Extremoduro "La Ley Innata" 2008****

I recently returned from Madrid, Spain. Ιt was my second visit there, much happier than the previous one when I got COVID and stayed in bed for most of my time. At least, last time I did get to visit a lot of record stores and buy some CDs and LPs from Spanish bands - any visit to another country means getting some rock albums from local bands. I don't have to be familiar with them. Sometimes I listen to a few seconds of a song on my mobile, others I just read a bit of info about them. By now I've been to Spain so many times that I have albums by maybe 20 Spanish rock bands - more than most of my Spanish friends! This time I thought I'd buy something by Extremoduro whom I understood to be quite popular (apparently they were ranked number 6 on Rolling Stone's "50 Greatest Spanish rock bands"). The band's name (which means "extremely tough/hard") is also a pun on the band's home region in western Spain, Extremadura. It was founded in 1987 by Roberto "Robe" Iniesta who was also the singer, guitarist, and main songwriter. Initially they were a bit rough, with rude lyrics glorifying sex and hard drugs. They called their music "Rock transgresivo" - a mix of progressive rock with hard rock and alternative. This album represents the culmination of their efforts, being both a critical and commercial success (their first to reach No.1 at the Spanish charts). The album title translates as "The Inner Law", and the Latin text on the cover (attributed to Cicero) translates as "There is, in fact, judges, an unwritten law, but an innate one, which we have not learned, inherited, or read, but which we have grasped, squeezed, and expunged from nature itself; a law for which we have not been educated, but made; and in which we have not been instructed, but steeped". That "innate law" seems to be the central idea behind this concept album, but how it's all connected isn't clear to me - the CD booklet provides us with the lyrics, but my Spanish is extremely limited. Supposedly the text is poetic and lyrically accomplished. The music is also quite complex, with changing tempos and rich instrumentation, including the violin and other strings, piano, trumpet, and woodwind. In a throwback to earlier times (e.g. "Thick As A Brick") there aren't songs per se, or rather there is a single song, divided in 6 parts: introduction, four "movements" and a coda. Even so, each movement is comprised by various segments sometimes incorporating recurring melodies from other movements. Opener "Dulce introducción al caos" starts, as hinted by its title, as a pretty ballad, with nice violin. Even though it gets progressively louder, even making use of metallic riffs towards the end, it never loses its sense of melody. "Primer movimiento: el sueño" is a catchy tune which reminds me of Porcupine Tree's more mainstream moments. "Segundo movimiento: lo de fuera" is, at nearly 12 minutes, the longest, most progressive, track. It includes everything from orchestral melodic parts to punk rock choruses, but above all excellent guitar solos. This segues into a relatively straight heavy metal piece "Tercer movimiento: lo de dentro", followed by the semi-acoustic (for the most part) "Cuarto movimiento: la realidad". "Coda flamenca (otra realidad)" which closes the album incorporates folk (flamenco) influences. It's a welcome addition to the group's palette, but Extremoduro aren't exactly Triana, meaning that Robe's flamenco-style vocalizing is less than convincing; he's more in his element when he cranks up the volume during the last two minutes of the song. In the end, this makes for a very satisfying listen: the compositions are complex enough to merit the progressive label, but not experimental or "difficult". Indeed it's full of catchy melodies and choruses, while the guitars are as loud and flashy as expected from a hard rock band, but not to the point of exhibitionism. Already one of my favorite Spanish rock bands, alongside the (very different to each other) Heroes Del Silencio, Ska-P, and Triana.

**** for Dulce introducción al caos, Primer movimiento: el sueño, Segundo movimiento: lo de fuera, Tercer movimiento: lo de dentro, Cuarto movimiento: la realidad, Coda flamenca (otra realidad)

Madrid Record Stores

Last month I visited Madrid for the first time. I've been to Spain many many times before, but hadn't been to the capital until recently. The trip didn't turn out to be all I hoped, because I contracted the COVID-19 virus and spent most of my time inside an Air BnB. So I didn't go to the Prado museum, and only got to visit 4 or 5 different tapas bars and vermoutherias - not bad for one evening, but still... Worse still, I had to sell my tickets to see Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano. But on the bright side, I got to complete my ritual of mapping the city's record stores - at least the ones witin walking distance of the city center. As always, I'd like to share my impessions with you. First of all, I'm glad to report that Madrid does have a commecial center. Remember how I said that L.A. was so spread out that it was impossible to visit all the shops I wanted to? Madrid City has about the same population with the city of Los Angeles while its metropolitan area is about half than that of LA, which is still pretty huge. Yet while in LA the places I wanted to vist were an hour's drive away from each other, here I could walk from one to the next. Priceless! We stayed at Lavapiés, a lively multicultural neighborhood at the center of Madrid, which helped me organize my record hunting stroll by dividing it in two clusters; the bigger one was North of Plaza Mayor:

