MP3: "Divine Hammer" (Nuuro Re-Remake)

The Poni Republic released a very special EP with remixes for Jóvenes y Sexys’ first and still only release Bruno EP. Club Fonograma favorites Maria y Jose and Pepepe took care of the remixes for “El Reloj” and “Gold Day” respectively, the Venezuelan duo reinvented “Suerte” in a very dark, smoky, and possibly defining sound for their future full length album. Now we can’t lie to you, we’ve had 75% of this release on our iPods for a long time (years maybe), but it’s nonetheless, a nice recollection of what was our second favorite EP of the 00-10 decade. But we particularly love Nuuro’s Re-Remake of “Divine Hammer”, as you know, it’s an original from The Breeders. Nuuro’s version sounds truly refreshing, but don’t let the sound fool you, he’s not coming back to melodic adolescent pop era, this was recorded years ago during the TurnThatShitOff era. Download Bruno Remixed, HERE.

♫♫♫ "Divine Hammer" (Nuuro Re-Remake)

Jóvenes y Sexys Remix Natalia Lafourcade

It’s hard not to fall in love with Jóvenes y Sexys, we certainly are. Every song they put out reinforces what we’ve been saying; they’re the new great South American band and will breakthrough as high and loud as Hello Seahorse! did with Bestia. This time they’re surprising us with a daring remix for one of HuHuHu’s most celebrated tracks, “No Viniste”, recently covered by Carla Morrison.

The remix is one of the many revisions expected to pop up on consideration to appear on Natalia Lafourcade’s special edition of her critically acclaimed album, planned to hit the shelves in a few months and which will also feature a collaboration with LoBlondo from Hello Seahorse! The Venezuelan duo did a sublime job, and as a fun fact, yes, that is Cheky singing! Watch out for the anticipated Bruno Remixed release through The Poni Republic out really soon, there's some awesome remixes on it as well from Nuuro, Pepepe and María y José.

Nuuro - "Safe Safe Safe"

At this day and age it’s hard to categorize anything as a rarity, but I’ll try to sell this as one, it’s definitely a distinctive piece on Club Fonograma’s library. “Safe Safe Safe” it’s a hard-to-find awesome track by Nuuro, and also one of his best. We’ve danced (+ felt) to it so much it only feels fair to pass it on. It’s been a quiet 2010 for Alejandro Ghersi, but he’s probably making music, hopefully as groundbreaking as that delivered on The Reddest Ruby. The track was part of a folder to promote his Real Friends Tour he had about three years ago in Mexico. It’s never been released ‘properly’ but trust us, it has offered us with big bright smiles. “But if we’ve learned anything by now, it definitely isn’t as clear as clear as it should be.” The song doesn’t quite belong to his more ‘serious’ stuff, and it might sound a bit too Hellogoodbyeish, but it’s carbonated to celebrate a trial-on-error conduct… “we never learn all lessons and now, we got a lot of work to do.”

♫♫♫ "Safe Safe Safe"
MySpace

Ulises Hadjis Remixes

We’re big fans of Ulises Hadjis, one of those few young singer-songwriters that merit to be referred as cantautores. His debut album Presente, was one of our favorite albums of 2008, a quiet concise listen of temporal excursion, it’s also a seamless and intimate offering in its way to transcend into the realm of the melodramatic popular song. Everything is set for the re-release of the album, which includes five remixes from Dr. Phono, Dolli, Odnam (from Los Amigos Invisibles), Roberto Rincon and Nuuro. He won’t make you buy his album again, so we’re releasing these remixes, tracks 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 for you to download.

Credits:

"El mirador" Remezclada por Dr. Phono
Producida, grabada* y mezclada por Claudio Ramírez en Cromo AudioLab, Caracas, Venezuela. Mayo 2009.

"En un pozo" Remezclada por Dolli
Producido y grabado* en Pin y punk studios en Abril 2009 por Erly J. Ruiz.
Mezclado en Cromo Audiolab por Claudio Ramírez. Caracas, Venezuela.

"Como Nunca" Remezclada por Odnam
Producida y grabada* por Armando Figueredo en Mister casanova studio, New York City en
Marzo 2009. Mezcla adicional por Roberto Rincón en aldea producciones.

"Sin caer" Remezclada por Roberto Rincón
Producida, grabada* y mezclada en Aldea Producciones por Roberto Rincón en Junio 2009.

