Lugares Comunes

It's a testament to Inti-Illimani's art that they can still sound so inspired this far into their career. In many ways this might be one of their most successful albums to date, seamlessly integrating the Andean sound that's always been at the heart of their music with a view that can be almost classical at times. Both songs and instrumentals fare well, although it's wordless tracks like "Hunting the Nandu" and "Maybe Tomorrow" that come across as the most graceful. As always, the band isn't precious about its own material, happily drawing from Peruvian ("Qapac Chunchu") and Mexican ("Malagueña") traditions. They've learned over the years that less can often be more, so the arrangements never overwhelm the melody, leaving a balance of great beauty and delicacy. Even where they do employ strings, on "Malagueña," they're used sparingly. Apparent on every track is the lovely sense of melody that's always been a hallmark of the group, and an awareness of the region's Andean heritage that colors much of the music. Considered and accomplished, but still suffused with joy, this is a classic.