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Rating: Taco!? Oh dear, where did this come from? From the darkest and most unexplored nooks of the '80s, of course, and, in my case, also from a completely random, blessed link on YouTube, this precise link. What do we notice? Well, a classic by Cole Porter rearranged a bit in the style of ABBA's "The Visitors", I don't know about you but it seems to me to be a very tasty remake, catchy and kitsch in just the right measure, it works perfectly, and not for nothing, it became his hit; also note the look, an alluring mishmash between outdated elegance and circus makeup, which would be imitated by many, firstly Freddie Mercury in "The Great Pretender." In short, could someone like this not pique my curiosity? Of course, they could not, so I reactivate my special Pinocchio Christ mode, and once again I lead you down inferior paths. Taco eh, one of the most bizarre stage names ever (black metal pseudonyms are out of the contest) I thought before learning that this delightful Dutchman is actually named Taco Ockerse. Even today, at the ripe age of sixty and with white hair, he continues to roam TV shows and various small concerts with his "Puttin' On The Ritz", a humble but passionate and sincere entertainer, certainly worthy of some admiration as well as affection.
If you are looking for refinement, originality, depth, and similar things then move along; here we are at very down-to-earth levels, pure and simple entertainment, with no pretensions. "Mas Que Nada", "La vie en rose", "Singin' In The Rain", etc., universally known light music standards rearranged in a synth-dance style, Stock, Aitken & Waterman style, so to speak; if we are going by that measure, Taco's best of is something quite common in the most prestigious Dutch and German highway stops, should you be in the area and it falls into your hands, my suggestion is of course to buy it: it's gaudy, but incredibly fun. First of all, good old Taco has a very pleasant and expressive voice, and then listening to certain melodies redone in this manner, crude but highly effective, you can't help but smile, you reconcile and reconnect with the concept of light music in its most immediate sense. Best episodes? Many, besides "Puttin' On The Ritz" I would also point out the pairing "I'm Sentimental (Je pense a toi)" - "La vie en rose", then "Cheek To Cheek", "After Eight", "If Swing Goes I Go Too", "Singin' In The Rain"; sometimes, as in the case of "Mas Que Nada" or "Running For Love", the results are fairly mediocre, but it's part of the game, and anyway, in most cases, the formula works great.
On second thought, Taco seems almost like an omen name for this hilarious performer: tacos are like chips, fish and chips, pretzels, roasted peanuts: "junk" food, but pleasant, specifically made to satisfy the most immediate appetites, everything falls into place. And despite everything, I consider him a much more dignified and also more original artist than the likes of Bublé, Mario Biondi, and similar singers; those who have the gift of never taking themselves too seriously, and perhaps also a certain degree of questionable taste like myself will surely appreciate him.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Puttin' on the Ritz (04:41)
If you're blue and you don't know where to go to
why don't you go where fashion sits,
Puttin' on the ritz.
Different types who wear a day coat, pants with stripes
and cutaway coat, perfect fits,
Puttin' on the ritz.
Dressed up like a million dollar trouper
Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper (super duper)
Come let's mix where Rockefellers walk with sticks
or "umberellas" in their mitts,
Puttin' on the ritz.
Have you seen the well-to-do up and down Park Avenue
On that famous thoroughfare with their noses in the air
High hats and Arrow collars white spats and lots of dollars
Spending every dime for a wonderful time
If you're blue and you don't know where to go to
why don't you go where fashion sits,
Puttin' on the ritz.
Puttin' on the ritz.
Puttin' on the ritz.
16 Singin' in the Rain (04:45)
(My God...you fly thousands of miles to get some sun, and it's rainin' cats and dogs! Typical tropical -- I go on vacation, and Mother Nature gives up on me. Yeah, what a lady. Thanks for at least sendin' it down pre-heated! Doesn't seem to bother the natives, though. Back home it gets no one laughin', and here they even sing to it. Must be some voodoo rain chant or somethin'. Humph! And it sure sounds familiar...oh well...)
I'm singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain
What a glorious feeling, I'm happy again
I'm laughin' at clouds so dark up above
The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase, everyone from the place
Come on with the rain, got a smile on my face
I walk down the lane with a happy refrain
I'm singin', just singin' in the rain
(Let it rain all day)
[Repeat 1st verse]
I'm singin' and dancin' in the rain
(Let it rain all day)
[Repeat 1st verse]
I am singin' and dancin' just getting wet in the rain
(Let it rain all day)
(Buckets of sunshine that bring me your love)
(Buckets of sunshine that bring me your love)
(Let it rain all day)
(I love the rainy day)
(We got sunshine, everyday...)
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