Le Mans

Le Mans

Le Mans

Track Listings
 
1. Love Lies
2. Don't Wanna Work
3. Love Is a Waste of Time
4. Never Wanna See You Cry
5. Addicted
6. Chain Around Your Heart
7. Bad Reputation
8. Life of Rock N' Roll
9. Misunderstanding
10. Sex, Guitars, Rock N' Roll

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
LeMans was one of many 'Bay Area Bangers' that were an active part of the hard rock scene in San Francisco during the early and mid-'80s. Guitarist Derek Frigo started the band and put out their first album 'On The Streets' in 1983 on the Shrapnel label. A second album followed in 1986 on Columbia. This is the reissue of that classic second record. The second record was a radical departure in sound from the first album. The heavy metal undertones of the first record were replaced by a more rounded and mature, sharp AOR/Melodic Rock sound. LeMans was the right band in the right place at the wrong time. However, this re-release of their 1986 classic melodic rock work still stands up to modern scrutiny and will leave many a listener wondering what might have been. This 2001 reissue features 10 tracks, digitally remastered.

Le Mans,Le Mans,Song Haus Music,Arena Rock,Hair Metal,Pop,Rock
Aqui vivia yo
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • If my ears could cry, they'd be tears of joy!
  • Soothing, inventive, poppy
  • the best uplifting sad songs ever
  • PRETTY, YES, BUT.......
  • *
 Aqui vivia yo

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000JGM8
Release Date: 1999-06-01

Tracks:

  1. Cancion de todo va mal
  2. Buenos dias, corazon
  3. El amor
  4. Aqui Vivia Yo
  5. No vino, estaba enferma o de vacaciones
  6. Balalaika
  7. La princesita
  8. Yin Yang
  9. Papa Negro
  10. No me abrumes, amor
  11. Una mujer expansiva
  12. Mi novela autobiografica
  13. Ay que triste estoy!
  14. Sic transit gloria mundi

Amazon.com

With Le Mans' penchant for pop arrangements and gorgeous vocal melodies, all sung in Spanish, comparisons to Brazil's Os Mutantes are hard to resist. And it's an apt comparison. But while Os Mutantes took their cues from the upbeat psychedelic music of their era (the Beatles), Le Mans prefer their music to be understated, with shades of lounge, jazz, and salsa. There are many standout tracks on Aquí Vivía Yo--the wistful "Papa Negro" and the slinky groove of "Mi Novel Autobiografica"--but it's the strikingly low-key affect of the album as a whole that gives it its charm. Many of the instruments that appear here are more suggestive than fully utilized--a wah-wah guitar slides in for only two bars of a song, five notes of harmonica, three notes of trombone, a little Hammond organ, all never to be heard from again--and it's this patchwork of ideas that affords the music so much of its appeal. --David A. Kulczyk

Album Description

"Aqui Vivia Yo" translates as "Here is where I used to live", and has been widely acclaimed in Spain as Le Mans' best album, ever.

It is Le Mans' 4th and final release. Over the years the band has developed their jazz-bossa-ennui sound to the assured masterpiece that is their melancholic swan song. The almost eight minute long opening track, "Cancion de todo va mal" ("Everything Goes Wrong tune") is a song which is constantly growing: over a mysterious, almost tribal electronic drum section, more and more instruments - trombones, mandolins, guitars, pianos - are subtly added in progression, until the voice comes in at the end. This is the tone of the album: no radical rupture with their preceding works, yet everything is more effective and successful than ever.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars If my ears could cry, they'd be tears of joy!.......2002-03-19

I used to DJ back in college so I had access to all things new. Occasionally you'd discover a band that totally enthralled you, perhaps you were even mesmerized- that's what happened to me when I heard this album. Unlike the others, my fav track was the upbeat "Yin Yang." After hearing it I kept backtracking to hear it again, and again. The rest of the album is easily as enjoyable, certainly none of the other tracks are as upbeat, yes, they do have a loungy feel, but they're no less awesome. This is the kinda album one wants to hear on a road trip, after Stereolab has made your ears bleed, this will make them cry. Tears of joy, my brothers and sisters! Believe me, this little album is gold...G-O-L-D! That, my friends, is my humble opinion.