According to the notes I made before my visit, two of the must-visit record stores of the city are called La Metralleta and Discos La Metralleta. "Not to be confused" - because who would confuse two shops situated next to each other, with the same logo and (almost) the same name? Seriously folks? "The Machine Gun"? Does that scream "vinyl" to you? Is it such a great title that one of you can't rename their store to avoid the confusion? Not that the identical names are the only source of confusion: The addresses I got were "Plaza San Martín nº 1-B", and "Aparcamiento Descalzas, C. del Postigo de San Martín". I put them in googlemaps, and arrived at a roundabout facing the ancient walls of a Catholic monastery. I went around the plaza a couple of times; no sign of a record store anywhere. Then I noticed the entrance to a "parking lot"; I descended the stairs and arrived to the underground shopping gallery where both shops are housed. Discos La Metralleta is a big basement shop with a big selection of used vinyl (LPs €6-30, median €9). All kinds of genres: pop, rock, spanish, soul, latin, jazz etc. There are even more CDs (mostly €3-5, some €6-9) as well as singles. The other shop (La Metralleta?) is almost equally large. There's also lot of classic rock, jazz and soul, but I was especially satisfied with its collection of heavy metal, punk, and garage rock. New LPs cost €15-25, used €5-20, CDs €3-8. The shop also sells singles and T-shirts. Both shops offer some random albums for €1-2, though I couldn't find anthing of interest at that price. Interestingly, in any Spanish record store, at least one third of the records and CDs will be by local bands/artists singing in their own language. In most European countries, that would be more like 10%. Next stop La Gramola (Postigo de San Martín 4). Here you can get LPs (used €10-35 new €25+) CDs (offers €6, new €10+), posters, t-shirts, singles etc. Very close (C. de las Navas de Tolosa, 4) there's a shop called Escridiscos. Especially good for rare album reissues, Spanish rock, prog, psychedelic, and punk. New LPs mostly €15-25 used €10-20. Many offers (classic rock, alternative, soul etc) for €5, as well as some expensive collectible items. Not far from there, two more record stores close to each other: Discos Babel (Calle de Costanilla de Los Ángeles 5) has a nice collection of folk, 60s and 70s garage/psych, progressive, classic rock, punk/new wave. Used vinyl mostly (€15-25) as well as a few CDs, books and DVDs. Neatly catalogued by style and decade. Right next to it, there's another nice record store called Discos Bangladesh. Great selection of LPs (€12-35, median price for used €15), CDs (new, €10-15) and singles. Arranged by style, good for heavy rock, garage/punk, classic rock/prog. Just a note: in Spain, alphabetical order often means by first name, so expect to find Bruce Springsteen on B, next to The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

A bit to the east of these, one can find Discos Killers. It's on a nice pedestrian street (Calle de la Montera, 28) with lots of shops and cafes, but the shop itself is nothing special. There's some random cheap LPs (€1-3). The rest (Spanish/soul/folk/pop/rock) costs mostly €9-25 (used) and €20-35 (new). Also somesingles and (new) CDs €9-15. Close to Gran Via (Preciados 28) one can find a big FNAC store. Most Europeans will be familiar with this department store chain that focuses on books, music, movies, and electronics. One floor is dedicated to vinyl (€20-30) and CDs (€10-20), as well as books, comics, DVDs and toys. No second hand stuff, of course. Sun Records (Pl. de Santo Domingo 8) was a relative disappointment for me. I love rock & metal music, which this shop specializes in, but there were very few LPs (€25-40), while the CDs (€6-18) were not displayed in a browse-friendly manner. It gave off a sort of decadent feel, in general. The opposite of Marilians (C. del Noviciado 9): this place is modern, clean, and cosy, probably the best place for alternative rock and indie labels, without ignoring the classics of course. New LP's only, €20-35. This shop is near the Noviciado metro station. To the east, there's a nice neighbourhood with vintage clothing stores and tapas bars, as well as record stores including one called Jazz y Mas  (C. de la Palma 28). This place has two entrances: the smaller corner one contains the books and CD's, while the bigger section is the vinyl shop. About 50% of it is jazz records, the rest are pop, rock, and classical. Almost exclusively new vinyl €25-50. You may not be surprised to hear that they have a very deep jazz selection. There's a number of other shops in the neighborhood mostly selling electronic music - thus, of  limited interest to me: El Almacén de Discos (C. de las Minas 13) is big, but not very full. Next to house and techno, one can find some ethnic, jazz, funk and rock LPs (used €10-30). Palma 39 (C. de la Palma 39) is a small vinyl shop focusing on electro, industrial & EBM, while Recycled Music Center and Fripperie (Corre. Baja de San Pablo 34) sells used records (techno/electro, also some jazz, disco, and new wave). I wasn't familiar with any of them, which doesn't happen often. But the same was also true of Ater Cosmo vinyl store, seemingly only selling electronic music by tiny indie labels. Last record shop I visted in the north of Plaza Mayor cluster was Lost Things Libros & Discos (Calle del Barco 43). The sign above the door reads L st Th ngs. They've lost an o and an i - if it is wordplay with the shop's name, it's f-ing clever. More likely though, it's one of those coincidences. They deal with 2nd hand books and records, Spanish and international pop/rock/folk. Random stuff, with luck one may find something interesting (used LPs €8-20). Also lots of books, a few CDs and singles. I'll add a few places that I either didn't have the time to visit or didn't catch open: Rock & Roll Circus (C. de las Conchas, 4), Rotor Discos (Gran Vía 40, electronic music), Discpol (C/ de Jesús del Valle 8, mostly secondhand vinyl), Nakasha (C. de Andrés Mellado 24. Vinyl, CD, T-shirts etc).

After recovering from the illness, and with only one day left to spare in Madrid, I was able to complete my round of the city's record stores by visiting the South of Plaza Mayor cluster: Bajo El Volcán is probably the biggest of the bunch, spread in two floors: the upper floor is clean and cozy; here you'll find new vinyl (€20-30), books and rare 2nd hand LPs (€25-90). Mainly soul, jazz, indie etc. In the basement there's more used vinyl, mainly rock/blues/soul from the 60s,70s,80s (€5-20, but also crates of €2). Another relatively big shop is Discos Ziggy (C. De Los Estudios 6). Here, you'll find lots of cheap DVDs, CDs (used €5-10) and T-shirts (€15). New (€25-35) and used LPs (€10-25) from all decades (rockabilly/classic rock/garage/metal). Discos Satelite (C/ de la Ribera de Curtidores 8) has a few €1 singles and CDs at its front, while the front room dedicated to 60s-70s pop/rock (LPs €10-20, CDs €5-10) and the back room to Spanish and world music, jazz, indie, and funk. 

As I am a dentist by profession, the name Molar Discos Y Libros caught my attention. What do molars have to do with books and music? A visit to the shop didn't solve the mystery. Granted, I didn't chat about it with the clerk; I rarely do, and even less in Spain where I know that not everyone speaks English. The shop didn't have a huge selection of records, but it was an interesting one: lots of indie labels, punk rock/alternative/electronic/jazz etc (new, €20-30). Some rarities, possibly bootlegs. Another shop in the neighborhood is Liquidator Music: a place with good vibes, specialized in reggae/ska/african music/60s beat/garage punk/exotica. LPs for €15-30, lots of singles, and some CDs. From here on south, there's a region full of antique shops, among which some record stores. Skinny Records & Lola Vintage  (C. de la Encomienda 12) combines vintage fashion and music. Stylish exterior, but I didn't catch it open. Same with Satanasa (Cjón. del Mellizo 6), which only opens on Sunday. Sin Moralla Discos y Libros (Plaza del Gral. Vara de Rey 5) has some crates with used records, including original LPs from the 60s/70s (jazz/rock/latin, €10-35). Finally, an interesting shop I didn't visit (it was a bit further away on Calle de las Delicias 25, near the train station) is Delia Records. 

