Ojos de Brujo

Although flamenco is the main source of inspiration for this world-renowned Spanish band, the eight members of Ojos de Brujo tend to incorporate various musical influences into their compositions. What else can you expect from a band of gypsies who hail from Barcelona, a literal crossroads for the best musical traditions in Europe? Take, for instance, the funk-inflected brass on "Color" or the presence of tablas on tunes such as "Todo Tiende" and "Feedback," all of which give the songs a Middle-Eastern/Indian feel that is not completely foreign to flamenco. Lyrics about social justice are always present in this group's music (they often speak out about the plight of immigrants during their live shows), and the message is clear on "Pedras vs. Tanques" (Rocks versus Tanks), a tune with lyrics that wax critically against politicians neglecting their people: "Listen, Mr. President/Without the people you are nothing ... feel the power of my people." Another tune that stands out is "Tanguillos Marineros," which features the vocals of legendary Spanish singer Martirio. Language barriers shouldn't be a problem for listeners, as ODB has various styles of communication. For those who really need to understand what is going on, there is an accompanying CD-ROM that contains, among other features, all of the lyrics translated into fifteen languages. — Ernest Barteldes