1. Merry Blues
2. Bixo
3. Eldorado 1997 - Manu Chao, Chao, Manuel
4. Promiscuity
5. La Primavera
6. Me Gustas Tu
7. Denia
8. Mi Vida
9. Trapped by Love
10. Le Rendez Vous
11. Mr. Bobby
12. Papito
13. La Chinita
14. La Marea
15. Homens - Manu Chao, Valeria
16. La Vacaloca
17. Infinita Tristeza
Amazon.com's Best of 2001
The debut from Manu Chao, the former leader of French world-punks Lo Mano Negra, leaned heavily on Latin America for its inspiration, but this time around he's obviously been spending time--at least in his head--in the Caribbean. Reggae rhythms abound, and the opener "Merry Blues" features some wonderfully wonky Jamaican-style brass, while "Promiscuity" takes its cue from Trinidadian calypso. Of course, this being Chao, there are plenty of playful touches--from ringing cell phones to speeded-up vocals--and inevitably there are the Latin influences throughout to remind you of what remains close to his heart ("La Primavera" in particular is a standout). But there's also some recycling from the last album, with two pieces sharing the "King of Bongo" melody, including "Mr. Bobby," his tribute to Bob Marley, and that's a little worrying. Is Manu Chao running out of inspiration? Certainly this doesn't have the freshness of Clandestino, however enjoyable it may be. If anything, it seems more of a holding action rather than a giant step forward. But sometimes that's necessary to be able to look to the future. --Chris Nickson
Album Description
2008 reissue of the sophomore solo album from Manu Chao, the former leader of French Alt rockers Mano Negra. Though Mano Negra experienced some success while together, Manu Chao's solo career has earned him an international audience of music lovers and critics. Originally released in 2001, Chao extends his musical reach and adds a heavier Caribbean flavor than his debut album, Clandestino. 17 tracks including 'Merry Blues', 'Eldorado 1997', 'Me Gustas Tu' and more. Because.
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Proxima Estación: Esperanza
- Audio CD: 0 pages (2001-06-05)
- Publisher: Virgin France
- Label: Virgin France
- Format: Import
- Studio: Virgin France
- Average Customer Review:
 based on 71 reviews
- Sales Rank in Music: #16946
Avg. Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating: 
Summary: This Album Knocked Me Out (in a good way) 2008-01-11
Comment: This album was my first experience with Manu Chao. The style is simultaneously simple and complex. From a musical standpoint, the instrumentation is primarily acoustic with simple rhythms, but lyrically and conceptually, nothing is simplistic about this masterpiece. Various audio and linguistic themes weave their way through the work, giving the listener the experience of time suspension much like that of an insomniac in a sedated state of relaxed almost-sleep where thoughts almost form, transform into other thoughts, and then evaporate only to be replaced by new thoughts.
Manu Chao employs a unique mixture of languages which form a drifting and ever changing cultural context. I've never heard anything like it.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: Surprised 2007-08-10
Comment: I am a classical music buff and have found this recording to be a delight. It brightens my day anytime I listen to it. I would highly recommend it.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: it doesnt get much better than this! 2007-06-28
Comment: these guys are going to save the world. education my friend, is the only way
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: There is "Esperanza" for music after all 2007-02-15
Comment:
I'll admit: I'm biased against current rock music, as much of it is generic waste. But Manu Chao is an outstanding original. The elusive Mr. Chao, former Manu Negra frontman, is a brashly inventive wellspring of talent, churning out quirky, catchy, funky tunes that embody seemingly every musical style in existence. I love the Zen zaniness exhibited on some songs ("Me Gustas Tu"), and the luxurious beauty of others ("Denia"). The musician's eclectic soul must be owed to his roots: he hails from southern France, but lives as a nomad of sorts in Latin America. Chao sings mainly in Spanish, but he displays an impressive multi-lingualism, crooning in his native French, as well as in English, Portuguese and even Arabic. Indeed, on some songs Chao mixes French and Spanish with such facility that it's easy to forget that they aren't the same language. Manu Chao embodies a true world music ethos, with a bohemian twist.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: A Must! 2007-02-05
Comment: My favorite album of all time from the most important artist of our time. Manu Chao's contributions can be likened to greats like Woodie Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Bob Marley with a global perspective. This intoxicating collection provokes and delights providing the first great folk anthem of the century. If you don't know this artist, get to know him
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Proxima Estación: Esperanza
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