There’s a stereotype about tango in today's media: there are visuals you see in movies like Moulin Rouge! or performances you watch on Dancing with the Stars . Surprisingly, even with the increase of awareness, not a lot of tango (or Latin dances in general) have emerged. Fortunately, The Rough Guide to Tango Vol. 2 is a beautiful collection that illustrates many different facets of tango. From classic songs, to Nuevo Tango (also known as neo-tango) influences, the album covers a little bit of everything. If you are only exposed to tango from TV and movies or an Argentine Tango ballroom champion, then there is something for you on the album.
There is one traditional tango song included in the album that would define the dance: “Tango Jalousie.” The song is a faithful rendition to the classics and only deviates from the original arrangement by speeding up the tempo a little bit. The sounds are crisp and every little element can be pin-pointed. Even with an old song, the tracks still fit beautifully with the new songs.
One quintessential visual of tango that people associate is of a seedy, smoke-filled, Argentine bar; one man gruffly sings the pains of relationships to classic tango instruments. Two tracks conjure up the classic Argentine tango: “En Un Bondi Color Humo” and “Corrientes Y Esmeralda.” The gruff voice in “En Un Bondi Color Humo” gives a real human sentiment to the song, creating a believable emotion for the audience. The only downfall to “Corrientes Y Esmeralda” is that it’s too short and a bit too fast to use for a ballroom tango.
Many of the tracks do not have words, but can create strong feelings with just the arrangements. Classic instruments like the bandeoneon (the accordion-like instrument often played in tangos), violins, and piano are showcased well in “El Dia Despues” and “Diablo Slow.” There is a mysterious ambiance to “El Dia Despues,” the female vocals are like a siren calling out to wayward sailors.
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