Juana Molina

Son

[Domino; 2006]

Styles: experimental, electronica, folk
Others: Lali Puna, The Notwist, Stereolab, Aoki Takamasa & Tujiko Noriko

Juana Molina’s unique, flawless form of Argentinean post-folk is at once both haunting and captivating. It’s haunting in a way much darker and weirder than that dream where you’re naked at work or school and captivating like a semi-cheesy tragic romance flick, the kind Hollywood used to make back when the hero sometimes died, the kind that you just can’t look away from even though you know it’ll make you cry. This is Son, her third such album and first to be self-produced. It’s truly remarkable how a guitar, various non-American instruments, and some sparse electronics can sound so unbelievably rich. "Malherido" best exemplifies all of the imagery I’ve so far mentioned, with its typical mix of native folk instrumentation, ambient production, and ethereal vocals sung exclusively in Spanish – one of the most beautiful languages to hear, but one that remains largely unknown to me. As such, I don’t know what she’s singing about, but I know how it makes me feel... soothed and fulfilled, through every fiber of my being. According to Lisa Simpson, Pablo Neruda said "laughter is the language of the soul" (if he heard the meowing on "Un Beso Ilega," he might’ve rethought that one). If this is held true, music is surely its voice, and the sound of Juana Molina’s speaks louder than any mix of words. Son should stand as one of the most beautiful and inspiring albums of 2006. Not bad for a reformed actress, eh?

1. Río Seco
2. Yo No
3. La Verdá
4. Un Beso Ilega
5. No Seas Antipática
6. Micael
7. Son
8. Las Culpas
9. Malherido
10. Desordenado
11. Elena
12. Hay Que Ver Si Voy

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