Spain's Amparanoia created a minor sensation with their debut album, garnering a BBC Radio 3 world music award. This, the follow-up, sees them getting real international distribution, and refining their rich sound, which draws from flamenco, the Mediterranean, Cuba, and even a few touches of ska (quite apparent on the bilingual "You Know What I Mean," which seamlessly and infectiously slides between styles). Largely recorded live in the studio, it's a playful outing, full of life, and little reminiscent of their friend Manu Chao. Sometimes it just percolates in a low-key manner, as on the overlong "Saracon Agua," whose horn charts fill out what's really just a vamp, but when they get going there's a fire to the music, as on "Tiempo Pa Mi," where it switches to double speed and takes on a burnished Cuban groove. It all comes together with "Nada," which is far more than nothing, full of bubbly percussion as it slinks along with a sexy smile, propelled by singer Amparo Sánchez's smiling voice. She's quite charismatic, but in a relaxed manner, leading a band that doesn't try to flash its technique, but lets the song do the talking. It's a friendly record, bounding around like an eager puppy. But perhaps the best thing is the writing -- everything sounds so familiar, like "Little Think," which sounds like a lost '70s reggae-soul classic. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
La Vida Te Da
03/21/2006
Sorry, this item is not available from ARTISTdirect.
All Music Guide Review
La Vida Te Da Track Listing
Credits of La Vida Te Da
- Kaki Arkarazo
- Guitar (Electric), Producer, Engineer
- Amparo Sánchez
- Guitar (Acoustic), Art Direction, Producer, Vocals
- Daniel Alos
- Engineer
- Joan Garriga
- Accordion, Vocals (Background)
- Pintxa Abrego
- Drums
- Roc Albero
- Trumpet
- Johnny Branchizio
- Guitar (Electric), Vocals (Background)
- Juanlu Canijo
- Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Bass)
- Luciano Coraso
- Sax (Alto)
- David El Rubio
- Vocals
- Leire Etxcandia
- Art Direction, Layout Design, Design
- Valeria Fogato
- Illustrations
- Sergio Sanchez Tango Kings
- Vocals











Plus