That makes about two dozen record stores, which I managed to visit during my latest Madrid trip - despite getting sick with COVID. Of course, I only went inside the shops after I was completely symptom free, wearing a mask to ensure that I wouldn't pass the virus on. But, while I did OK on the record hunting front, I have less to share with you about the city's culture, food, and nightlife. I intend to make up for that next year. To round it up, I decided to share with you the notes I made before the visit, based on info from googlemaps and various other websites; here, you'll also find the opening times for each store - which is crucial in Spain, because shops mostly close in the afternoon for lunch/siesta, but not all of them at the same time.

CLUSTER 1 - EMPAJADORES & SOUTH OF PLAZA MAJOR

DISCOS ZIGGY*** C. De Los Estudios 6 - open 10:00-20:30

Rara Avis Store** Mercado de la Cebada, Puesto 142, Pl. de la Cebada (Goth-punk-alternative) Saturday 12:00-15:30

Molar Records & Books** C. de la Ruda, open 11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00 (gifts,records)

Skinny Records & Lola Vintage** C. de la Encomienda, 12, open 11:30-14:00, 17:00-20:00 (retro fashion, records)

Liquidator Music*** C. de las Dos Hermanas, 22,, open 11:30-14:00, 17:00-20:00 (reggae-latin-jazz-soul)

Sin Morralla Records & Books** Plaza del Gral. Vara de Rey, 5 open Wed-Fri 17:00-20:30, Sat-Sun 11:00-14:00 (jazz-rock-latiSpanjen-soul)

Discos Satelite*** C/ de la Ribera de Curtidores, 8 open: Mon-Fri 16:30-20:30, Sat-Sun 10:00-14:00

Bajoelvolcán*** C. del Ave María, 42,  Mon-Sat 11:30-14:00, 17:00 -21:00 (new & very big selection used basement. Rock, Jazz, Soul)

Satanasa** Cjón. del Mellizo, 6, open: Sun 11h00 and 15h00 (punk, rock, psych)

Delia Records** Calle de las Delicias, 25, (near train station) open 11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00

CLUSTER 2 - GRAN VIA & NORTH OF PLAZA MAJOR

Discos La Metralleta *** Aparcamiento Descalzas, C. del Postigo de San Martín,1 (used. Spanish music, rock) , open 10:00-14:00, 16:00-20:00

La Metralleta Discos Todo Música y Cine*** Parking Descalzas, Pl. de San Martín, 1-B, Galería Comercial open Mon-Tue-Thurs-Fri-Sat 10:00–13:45, 16:30–20:30

La Gramola discos*** C. del Postigo de San Martín, 4, open: Mo-Sat 11:00–21:00 (old rock/metal on vinyl or CD)

Discos Bangla Desh*** Cost.ª de los Ángeles, 5 open: Mon-Sat 11:00–14:30, 17:00–20:30 (Rock, Garage, Indie - vinyl, many CDs)

Discos Babel*** Cost.ª de los Ángeles, 5 open: Mon-Sat 11:00–14:30, 16:30–20:00 (classic rock, garage, indie)

Rock & Roll Circus** C. de las Conchas, 4 open: Mon-Sat 11:00–14:15, 17:00–20:30 (electronic, dance)

Escridiscos*** C. de las Navas de Tolosa, 4, open: Mon-Sat 11:00–14:30, 17:00–20:30 (new/used, rock-punk-soul)

Killer's Discos** C. de la Montera, 28 open: Mon-Sat 11:00–14:30, 17:00–20:30 (vinyl, CD's, books)

Rotor Discos** Gran Vía, 40, 2º piso-puerta 2, open: Mon-Sat 11:00–14:00, 17:00–20:45 (dance, funk)

SUN Records*** Pl. de Santo Domingo, 8, open: Tue, Fri 17:00–20:00, Sat 11:00–15:00 (rock, metal, goth)

ATER COSMO Vinyl Store* C. de la Puebla, 9, open: Mon-Sat 11:30–15:30, 16:30–20:30 (electronic, vinyl)

Lost Things Discos & Libros** C. del Barco, 43, open: Mo-Tue-Thurs-Fri-Sat 13:00–21:00 Wed 12:00–15:00 Sun 13:00–19:00 (used vinyl, books)

Recycled Music Center & Friperie** Corre. Baja de San Pablo, 34, Mo-Fri 11:00-20:30, Sat-Sun 12:00-20:30 (electronic, soul)

DISKPOL** C/ de Jesús del Valle, 8, open: Mo-Fri 11:00–14:00, 17:30–21:00 (secondhand vinyl)

El Almacén de discos** open: Mo-Wed 5–9, Frid 3:30–9, Sat 12–9 pm (new & used, electronic)

MARILIANS RECORDS*** C. del Noviciado, 9, open: Mo-Sat 11 –3 , 4:30–9 (new & used. indie, Spanish rock)

Jazzymas** C. de la Palma, 28, Open Mo-Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5:30–9 pm (new/used jazz,classical,soul)

Nakasha** C. de Andrés Mellado, 24, open: Mo-Sat 11 am–2 pm, 5–8:30 pm Tue 11 am–2 pm (Vinyl, CD, T-shirts etc pop-rock)

OUT OF CENTER

Big Mamma Records** Calle del Divino Pastor, 22 Open: Mo-Sat, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM (black music)

La Negra** Calle Eugenio Salazar, 9 Open: Mo-Sat 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (punk, rock, soul)

