--and impregnate a young, gorgeous girl--who is also madly in love with him, ya conocen la historia).

Did Mr. Fernandez accomplish these manly conquests with his unibrow and funny nose? I say no. With millions of dollars? I doubt it. If America (his ex-wife) and la flaca wanted money they could have taken him to court. I think his sexy voice had everything to do with his, um, exciting love life.

Break Down in Tears When Hearing the Wonderful Lyrics

-----------------------------------------------------

If you don't understand Spanish, you will still love the music and singing on Grandes Exitos. . . If you can, however, understand the words, then be prepared to cry. For the entire CD Alejandro sings about love. Unrequited love, painful love, deep, abiding love. In short some pretty sappy stuff.

Nevertheless, none of the songs seem corny or artificial, just touching. In fact, they "touched" me so much that I cried the first few times I heard my favorite song: A Pesar de Todo.

FYI, here is my super-professional translation of the first few bits of this wonderful song:

I like green eyes, and yours are very black,
I like big eyes, and yours are small,
I like upbeat people, and you don't know how to laugh,
And being the way you are, I've fallen in love with you!

In spite of everything, I love you in spite of everything,
I don't care what they say when you are by my side,
In spite if everything, I love you in spite of everything,
Reasons don't matter to me, I love you just because.

Ok, the tears in my eyes are making it hard to see the screen. Anyway, I highly recommend this CD!

A Treasurable CD..
In every music genre, there are songs which seem to be timeless. Now matter how much time it has passed since they were composed, they are still treasured. I say this again, who better then to interpret treasured songs, than Alejandro Fernandez. The CD has a beatiful collection of classic songs such as, "La Gloria Eres Tu", "Encadenados", "A Pesar De Todo", "Noche De Ronda", "El Dia Que Me Quieras", among other beautifully composed wonders. However, the real beauty of this CD is the fact, that even though Alejandro is accopanied by a mariachi, the arrangements make them sound almost ballad-like. Giving every song a unique and peculiar sound. Simply beautiful. Another must-get CD for music lover.

smooth and delectable
This early (1994) recording by Alejandro is wonderful...singing classic romantic baladas in a "Ranchera" style. It's a musical treasure, and his interpretations of "A Pesar de Todo", "Noche de Ronda" and "El Dia que Me Quieras" are enthralling, and "Voy" is absolutely magical. Though his voice has grown even more in richness and depth since this was made, it's nevertheless glorious here, and he sings with a maturity way beyond his years. This CD is a must for his fans, and anyone who likes these beautiful songs.

Grandes Exitos A La Manera De Alejandro Fernandez
This album is good as his first. My favorite song from this album as to be Se Dios Me Quita La Vida. It is a very beautiful song.

Amazing CD!
This is probably one of the most underrated CD's out there. From the first song, until the end, the CD is full of passion (very romantic also) and great interpretation by Alejandro. The music has a mariachi flavor, and yet they remain ballads, which make this CD so soothing and easy to listen to. My favorite song is "La Gloria Eres Tu", which has also been interpreted by Luis Miguel, but Alejandro does a much better job of singing it. It's just a great CD. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Primer cd que yo compre de pepe aguilar..
Primer cd y me encanto, especialmente RECUERDAME BONITO y RAZONES DE MAS TU TIENES... Se los recomiendo
My first cd from pepe aguilar, I specially recomend RECUERDAME BONITO, and RAZONES DE MAS TU TIENES, listen to it all, is beautifuel.

A MAN WITH SOUL
THIS MAN CAN PUT YOU INTO ANOTHER TIME AND PLAC

Vale la pena
¡Me encanta la música de Joan Sebastian interpretada por Pepe Aguilar--en particular la canción "Recuerdame bonito"!,

Done with great feeling and interpretation
Mr. Aguilar does a great intrepretation of songs written by Joan Sebastian.The emotion of each song is felt with every word.

