Music from the Mexican film Amores Perros (Love's a Bitch), this brilliant 2 CD compilation unveils what's going on in Latin American music, especially Mexican rock. Only by mixing such diverse genres as rock, rap and cumbia, can artists like Celia Cruz, Café Tacuba, Moenia, Gustavo Santoalla and Fiebre be brought together under one roof.
Disc One is original songs interspersed with Gustavo Santoalla's moody interludes. His theme "amores perros" is striking. Control Machete's "Si Senor" is a smart rap, while Nacha Pop and Fiebre both cover "Lucha de gigantes", a great acoustic rock ballad that's almost impossible to find in English these days.
Dance music in all its diverse glory is alive and well. Ilya Kuryaki and the Valderramas have fun with double entendre on "Coolo". Legendary Celia Cruz's rousing "La Vida Es Un Carnaval" compliments Los del Garrote's sexy cumbia, and funky dance music appears in the form of "Corazon" by Titan. At first glance, the Hollies classic "Long Cool Woman" may seem an odd choice, but it works well.
Disc Two features songs all directly related to the "Amores Perros" theme. Standouts include Julieta Venegas's despondent "Amores Perros Me Van A Matar" and Café Tacuba's "Avientame" and the funky "Dog:God". Control Machete returns with another stinging rap: "De Amores Perros" featuring haunting vocals by Elizabeth Guerra that are reminiscent of "Prince Igor" by Sissel and Warren G. Moenia's carnal "Lado Animal" possesses all of the sultriness of Depeche Mode at their best. In case anyone needs reminding, "Love's A Bitch" by Dover drives home what we all know to be true.
Love's a bitch or amores perros? Either way, it's a great collection of songs.