Rockcelona "La Bruja" 1979****

I was recently in Madrid, doing the rounds of the city's record stores as usual (expect my report on them, soon). Every time I'm in another country, I try to get some albums by local groups. I've been to Spain so often that by now I own records from almost 30 Spanish rock bands - more than any of my Spanish friends! But there are still new discoveries to be made, so while browsing the "rock nacional" section at FNAC, I came across this LP for the first time. Never having seen it before is not strange, since it's been out of print for 40-odd years, and only got reissued in 2022. To be honest, the album cover and band name stroke me as rather childish. But I googled it, and it only took a few seconds of listening to a sample on youtube to decide this was indeed a great find. There isn't a lot of info on the band available online: just that they were formed in Barcelona in 1977, by singer Alfredo "Fredy" Valcarcel. The rest of the band are Kiko (Aparicio) drums, Javi (Latorre) bass, and guitarists Albert (Balsells, lead) and Tony (Cruz, rhythm). La Bruja, released in '78 or '79 (reports vary), was their sole LP. Based on the year, one might expect it to sound closer to NWOBHM, but this is more like late 60's - early 70's heavy psychedelia. So, despite the release date, one might call this album proto-stoner, proto-metal, or proto-punk... really primitive heavy rock with screaming vocals, scorching fuzz guitar and pounding drums. IRockcelona were probably influenced by A-list bands like Deep Purple or Led Zeppelin, but their unrefined and brutal approach is more reminiscent of Sir Lord Baltimore, Leaf Hound, or Buffalo. Had they been formed in the US, England, or Australia, instead of Catalonia, they might have become as "famous" as those other bands. Fredy sings mostly in Spanish, but there are also two songs in English - which I didn't notice at first, so clear is his enunciation. These are classic boogie "Lovespell", and Thin Lizzy-like "Queen, Friend And Dread". Opener "La Bruja" is one of the album's highlights: It starts off with a heavy blues riff à la Cream - don't change this, autocorrect, I didn't mean à la crème as in cooking, I'm referencing the band Cream. Then, 1,5 minute in, it picks up pace almost hitting Motörhead speed. One more heavy mid-tempo section, then again a fast one featuring manic "witchy" laughter. "Colt 45" is another hard rocker; this one reminds me more of Montrose. I  know I'm bringing up other band names left and right, but don't take that to mean that Rockcelona's music is derivative. On the contrary, where you hear of too many influences, that means a band has achieved its own sound. Whereas, if I say that Oasis sound similar to The Beatles, well... Anyway, Side 1 of La Bruja closes with blues rock instrumental "Magbalino" allowing Balsells to show off his considerable guitar chops. "Hombre Triste" is another chugging boogie, this one featuring a fantastic shredding solo. It's followed by the heavier sludge rock "Tierra De Fuego". "Buscandote Rock 'N' Roll" starts off in a similar slow and heavy tempo, then halfway through the song the band are seemingly replaced by The Ramones, or at least they adopt a Ramones-like breakneck pace. Screaming vocals, drum rolls, and galloping guitar solos complete the picture. All in all, this LP made for a very satisfactory listen. Don't get me wrong; this isn't a masterpiece in any sense. The songwriting is forgettable, production is rudimentary, and the musicians' technique is less than impressive. But their playing is powerful and passionate. At the same time, the music is remarkably timeless, sounding both too retro for '79 and uncannily similar to modern-day stoner rock. It's as if Rockcelona were some distant Spanish uncles of Queens Of The Stone Age: at first glance, they have nothing in common. Then, the DNA reveals itself. As it always does.

**** for La Bruja, Lovespell, Colt 45, Hombre Triste, Buscandote Rock 'N' Roll, Queen Friend And Dread

*** for Magbalino, Tierra De Fuego 

Pan Y Regaliz / Evolution / Cerebrum - Grandes Grupos Progresivos - Todas Sus Grabaciones Para Discos Dimension 1969-1972(rec) 1999(comp)****

I visited Valencia shortly before covid-19 hit Europe and, as always, did the tour of the city's record stores. I was in one of them called Discos Oldies and about to buy a vinyl reissue of the Pan Y Regaliz LP when I stumbled on this CD: it cost about the same, contained all of Pan Y Regaliz but also added (almost) complete discographies by two other contemporary Spanish groups, unknown to me at the time, so I opted for this one instead.

The original Pan Y Regaliz LP (****) is a highly sought-after item that changes hands for 100's of €'s, even in VG (moderate) condition, a result of their musical worth as well as of its rarity. All I knew about the band was their reputation as the "Spanish Jethro Tull". Apparently they hadn't heard much of Jethro Tull at the time, but the comparison is inescapable for any rock band using flute. Apart from that detail, this Catalan band is notable for singing in English despite having a Spanish name, as well as for the absence of any Spanish influences in their music: one could easily take them for a British, or maybe German, group of the period. The music is blues-based psychedelia akin to Cream circa Disraeli Gears, with the flute providing the more jazz/prog moments. Opener "Dead Of Love" and "One More Day" justify the "Spanish Jethro Tull" label with fluid playing, lots of flute, and psychedelic wah wah guitar. The singer is good even though he sometimes drawls and almost sounds like bleating. No such complaint, of course, for the instrumental "Thinking In Mary" which similar to the instrumentals from JT's debut. "Magic Colors" and "When You Are So Bring Down" are closer to Cream: bluesy psychedelia with heavy guitars. "Waiting In The Munster's Garden" is hippie jazz dominated by percussion and flute, and "A Song For The Friends" a most atypical trad jazz ditty reminiscent of The Bonzo Dog Band or The Beatles' old-timey "Honey Pie". The long-winding "Today It Is Raining" and closer "I Can Fly" are trippy acid rock. Some consider them to be their best songs, but I find them a bit too experimental. The second band here is called Cerebrum and have only released two 7' singles (****, 1970). All 4 tracks are included, and they're quite interesting. The music is uncompromising blues prog with tons of distorted guitar. Jimi Hendrix is obviously a reference point, but I find even more similarities with The Groundhogs' Split LP. Evolution (***) is obviously a different kind of band. A mixed German-Spanish beat band who started life as The Vampires, despite covering Spirit and King Crimson, they're closer to Soul than Prog and Psychedelia. Their music is similar to Blood Sweat & Tears or Electric Flag, featuring soulful vocals, horns, lots of Hammond organ and occasional fuzzed-out electric guitar. CD2 of this compilation gathers their complete output, including their eponymous 1970 LP and a few singles (1969-1972). They are much more commercial than the other groups here, with danceable songs like "Fresh Garbage" and the "Get Ready/Evil Ways" medley, and softer pop material like "Loving Me (Is Not The Only Thing To Do)", "I Must Live" and "Pain And Pleasure". Of the covers, "In The Court Of The Crimson King" is an OK ballad with nice flute, but pales in comparison to King Crimson's version. "21st Century Schizoid Man" is more interesting, as it's transformed to heavy rock and doesn't try to replicate the original. Original compositions "Dr. Vasquez" and "Water" present a cool mix of Jimi Hendrix and psychedelic-era Temptations. Together with fuzzed-out garage rocker "She's So Fine", groovy instrumental "I'm Walking High" and probably the soul version of "Fresh Garbage" they provide the highlights of the second CD. So here's the question: was it worth it buying this CD compilation instead of the carefully restored gatefold vinyl reissue of Pan & Regaliz? I think yes. Sure, the later would be much more beautiful as well as more collectible. But, even though they're hardly essential, Cerebrum and Evolution certainly have their moments.

