Album of the Month : June 1999
Quimi Portet:
"Canconer electromagnetic"
Quisso/Chrysalis (E)
By no means a newcomer, QUIMI PORTET formed with his mate MANOLO GARCIA the creative team that turned EL ULTIMO DE LA FILA into the most popular and influential Spanish band of the late 80's/ early 90's.
This, his third solo album (but the first to be released since EL ULTIMO's split), was therefore eagerly awaited by the crowd of his former fans. Let them feel reassured: "Canconer electromagnetic" goes beyond everyone's expectations, outmatching by far the last ULTIMO's albums and definitively re-establishing QUIMI PORTET as one of Spain's foreground artists.An obvious personal success, as our man fully assumes every stage in the album's making, from songwriting to production, through the arrangements, the musicianship (he plays all the instruments), and even.., the vocals! A première for QUIMI, who - although he's not really what we'd call " a singer" - knows very well how to make the best possible use of his limits.
At first hearing, the most striking thing on " Canconer electromagnetic" is the SOUND: A wide sound-scape which amazingly blends acoustic, electric and electronic elements through a sharp clear production, and contrasts strongly with the slapdash job that sadly spoils most of the Spanish output.
But according to QUIMI, the sound isn't that important compared to THE SONGS. Actually, you'd have some trouble in finding a single throwaway among the 16 tracks that have been chosen for the album's final cut (out of 30 that were originally recorded in this purpose!). A host of superbly delivered treats which combine a solid and classic 60's songwriting - often enhanced with a light touch of psychedelia - with a resolutely modern and contemporary approach.
If MANOLO GARCIA was the voice of EL ULTIMO DE LA FILA, QUIMI PORTET is the heart: It's still beating stronger than ever, and you don't need a stethoscope to check it, just a CD player.
CHRYSALIS SPAIN, c/o EMI, Ciudad de la Imagen, José Isbert 6-8, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Madrid, Spain.
Homepage: http://www.quimiportet.com/