Buena Vista Social Club: Rhythms del Mundo - Cuba

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Amazon.com Created as a benefit project for Artists' Project Earth, an organization devoted to protecting the environment, reversing climate change, and tendering disaster relief, this compilation pairs Western pop stars (U2, Sting, Artic Monkeys, et al) and their hits with all-new arrangements performed by members of Cuba’s Buena Vista Social Club plus other Havana-based talent. The overall effect is of a well-meaning but not entirely simpatico mutual admiration society. Coldplay's "Clocks" is a good example; the lead vocal is coolly lethargic, engulfing the spiky crags of the rhythm section like syrup on a waffle. But then, most of the singers sound strangely unconnected to the frisky 1-2-3/1-2 of the clavé beat. The contrast between the two groups of players could have been bracing, and to many ears it perhaps will be, but most of the time, they seem to transmitting from parallel universes. Not surprisingly, the best tracks are those in which hometown icons are left to do what they do best. But the late, great Ibrahim Ferrer's marvelous interpretation of "As Time Goes By" (his final recording) and Omara Portuondo's wistful yet powerful cover of "Killing Me Softly" only serve to further showcase what’s amiss with the rest of the album. Christina Roden

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01. COLDPLAY - Clocks
02. JACK JOHNSON - Better Together
03. ARCTIC MONKEYS - Dancing Shoes
04. DIDO and FAITHLESS - One Step Too Far
05. IBRAHIM FERRER - As Time Goes By
06. U2 with COCO FREEMAN - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
07. MAROON 5 - She Will Be Loved
08. KAISER CHIEFS - Modern Way
09. OMARA PORTUONDO - Killing Me Softly
10. VANYA and RDM featuring QUINCY JONES - Ai No Corrida
11. STING - Fragilidad
12. VANYA and RHYTHMS DEL MUNDO - Don't Know Why
13. AQUILA ROSE and IDANIA VALDEZ - Hotel Buena Vista
14. FRANZ FERDINAND - The Dark Of The Matinee
15. LELE featuring RADIOHEAD - High And Dry
16. IBRAHIM FERRER - Casablanca (As Time Goes By)