**** Dead Of Love, Thinking In Mary, Magic Colors, A Song For The Friends, One More Day, Waiting In The Munster's Garden, When You Are So Bring Down (Pan Y Regaliz), Eagle Death, Read A Book, Time's Door, It's So Hard (Cerebrum), Water, She's So Fine, Dr. Vazquez, 21st Century Schizoid Man (Evolution)

*** for Today It Is Raining, I Can Fly (Pan Y Regaliz), Fresh Garbage, You Don't Love Me Baby, Loving Me Is Not The Only Thing To Do , I'm Walking High, Problems, Get Ready/Evil Ways (Evolution)

** for In The Court Of The Crimson King, I Must Live, Pain And Pleasure (Evolution)

La Polla Records "14 Años De... La Polla Records" 1983-1994(orig) 1996(comp)***

I had seen this band's CDs before but, despite the fact that after every visit to Spain I left with a few albums by local bands, I only got around to them during my last trip. The reason of course is that "La Polla Records" seemed to me to be the title of a record label rather than that of a band. I guess they must have realized how it sounds in English too, since shortly after the release of this compilation, they shortened their name to plain La Polla (translation: "The Cock"). The band comes from a small town called Salvatierra which is in the Basque country, although they choose to sing in Spanish instead of the Basque language - I guess they haven't been touched by the nationalism virus sweeping Europe lately. I don't speak Spanish myself, so I have to accept wikipedia's word that "the lyrics of the band harshly criticized fascism, militarism, capitalism, and catholicism". Of course the fact that Ska-P apparently consider them one of their main influences would be indication enough of La Polla's political sympathies - or should I say political antipathies? The band started out in 1979 with a gig at their town's only pub, with everybody present to -in their own words- "see what the fools of the village made". From the very start they were heavily influenced by classic English punk, and judging from the contents from this compilation, never strayed far from the path - something easy to see, as this CD is chronologically arranged. The oldest tracks here come from the EP ¿Y Ahora Que?(1983). These are "10 Perritos"*** and "Y Ahora Qué?"***. From their first LP Salve (1984) we get "Nuestra Alegre Juventud"**** and "Delincuencia"**** - two Clash-influenced compositions with nice guitar breaks and improved production. Obviously the band's musical influences lie in England, but I can't help but notice the striking similarities with their Greek counterparts, Panx Romana.

The two bands probably wouldn't be aware of each other, but they have similar influences and sing in similar languages - well, Greek and Spanish are actually very different but curiously similar-sounding. The next 4 albums seem to be more hardcore, with very fast and short songs (slightly over or even under the 1-minute mark), sometimes reminiscent of the Dead Kennedys and (more often) The Exploited: "Es Política"***, "Moriréis Como Imbéciles"*** (from 1985's Revolucion), "Odio A Los Partidos"***, "Todo Por La Patria"** (No Somos Nada, 1987), "El Avestruz"****, "Los Monos"*** (Donde Se Habla, 1987), and the live "Porno En Acción"** and "Chus"*** (En Directo, 1989). The frequent use of Oi!- like backing vocals is another new element. From 1989's Ellos Dicen Mierda we get the eponymous song**** (a veritable "epic" at 4,5 minutes, featuring guitar solos and a catchy chorus) and the more hardcore "Nací Sin Carnet"***.

The 90's find them incorporating some American elements, specifically the melodic hardcore sound of Epitaph bands like NOFX and Pennywise: "Huelga General"****, "El Coleguilla"** (Los Jubilados, 1990), "Ángeles Caídos"***, the rockabilly-ish "Juanito Tergal"**** (Barman, Maxi-single 1991), "Alicia"**,"Fuego Y Cristal"** (Negro, 1991), "Calienta El Odio"***, and the uncharacteristically melodic "Hoy Es El Futuro"**** (Hoy Es El Futuro,1992). Their -up to that point- most recent album Bajo Presion (1994) is the only one that breaks the (apparent) rule of including 2 tracks per record. We get 3 songs from here: "El Ojo Te Ve"**, "Monopoly"***, and "Analizando"****. Whether you'll like this compilation depends entirely on whether the idea of Spanish-language punk rock appeals to you. Musically, there's nothing embarrassing but nothing especially exciting either. It's honest, workmanlike, straight-up punk rock with no detours to Latin or Ska territory like you'd get in a Ska-P album. That said, it's possible I'd be much more positive if I understood the lyrics - always an important factor in politically charged punk music. The latest news about the band is that they've reformed in 2019 after a 16-year absence, and that they are active, touring and releasing a new album which seems to include a number of re-recordings of older songs, not clear whether it's studio or live.

