Chile!

It would be impossible for Inti-Illimani to kick more ass.

by Rodney Anonymous

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Published: Feb 24, 2010

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The Greek philosopher Strabo is famous for saying "If you live long enough you're bound to do some strange shit." True. But allow me to add: If you dig around long enough in the used section of your local CD store, you're bound to find some truly strange shit. Take, for example, the 2004 album by Inti-Illimani that is currently populating cut-out bins across the planet.

The cover of Antologia Vol. I 1973-1978 depicts the band members draped in red ponchos which make them look like a satanic cult ("Voodoo Chile?") about to chase Peter Fonda through the woods in a B-movie circa 1973 to 1978. Those years were, of course, rough years in Chile; during this period many students went to college on rock-throwing scholarships.

As for the music itself, it would be a scientific impossibility for Inti-Illimani to kick more ass than they do here. Jangling Spanish guitars and haunting Andean flute are layered atop the deep primal thud of a single drum. Shit, Luther, even if you don't understand the words to "El Pueblo Uncido Jamás Será Vencido," you'll still find yourself chanting along with the chorus. And "Ojes Azules" is just plain beautiful.

Aspiring DJs take note: You could do a lot worse than sample a few bars of "Rin del Angelito," put some dance beats behind it and loop it.

Verdict:

This weekend, why not take part in a little guerilla action? Rescue Antologia I from the used bin and replace it with a copy of Michael Jackson's Anthology.

(r_anonymous@citypaper.net)

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