Casual Listening -- Ivan Villazon, Vicente Fernandez, Hannah Montana

Casual Listening

a review of cool new music

by Jeff Pinzino

July 10, 2009

* Iván Villazón & José María “Chema” Ramos – El Vallenato Mayor (Latin)

Vallenato is the accordion-based party music of Colombia, and these two play it with gusto. Villazon’s tenor is bright and energetic, and Chema’s skills as a former world champion accordionist are still intact. Finding Vallenato this good is a rare treat.

Listen to Ivan Villazon & Chema Ramos "El Errante"

* Vicente Fernandez – Necesito De Ti (Latin)

Fernandez is something like the Bob Dylan of Mexican folk music – after decades of recording iconic songs that qualify him as a living legend, he finds a way to keep putting out amazing new music. The style is ranchera: rustic ballads well-orchestrated with strings, horns, and guitars.

Listen to Vicente Hernandez “Tengo”

Hannah Montana – Hannah Montana 3 (rock)

No, seriously…she’s popular for a reason. Just think – America has spent the last two weeks mourning a former child star who made the leap to serious adult artist. Of any of the current crop of musical teens, I think Hannah’s got the chops to make the leap. This album of songs from the TV show are cotton candy pop, but even cotton candy has its place. Trust me – seven years from now she’s going to be putting out music that’ll turn heads.

Listen to Hannah Montana “Let’s Do This”

* highly recommended

! highest recommendation

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