Doctor Explosion ‎"El Loco Mundo De Los Jovenes" 1994***

I don't know much about Doctor Explosion other than that they come from Gijón, a small coastal city of northern Spain, and that they've been playing 60's influenced Surf and Garage Rock since 1989. This is their 2nd LP and you shouldn't judge them from the nice-little-schoolgirls pose they strike on the album's cover. They are three really bad boys intend on making as much noise as possible. The singer really screams his lungs out every chance he gets, and the mono recording is really raw and primitive - although they do include a song in "estereo": it's the closing acoustic number "Come Back", which could pass for a second-rate Rolling Stones track circa '64. Which reminds me, did you know that in Spain the Rolling Stones are not called for short "Stones" but "Los Rolling"? Anyway, most of the album is much wilder than that, starting off with the Spanish-language dynamites "Basura!" and "Rompi La Television". Other Spanish songs include "Eres Feo, Chaval" (a psychobilly cover of The Downliners Sect's "One Ugly Child") and "Vivir Sin Ti" a garage-soul romp originally recorded in 1967 by Los Salvajes. Other covers include Mickey Finn's "Garden Of My Mind" and The Music Explosion's bubblegum "Let Yourself Go", both louder and more out of control than their 60's counterparts. The band's original compositions like "Hey, Little Girl", "Free Your Troubled Mind", "Someday" and "I Really Don't Care" sound like they could have been written in the U.S. circa 1966, though only the latter (and relatively more restrained) would have been a minor classic of the era. "Breakin' The Wave!" and "Surf'n'Shake" are Trashmen/Cramps-like surf punk. They're not exactly instrumentals since they include a lot of shrieks and shouts. The latter features British punkettes The Headcoatees on backing vocals - they also pop up in a couple other numbers. All in all this is a pretty standard 60's-style garage LP with an aggressive punk twist, reminiscent of Gravedigger V, Stomach Mouths etc. Recommended if you like that sound, but not among the top LP's of the genre.

**** for I Really Don't Care, Vivir Sin Ti

*** for Basura!, Eres Feo Chaval, Rompi La Television, Garden Of My Mind, Free Your Troubled Mind, Breakin' The Wave!, Hey Little Girl, Surf'n'Shake, Let Yourself Go

** for Someday, Peep Show Baby, Come Back

Barrabas "Barrabás Power / Abraxa" (1972-1994) 1995(comp)**

I remember Barrabas from the Crucifixion... sorry, I started this sentence to say "I remember Barrabas from the Monastiraki flea market" but I couldn't resist the pun. I always saw their LP's there at the disco section, and naturally ignored them. In Spain you can find them at the 60's/70's rock -sometimes even in prog and psychedelia- section, which would have caught my attention. As it is, I only got round to them after watching an episode of the flawed but occasionally great HBO series Vinyl. I heard "Wild Safari" playing over the closing scene and credits (see below) and rushed to Shazam it. So I found out that Barrabas were not at all what I expected from the band whose records sat between Boney M and Raffaella Carrà at the record stores, rather like a smoking hot Latin funk that belonged to the same family with War and Santana. Later I found out they also sang "On The Road Again" which I was familiar with from 80's discotheques. Chancing upon this CD in a used books/records store in Granada (Spain) I noticed it contained both songs and grabbed it. 

As compilations go it's something of a strange one: first of all, on the cover it seems as if the name of the band is Barrabás Power and the album's Abraxas. In some databases it's registered like that. In others, like discogs, the band is registered as Barrabas and the album as Power/Abraxas, which causes some confusion with a 1973 album from the same band called simply Power. Then, there's the issue of whether these are original recordings or re-recordings. The liner notes mention that this is a compilation of their greatest hits from the 70's and 80's with the addition of two "new" songs. On the other hand the album's production is credited to a Jose M. Mall, which implies they are all come from the same sessions. Also, the fact that only 9 previously released tracks are chosen from a 9-album discography doesn't make sense for a compilation. Re-recordings, right? But then, you'd expect more homogeneity in the sound. I really don't know. I'll treat it as a compilation and review it chronologically like I usually do with them. So: from 1972's eponymous debut we get "Wild Safari" and "Woman", both Latin funk numbers with a lot of percussion and jazz rock guitars reminiscent of Santana. From 1973's Power we get "Mr. Money" in similar style, while "Hi-Jack" from 1974's ¡Soltad A Barrabas! is already more disco-sounding with smoother vocals and keyboards including a cool jazzy break in the middle. The band's next 3 albums are inexplicably omitted to go straight to 1981's Piel De Barrabas. The disco transformation continues with "On The Road Again" and "Hard Line For A Dreamer" but, despite some new wave-y synths on the latter, there's still some Latin rock and old-school funk in there. "The Lion (Don't Kill The Lion)" and "(Be My) Rebel" from next years' Bestial have a pretty standard 80's production. Both are disco, though the latter features some rockier guitar riffs and solos. Their last album, 1983's Forbidden, is represented by the forgettable and borderline silly dance number "Saint Valentine". The two "new" songs are actually very mid-80's sounding, which makes me think they're outtakes rather than 90's recordings. They are rather sympathetic, if inessential: "Caribe" is a slow number with Latin rhythm, and "It's Better Late Than Never" has some horns (or synths mimicking the sound of horns) that remind me of the commercial white pseudo-soul of the time a la Robert Palmer. I guess this compilation is O.K. for someone like me who just wanted to have a couple of the band's most famous hits, there's only one or two songs that I regularly skip when I listen to it. But it's too short for a band that recorded 9 LP's and it probably includes re-recordings, so I can't in all honesty recommend it.

***** for Wild Safari

**** for On The Road Again

*** for Woman, Hi-Jack, Mr. Money, Hard Line For A Dreamer, The Lion (Don't Kill The Lion), (Be My) Rebel, Caribe, It's Better Late Than Never

** for Saint Valentine

Valencia Record Stores

I only spent a short weekend in Valencia but it was nice to get away from the cold and rainy Dutch weather and enjoy some sun as well as the Valencian cuisine - first and foremost the famous paella. 

