Along with the traditional sound of tango, tracks representing neo-tango have also been included. Neo-tango roughly defines as a combination of tango with electronica influences. Surprisingly, based off of the selection from the album, the two genres of music blend together. The standout neo-tango track on disk one has to be “El Choclo.” The song warms up the audience with stereotypical tango rhythms, but afterward adds electronica layers.
The second disk of the Rough Guide to Tango Vol. 2 features music by Carlos Libedinsky, who is known for his neo-tango. All of the tracks make up his album Narcotango vol. 2, released in 2006, so if anyone owns the album, the second CD is a bust. Though all of the tracks are wonderfully arranged, the stand outs are “Tres Son Multitud,” “Esta Noche” and “El Dia Despues.” All three contain some interesting electronica elements with classic textbook tango instruments.
Out of all the tracks, there were a few confusing choices that didn’t fit in. The country undertones and the nasal female vocals of “La Patota” didn’t fit with the rest of the album. The track “Argentina” feels too fast to be considered a tango, it would fit more for a cha-cha or samba. Just because a song has lyrics about Argentina, and they include a bandeoneon doesn’t automatically make it a tango. “Argentina” is a fun song, but it has no reason to be included on the album.
With such a high number of tracks the Rough Guide to Tango Vol. 2 has something for everyone. This album is highly recommended for anyone who has an ounce of attraction to Tango, whether it be as a dancer or a chair-dancer. The second disk is a throwaway if you own Narcotango Vol. 2 already. The album is a strong collection of songs, all of which have a crisp sound quality and can create vivid emotions.
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