La Esquina del Viento (1981)
I had written recently that Medina Azahara's debut is one of the pillars of the Andalusian progressive rock scene of the mid to late 70s. Now the 80s have arrived, and Medina Azahara did what most bands did back then: Streamline their sound, and added period synthesizers. Have no fear though, Medina Azahara are still focused on the plot here, and there's no mistaking this for anything but what it is - Rock Andaluz. I suppose if looking for a metaphor, think of Medina Azahara as southern Spain's very own Saga. That is to say a band that was able to seamlessly meld the 70s and 80s together, without leaks and cracks. Not sure how I managed to compare Saga to Medina Azahara, but hey... Anyway, unfortunately from here, the band took the metaphor too far, and ended up strictly as a pop group for a few years. But their first two albums are essential for the genre.
Ownership: 1995 CBS / Sony (CD). With Andalucia. Acquired in 1996.
First copy: 1981 CBS (LP). Acquired in 1994.
1994; 1996; 2008; 4/7/13; 5/5/18 (review)
Medina Azahara (1979)
One of the three pillars of the Rock Andaluz scene of the mid to late 1970's, Medina Azahara's debut is filled with the energy of southern Spain. Great fuzzy tones and an urgency similar to Mezquita, and the passionate Arabian vocals recall Triana at their very best. 'Hacia' Ti' is the 5 star highlight, but 'En la Manana' and the closing two tracks are in the running. A brilliant album throughout.
The cover is just as gorgeous as the music itself, and is a permanent fixture on my "wall of albums".
Ownership:
1979 CBS (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 1994.
1994 CBS / Sony (CD). Acquired in 1996.
1994; 1996; 12/10/17 (review)
12/10/17 (new entry)
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