Album Review: Así Cantan by Los De Salta – A Samba-Spiced Journey Through Time
If you’re a sucker for Latin grooves with that raw, unfiltered vibe, Así Cantan by Los De Salta is one of those albums that’ll sneak up on you when you least expect it. Released in 1975 under the Uruguayan label Clave, this gem feels like an old friend who shows up uninvited but leaves you glad they came. It’s got samba vibes running through its veins, but don’t let that fool ya—it’s not your typical beach party soundtrack. Nope, this record digs deeper.
The crew behind the magic? You’ve got Jose Berrios, Luis Menu, Mariano Antonio Vaca, and Miguel Ramos bringing their A-game as performers. These guys aren’t just playing instruments; they’re weaving stories with every pluck, strum, and beat. And trust me, some of these tracks stick to your soul like gum on a hot sidewalk.
Take “Zamba Del Tiempo Verde,” for example. This tune hits different. The melody feels like walking barefoot through dewy grass at sunrise—calm yet full of life. There’s something about how the rhythm builds, layer by layer, until you’re completely lost in it. I found myself humming it days later, even though I couldn’t remember the words (probably because my Spanish needs work). But hey, isn’t that what makes music universal? You don’t need to understand every lyric to feel its heartbeat.
Then there’s “Cuando Canten Los Coyuyos.” Oh man, this one’s a kicker. It starts off slow, almost shy, like it’s testing the waters. But once it gets going, it’s impossible not to move. The percussion here is hypnotic, pulling you into this trance-like state where all you wanna do is sway or maybe even attempt a clumsy dance move or two. By the time the vocals kick in, you’re already sold. It’s the kind of track that makes you wish you were sitting around a campfire somewhere far from city noise, letting the night swallow you whole.
But let’s be real—the whole album has this earthy charm that keeps you coming back. Tracks like “La Despedida” and “Cancion Del Jangadero” bring a sense of nostalgia, while others like “Capricho Del Rio” add a playful twist. Each song feels like flipping through pages of someone else’s diary, except instead of secrets, you’re uncovering emotions.
What strikes me most about Así Cantan is how timeless it feels. Sure, it came out in the ‘70s, but listening to it today doesn’t feel dated. Maybe it’s because we’re living in a world obsessed with perfection, and this album reminds us that imperfections can be beautiful too. Or maybe it’s just good music. Who knows?
Here’s the kicker, though: after spinning this record a few times, I started wondering—if Los De Salta were making music today, would they still sound the same? Would they trade in their rustic charm for auto-tune and flashy production? Somehow, I doubt it. And honestly? That’s comforting.
So if you’re looking for something authentic, something that smells like dusty roads and sounds like forgotten dreams, give Así Cantan a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up daydreaming about Uruguay for weeks afterward.
