No One

Song: No One
Artist: Federico Aubele
Album: Berlin 13






I'm a fan of chill-out and "lounge" music but often have a hard time keeping it straight.  A bit like jazz... which I like a lot, but since I relegate it to more background music (vs. something I's listen to with headphones, or even traveling in the car) I never seem to remember song titles or artist name, let alone the album... this has much more to do with me than the music itself, but because of this I tend to really go for full albums with a sound that's great for the background from start to finish.

I recently discovered the new album, "Berlin 13" by Argentinian singer-songwriter Federico Aubele, a continent-hoping mix of global influences that borrows from his roots in Buenos Aires, his many years (as the title suggests) in Berlin, Germany, as well as his current city/county, Barcelona Spain.  The album is about his move to Berlin, yet also seems to be more about his acceptance of his South American roots. The album starts out on a pretty but somber note, with tracks like "No One" and "In Your Name" using deep electronic beats and Spanish guitar to create a moody vibe that while exotic, hints at a bit of melancholy.  The music is still sexy, but a significant turn happens with instrumental track five; "Kreutzberg."  Things seem to pick up a bit, and the remaining songs on the album are sung in Spanish, many including vocals by his wife, Natalia Clavier.

Aubele moved to Berlin in 2001 during the Argentinian crisis and emailed a demo to the Thievery Corporation whom quickly signed him to their label.  He was soon releasing his first album, "Grand Hotel Buenos Aires," which was produced by Thievery Corporation.  That band is a perfect touchstone in terms of understanding Aubele's global trip-hop/lounge sound.  They also roduced his follow-up, 2007's "Panamericana."  "Berlin 13" is his fourth album.

In some ways, given what I mentioned before, the songs themselves are indistinguishable from each other, aside form the shift from English-sung to Spanish.  That should not be considered a debt by any means, because from start to finish, "Berlin 13" has an entrancing, transcendental power that's perfect for an early quiet morning, a romantic dinner, or just a chill-out vibe for late-night conversation.  I'm really digging this one.  Check it out.

Enjoy.

No One


Bohemian Rhapsody in Blue


"Berlin 13" Introduction