"Lunes" Remezclada por Nuuro
Chocobo Studios Caracas, Junio 2009
Grabado*, producido y mezclado por Alejandro Ghersi

*El crédito de grabación en estos remixes hace referencia a los sonidos adicionales incluidos por los Artistas invitados y no los tracks originales que fueron grabados en Aldea Producciones y Sonoaudio por Roberto Rincón, Ulises Hadjis, José La Roche y Carlos Luis "Lol" Sanchez Ricovery.
Arte: Aquiles Hadjis

Todas la canciones escritas por Ulises Hadjis.

DOWNLOAD! (right click, save as)

Video: "Jacinto Cenobio", Pepepe + Cyane

Cool pattern video from Pepepe for his song "Jacinto Cenobio", first single from his fantastic Roba Orgon de Plantas y Animales. The kind of video I was definitely wishing for this great song, well, to be honest, I wasn't expecting any video at all. It's highly textured, distorted and very abstract, although after Animal Collective's Water Curses video I guess it's hard to think of any other video as an abstract. After Nuuro's The Reddest Ruby, Pepepe has released the second most precious release by The Poni Republic this year so far. There's two upcoming releases that seem very interesting; Noise Beat Propaganda and Elaine, both are punk noisy dance acts with female powerful leading vocals.

♫♫♫ "Jacinto Cenobio"

Jovenes y Sexys on PanameriKa ...about them and Venezuela's indie scene

There’s an awesome talk with Jovenes y Sexys on Panamerika (recorded in Mexico) they talk about a lot of stuff including the whole indie bands writing in English discussion, they’re response is priceless and right on spot, is like they bitch-slap the sweeping purists. There’s some talk on their Tucanes de Tijuana cover for the Rudo y Cursi Soundtrack, which by the way is finally on my hands (thanks Nacional), but the greatest thing about this podcast is their chat on Venezuela’s indie scene. .. if there is one and such. Some might think we’re very centralized in Mexico’s and Spain’s scenes, but we do try to take make an effort to expand territory, we’ve known of very worthy discoveries through them, so it’s nice Venezuela isn’t as disregarded as say, Paraguay, Bolivia or the whole Central America. They played some awesome songs from some people we really admire like Domingo en Llamas, Ulises Hadjis, Nuuro and Todosantos, and introduce us to new ones like TLX or Elaine, this last band is especially orgasmic and I can’t wait for their first LP. And by the way, is there any legit reason why I didn’t know Los Amigos Invisibles have a single out? It’s the bomb!

JyS on Panamerika

The Reddest Ruby, Nuuro

THE REDDEST RUBY, NUURO
Independiente, Venezuela ****
Rating: 81
By Carlos Reyes

The Reddest Ruby is the latest stellar and mystical album by Nuuro (Alejandro Ghersi), his first LP since the highly celebrated All Clear (2006). His music has been transitioning from the happy and jumpy songs of his Transit EP and Amigos EP, to the sharper and warmer tracks that showcase a more serious musical complexity, but either way, this guy carries a daring colossal artistry like very few in electronic pop. The album is inspired and structured by a poem that gives the album its title, and which is inserted musicality in the track “Avila.” This composition is very Olympian and astrological, the rest of the songs point to this direction, to a bridge of humanistic renaissance visualized through modern musical echoes. The intro moves accordingly to the beautiful poem, and it doesn’t take too long to be amazed once “Cotacachi!” unveils itself as one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard about commitment, full of willingness and promises, the strongest forces to ensure any relationship. If a Japanese tree would talk, what would he say? He would most probably enlighten us by revealing some truth; “Bari” takes us to this moment of musical recital that feels incredibly realistic. “Five Lakes (Near the Capital)” is a great gentle piece where birds singing and children’s smiles are our conductors through an irresistible paradise, heavy on drums, claps and tropical outburst. The Reddest Ruby is the Olympian record that mystifies its themes while keeping them available, “Hail and Farewell” sounds like a song for gods and goddesses, which can be interpreted in timeless conditions and its redemption message of “I know better than to make the same mistake.” The rise of the speed and music in the 23 seconds of “An owl waving goodbye” departures and rounds up a highly superior album that is now available on iTunes, but also available for open download, Nuuro has polished yet another valuable set of songs to his incredibly short but arousing resume.

♫♫♫ "Cotacachi!"
Download Album
MySpace

Minis #1

Too many times we’ve started writing a review without finishing for several reasons: lack of time, lack of inspiration, and boredom. MINIS will be occasional posts with mini-reviews; from my part at least it is the most convenient way to talk about mediocre albums that don’t deserve a full review. Also, the fact that EPs are multiplying in numbers deserve a glance of our attention.