Eating Paella Valenciana at the beach

While most foreigners think of it as the typical Spanish dish, in Spain it is considered clearly Valencian - I was strictly warned during my first visit to Andalucia not to eat paella there because it wouldn't be the real thing. Likewise a visit to Valencia wouldn't be complete without a paella lunch. Locals never eat it for dinner, real paella restaurants -as opposed to tourist traps- are only open from 1 to around 4 in the afternoon. The name paella just means "frying pan" in the Valencian language, which is basically a form of Catalan. The current form of the dish evolved during the 18th century in the Albufera lagoon just south of the city, then famous for its rice fields and now as a national reserve with rich biodiversity. The original recipe (paella valenciana) contains chicken, rabbit, certain vegetables and, of course, rice. The seafood version (paella de marisco) is also considered authentic, but the more changes one makes the more one risks disapprovement. Adding chorizo (which actually sounds like a great idea) is tantamount to a culinary atrocity. No Valencian (or indeed any Spaniard) would commit such treason against a national treasure.

And, with food out of the way, we can talk about my other favorite occupation when in a new city: browsing for records and CD's at the local record shops. I knew from the beginning that would be interesting since Valencia is Spain's 3rd biggest city with a population of 1 million (or 2,5 mil. if you count the whole metropolitan area). There were bound to be some good record shops - and sure enough there were, though time restrictions meant I couldn't visit them all. Opening times vary, though -typically for Spain- all shops are closed during lunch/siesta time (roughly 2-5 P.M.). If you want to keep on record browsing during these hours there's always the local Fnac shop (vinyl LPs €18-25, many CD offers from €5). Don't bother with MediaMarkt or Corte Inglés. While these chains usually have a music department, the ones I visited in the city center didn't. Two of the best record stores in the city can be found right next to the city's bullfighting arena (Plaza Del Toros): Digital Records (Carrer de Castelló 5) has a nice vinyl selection. Spanish music, jazz, classical and alternative rock, both new (€5-25) and second hand (€20+). Harmony (at the passage, Dr. Serra 9) looks smaller but it's quite packed. Here you'll find a lot of rock (metal, psychedelia, oldies and alternative) both new and used. Used vinyl typically goes for €5-10 (€20 for rarer items), new for €12-30, typically just under €20. Used CD's between €4-9, new ones €8-18. Of course all prices are only current as of early 2020, but by making comparisons one can surmise which shops are relatively cheaper and present the best bargains. A short 5-minute away (Carrer de Pelai 12) you can find Acetato Discos, a must for fans of psychedelic rock, both Spanish and international. New LP's cost around €25, used ones typically €15 (€30 for collectibles). On the next street (Convent de Jerusalem 11) there's Discos Chachacha. It's not an especially well-ordered shop, there's just a lot of old vinyl lying around. In the front there are two stalls of random LP's (80's, classic rock, whatever). One is either €5 or €8, the other is a bit more expensive. Inside you'll also find many LP's for €2,5-3. I didn't stay long but I had the feeling that it's a good place for bargains. 

Moving a bit further south, you'll find yourself in the old Arabic neighborhood (Russafa) which is widely consider Valencia's new Soho, sporting a lot of tapas bars, restaurants etc. Here (Carrer de Russafa 41) can find Discocentro, a shop selling a lot of cheap (€2-5) used CD's and DVD's, and Ultrasound (Carrer de Cuba 49) which will be of interest for DJ's as it is the only shop I visited with a big variety of 12' singles, techno and electronic music. There's also a nice collection of used LP's (80's, some older jazz or rock for €5-20, but typically €10). Back in the city center (at the pedestrian street Carrer de la Mare de Déu de Gràcia 6) there's Discos Oldies. Here you'll find a lot of Spanish bands, psychedelia  and classic rock. CD's cost €2-7 (used) or €7-17 (new). LP's between €6-20 (used) or €15-20 (new). Often you'll find the same new LP €2 cheaper than other shops. There's also a big selection of 7' singles (a lot of them for 50 cents), worth a search for those collecting singles.

Last but not least among the records I visited, also in the center, Devil Records. A nice little shop at a small pedestrian street (C/Cerrajeros 5) with all sorts of rock music (e.g. classic rock, psychedelic, punk, metal), it sells T-shirts, CD's (€7-15) and vinyl, both used (€5-20, many choices under €10) and new (€15-30). Cool logo, too! Due to time limitations I didn't get to visit any of the record stores north of the center, so I'll just post links and addresses here. These include: Discos Amsterdam (Av. de Pius XII, 2) at the Nuevo Centro neighborhood, and La Ragazza del Piper (de la Corona 35) taking its name from a legendary 60's Roman mod club. With a name like that, I'd expect some very interesting findings, I'm sorry to have missed it. Even further from the center there's Capra Records (Carrer d'Enric Navarro 30) which seems to specialize in reggae and V.P.R. Records (Plaza Rafael Atard, near the airport). "V.P.R." stands for Vomito Punk Rock, so I'll let you guess what kind of music it sells. To round it up, there are a couple of bars that also serve as record stores: Splendini Bar i Discos (Carrer de Sogorb 10) and Monterey (Carrer de Baix 46). They're supposed to be open on evenings, but they were closed when I swung by. Well, hopefully there'll be a next time. This visit to Valencia was enjoyable but short.

Hot Pants "Loco Mosquito" 1986 (2000 reissue)****

Previous month's UNCUT magazine had a whole page's review and whole back cover ad to promote the reissue of Manu Chao's Clandestino. Which wouldn't be that strange if they weren't presenting it as if it was an unknown new album or a "buried treasure" case. Yes, seriously! Clandestino, the world-wide hit that 20 years ago was inescapable (at least in Europe): you couldn't spend a whole day without hearing it, unless you lived in a cabin without radio up in the mountains. Moby's Play was a distant second. What were the Brits listening to at that time? Robbie Williams, The Spice Girls, and Oasis, what else? So while the world is wondering "where the hell is Manu Chao?" (the man hasn't made a record for more than a decade) the Brits are wondering "who the hell is Mano Chao?" And that's now! Imagine how cut off they will be after Brexit!

