Artist: Esquivel Album: More of Other Worlds, Other Sounds

Year: 1962
Duration: 0:0-1

More of Other Worlds, Other Sounds: An Esquivel Album Review

Esquivel, a Mexican composer and arranger, is known as the father of space-age lounge music. His 1958 released More of Other Worlds, Other Sounds is considered his masterpiece and a classic in the lounge music genre. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the album's history, music genre, best songs, innovative parts, and a critical analysis of the album.

Esquivel was a talented composer who revolutionized music arrangements in the 1950s. The composer used peculiar sound effects, stereo sounds, and echoes in his music, making it unique and futuristic for the time. Esquivel created an entirely new style called Space-age Lounge Music, combining exotic sounds and classical instruments. He transitioned the traditional big band sound into new dimensions of orchestra and ensemble, which attracted different listeners.

More of Other Worlds, Other Sounds is an avant-garde album that presents an unusual arrangement inspired by jazz, pop, and lounge music. The album combines atypical sounds, such as bird calls and bowling balls, with syncopated rhythms, harmonized choirs, and instruments typical of symphony orchestra. This combination highlights the album's vintage character that feels contemporary up to this day.

The best songs of the album start with Whatchamacallit, which presents a powerful brass section, an infectious melody, and a novel use of maracas. Furthermore, it features sound effects such as space blips, drums, and chimes, making it an entertaining and dynamic track. Another track to enjoy on the album is Granada, a Spanish ballad with a Hollywood flavor. The song's arrangement perfectly displays Esquivel's talents as an arranger and his unique use of sound effects. While the album consists of only ten songs, every track is distinct, with unique sounds and arrangements that make it a classic.

More of Other Worlds, Other Sounds' most innovative parts include its unconventional use of stereophonic sound. The album features music that shifts between left and right channels and back again, creating a layered effect. The album's innovative use of sound effects, like bongos and flutes, also highlights the album as a work of art. Furthermore, the album features richly arranged and harmonized choirs that were unique for the time.

A critical analysis of the album could lean towards the idea that some songs feel formulaic and cheesier than others, such as Surfboard, While generating an Exotica-style feeling; it falls short of the expectations that Esquivel had set. Generally, eccentric sounds may be less enjoyable for some listeners, which makes some songs less accessible in comparison to others.

In conclusion, Esquivel's More of Other Worlds, Other Sounds is a classic album that showcases the uniqueness of Space-age Lounge Music. The combination of traditional instruments, coupled with futuristic sound effects, gives it a timeless quality that leaves a lasting impression on listeners. Esquivel's talent for arrangements, coupled with innovative use of sound effects, made him a music legend. The album's songs, innovative parts, and a critical analysis show us that this album is a masterpiece that still attracts audiences in the 21st century.