Buena Vista Social Club

Ry Cooder's name has helped bring attention to this session, but it's the veteran Cuban son musicians who make this album really special. Reminiscent of Ellington in its scope and sense of hushed romanticism, Buena Vista Social Club is that rare meld of quietude and intensity; while the players sound laid-back, they're putting forth very alive music, a reminder that aging doesn't mean taking to bed. Barbarito Torres's laoud solo on "El Cuarto de Tula" is both more blinding and more tasteful than any guitar showcase on any recent rock album; a quote from "Stormy Weather" and some very distinct parallels to Hawaiian styles remind us of why it's called "world music." --Rickey Wright
Customer Review: Essential for any music collection
I am a fan of many types of music including jazz, rock, dance, blues, bluegrass, classical, world, etc. This is easily one of the top 5 albums ever created, regardless of genre. It is a magical culmination of music, musicians, and timing. If you listen to this (no really, close your eyes and really listen) and are not moved by it, you had better check to see that you still have a heartbeat!
Customer Review: Modern classic
I don't consider my house a home without this album. I seriously put it on repeat. It's one of my favorite to cook and clean to and just leave in the stereo when guests arrive. The DVD of the making of this CD provides a valuable context to what these musicians had been through and make the experience of the album that much more potent for me--I'd recommend the DVD, as well. Ry Cooder does a great job with both.

Indian traditions and ceremonies are loaded with fun as rituals and songs are chief representations. There is a song and dance session to express happiness, welcoming someone in the family or a simple family get together. Marriages are full of celebration and events begin with the mehendi or application of henna on the hands. Elaborate designs include traditional Indian mehendi and also Arabic designs. The fragrance of henna and the beats of a dholak (drum) is emphasized when popular folk songs are sung. The lyrics are different in each state though there is a similarity in the theme. The folk songs can be enacted in a dance method or simply sung with a loud chorus and clapping of hands.

Folks songs for marriages weave around the idea of a girl coming of marriageable age and enumerating her mischief nature at plucking unripe mangoes and savoring the delight of tamarind in her childhood. The transition of this girl into a woman is also mentioned with catchy rhymes during the ladies sangeet. The conclusion is done in chiding her about her fiance and that he would whisk her away in front of the entire household. Folk songs also express the bold forms of bringing false negative qualities and jibes of the girls in-laws and then having a huge laugh about it. One needs to qualify with a good sense of humour for such participation as these songs are harmless renditions. The final bidaii or the farewell to the bride song is soul stirring and tears natural well up in the eyes.

Folk songs for Holi are sure fun where colours are splashed on each other. People use brickbats and false fights to irritate one another. But good humour prevails. A women during her seventh month of pregnancy is adored and revered in India with lot of gifts, adornment and a great delicacy is spread as per her choice. These godh baraai songs are different in each language and state but go on to honouring the women and seeking the blessing of God.

The welcoming of a child in the house is done with the traditional Aarti and again folk songs are sung to bring out the virtues of Lord Krishna and mother Yashoda. The naamkaran or the naming ceremony is another time when people bless the child with popular folk songs of mythological value. Navraatri is another time when garba or the dandia raas necessitates the need to dress in traditional attires and perform the dances. The songs are typical in each year and innovations are seen in the rhythm of dance and the collection of songs. Maintaining the basic folk song and infusing the same with musical treatments is much seen in fusion music. Punjabi and songs from Uttar Pradesh are rich in the lyrics. There is melody in the folk songs from the south.

You can now sing your favourite folk songs or latest hindi songs using the karaoke system.

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