This is not Pepe Aguilars song
This song does not belong to Pepe Aguilar's song it belongs to Joan Sebastian.He wrote all the words and lirics. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Esteban "Steve" Jordan is often referred to as "the Jimi Hendrix of the accordion" for his use of multiple electronic effects, but his imagination comes out even more clearly in his choice of notes and his wild, weird arrangements and vocals. This set mixes his raw early recordings of the 1960s with a wonderful LP from the 1980s. The early tracks already show a unique mind at work, with spikily funky runs punctuating the largely traditional vocals of Jordan and his then-wife Virginia Martinez. The second half is odder, mixing traditional polkas with jazz-blues, cumbia, a Buck Owens cover, and the "Corrido de Jhonny el Pachuco," a hip, Chicano slang rewrite of a classic badman ballad. Both show a man who, without ever achieving stardom, remains probably the most innovative musician on the contemporary conjunto scene. --Elijah Wald ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Or How About "The Ornette Coleman of the Accordian?"
Finding anything by this wacked Tejano/Arizonedout/Californi-an is a wonderment, so thanks to Arhoolie for assembling this collection and to Amazon for making it available somewhere other than that wild-and-wooley Mexican, er, apparel store in Roswell, New Mexico where I go for all my Steve Jordan tapes when my nerve is up. Like the person says above, half of this is unreleased, pretty common ranchero music done early on with wife number one. But even here there's that special sauce that separates Esteban from all the other box-squeezers from Buckwheat to Flaco. On the remaining cuts, the mature Jordan is fully in charge of the family band and, while diverse as scatter shot from a sawed-off, the music is ALL his own. For range, check out his "Midnight Sun" hallucination. Guy's a genius. If everything else you've got bores you, grab onto this and let it ride the REPEAT button a time or three. You'll be hooked. (If you already are, you know you're gonna buy this one NOW anyway, right?)

Classic Esteban
This CD has some of the best early tracks I have come across. Some of the best accordian licks of all time can be found on #12 "Estrellita del norte". ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A musical treasure
An amazing collection of great songs by fantasic artists usually means that you have heard them all before. More than likely this will not be the case with this excellent two CD disc. Featuring 50 songs, the other 50 are on the equally fantasic Vol.1, there is enough music here to listen to during your festive moments or get together pachangas with your family. These songs are of the ranchera type from Mexico and span decades. There is music from the Golden Era of Mexican films and old time radio for your listening pleasure. Take a look at the featured artists. Literally a who's who of this Mexican genre, you'll find some of the greatest stars like the unforgetable Jose Alfredo Jimenez, matinee idols Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete, the man with the white streak of hair and incredible voice, Miguel Aceves Mejia, super female vocalists like Lola Beltran, Lucha Villa, Amalia Mendoza and curious additions like Gloria Trevi, neglected and not as recognized talents like Alicia Juarez are all here among lesser known but very talented musicians. Growing up in the United States with roots in Mexcio I missed many of these songs, besides I can actually say I was too young! This disc fills the cultural gaps, a bit of modern nostalgia permeates from this disc like a charro riding off into the distance and returning in a truck. Listening to this disc is a bit like taking a ride through a time zone and learnig some history in the process. You will like this disc for the sheer diversity of artistry. There is a rich tradition preserved here for future generations that should not be missed. Take a look at the songs and artists again, it is worth buying, vale la pena. Unlike other compilations the included booklet gives valuable information like when it was recorded, the accompanying musicians(often El Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan) and the song authors. While you are at it order Vol. 1. A super package and at a bargain price because historical musical integrety is priceless. La musica es cultura, the music is culture, que viva la musica y la cultura, long live the music and the culture! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Superbly packaged and lovingly annotated, the five-discArhoolie Records 40th Anniversary Collection distills four decades of musical passion into six hours of highlights. The passion is that of Arhoolie founder Chris Strachwitz, a German immigrant and former California schoolteacher whose label reflects a devotion to American roots music at its most vital and varied. Southern bluesmen Mance Lipscomb and Fred McDowell, Louisiana zydeco kingpin Clifton Chenier, and Tex-Mex conjunto accordionist Flaco Jimenez are just a few of the regional mainstays to achieve national renown through Arhoolie, and all of them are represented here.