Minis #1 by Carlos Reyes
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Imprevisto, Nina Pilots (Movic Records, México) **

Nina Pilots is an all girl rock pop band that struggles to visualize its own aspirations. Imprevisto is an unsecure debut album that appears to be fresh among the commercial audiences, but it’s nothing more than a less inspired Paramore. But this is not a complete disaster; it is a well intentioned approach to popular music. In their MySpace they list bands like The Killers, No Doubt or The Strokes as their biggest influences, their music doesn’t even scratch those important bands but at least aims to get there. First single “Estas” steps right away into silly territory, at least is a straightforward single of what to expect in the exhausting 14 track LP. The band has not exploded internationally yet, but it might just get the undeserved attention of radio stations that program this teenage bands to fill their quota for rock programming. Add Nina Pilots to that list of weak and immature bands that reach the masses: Allison, Nikki Clan, Kudai, Don Tetto, etc. But isn’t the album cover lovely? I think so, bonus points for that.

Key track: “Estas”
Numeric Rating: 48
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Amigos EP, Nuuro (Poni Republic, Venezuela) ****

Alejandro Ghersi is an 18 year old Venezuelan genius of music software. Poni Republic released during the summer his return to the Spanish language. A sensational three track EP consisting of pure fun, upbeats and the transformations New York is inputting in his music. Nuuro is one act to follow, particularly during this early stage of musical ambiguity where we can see him falling and rising with plenty of revelation. Amigos EP is nothing like his full length album All Clear; his first jewel recorded when he was only 16 years old. This EP isn’t a contemplation search constructed of cohesive pieces, this time we get a refreshingly linear session of illuminated pop. “Diamante” is a blast of colors, “ABC” is freaking dazzling and “Un Paseo” has to be one of the most charming songs I’ve heard this year, great to play around your date. Just like most of the Poni Republic releases, this EP is available for free download at the label’s website.

Key track: “Un Paseo”
Numeric Rating: 87
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Dame Mas, Sussie 4 (Home Records, México) **1/2

Dame Mas is the new EP from Sussie 4, the much acclaimed electronic act that enjoyed fame with its previous installment Red Album (2006). Their music always demands careful listeners; I’ve always found their music very hard to digest. But the talent is undeniable; they seem to be in control of their musical ornaments that may scare too many people off. Dame Mas is probably the only release that will not deliver extremist opinions, it’s drastic enough to please the conceptual critics and sufficiently classy to keep the purists happy. And that opens spaces for the intermediate reactions like mine; I hear a middling product from two gurus with a lot more potential. “Dame Mas” is the song that gives title to the album is one of those songs that tries too hard to be different (on all six versions of it), that it transforms into a mechanical hybrid that has no fuel to work properly.

Key track: “Wanna feel you”
Numeric Rating: 58
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2C, Intocable (EMI Music, México) ***1/2

Intocable is in my opinión, the most important regional Mexican group nowadays. Don’t get me wrong, Los Tigres del Norte did their thing decades ago but their music has got stocked right after their classic “De America Yo Soy”, a song that would supposedly internationalize norteño music. The music of Intocable shows clear influences from popular norteño, but also registers a great amount of conjunto bands from Texas, and the defining melodies that Ramon Ayala brought to accordion. It is perhaps the only norteño band that keeps evolving. Their previous release Crossroads was an unprecedented encounter of norteño and country music, a majestic work from Dixie Chicks producer Lloyd Maines. A misunderstood album that I’m sure will serve as a base for future generations of Mexican-Americans. Their 12^th studio album is a comeback to traditional music, but always improving acoustics and doing wonders for the genre. The opening (Estela) and closing (Como me las pongan brinco) tracks are two extraordinary instrumental pieces of folka (polka+folk). My only complain is its weak lyrics, Intocable has an established group of songwriters and it is time for them to chase new waves, let their music also evolve lyrically.

Key track: “Que fácil es amarte”
Numeric Rating: 74
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Indienella, Indienella (Unsigned, Spain) **1/2

I didn’t catch the wordplay behind the name of this new pop duo from Spain until I visited their MySpace. Argentina’s Pimpinela (also a male/female duet) was a sensation during the 80s and 90s, back on the day when labels didn’t care about age. I always found Pimpinela very lousy and excessively lazy; Indienella’s music isn’t so distanced from the topics handled by their godfathers. Debut albums should be anything but safe. Indienella fails to contribute anything new to Spain’s exciting indie movement and ends as a forgettable phonogram. For those wound up about its happy pop and garage premise I suggest to jump on the NIZA wagon, one of the great kitsch bands early this decade. A very flawed album in production and lyrics, but at least they maintain a level of confidence in their naïf punk, something quite rare in first productions.

