RAUELSSON – La Siembra, La Espera y La Cosecha

Some of the best albums are the ones you listen to least. Certain albums just stand better in a way that doesn’t allow for blasting the single at a dance party. Rauelsson’s La Siembra, La Espera y La Cosecha is one of those albums. There is a time for music like this — when you have a moment to sit back, relax, and really let the music play. If you do that, you will love this album. Each track is beautiful and different. But if you attempt to listen to this with only a passing interest, it will float by without a thought.

At first, the music seems simple and relaxing, and it is — but let yourself become invested and you will be rewarded with more. Throughout each weaving visual track, instruments rise and fall, each taking precedent for a short time. Just as you begin to notice the strings, they will fade away and the piano will overtake the song. It’s exciting music if you want it to be. On top of that, as I mentioned briefly, this is a visual album. I’ve always had an affinity for music that, despite any language barriers, has the effect of watching a film. Each track conjures forth a different time in life, a specific moment of heightened emotion or thought. There are so many interesting tracks here, it is hard to say what the strongest moments are — I would suggest the haunting tango-like music of “Columpious.” The first two tracks, which definitely have the biggest single potential, have a wonderful child-like quality, but that doesn’t hint at the darkness and maturity of most of the album.

This is not a record to listen to anytime, but if you are in the mood for something challenging and ultimately rewarding, it is a wonderful piece of Spanish folk.

(Hush Records, PO Box 12713, Portland, OR 97211)