The spirited diversity of the 105 selections (including 13 available on CD for the first time) finds the label extending its reach from string-band country (Hackberry Ramblers) to hard-driving jazz (Jerry Hahn Quintet) to New Orleans brass bands to more recent forays into "sacred steel," featuring gospel music with pedal-steel guitar. Where so many folk preservations might as well be embalming musical relics, Arhoolie champions "vernacular music": music that retains a strong, integral connection to its community and gets people clapping, stomping, and dancing. Throughout the set, the immediacy of the performances transcends trendiness or timeliness, showing how America sounds beyond the plasticity of popular culture. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great set and great value for money
This is a truly wondrful set that works on every level.

Beautifully presented with a very informative book and five high quality CD's.

The sound quality is superb as are all the production values.

The mixture of world music, old-time music and American regional sounds, as repesented in the output of Arhoolie Records, works extremely well here.

I found my self playing all 5 CD's one after the other without strain and enjoying them all.

Once having heard many of the artists for te first time the search wil then commence for solo albums if they exist, and they probably do in most cases.

If this were a "Bear Family" set there would certainly be another $... on the askng price.

If you are already a fan of this type of musci or are looking to explore it furter this really is THE set to buy as a starting point.

All the tracks are strong and there is no "padding" at all.

Combine this with a quite outstanding book giving full details on the artists and the history of Arhoolie and this is a set that will be cherished for years to come and played with great regularity.

Highly recommended.

A Treasury of Obscurities
I wasn't sure how I was going to like this box set when I bought it because I had never heard of most of the artists. When I first obtained it, I listened through once then put it on the shelf. On a recent road trip, I decided to put all 5 CDs in my CD changer to listen to in sequence and lemme tell you, am I ever glad to have done so.
The Journey of Chris Strachwitz is a musical journey through parts of America most of us never see or hear. There is Cajun, Zydeco, country, Tejano, blues, gospel and more. There is not the polished, overproduced kind of music one often hears on the radio, but rather the raw authenticity of music being played straight from the heart. Most of these musicians have made very little money in the business and are forced to do other work in order to make ends meet. Its a shame because just the small sampling here shows me that most of these artists have more talent than an army of top-40 schlocksters like Backstreet Boys and Madonna.
I am not equally enthusiastic about every song, but I was introduced to many performers from whom I want to hear more. Its hard to choose favorites, but I was impressed with Mance Lipscomb, the Reverend Louis Overstreet, Lydia Mendoza, Valerio Longoria, Omar Sharriff, Chatuye, The Campbell Brothers, and Aubrey Ghent in addition to more familiar performers like Clifton Chenier, Charlie Musselwhite, and any of the Jimenez clan. The worst song on the album is more pleasurable listening than most of the vapid pap served up on commercial radio.
With the CDs comes an informative booklet, filled with photos and stories of the performers and the sometimes serendipitous ways that Strachwitz hooked up with them.
If your musical taste runs the gamut, you should like this fairly priced box set. Chris Strachwitz did American music a tremendous turn when he set out to capture the sound of the folk before it was lost to us forever. I give this treasury of obscurities my heartiest recommendation. You won't be sorry you bought this!

a real summer journey
This is a really strong collection of hard to find artists that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of American music and culture. The blues is incredible. The cajun and zydeco numbers are unbeatable. Same is true of bluegrass, texmex, gospel. Where did rock get its start? Forget the name artists who've received all the accolades, these are the artists that influenced the names. The real deal - presented in its raw format as much as possible. Despite 5 CDs of material, weak tracks are hard to find.

an absolute must have
I could not agree more with the previous reviewer. This box set is perhaps the finest collection of American roots music, and much, much more, on the market today. Chris Strachwitz deserves our gratitude for bringing us forty years of top quality music, and for distilling his recordings down to this package, which could not possibly be better. Turn off your radio and turn on this goldmine of treasures from four decades of one man's undying love for the music that made this country great. Worth every penny, even at twice the price.

