Vibrant and playful, Rebeldia Con Alegria is a compilation of songs released from 1997-2003. Amparanoia is not easy to categorize as they are one of those groups that seemlessly blend several different styles--salsa, jazz, rock, reggae, lounge, ranchera, even a touch of electronic--to create a unique, eclectic harmony. In the mid-90s Amparo Sanchez, originally from southern Spain, linked up (apparently romantically as well as musically) with Manu Chao and you can feel his influence on songs from 1997s El Poder De Machin--you can also hear the early seeds of Chao's Clandestino, listen to Buen Rollito's "Welcome to Tijuana." Amparanoia started adventurous in '97 and haven't stopped the journey. This disc is mostly upbeat but does contain a couple ballads where Amparo's voice really shines, there is also a track done with Calexico. Amparanoia are exciting and energetic and clearly not afraid to experiment--this is one group where no 2 songs sound alike. For me this is the perfect CD for a summer Bar-B-Q or a small cocktail party. If you are interested in world music at all don't balk at the price of this great compilation.
If you love Manu Chao, Pink Martini, Sidestepper or Yerba Buena you will enjoy this, I promise! If you haven't heard of any of these groups get them as well!
