This is an excellent two disc introduction to the work of Carlos Gardel done by BMG's Mexico subsidiary, focussing on his most enduring work, notably the recordings made in New York for the films he made with Paramount in 1934-1935. It has very likely been prepared not from 78s, but from LPs (transferred from 78s decades ago) issued in Mexico. LP transfers often have better sound fidelity than newer ones made from 78s, because even mint condition 78s deteriorate over time (due to degradation in the materials from which they were made). In effect, the LP takes a snapshot of the 78 at a particular time. Considering that LPs came in in the 1960s, that could be 50 years ago.

I bought this album on the strength of a friend's recommendation and compared it to the transfers on EMI Hemisphere's Best of Carlos Gardel, which was transferred at the world famous Abbey Road studios in London and is the best single disc Gardel compilation available. In order to do this, it's essential to normalize the track volume correctly because louder transfers sound better - they just fool the ear. The transfers on this album are louder than those on the EMI Hemisphere CD, but even once normalized they are better - sometimes much better, having a much fuller sound.

On the minus side, a few of the tracks have some reverberation - a common trick when the fidelity of the track is not perfect. This would almost certainly have been present on the LPs. On Disc 1, the reverberation on "Mano a mano" is really terrible (sorry Sasha) - the performance suffers really badly and this is the one track that is basically unlistenable. You can also hear some reverb on "Silencio" and "Siga el corso" on Disc 2, but it's not nearly so bothersome.

A number of tracks are presented with introductions. Many of them are extracts from the films in which the songs appeared. These are tremendously atmospheric (you can sometimes here the girl sighing in the background as he speaks!) but a bit confusing if you don't speak Spanish. The remainder, which I've marked with an asterisk *, are short spoken introductions (exordiums) which Gardel recorded at the beginning of the 78rpm disc before the performance began. I prefer these in a way, since the introductions from the films were not immediately followed as they are here by the songs (which in any case were re-recorded in a sound studio for release on 78).

They are, on Disc 1: Volver, Soledad, Cuesta Abajo, Amargura, Soledad and Golondrinas (6 tracks); and on Disc 2, Silencio*, Mi Buenos Aires querido, Volvió una noche*, Melodía de arrabal and Rubias de New York (5 tracks).

In case you are thinking that a double album is too much: let me tell you it isn't for a voice of this quality, possibly the best latin voice of all time. He really does sing better every day.

In summary: a great album, if a little pricey, but worth the extra.

Brand	N/A
Rating	5 (7 ratings)
Price	$21
Category	Argentina

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