Mar Dulce (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

Bajofondo was formed by the well-known Argentinean producer and soundtrack composer Gustavo Santaolalla and the Uruguayan DJ/programmer Juan Campodónico. The group creates music that updates tango and other styles rooted in the region around the Rio de la Plata, the river that runs between Argentina and Uruguay. (Mar Dulce, their second album, takes its name from another term for that river.) Like Gotan Project, Bajofondo weds traditional instruments such as bandoneón and violin to contemporary grooves. On the opener, “Grand Guignol,” the instrumental chugs like a modern club hit, but típico bandoneón riffs meet up with strings that split the difference between disco and tango. Argentinean rockers (Gustavo Cerati, Juan Subirá), a Spanish rapper (Mala Rodriguez), a Mexican pop star (Julieta Venegas), and Elvis Costello are among the various artists who make guest appearances. The voices of two now-deceased performers make key contributions. “Zitarrosa,” uses a sample of the Uruguayan singer and writer Alfredo Zitarrosa (1936-1989) speaking about musical roots. And “Chiquilines” features the last recording of the extraordinary black Uruguayan vocalist, Lágrima Ríos (1924-2006).