Gustavo Adrian Cerati Clark, or simply Gustavo Cerati, as he is widely known in his native Argentina and the rest of Latin America, has long ago reached the stage of "rock legend". But this legend is well alive and not kicking… No, Gustavo Cerati does not kick; he exudes musical waves in vibrant rays that touch down on many people and warm them like the sun.
I have been caressed by one of these rays a few years ago, and it is still shining within me, becoming brighter by the day.
Born on the 11th of August 1959 in Buenos Aires, Gustavo started playing the guitar aged 8 and soon began singing in a church choir. Throughout his school years, he was known as "the Musician" of the school and so it was not a big surprise when in 1982, he formed a trio with two friends, which was to become one of Latin America's biggest ever rock bands: Soda Stereo.
I will not go into Soda Stereo's history in this very review, but it is essential to mention that this was the point that launched Cerati into the world of music. He was the quintessence of his band, writing most of the music and lyrics, and it was to be expected that he would want to go solo at some point, which he did.
In 1997, Soda Stereo separated, much to the dismay and woe of their fans. Gustavo had already released a solo album ("Amor Amarillo") while still with the band, in 1993, but the end of Soda Stereo meant that he could now fully concentrate on making his own music as he saw fit.
His second solo album, "Bocanada", came out in 1999 and the third one, "Siempre Es Hoy", saw the light of day in 2002.
It is this album I am reviewing.
I bought my copy from amazon.co.uk for £12.99, but it is now available from them for £9.60 or from £6.80 for a used copy.
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"Siempre Es Hoy" (It is always Today) had been long expected. Never had Cerati taken so long in adding the finishing touches to one of his discs. But personal problems as well as other productions on which he was working were the main reasons for the delay.
A recent and very painful separation from a wife he dearly loved and 2 children he adores, obviously did not help. Or rather, ironically, it very much did.
"Siempre Es Hoy" is tinted with the colourful and intense emotions brought about by the anger and the hurting that such episodes in life unmistakeably plunge you in. However, it is a rather contradictory album in that, Gustavo having found a new love in his life, the other half of the songs are blissful emissions of the magic that a newfound passion thrusts you in.
If I have mentioned the above, it is because I find them relevant to the review and more to the point, it so happens that I discovered this album about a year after my - then still reverberating - "official" separation from my own partner. It seemed to have fallen from the heavens; the lyrics echoed my own feelings so much, not to mention the music which worked like a specially made ointment to appease my inner torment, that I soon found myself trying to find out as much as possible about this artist.
Gustavo Cerati became my healer, my Musical Healer.
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"SIEMPRE ES HOY" (It is Always Today) contains no less than then 17 tracks.
*COSAS IMPOSIBLES (Impossible things): A rather lively song, starting with multiple keyboards and drums, soon joined by bass and guitar and many other instruments. As the title suggests, the lyrics are about wanting to achieve impossible things. "In my dreams, I never lose the opportunity…"
*NO TE CREO (I don't Believe You): Is a calmly angry song, setting off with heavy drums and some vinyl scratching; Gustavo's voice is ironically extremely sexy as he (one assumes) addresses his ex-wife: "For so long now, it has been the same, listening to you…" The music intensifies as it reaches the chorus, with more electric guitars; yet his voice remains calm and sexy throughout. There is decidedly "weight" to this song; you can feel he is annoyed and upset and the music echoes this feeling well. "If it's the same thing to be your angel than to be some sort of disposable being…I know that you are saying the truth; I know it; I know you, and I don't believe you!"
*ARTEFACTO (Artefact): Bursting with energy, electric guitars propel you directly into the rhythm and the drums explode on the scene, followed by more guitars. This song is full of life, what some would call a serious "rock" song, and I find it impossible not want to dance to this or bang either head, legs, arms or all of them together. According to Cerati, the lyrics are somehow related to Argentina's crisis (somehow still vivid now as when the album came out in 2002) but they are not easy to decipher, as his lyrics tend to be. "Imaginary worlds are floating in the air…" "There is no such thing as a visionary artefact…"
*NACÍ PARA ESTO (I was born for this) A beautiful love song; happy and peacefully lively. "I have followed the most voracious star and never has it led me so far…"
*AMO DEJARTE ASÍ (I like to leave you like this) The most raunchy song on the album (in a nice way); it also begins with this "weighty" feeling, introduced by drums, bass, as well as electric guitars. Gustavo's voice is very sensual (it always is, but here it is made even more so) as he sings: "Divine obscenity, to give a maximum of flesh, without freeing you from me… I like to leave you like this.."
*TU CICATRIZ EN MI (Your scar in me): Obviously referring to the pain of losing his ex-wife, the music is quite cheerful considering the topic; a declaration of hope despite all… "We swore by nothing else than rooting out the weed once and for all…"
*SEÑALES LUMINOSAS (Glowing Signals): Another love song full of life and glowing signals… it is soft and melodious, clearly written by a man in love!
*KARAOKE: Upbeat music with rather sarcastic lyrics, very lively again and flowing with a lot of ease. Gustavo's velvety voice as sensual as ever. "It was very simple to take off; only a short time before you found yourself a new heart…shamelessness is part of the diversion…now let us see your show.."