5 out of 5 stars Soothing, inventive, poppy.......2002-02-08

I don't know much about them except that they're from Spain. I kept hearing them on Spinner.com and fell in love with their music so I simply had to own it, despite a Visa bill already verged to collapse on top of me. Why must I be so addicted to music? Why??? Anyway, this CD contains soft, lilting "lounge" pop a la Komeda, Holden and Stereolab without the electronics (Stereolab) or the "quirkiness" (Komeda). Think "Girl from Impanema" set in Spain. A deep woman's voice sings on nearly every song, all in Spanish. The graphics of the CD are nice, too, if that matters to you. Do **I** matter to you? I wish I did.

5 out of 5 stars the best uplifting sad songs ever.......2000-12-17

Sometimes a record is no less then as mircale. This is the case here. A batch of songs that will make you feel sad in a very happy way. The band is spanish. Their other records were not that brilliant. They have already splitted. But who cares? Lead singer Theresa is more of an angel then a human. This cd starts where "please please please let me get what i want" by the Smith, ends. It has the spirit of Astrod Gilberto all over it. The tempo is slow and sexy. Misery looks so tempting. Just let yourself sink into this whirllpool of emotions. And don't thank me. Thank the band.

2 out of 5 stars PRETTY, YES, BUT..............2000-11-15

Wow...disappointing!! This is really pretty music. And yes, the lyrics are simple in the best sense, and touching. But....with the exception of a couple of stand-out tracks, this is BORRR-ING. It meanders all over the place at a very slow and stretched out pace, and although the singer has a soothing voice, you'd be much better off getting an Astrud Gilberto CD, seeing as how she sounds just like her. If you like background music or soothing music for coffee shops, you might want to check this out...

5 out of 5 stars *.......2000-04-03

i'll try to avoid sounding like a rock critic using far too many adjectives or describe le mans as the cross-breed of young marble giants and astrud gilberto. such comparisons will be made; however in my book le mans are completely new and original. this is by far their best album. it is different than their previous efforts which were very popy and up-beat. this, on the contrary is a quiet, thoughtful and above all melancholy concept album. if you can't understand spanish i think this might be somewhat tedious to listen to. the lyrics and singing are very touching. in almost every song there is a sense of longing, discontent, and bitterness. after listening to aqui vivia yo one can only hope that le mans will be remembered along with people such as frederico garcia lorca, or pedro almodovar to name but a few spanish artists and poets who've so articulately described the pain and the beauty of living.
First Weaving-Live at Le Mans
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		First Weaving-Live at Le Mans

    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    JazzJazz | Imports | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B000QJM9GI
    Release Date: 2007-07-10
    The Sound of Speed
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Interesting.
    • the seminal cocktail culture composer
    • What about Bob?
    		 The Sound of Speed

    Manufacturer: Bacchus Archives
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Modern PostbebopModern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
    LoungeLounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
    Orchestral PopOrchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B00009ZYAG
    Release Date: 2003-08-12

    Tracks:

    1. Super Chief [Diesel Train]
    2. Midnight Sailing [Ocean Liner]
    3. Vespa [Motor Scooter]
    4. Sub-Manhattan Blues [Subway]
    5. Three-Wheeler Waltz [Tricycle]
    6. Count Down [Missile]
    7. Star Fire [Jet Plane]
    8. Surrey Serenade [Horse & Buggy]
    9. Mans [Sports Car]
    10. Streetcar Named Irving
    11. Sea-Spray [Speed Boat]
    12. Early-Bird Whirly-Bird [Helicopter '96 Mix]

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Interesting........2006-03-17

    This could be background music the to any movie, television series or commercial from the 50's and early 60's. It grows on you. A "Baby Boomer's" delight.

    5 out of 5 stars the seminal cocktail culture composer.......2004-07-05

    Finally, a stateside reissue of the seminal cocktail culture composer Bob Thompson's landmark lounge album, The Sound of Speed, has been released on CD courtesy of those pop culture archeologists at Dionysus, and the tireless efforts of Thompson's son, Spenser. The brilliant Thompson, a contemporary of such celebrated and better known RCA mood music magicians like Juan Garcia Esquivel and Henry Mancini, is long overdue for popular and critical re-discovery, and this crucially cool LP is a perfect launching pad for this revival.

    Recorded in Rome in 1960, The Sound of Speed may seem relatively syrupy in our current culture of hyper-frenetic bass beats and pulse-pounding urban rhythms, but this music hails from a totally different context and era: The Space Age, when rest and relaxation were as much a part of our perceived future as electronically enhanced convenience. While Bob Thompson was at the peak of his powers, a lifestyle of luxury was promised for all, from the stay-at-home mom to the working stiff to the corporate climber. The soothing, stirring orchestration on this collection conveys both inspiration and intoxication. Each track is devoted to a different mode of transportation, most incorporating (or "sampling") the actual mechanical sounds of the object in musical question.

