Cuentos de ayer y de hoy

by

Ñu

"Cuentos de ayer y de hoy" is a great underground Spanish album from the 70s. Released in 1978, it seems like a Spanish version of the British supergroup UK (Wetton, Brufford, Jobson, Holdsworth). The use of violin in the first song 'Profecia' reminds me of Eddie Jobson's work in UK and early Roxy Music.

In just 6 songs we can hear the energetic and heartbreaking vocals of Jose Carlos Molina, with 'Preparan' being the highlight. Also note the strong guitar work in the song 'El Juglar'.

However, there are not only British influences here. Molina's lead vocals are accompanied by some nice flute work, as if he were Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull). The duel of violin and flute in 'El Juglar' is pretty great. Bass and drums sound quite heavy, pushing the album into a proto-metal atmosphere.

(Originally written for Progarchives website, 30-12-2011)