American Music 101
If you're looking for a place to go to get a comprehensive lesson in the finest in American roots music spanning blues, cajun/zydeco, gospel, bluegrass, tex/mex/conjunto, barrelhouse rock'n'roll, etc, look no further than this amazing collection. Intended as a "scrapbook" of label owner Chris Strachwitz's 40 year journey traveling across the hinterlands collecting and annotating the mostly obscure(though not all) raw sounds that he has had the pleasure of offering to us, the listening public, through Arhoolie. I like to think of it as a nice side companion to the Harry Smith collections. Including an amazing thick photo/essay book that makes this worth the price alone, this is as important release to serious music lovers as the recent Louis Armstrong box. WORTH EVERY PENNY! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

musica de amor
This is a great collection of songs by the unforgettable Javier Solis, who's incredible voice is one of the most beautiful of Mexico's many wonderful singers, and for pure richness of sound, perhaps no one can compare. In his short life (he died on April 16th, 1966 at the age of 33) he left us a legacy of some of the most romantic music on record.

These 20 songs are classics, every one a gem, and all sung with so much heart and passion. Favorites are "Flor de Azalea", "La Hiedra", and Jose Alfredo Jimenez' "Que Bonito Amor". Sony did a remarkable job with the sound on this CD. Crisp and clear, it doesn't sound anywhere near as old as these recordings must be. Total running time is 55:59.

Solis was one of the finest singers in any age and genre that the world has known...and if you've never had the good fortune to hear him, this CD is a good place to start.

PAULfrom Amarillo, Texas
It is truly a shame that such a magnificent talent was taken from us from people that did not realize what a unique and one-of-kind talent lived among them back in the 60's.I started listening to Javier Soliz in 1968when he had already been dead for 2 years and from that moment on, I washooked. There are many more songs that needed his interpretation to makethem truly wonderful. No other singer singing this style of music has evergotten close to his quality. How beautiful if he had gotten to sing with afull orchestra and songs in English. His fame would have been fenomenol.The abilities in his voice surpassed those of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra,or Johnny Mathis in what he could do with his voice. I never cease to beamazed at the richness and quality that on person can have in his voice. Ihope the music companies will get busy and release all the music that herecorded because we want to add it to our collection. If you want to hearacrobatics in notes listen to Valses Mexicanos or Canciones Espanolas, andtry to follow the music with your voice and you will see how difficult itis to sing in this style.

El Rey Del Bolero Ranchero
Javier Solis, como lo mencionan anteriormente es el mejor de los mejores, a pesar de que existen muchos CD's, faltan muchísimas canciones interpretadas por este gran artista, que de verdad son hermosas en su voz.A manera de sugerencia espero que se reeditaran sus canciones que no se hanreeditado y que en su tiempo (y en el actual) son un verdadero Hit.Pongamos por ejemplo el album llamado:"boleros,boleros,boleros",que hasta la fecha no ha habido ninguna reedición; a su vez existe otro quelleva por título: "boleros moruños" en la misma situación; deigual manera hay muchos más, los mismos que cualquier coleccionista yadmirador de este artista desearía tenerlos.

The best of the best
I have bought about all the CD's of Javier Solis and they are the best. He was a man with a lot of talent and he knew how to but that talent in his songs. He sang them with feelings and a lot of love. I myself as a musicianknow good cuallity when I hear it. He is the best singer in marichi. Therewill be no one like him. I would recommend to all those who love Mariachimusic to buy his CD's I gurantee you will like them ... Read more