The Roots of Chicha

Rating

Album: The Roots of Chicha: Psychedelic Cumbias From Peru
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Sonido Amazonico - Los Mirlos
2)	Linda Nena - Juaneco y Su Combo
3)	Cari?ito - Los Hijos del Sol
4)	Patricia, A - Los Destellos
5)	Sacalo Sacalo - Los Diablos Rojos
6)	Ya Se Ha Muerto Mi Abuelo - Juaneco y Su Combo
7)	Milagro Verde, El - Los Mirlos
8)	Para Elisa - Los Destellos
9)	Linda Mu?equita - Los Hijos del Sol
10)	Muchachita del Oriente - Los Mirlos
11)	Elsa - Los Destellos
12)	Vacilando Con Ayahuesca - Juaneco y Su Combo
13)	Guapo, El - Los Diablos Rojos
14)	Mi Morena Rebelde - Eusebio y Su Banjo
15)	Si Me Quieres - Los Hijos del Sol
16)	Me Robaron Mi Runa Mula - Juaneco y Su Combo
17)	Danza de Los Mirlos, La - Los Mirlos

Album: The Roots of Chicha: Psychedelic Cumbias From Peru
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Sonido Amazonico - Los Mirlos
2)	Linda Nena - Juaneco y Su Combo
3)	Cari?ito - Los Hijos del Sol
4)	Patricia, A - Los Destellos
5)	Sacalo Sacalo - Los Diablos Rojos
6)	Ya Se Ha Muerto Mi Abuelo - Juaneco y Su Combo
7)	Milagro Verde, El - Los Mirlos
8)	Para Elisa - Los Destellos
9)	Linda Mu?equita - Los Hijos del Sol
10)	Muchachita del Oriente - Los Mirlos
11)	Elsa - Los Destellos
12)	Vacilando Con Ayahuesca - Juaneco y Su Combo
13)	Guapo, El - Los Diablos Rojos
14)	Mi Morena Rebelde - Eusebio y Su Banjo
15)	Si Me Quieres - Los Hijos del Sol
16)	Me Robaron Mi Runa Mula - Juaneco y Su Combo
17)	Danza de Los Mirlos, La - Los Mirlos

Performer Notes

Liner Note Author: Olivier Conan.
Recording information: 1968-1978.
In the 1960s, as bossa nova and tropicalia enchanted the musical intelligentsia of the world, Incan musicians were exploring an electric version of cumbia called chicha--a bottom-heavy, dance-worthy style that incorporated some traditional Peruvian sounds with farfisa organ, electric guitars, and other signifiers of the psychedelic generation. The sound never caught on in a big way even in Peru, but spawned many garage bands and local stars.
This groundbreaking compilation from Barbes Records gathers classic examples of the musical form into one party-making dance album. The cheesy moments are plenteous, but mostly it's a fun ride and a learning experience.

Professional Reviews

The Wire (p.69) - "Much about THE ROOTS OF CHICHA confounds and intrigues....Weird and wonderful sounds."

Global Rhythm (Publication) (p.62) - "[C]ertainly a contender from the musical find of the year. This impressive set collects music of the '60s and '70s made by indigenous grips from the Peruvian Amazon..."

Mojo (Publisher) (p.122) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[I]t's what's going on top that grips: nonsensical organ solos, surf guitars and wah wah overdoses. Special praise is reserved for Eusebio Campojo, who will make you wonder why there aren't more banjo heroes in rock. Wonderful in a strange way."

Harp (magazine) (p.108) - "[H]ighly catchy, danceable, often funny music....THE ROOTS OF CHICHA compiles some of the most successful peddlers of chicha and their greatest hits..."