I'd heard Mano Negra many times. Nervously I ordered the CD. Nervous, because every time I'd listened to Mano Negra was whilst back-packing my way around The Cyclades, around Hungary or around Europe, in the early 90's. Could a single CD from those times of sleeping on beaches, drinking......a lot, and meeting people from every origin take me back. Yes it did and still does. The blurb on the sleeve tells of it's "mixture of musical styles and cultures", of "it's political stance greatly influenced in a variety of artists as well as the entire Rock En Espagnol movement". What, I pondered, does it all mean. Seconds later when I played the disc I realised. Mano Negra, at any time, is a musical roller-coaster. From aggressive rock to relaxed and slightly funky jazz the artists' desire to communicate is apparent and most definately appreciated, by anyone who has sung into a hairbrush in front of the mirror or by anyone who has tried to rap in front of their posse. Top of my hit list has to be 'King Kong 5', if only to remind me of the times you jump on the bar, drink aloft, and shake whatever you were given to shake. 'Out of time man' is a complete contrast and reminds me of dark jazz clubs, of foriegn cigarettes and strange facial hair! Buy this CD if you identify with the minority it will instantly appeal to, and buy it even if you don't and get your education.
Louise