    The soaring rhapsody of "Star Fire" (Jet Plane) and the bouncy lushness of "Early-Bird Whirly-Bird" (Helicopter) have been heard before on lounge compilations, but the rest of the dozen tunes here will be beautiful new music to the lucky listener's ears. From the continental coolness of "La Vespa" (Motor Scooter) to the dreamy drama of "Sub-Manhattan Blues" (Subway Train) to the aquatic aural atmosphere of "Sea-Spray" (Speed Boats) to the cosmic blast of "Count Down" (Missile), Bob Thompson will take you for one wild, wondrous ride. The destination for each traveler is the same: the sanctuary of your own sonically soused soul.

    Along with the original cover and liner notes, the CD package also includes excerpts from an interview yours truly did with Bob for the Fall 2002 issue of ATOMIC Magazine, in which he humbly acknowledges the resurgence of interest in his music with bemused appreciation. Here's to you, Mr. Thompson: cheers, and thanks for the bright, shiny, brand new musical memories. The 21st Century welcomes you!
    - Will Viharo
    www.PortHalcyon.com

    5 out of 5 stars What about Bob?.......2003-10-15

    This is Bob's first solo US release in 43 years. For more about Bob and and a picture of the album cover go to:
    www.bobthompsonmusic.com
    Catastrofe No. 17
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Catastrofe No. 17

      Manufacturer: Elefant Records/Darla
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B00017K020
      Release Date: 2005-04-05
      Disco Related Injury
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Disco Related Injury

        Manufacturer: Rogun
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000CADFKK
        Release Date: 2005-06-07
        Coldlife in the Fastlane
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Coldlife in the Fastlane

          Manufacturer: Rogun
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
          ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000CADDX4
          Release Date: 2004-04-13

          Tracks:

          1. Motorlove
          2. Datacassette
          3. Brainblockers
          4. Freek Street
          5. Citi de Frag
          6. Betamax Disco
          7. Deux Flics
          8. Candy Corner
          Saudade
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		Saudade
            Le Mans
            Manufacturer: Elefant Spain
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
            Latin PopLatin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
            Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B0002JEO06
            Release Date: 2004-08-16

            Tracks:

            1. Desacierto
            2. Cancie Puede Ser
            3. Oh, Romeo, Romeo!
            4. Lucien
            5. Traves
            6. Dry Martini
            7. Saudade
            8. Orlando
            9. Paramour
            Aqui Viva Yo
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              		Aqui Viva Yo
              Le Mans
              Manufacturer: Elefant
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
              InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
              ASIN: B0002JENZW
              Release Date: 2004-08-16

              Tracks:

              1. Cancion De Todo Va Mal
              2. Buenos Dias, Corazon
              3. El Amor
              4. Aqui Vivia Yo
              5. No Vino, Estaba Enferma O De Vacaciones
              6. Balalaika
              7. Princesita
              8. Yin Yang
              9. Papa Negro
              10. No Me Abrumes, Amor
              11. Una Mujer Expansiva
              12. Mi Novela Autobiografica
              13. ! Ay Que Triste Estoy !
              14. Sic Transit Gloria Mundi
              Le Mans
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                		Le Mans

                Manufacturer: Elefant Records/Darla
                ProductGroup: Music
                Binding: Audio CD

                GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
                Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
                RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
                ASIN: B000BYAC9Y
                Release Date: 2005-11-15
                Le Mans (Reis) (Dig)
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  		Le Mans (Reis) (Dig)
                  Le Mans
                  Manufacturer: Elefant Spain
                  ProductGroup: Music
                  Binding: Audio CD

                  GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
                  GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
                  ASIN: B000BX8QTS
                  Release Date: 2005-11-08

                  Music Info:

                  1. Leave Scars
                  2. Loud Guitars, Fast Cars & Wild Wild Livin' [CD-single]
                  3. Lovehunter
                  4. Lunar Strain/Subterranean
                  5. M.S.G.
                  6. Making Contact [Extra tracks]
                  7. Martha Splatterhead's Maddest
                  8. Mechanix
                  9. Medea
                  10. More Trouble Than They're Worth

                  Music Info

                  music info

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