The Sounds of Revolution

"Viva La Revolucion!" is the manifesto you'll see on many post-'90s ironic t-shirts, and on the back is usually a portrait of Che Guevara whose eyes are pinpoints of laser-focus, and whose revolutionary figure is backing capitalism, one department store statement at a time. It's kind of depressing really, that this figure has been relegated to discount bins at the local "punk" store. It doesn't make me sad because I'm a particular proponent of his politics, it just makes me sad because it shows a lack of critical thought. As if an entire life's ideals could be summed up in three words and a moody snapshot. These simplifications are created to enslave the proletariat, not to emancipate us.

That's why I was so pleased to find a great album of South American music dedicated to Che Guevara. It's not the music of a bunch of twenty-something nihilists who don't know that Che was born in Argentina to affluent parents only to die at the hands of the CIA in Bolivia. This album - Che Guevara - A Soundtrack to Life - is a proposed journey with Guevara from his roots in Argentina to his work in Cuba.

The first song "Iiueve En Buenos Aires" by Aftertango, is a breezy tango with whispered "vocals" dancing along with the accordion. It's somewhat of an introduction to the album. "El Cafetal/Sarandonga" by Laito Jr. is a celebration song with the sound of excited children cheering in the background. "Echale Semilla" by Axel Krygier is a more wild sounding song with heavy Latin rhythms and a combination of horns and flute that make for a folk-music feeling. Skip ahead a track to "Amalia Batista" by Los Naranjos. This song begins with a speech by - I would assume - Che Guevara himself against the former military leader of Cuba, Fulgencio Batista. Behind this speech is a sad trumpet that gives way to a groovy, bouncing rhythm and original vocals. The two following songs, "Ocaso Otano" and "Bolerito" are filled with similar pieces of speeches. These vocal asides add personality and depth to the songs, but it would be nice if the three were spread over the album a little more, instead of being clumped together. "Mi Isla" by Arte Mixto sounds to me like South American gospel music. There's a soaring string section that makes the rest of the tune float, and the vocals are absolutely sublime.

The following song, "No Mi Provoques" by Arcana is very different texturally. It's a smooth song, almost sensual, with lyrical flow that rivals that of the best rappers from the United States. "No Mi Provoques" also transitions nicely into "Refugio" by Lucio Mantel. It's the slowest song on the album, a real lullaby. The final song, "The Children of the Revolution" by El Medico, Kuva Man to Man & Los Compadres uses the basic rhythm and melody of the T. Rex song, but throws in yells and explosions for revolutionary appeal. The repeated "Viva Cuba Libre!" doesn't get tiring, but the electronic sounding guitar riffs do.

For anyone who has had enough of The Motorcycle Diaries soundtrack, Che Guevara - A Soundtrack to Life is a welcome musical escape, with all the strength of the revolutionary behind these intensely exciting tunes. Throw out the t-shirt, plug in your headphones, and get lost in the sounds of revolution.