'Clandestino' review(s):
This inspiration would soon lead to him setting to work on a new album - his debut solo effort entitled "Clandestino". "Clandestino" was a highly personal album recorded with a tiny portable studio which Manu carried everywhere with him, keeping a kind of musical 'diary' of his travels. Mixing computer sound effects and street sounds with simple acoustic guitar, Manu created an album which had a strong Latino 'roots' feel. The fact that most of the lyrics on Manu's new album were written in Spanish also added to the strong Latino ambience on "Clandestino". Manu's album was far from being an upbeat dance-oriented affair, however. On tracks such as "Clandestino" fans would discover Manu Chao in sombre disillusioned mode, singing lyrics such as "Solo, voy con mi pena" (I walk alone, carrying my burden of pain). One of the two French songs on the album was entitled "Je ne t'aime plus" (I Don't Love You Any More) and the album also featured a moody Spanish song called "Malegria" (Painjoy). "Clandestino", which was released in April 98, did not rocket straight to the top of the charts but enjoyed slow, steady success. By the end of the year, however, Manu's solo album not only ended up being one of the top-selling albums in France but also one of the best-selling French albums abroad. Given this overwhelming success, it came as no surprise to anyone when Manu Chao triumphed at the 'Victoires de la Musique' awards in February 99, carrying off the award for Best Album of the Year in the World Music/Traditional Music category. Throughout his career Manu has been closely involved with a number of local community projects both in France and abroad. He is an active member of 'La Caravane des Quartiers' (an association created in 1989 which organises concerts and festivals on council estates and in deprived areas). Manu has been involved with 'La Caravane des Quartiers' since his Mano Negra days and he recently took projects to Spain. |