Not that there aren't discoveries to be made in Europe about Chao's musical past. Familiar as everybody is with his solo hits, and past as the bona fide leader of Mano Negra, how many of us have heard his albums with Los Carayos or Hot Pants? Well I have, and will present them in this blog. Apparently The Hot Pants were Chao's first group circa 1980-81, and settled in this name and composition (Manu guitar/vocals, his cousin Santi drums, Pascal guitar & Jean-Marc bass) in '84. A first single named "So many nites" was released in '85, followed by this LP in '86. The music is a mixture of rockabilly, punk, ska and latin. They have their own distinct style, but one can recognize them as Mano Negra's progenitors, especially in the 3 Latin songs: The Gypsy-Kings-Go-Punk Chunguitos cover "Ay Que Dolor", original garage-salsa "Ya Llego" and "Rosamaria" - the latter is a cover, but sounds nothing like the original and exactly like Mano Negra would sound later. Then you have a few classic rock tunes reminiscent of the early raw Rolling Stones ("Come On", Chuck Berry cover "Ma Dear"), garage funk "Junky Beat", psychobilly "Gipsy", "Ball And Chain", and "Chicken Chat". Opener "African Witch" somewhat reminds me Elvis Costello in his rocking-est, while there are also some unexpected echoes of swing ("Crawdaddy") and Dixieland ("Lazy Pal"). 

It would have been nice if this 2000 reissue (just in time to profit from Clandestino's almost-worldwide success) included the aforementioned single or the original version of "Mala Vida" which was later re-recorded by Mano Negra and remained a live staple throughout Chao's career. As it is, one has to search for the original 7' single and Romances 85 compilation to get these. But we do get a nice, previously unreleased, rocker called "Can't Let It Down". Soon after the album's release, Manu and Santi would leave Hot Pants to form Mano Negra with Manu's brother, Tonio, a band in which they expanded on the Latin-tinged songs of the album by mixing their beloved Clash with their Spanish heritage - although born and bred in France, they all descended from Spanish activists on the run from Franco's dictatorship. At the same time, Manu and Tonio also joined other French alternative music heroes in the supergroup Los Carayos. More about them later.

**** for Ay Que Dolor, Ball And Chain, Rosa Maria , Gipsy, Come On, Ya Llego, Junky Beat, Can't Let It Down

*** for African Witch, Chicken Chat, Craw-Daddy, Lazy Pal, Ma Dear

Rock A Vila ‎– "¡¡ Goza la Vida !!" 1993****

If you asked me a month ago about Balearic music, the only kind that would come to mind is the so-called Balearic House scene, a kind of electronic chill-out music with exotic sprinkles that originated in Ibiza clubs and dominated the 90's and 00's. Which is sooo unfair to the people of these beautiful islands. We're talking about music made (mostly) by foreigners for the entertainment of tourists - that's what people know of their culture. Now I'm not an islander myself, but I come from an island country and I see what summer is like for the locals. Want to know what summer in Ibiza (or Santorini, or Paros) is like for them? Work, work, work. Not that I feel sorry for them, they mostly make good money and have the rest of the year to relax. With the visitors gone (I'm talking about Greece now, I wouldn't know about Ibiza) life resumes its regular pace, the people reclaim their space and are free to engage in other activities than serving tourists, and to play the music they like - which may be pop, rock, classical, jazz or folk - surely anything except the so-called Balearic Beat.

During my recent trip to Mallorca I researched second-hand record stores for local (as well as generally Spanish) music - some folk, but mostly rock as that is my favorite genre. Among other LP's I picked from the offers section, I got this one. I thought here's a Spanish-language rockabilly album made in Ibiza, that challenges any preconceptions one has about rockabilly and about Ibiza which, as I mentioned, people always identify with chill-out electronica. Now these boys don't seem too chill: they seem passionate about the music and culture of a long-gone era, the era that gave birth to the greatest musical revolution since the first guitar was plugged into an amplifier. When I saw them on the cover I was immediately reminded of Athens rockabillies I grew up with: same pose, same clothes, hair, and faces (I guess we Mediterraneans look alike). As for the island town on the background, that also looked familiar: the boats on the port, the three-story buildings on the front line (in Greece these are typically holiday rentals with cafeterias or taverns on the ground floor), church and defensive walls on the top for protection against pirates... all like a typical Greek island. The most complete bio of this band can be found in this Spanish blog. With a bit of help from google translation, this seems to be their story: the band was formed by 4 teenage boys in 1986, and won second place in a 1990 Ibiza Battle-Of-The-Bands-style contest leading to a split LP with the winners, Falsa Alarma. In '93 they traveled to Mérida, Spain, to record this, their only, LP. They never seem to have made a serious attempt for a national (let alone international) career, other than supporting visiting rockers, and dissolved soon after, with the exception of a short 2004 reunion. For what seems to be an unambitious bunch, the band's playing and record production is surprisingly professional, akin to a Spanish version of The Stray Cats - which means a retro sound with a more contemporary alt-rock production. Mostly ultra fast -but still quite danceable- good-timey rockabilly featuring boogie woogie piano, just the right amount of guitar solos, and confident vocals to the effect that the Spanish lyrics roll naturally - which is not always a given. There's some stylistic variation with a couple of Elvis-style ballads ("Cuando Pienso En Ti", "Corazon Solitario"), jump-blues "Amiga Fiel", and Southern Rock "Lookin' Out My Back Door". The latter (originally written by John Fogerty) is the only cover, and one of just two tracks sung in English - the other being "Movin' Shack". Apparently there's no re-release or CD edition of this album. Never been sold on discogs - possibly a rare, though not necessarily sought-after, item. Concerning the rating, I was divided between 3* and 4*. On the one hand there's little, other than geography, to distinguish Rock A Vila from other revival bands. On the other hand, this is a decent rockabilly record which any lover of classic rock'n'roll is bound to enjoy. It is the fun factor, along with the fact that this obviously a labor of love, that drove me to award it 4*.

**** for Goza La Vida, Camino De Destruccion, Viejo Sam, Movin' Shack

*** for Amiga Fiel, Hoy Volvere, Lookin' Out My Back Door, Sobre Dos Ruedas, Corazon Solitario, Dulce Azul, El Diablo De La Carretera

** for Cuando Pienso En Ti