Domino Rec.
Juana Molina : Son (ARG/world,2006)***°'
Having worked for years as a popular TV comedy actress in her homeland Argentine, Juana suddenly decided to sing (seriously) and perform her own songs, in her native tongue Spanish (even when she was bilingual at that stage). It took a bit time for the public to get used to listen to Spanish, but also the labels took the risk because her talent was obvious. It must be, because I know most people almost refuse to listen to a different language than English. I decided to check her out too after having heard a few audio tracks on the net. A big advantage for singing songs in a different language is when the singer uses her voice and uses the sounds of the language as an expressive element, which Juana does. Several times she arranged a few extra deformed voices during vocal improvisations, which remind me in some way to Robert Wyatt, like a daydream fantasy of his, translated into this vocal happiness (and experiments). In combination with acoustic guitar and extra rhythmically and melodically intertwining electronic sounds the songs sound more than just attractive. Also some well produced richly coloured percussion are added here and there or a few other instruments, give the music something solid and intelligent. The music is done with a care for making the songs a finished product as ‘l’art pure’, even when just a few songs, without understanding them, can be basically just like attractive moody spinnings.
Also the digipack is beautiful, almost like a present for a birthday, with embossed print with silver-shiny spots and a whole artwork booklet.
