Solo Rot (Super Deluxe)

Ariel Rot's solo career has always been overshadowed by the records he cut as a member of seminal Spanish rock bands Tequila and Los Rodríguez. In fact, even his key role as songwriter and lead guitarist of those bands is often neglected as he was not the bands' main singer — in his native Argentina, for instance, Rot is considered as little more than one of Andrés Calamaro's buddies. Fortunately, in his adopted homeland of Spain, Rot has received more of the recognition he so richly deserves, particularly among his colleagues. He may not be exceptional as either a singer, songwriter, or guitar player, but he handsomely compensates by being at least truly accomplished at each of those tasks. His solo albums reflect Rot's all-around musicianship well: they may not be masterpieces, but they are invariably fine, fun, and thoroughly engaging. Having recently turned 50 (as implausible as that may seem for this perennial rock & roll dandy), Rot celebrated accordingly by doing what he does best: releasing another excellent collection of songs and touring with an ace rocking band. Simply titled Solo Rot, this album offers few surprises but many pleasures, as it revisits the many familiar sides of Ariel Rot in the good company of friends such as Candy Caramelo, members of Pereza, and Pete Thomas (of Elvis Costello's Attractions). Already the first three killer tracks encompass Rot's main influences and showcase his trademark musical facility. He can riff out like Keith Richards on the Stonesy opener, "Una Vida Equivocada"; sound like Marc Ribot y Los Cubanos Postizos on "Papi Dame la Mano" (the album's first single, cut from the same cloth as other Rot hits such as "Milonga del Marinero y el Capitán" and "Dos de Corazones" that mix Latin rhythms with sinuous electric guitar); or write perfect pop of the Andrés Calamaro variety on "Dulce Mirada." The rest is pretty uniform, with plenty to enjoy, be it good old rock & roll, rhythm & blues, and even a jazz ballad among Rot's customarily terrific slow numbers — in this category special mention should be made for the two closing tracks, "Cuando No Esperaba Nada" and "Salto al Vacío." As usual, his elegant guitar work adds the icing on the cake, making this set of well-crafted songs truly special. Warmly recommended. [The bonus DVD edition adds video of Rot performing acoustic renditions of five of the album's tracks.]