MTV Unplugged (En Vivo)

Album review

Throughout MTV Unplugged's long and storied presence, this concert by Zacatecas ranchera legend Pepe Aguilar stands out as one of the program's greatest. It is also historic: it marks the first time that a Mexican country singer has ever performed on the program as a headliner. Aguilar is in excellent voice here as he roves through his hits and those of others, underscoring his reputation for not being the "typical" ranchera singer. There are numerous highlights on this set, produced and arranged by Café Tacuba's Emmanuel "Meme" del Real, who provided Aguilar with two excellent new songs, "Hoy Decidí" (on which he also performs) and "Entre Dos Ríos." A wonderful surprise is a soulful cover of Juan Gabriel's classic "Siempre en Mi Mente," sung in duet with Miguel Bosé, who flew from Spain just to be part of the show. Another exciting moment is the cover of Soda Stereo's "Prófugos." Aguilar sang it as a tribute to Argentine rocker Gustavo Cerati, who has been in a coma for four years after suffering a stroke. Soda Stereo gave the young Aguilar's band its first real touring break. But there is plenty of traditional material, too. Shining examples include "El Cascabel," sung with with old friend Reyli Barba, and a trilogy of folk songs where the singer is accompanied by his 15-year-old son Leonardo and daughter Angela (age ten). She also appears in the chorus of "Prometiste," performed with La Santa Cecilia's La Marisoul. Amandititita adds her rap to the stomping "Chapparita," performed by a full-blown mariachi orchestra. Another gem is the stirring duet between Aguilar and Natalia Lafourcade on her hit "Miedo." At the heart of the show is Aguilar's classic "Mi Credo," which goes on for over six minutes. The set closer, "Viento," is performed with Saúl Hernández and Meme. Given all the guest spots, the melding of traditional, pop, and modern material, and the varying orchestration and arrangements, the potential for disaster here was high. Aguilar and his cast not only rise to the occasion, but exceed every expectation with a deeply moving performance that is not only historic but inspirational.

© Thom Jurek /TiVo