ARGENTINA
Argentinian 70s rock is unique to the rest of SA. Its as if Argentina were some
traumontane Shangri-La cut off from other influences.
The reason for their unique sound is obvious - the small
market. The fact that so many of these bands were inter-related or spin offs
(Almendra-Pescado Rabioso -Color Humano -Aquellare -Invisible). They all shared
similar traits. This sort of inbreeding can be seen as a bad thing, but
in this case this proved to be homogeneity of the enriching kind.
So then what makes the sound unique to Sammmmmy?
Okay, discounting a few bands like Crucis,Mia,Espiritu and Bubu, the Ital-prog
feel of ,say Brazilian prog is notably less.
Discounting the heavy exceptions like Diaz or Reloj, the defining sound is this
wondrous, soft, relaxed style of prog -or more correctly, psych.
This resides mainly in the vocals - this old hippie "laid-back
groove". The vocals are SO sincere. None of that Joplinesque ridiculous
melodramatic -prancing. Sammmmy usually prefers less vocals. Not so in the case of Argentina. The vocals here
are a pure joy. Lots of this is down to one man -Luis Spinetta. Even in the
late 70s early 80s fusion period,the vocals retain this soothing calm.(The
Spinetta Jade lps I have all come out of Brazil. Whats the story there? Did
Luis then form with Brazilian musicians?)
Sammmmy's easy favorite of all South American tracks is Almendra's "Color
Humano" .(Not to be confused with the band of same name). This track
perfectly illustrates this "spaced-out in the SA. sun' laziness of vocal
style, coupled to ,at first ,that wonderful slow, dulcet electric guitar tone (reminding
of Clapton's guitar tone on some of Disraeli Gears). Then you get the
incredible wah-wah psych-out. And, of course, return back to calm. One of the
best tracks ever recorded, ANYWHERE .
Get, get DOWN boy!