La India - Dicen Que Soy - La Princesa de la Salsa
Written: Feb 21 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: 8 GREAT songs.
Cons: 1 BAD one.
The Bottom Line: Her BEST work.
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| cletta1201's Full Review: Dicen que Soy by La India |
A little background on Salsa
SALSA
1. Generic term, developed in the late sixties-early 1970's, used to describe the blending of numerous specific music styles into dance orchestra arrangements. The one common element in the musical structure is the rhythm pattern of the clave 2. A common umbrella term used to describe the dance that is done to Salsa music (also see mambo). 3. Spanish word for sauce.
(Taken From http://www.planetsalsa.com/university_of_salsa/glossarypt.htm#sectS)
CLAVE
Rhythm - A five-note, two-bar rhythm pattern which generates rhythmic measurement and is the foundation and backbone of Salsa (and all Afro-Cuban based music). There are 4 common rhythms, the Rumba and Son clave and a 6/8 (or "Afro") variation of each. In "Salsa," the Son Clave is prevalent. Clave rhythm is the basis of Afro-Latin musical styles and is considered the key, the identity, the root, and the "soul" of the music. It is the temporal key, the main organizing principle, to which every element of arrangement and improvisation in the music must be aligned. The clave rhythm pattern ("La Clave" in Spanish) is therefore embedded in all parts of a piece, from vocals to violins, whether the instrument (claves, below) is actually played, or not ("implied clave"). Clave is the primary rule and the chief factor that defines all the music called "Salsa."
Dance Timing - Most musically connected, authentic, or culturally/traditionally trained dancers use the clave rhythm as a focus or "metronome" in salsa music to stay in time to the foundation and "soul" of the music, allowing for a natural appearance and rhythmic, free expression of the music.
(Taken From http://www.planetsalsa.com/university_of_salsa/glossaryae.htm#sectC)
Okay, I’m really not trying to fudge length here, I just think that to understand this review and salsa in general, you need to know those two things. I hope that they help in your understanding. India or La India as she is affectionately called by her fans is also renowned as La Princesa de la Salsa or as I’m sure you could guess – The Princess of Salsa. India first stepped on the music in 1990 with a Latin jazz slash hip-hop slash salsa feeling music, with that album she gained somewhat of a cult following in night clubs across New York but it wasn’t until 1994’s Dicen Que Soy that people sat up and listened. Dicen Que Soy is India’s best work (my opinion), it is the essence of what salsa music is supposed to be. Big instruments and even bigger voice. Trapped in the confines of this album are everything that makes salsa special; trumpets, congas, timbales – this is salsa.
I’m fan of albums that are shorter in length and bigger on quality and this one fits the bill, containing only 9 songs and with a running time of 44:52, this album bounces from one hit to the next, barely slowing down for speed bumps. It begins with nunca voy a olvidarte or I’m never going to forget you. A well-produced song, it is the “typical” salsa sound, nothing innovative – but still very good. There is a very nice piano element that a careful can pick up that adds some dimension to this one. My only qualm with this song is that India’s voice doesn’t sound as “mature” as on other tracks.
Que ganas de no verte nunca más or I don’t want to see you again is an excellent track. It’s a mid-tempo song that really showcases the strength of La India’s vocals. The clave beat within this song is very evident, you couldn’t miss it if you tried, and it makes you want to dance. Ese Hombre or that man is a man hating song and it is spectacular. Some of the lyrics: ”Es un gran necio/ un estúpido engreído/ egoista y caprichoso/ un payaso vanidoso” which in English translates to “he’s a big fool, a stupid spoiled man, egotistical and greedy, a conceited clown”. If that won’t hurt your feelings, I don’t know what will.
Dicen que soy or they say that I am is another very strong track. Ese hombre and this song would make good A and B-sides of a tape. It’s about accepting the blame for a relationship gone badly and how people say it’s her fault. ”Dicen que soy/ tu manzana envenenada/ dicen que soy/ el titanic de tu alma” or “the say that I am/ your poison apple/ they say that I am/ the titanic of your soul”, ouch!
The album lightens up on insults with O ella o yo (Either her or me). O ella o yo was a big hit for La India, it’s a remake (although I’m not sure who did the original) and I know that it was once sampled by the master of sampling - P.Diddy. Once again, the vocals on this song are notable. La India sounds strong and clear. Enunciating every word so that an average person who understands Spanish could understand.
I really like Dejáte amar (let me love you), perhaps because it sounds kind of R&B, an old roommate of mine would actually blast this one. It sounds silly to think of a salsa song as being “slow” but this one does slow down and all at the same time, you can imagine people salsa-ing to it. I just want to hang around you is the only song within the album that contains any English. I believe that this too is a remake or more of an interpolation (including lyrics from another song as a major part of your new song). Nice is the fact that La India sounds just as good in English as she does in Spanish (some would argue better). I like the Spanglish mix, I think it works for the song.
No Me Conviene (it doesn’t suit me) has the best opening of any song on the album. La India sings without instruments and shows her range and strength. This song is a duet with Tito Nieves and together the two sound perfectly harmonized. I’d tell you who Tito Nieves was, but this review is already lengthy, so if you’re interested, look him up on the internet (www.allmusicguide.com).
Vivir lo Nuestro (live it our way is a VERY loose translation) is a duet with the king of salsa - Marc Anthony. The song is live, and it’s my least favorite on the album, so I skip it. I’d advise anyone who’s interested in giving salsa a whirl to pick this one up, and if you’re interested in the music of La India, this is the album to go with.
Track Listing
1. Nunca Voy A Olvidarte
2. Que Ganas De No Verte Más
3. Ese Hombre
4. Dicen Que Soy
5. O Ella O Yo
6. Déjate Amar
7. I Just Want To Hang Around You
8. No Me Conviene
9. Vivir Lo Nuestro
Other India Albums: Breaking Night – Llego La India – Dicen Que Soy – Jazzin – Sobre El Fuego - Sola
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Cleaning the House
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cletta1201
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Member: Cletta The Great
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