Ruben Blades - Escenas (1985) Vinyl LP • Silencios, Linda Ronstadt, Sorpresas

Catalog Number: 9-60432-1

Record Grading: Very Good (VG), Sleeve Grading: Excellent (EX)

Condition Details:

Still in ORIGINAL SHRINK-WRAP (opened), with HYPE-STICKER. Vinyl plays with crackles and some clicks (play-graded). Cover has a few creases near edges; light-scuffing (front/back); split in shrink near top-right of back. Inner-sleeve is original (lyrics); seams partially split. Spine is easy-to-read with mild-wear. Shelf-wear along top/bottom-edge and corners. Opening is crisp with signs of light use and divots. (Not a cut-out.)

Tracks:

• Cuentas Del Alma
• Tierra Dura (Etiopia)
• La Canción Del Final Del Mundo
• Sorpresas
• Caína
• Silencios
• Muévete

About The Record:

Escenas, by Rubén Blades Y Seis Del Solar, is an innovative concept album structured as interconnected vignettes depicting life in New York City's Latino communities, with narrative threads woven through spoken interludes, ambient sounds, and a blend of salsa, rock, and jazz influences. A unique aspect lies in its cinematic approach, complete with synthesizer programming and a star-studded ensemble including future luminaries like pianist Oscar Hernández and percussionist Eddie Montalvo, marking Blades's bold evolution from traditional salsa. Historically, it holds significance as the first album by Blades to clinch a Grammy for Best Tropical Latin Album in 1986, elevating socially aware Latin music into broader acclaim. Fan favorites among the tracks—"Cuentas del Alma," the poignant "Tierra Dura (Etiopía)," and the urgent "Desapariciones"—stand out for their storytelling depth, while the explosive "Muévete" showcases rhythmic innovation. The lead single Decisiones soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart for several weeks, cementing the album's impact.