*SULKY: I very much like this song, which begins with "bombos" (a sort of Andean drum) which remain throughout the song. It is upbeat yet tranquil, at least this is the feeling I get. "This timber needs a heart to moisten it… full of dust, it awaited my dried up song (or perhaps: full of dust, my dried up song awaited…)"
*CASA (House): Very intense with a lot of bass and grave keyboards, enhanced by higher notes on the guitar, "Casa" has a "deep" feeling to it. Gustavo is joined in the chorus by a beautiful female voice. "It could be that thirst maddens the desert… could it be madness that makes us so dance…"
*CAMUFLAJE (Camouflage): One of my favourite songs on this album; I sense it as very intense and mysterious. Forceful acoustic guitars ignite it and form what is to me the "skeleton" of the song, although some may argue it's the samplers or keyboards and the weighty beat… in any case, it is made perfect by Cerati's pure and immaculate voice. "All that is deep loves to wear a disguise…" "Let us separate love from the eagerness of mitigating pain…to discard the flower only because of its thorns…"
*ALTAR: Setting out in a mellow/merry fashion, it builds up to a hip/hop (or is it rap??) passage, before getting back on a melodious road. "It sounds like the wind and I've decided to erase time; I am my own altar… Tired of sarcasm, the price of silence is getting dearer…"
*TORRE DE MARFIL (Ivory Tower): Once more, a melodious and laid-back song, with intricate arrangements (as all his songs contain..) "To oscillate without talking; a goodbye; the sensation that there is no end…" "…If there is splendour, I shall be a blue-fired dragon…."
*FANTASMA (Ghost) Very brief song, the title perfectly matches the weirdness and quietness of the tune. Mainly electric guitars whispering… dreamy and enticing. "…In a free fall, I am not free…"
*VIVO (Alive) Probably the title that reaches me more profoundly than all the others and touches my most inner core… It is hard to explain with words… The electric guitars that introduce it are oozing with a feeling that must have been born from Gustavo Cerati's very soul! It is painful yet full of hope, it is deep and full of colourful orchids and stars (I have a lot of visions!!). The chorus is very powerful and may I be allowed to emphasize anew the beauty of Gustavo's pristine voice. "To know the other half is but little; to understand that simply being is purer.." "I will put on my uniform of human flesh; I did not expect so much splendour…" "The end of loving … to feel even more alive… " "Such as fire reflected upon the water, I depicted particles of God…"
*SUDESTADA (A wet south-easterly wind) Yet another song that personally moves me acutely, "Sudestada" is gentle and extremely sweet, but becomes more pronounced as it builds up. A lament shaped into a perfect melody. The piano paints the first notes of the song (played by another great Argentinean Artist as special guest: Charly Garcia) and the musical image is completed by guitars, drums and… other instruments. "…I spoke of you, of my torment, of the day that was born in your mouth, of a new storm that is exploding…"
*ESPECIE (Species): Last song on the album, a wonderful declaration of love, but Cerati's love songs have nothing in common with what one tends to refer to as such. Imposing drums roll you in and are instantly joined by bass and many other strange sounding rythms. It contains that same hefty feeling present in many of the other titles on the album and as the others also, builds up slowly before it gently explodes then plunges again… "It is the species that unite us, a mortal jump, to allow life to go on…."
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I have tried to describe the feeling each song creates in me, but as you know, this is no simple task. It is worth mentioning that, throughout all of his songs, Gustavo Cerati never maintains a single (and hence rather dull and boring) rhythm. There are always several changes within each title, and he uses all sorts of musical instruments; guitars, keyboards, percussion, samplers, trumpets, rodhes and even laptops to name a few.
This of course, makes it complicated when trying to give any form of precise description.
Variety is most certainly present on his menu and it is only delicacies you will be served. Perhaps the most enchanting instrument is Cerati's very own voice, which so many envy and which trickles out of his insides like an unsullied, pure and fruity river of fresh water. Velvety and decidedly sensual; a very masculine voice.
Of course, it is simply not feasible to accurately "describe" music, as indeed it is often impossible to elucidate one's own feelings. And what is music but one of the richest and most insightful feelings that many will ever experience?
Needless to say that I personally feel a very strong affinity with Gustavo Cerati's music, something which, clearly, not everyone is bound to sense. His lyrics, whilst by no means the most elaborate I have encountered, are never without significance, and their significance is never shallow. He uses a lot of almost metaphysical metaphors. To me, his music is almost palpable, something I can wear… on the inside.
Re-reading my descriptions, I cannot help but find a tinge of the ridicule in them, though I have endeavoured to refine each and everyone. I have no doubt that others will perceive them differently than I have, but if you wish to widen your musical horizons, this journey will have been worth it; do plunge into Gustavo Cerati's ocean, the beings you will encounter there will appear, at the very least, interestingly unusual!
PS1: Please note that all the pictures below were taken from Cerati's Official Website: www.cerati.com and another excellent website dedicated to him: www.graciastotales.com.ar
PS2: Please note that for some reason, ciao seems to think this is a book?? Although it comes under "Music", the Specific Criteria seems to have been drinking last night and is in a slight state of confusion...
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