Album Review: Same by Estudiantina Escuela Normal De Jalisco (1965)
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Same, a 1965 gem from Estudiantina Escuela Normal De Jalisco. This album is like that quirky uncle who shows up to family gatherings with a mandolin and starts serenading everyone—charming, a little weird, but impossible to forget. With genres spanning Latin, Folk, World, and Country, it’s basically the musical equivalent of a taco truck serving sushi. And honestly? It works.
First off, let’s talk about "Las Cintas De Mi Capa." This track hits you like a warm hug from someone who smells faintly of old books and tequila. The strings are so lively they practically leap out of the speakers and start dancing on your coffee table. I mean, how do you not tap your feet to this? It’s got that classic Latin zest mixed with a folk twist that feels like you’re strolling through a sun-drenched plaza in Guadalajara. Every time I hear it, I half-expect a mariachi band to pop out of my closet. Spoiler alert: They never do, but a guy can dream, right?
Then there’s "La Lola," which is just... chef’s kiss. If “Las Cintas” is the life of the party, “La Lola” is the mysterious stranger leaning against the wall, sipping mezcal and looking way too cool for their own good. The melody has this haunting quality that sticks with you long after the song ends. Like, you’ll be brushing your teeth at midnight and suddenly humming it while wondering if you left the stove on. It’s catchy, emotional, and gives off major telenovela vibes—perfect for dramatic moments when you drop an avocado on your foot or something equally tragic.
The rest of the album keeps the energy alive with tracks like "Charleston" (which, fun fact, makes me want to learn swing dancing even though I have two left feet) and "Nunca En Domingo," which sounds like the soundtrack to a black-and-white movie where people wear fedoras and solve mysteries. Seriously, Son-Art knew what they were doing when they put this together.
But here’s the kicker: listening to Same feels like stepping into a time machine set to 1965 Mexico. You can almost smell the fresh tortillas and hear the distant strumming of guitars echoing down cobblestone streets. It’s nostalgic without being cloying, vibrant without being overwhelming. And honestly, isn’t that what great music should do? Transport you somewhere else entirely?
So yeah, if you’re into albums that feel like a love letter to cultural heritage wrapped in a fiesta blanket, give Same a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up buying a sombrero and signing up for Spanish lessons afterward. Oh, and one last thing: why does no one talk about how underrated Mexican folk music is? Seriously, someone needs to start a petition or something.
