Track Listing

1. De a cinco
2. Que Mala Suerte
3. El Loco
4. Cuidao'
5. Si Existe Ese Lugar
6. Malam soleil
7. Sr. Ludas
8. Matame Amor
9. El Indio
10. Pa' Huitzilopochtli
11. Anda Levanta
12. Joder
13. Mamouchka
14. Vuelvo A Comenzar
15. Nada
16. Sin Titulo

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #264717 in Music
• Released on: 2002-02-12
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
Exploding out of Mexico City, Cybertropic Chilango Power is Los de Abajo's second release for David Byrne's Luaka Bop label. Los de Abajo's recent nomination for the first BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards has pushed them further forward, though these Chilangos (denizens of Mexico City) have now been together for a decade. The world at large had to wait until 1998 for their eponymous debut album; prior to that, Los De Abajo's early efforts circulated via the local cassette underground. The band name means "those from below," a reference to the members' politically activist leanings. Besides having an uncompromising lyrical content, the music reeks of unhealthy fun, set to fire up fans of Ozomatli, Manu Chao, or even Los Lobos. The salsa, son, cumbia, and Mexican trad elements vibrate in sympathy with hip-hop, reggae, ska, funk, and electro, the band handily providing the genre name of TropiPunk to encapsulate where their fusing lies in the category bins. Their signature sound is dripping with saucy trumpet innuendo, the ensemble vocals ranging from raspy rap to harmonious Latino. Stretchy bass intermarries with stalking piano, a reggae bounce alternates with speedy salsa, and the hardcore Mexican content is provided by mad street band interludes and an armadillo-shelled charango and harp episode. --Martin Longley

Customer Reviews

Another superb album from Mexico
If you pick up any Mexican compilation in a UK shop you will find it is utter rubbish. This is a real shame because, with Cafe Tacuba, Maldita Vecindad, Los de Abajo, El Gran Silencio and Plastillina Mosh, Mexico produces some superb rock. The country's music is sadly under-rated and, at least in the UK, not well represented. This latest offering from Los de Abajo offers a range of styles (Salsa, Polka, Rap, Son Jorocha, etc). These traditional styles have been up-dated with a welcome input of energy (although the cliche, ever present on Mexican albums, about punk energy is becoming a bit worn). The CD is on David Byrne's Luaka Bop label which should already be enough to give it the benefit of the doubt. The album sets out to celebrate Mexico city and includes various street sound samples. It is also very political containing numerous attacks on the corruption of the Mexican government and offering support for the country's indigeneous Indian population. The beautiful sleeve contains English translations of the lyrics (though sadly not the Spanish originals) and a short piece introducing the band and their songs.

Great music. Not Salsa
Really interesting definately Mexican music. A great groove with a unique sound fusing traditional and modern Mexican elements in a great blend. Rythmically melodically sonically grooving. I really liked it alot.

Unexpected twists and turns...!que estrano!
A very cool set of funky modern rock from Mexico City, with unexpected heavy doses of genuine-sounding traditional music coming up in the mix. This is a very interesting album... definitely worth checking out!