I mentioned before I would be uploading full albums occasionally in the future, I found a fairly easy way to compress files into .zip archives, so I probably will be uploading any large albums in .zip format. I said I was probably going to upload a C-pop album, but decided on Santana's Ceremony: Rarities & Remixes instead.
I will soon be clearing out dead/inactive affiliates, too.
Remember to leave a comment or rating if taking, please.
NOTE: Some of these songs (about half) are personal rips. I meant to upload the whole album from my own rip, but I had some troubles importing and not all the songs came through in full length & decent quality. I have a strict rule about not directly posting links from this site elsewhere (especially with no credit), but generally if you re-upload the files I'm fine with it. However, since this is a personal rip please link back to this site if re-uploading elsewhere.
Release Date: December 16, 2003
Genre: Rock, pop, Latin, jazz, fusion
Language: English, Spanish, Instrumental
File size: 48.52MB, .zip format
Tracklist:
01. Why Don't You & I (Feat. Alex Band of The Calling)
02. Smooth (Chris Staropoli Remix)
03. Maria Maria (Wyclef Remix)
04. Foo Foo (Sam "Server" Citrin Remix)
05. Mañana
06. Truth Don Die
07. Let Me Love You Tonight
08. Curación (Sunlight on Water)
09. Victory Is Won
10. Come To My World
11. Primavera (Feat. Jerry Rivera)
download @ mediafire
Review:
Santana’s Ceremony is a collection of remixes and “rarities”, and lately it’s been one of my favourite albums - a perfect mix of Latin rock, pop and various other genres, as well as a delicate balancing of Carlos Santana’s distinct sound with those of pop and rock stars like Chad Kroeger and Wyclef Jean.
Why Don’t You And I was originally sung by Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, who also played a part in composing the song, but this version is sung by Alex Band, who I must say sounds a lot like Chad Kroeger. As soon as I heard it I was reminded of Nickelback, although the Latin-influenced percussion and, of course, Santana’s famous guitar playing, lends the song a new and fresh flavour. It’s a surprising but seamless blend of two individual styles that are both instantly recognizable. It’s a feel-good rock song with a crucial twist.
Smooth is a song you’ll probably have heard before. Sung by Rob Thomas, this is the Chris Staropoli Remix. Rob Thomas sounds fantastic - I’m not really even talking about his singing, but just how well he fits the mood of the song - provocative, confident, and then almost flippant - Give me your heart, make it real, or else forget about it. Punctuated by bold, brazen trumpet riffs and with an updated, dance-inspired beat, this remix is pulsing with energy.
Maria Maria [Wyclef Remix] is a track I was looking forward to, having enjoyed the original song. The differences between this remix and the original are subtle, although I do like the changed percussion. I have to say, Wyclef’s rapping is a little uninspired and doesn’t really contribute much to the song. It’s really more the original aspects of Maria Maria that appeal to me, rather than Wyclef’s changes and additions.
Next, we come to the lively Foo Foo [Sam “Sever” Citrin Remix]. It’s almost frenzied in its energy - but in a good way. Santana’s liquid-smooth sound is at its peak here, flirting with the music in a call-and-answer style. It’s an incredibly charismatic song. I absolutely love the chants of “Santana! Santana!” and Latin feel. I haven’t heard the original, so I can’t really comment on how the two compare, but this is a fantastic song that definitely shows Santana’s mastery of his instrument as well as his Mexican routes.
Mañana cools things down a bit - it’s a favourite of mine, a breezy acoustic number with staggered harmonies. I love the chorus - And then mañana será se si/Means our love will always be/Something so special and also true/Girl I long to be with you. The lyrics are a bit fluffy and commonplace, but it’s incredibly genuine and heartfelt. I really like the last minute and a half or so of the song, which is dominated by Santana’s guitar work and a softened chorus that sounds like its sung by a crowd of children.
Latin jazz-inspired Truth Don Die is cheerful and fun, with lots of brass, but I felt like there was something missing from it that I couldn’t quite place. It’s a playful, enjoyable song, but didn’t really mark itself as a stand-out.
Something about the romantic Let Me Love You Tonight didn’t really stick with me, either. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a well-put-together song, coupling a simple percussion base with a dreamy chorus and smooth, heartfelt vocals. It just seemed a little too intimate and almost desperate for my taste.
That brings us to the ethereal, understated Curación (Sunlight On Water). It really showcases Santana’s talent not only for playing but for composition. Its seemingly simple, but its clear, flowing melody is what makes it easily memorable. A truly beautiful piece of music.
Victory Is Won, taken from the Shaman album, is soft and almost bittersweet. Like Curación, it’s an instrumental, but more layered and dimensional. Its transitions between instruments are smoothly executed, and it’s a soothing but engaging song with a lovely motif that does not get lost beneath the improvisational-style sections.
Come To My World also takes heavy Latin routes. I love the parts where Santana’s soaring guitar melodies echo the sung lines. It’s a confident, laid-back song with undeniable energy.
Primavera’s acoustic background only brings out Santana’s guitar riffs further. As far as I can tell, it’s entirely in Spanish, and the language definitely suits this song. It doesn’t have the dazzling energy of Foo Foo, but like Foo Foo draws strongly on Santana’s Mexican roots. It’s sophisticated and mature, something that sets it apart from some of the more playful songs on this album.
Ceremony might be a collection of odds and ends, and like many of Santana’s albums features many guest artists who, despite their talent, tend to make an album sound disjointed and incomplete in their various styles. But it’s an incredibly strong album that shows Carlos Santana’s expertise and sheer gift for music. His signature style is really what connects each song in this album. Standouts include Mañana, Foo Foo, and Curación.
Labels: Santana