Key track: “Secretos de Belleza”
Numeric Rating: 56
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Interlude, Back! New Playlist!

Interlude.

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As announced earlier we will speed up our coverage on your FYCs for the Latin Grammys, soon we will keep reviewing albums as usual. This interlude is to present the new playlist, the most eclectic yet that includes all Latin music throughout, from the salsa of Willy Chirino and La 33 to the Ranchero genre with Vicente Fernandez. The selection of songs coincidentally turned out to be a perfect parallel guide to this year’s Latin Grammy Coverage. Also some people had complained about our playlist not having any volume or way to forward a song, the problem is not only fixed but all songs now also include a URL of the site where the mp3 track is hosted. Of course I have to mention this disclaimer, we don’t actually upload any of these songs but are very thankful for those who do and take the risk.

Artist of the week: Jovenes y Sexys

Basically there were two EPs around me for the entire summer, both coming from the excellent creative guys at Poni Republic. Nuuro and Jovenes Sexys are both very young Venezuelan acts currently manufacturing careers outside of their country. Jovenes y Sexys is a duo that resides in Mexico City and it has been one of the best discoveries we’ve recently heard. Melancholic and minimalistic songs that would have fit the movie Juno (Jason Reitman, 2007) perfectly, they may just change pop Latino itself. Poni Republic breathes freedom, to the point that they have opted to support a variety of artists around the globe and offer their music for free at their website. For me, getting the EPs Amigos by Nuuro and Bruno by Jovenes y Sexys was the best gift I’ve gotten this year.

During our break the very best blog about Latin music La Onda Tropical celebrated its 3rd anniversary, and we couldn’t be happier for them. Looking at our stats we have noticed that after google most of the hits we’ve gotten come from your space, thanks for the support. Congratulations Chapin and El Guiri!

La Rocola vol. 3
Mi gin tonic, Andres Calamaro
De mis pasos, Julieta Venegas feat. Juan Son (of Porter)
Te fumare, Robi Draco Rosa
Me hice cargo de tu luz, Lisandro Aristimuno
1-2-3 Go!, Belanova
Tu boca lo quita, Alex Cuba
Tarde o temprano, Tommy Torres
Somos pacifico, Choc Quib Town
Una chica de ayer, Inmigrantes
My sweetest headache waltz, Descartes a kant
Me gusta, Sanalejo
Aproximacion, Pereza
Uno dos tres, Motel
Tu, Jeremias
Ninguna, Jorge Villamizar
Lupina, Grupo Compay Segundo
I know you know, Esperanza Spalding
El reloj, Jovenes y Sexys
Mi gente, Marc Anthony
Nada es igual, Intocable
Estos celos, Vicente Fernandez
Mi sol, Jesse y Joy
Pa’ lante, Willy Chirino
Caray, Pambo
Antillas, El Guincho
Te falta, Arcangel
Mama loves nortec, Nortec
Le dire, La Firma
Tu sombra, Maria Daniela y su Sonido Lasser
La pantera mambo, La 33
Give me love (no llores), Monte Negro
El zorzal, Juana Molina
Electrotumbao, The Pinker Tones
Un beso de desayuno, Calle 13
Cambio de piel, Ximena Sarinana
Compilation Nacotheque 2.0, Nacotheque

Artist of the week: Nuuro

Artist: Nuuro
Country: Venezuela
Genre: Electronic/Pop

Venezuela offers us a remarkable new electro solo act; his name is Nuuro and arrives with a sound quite similar to teen sensation Hellogoodbye. At only 18, it seems that this guy is ahead of its game, but of course there is plenty of room for improvement. It will be interesting to see what direction does this project takes; we have been hungry long enough waiting for a talented newcomer from Venezuela. His MySpace also features English songs from his upcoming full-length album, which shows him as a very ambitious young man, one that seems to divide himself between Caracas and New York. A great addition to the revolutionizing movement of electronic music en español, one that started with awesome duo Nacotheque and will not fade a way anytime soon. Listen to Diamante and 256 MB of love on his MySpace player. Stop the Disney-JBrothers-Montana invasion now.

MySpace