Coming Up [EP]by Anonymous
Reader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings
October 09, 2003:
Coming Up is Ozo’s first release since Embrace the Chaos dropped, ever-so-appropriately, on 9-11, and, once again, they have produced a powerful, positive CD filled with eclectic musical influences. Ya Viene el Sol is one of their strongest songs ever and could well serve as an anthem for those of us working towards positive change. Let Me Dream, their first (non-rap) song entirely in English, is a pop-oriented, less danceable change of pace, almost a lullaby, but it’s catchy enough that, after the first listen, I had it stuck in my head all day, and it just proves that Ozo is continuing to expand their musical repertoire. The blend of Latin, Caribbean, and, increasingly, Middle Eastern sounds seems natural coming from them and reflects the unifying ideology of the lyrics. And, they will keep you dancing along with this one too. It’s a great little CD at a great little price, but there’s no substitute for their live shows (except, perhaps, the live version of Cumbia that wraps up this album).
Coming Up [EP]by Anonymous
Reader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings
September 25, 2003:
This ever-socially and politically conscious crew from LA is back with their first release since Embrace the Chaos, which was released on Sept. 11, 2001. They couldn't have known it at the time, but Embrace the Chaos served as a much-needed musical therapy session for many of us as we dealt with the events of that day. Once again, in these tumultuous times, their music provides lyrics, both in Spanish and English, filled with reflection and hope, coupled with an amazing infusion of Latin, Middle-Eastern, Caribbean, and many other sounds. Mi Gente, their collaboration with the Kumbia Kings, is an all-Spanish, cumbia about struggle and identity and community membership, whereas Let me Dream is their first non-rap song that is entirely in English. It lacks the inherent dancability of some of the other songs, but it’s damn catchy and demonstrates that Ozomatli is still branching out in new directions with their music, and the lyrics remind me of John Lennon’s Imagine. The instrumentation, the myriad musical influences, and the blending of sounds connect to both the past and the present of socially-aware music and leave an open door for a long future filled with great songs. These guys are all solid musicians, they are tight together, and this CD can be counted on to brighten your day and make you feel like dancing.
![Coming Up [EP] by Ozomatli: CD Cover](http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/19620000/19622078.jpg)
or link to hear an audio clip.
loading...
© 2009 All Media Guide, LLC