Soda Stereo was once one of the more important Argentine rock/pop band in the 80s and the early part of the 90s. The band included a trio which was created in 1982 which included Gustavo Cerati the vocalist/guitarist, Zeta Bosio who was born Héctor Bosio the bass player, Charly Alberti who was born Carlos Ficcichia the drummer. Their overall influence spread across the remainder of Latin America in their heyday’s and their successful reunion which occurred in the year 2007 was a recognition of the endurance of their popular sound.
History
This group was originally influenced by the “new wave” music of the era which included, Television, Talking Heads, and The Police. Like these groups, Soda Stereo also went onto embrace ever-changing styles associated with pop, yet they often also explored elements linked to noise rock, new wave, electronica, soul, reggae, and ska. Image happened to be important to Soda Stereo, and the members were often known for concerning themselves with graphic design, clothing, shows and video clips.
It is virtually impossible not to explain renaissance of the rock movement in Argentina in the early part of the 80’s without a mention of the welcomed return of “democracy” in 1983, after 7 long years under a military government. Even though the band was not involved in singing about the political topics, they also emerged with the latest political situation, that aligned Soda Stereo with the bands such as Los Twist and Virus. In comparison to other bands which emerged from this post-dictatorial ruled government, Soda Stereo was definitely the most enduring and popular.
Their 1st album in 1984, which was self-titled Soda Stereo enjoyed national success in association to their ironic lyrics along with a mixture of new wave, ska, reggae, and pop. Their next album known as Nada Personal heightened their popularity with songs that included “Cuando Pase el Temblor ” and “Nada Personal”, which initiated opening doors into the Latin American musical markets. This success was further amplified in the year 1986, with the release of Signos, which was rated as probably the best album out of their career.
The nationally-based press outlets started to take the band more seriously, and from here Soda Stereo went on their tour throughout Latin America which resulted in their live album called Ruido Blanco. In the year 1988, Soda Stereo went to New York where they recorded a 5th album that was known as Doble Vida, that was produced by Carlos Alomar, David Bowie’s guitarist. The 3 used these horn arrangements in order to inject this album with soul music elements. EP Languis was the next record of minor work which commercially did well.
Albums
In 1990, the career of Soda Stereo was successfully upgraded. With the focus on raw-guitars, it was Cancion Animal which was the signal for the change in sound for this band and assisted their popularity in reaching its peak. One of the important elements of this change included Daniel Melero, who was one of the Argentine pop and techno pioneers who managed to renew the band’s attitude and sound. At the time he was known as “Soda’s fourth.” At the end part of the year 1991, Soda Stereo played to around 250,000 people in the streets of Buenos Aires as well as edited their EP Rex Mix that contained a few songs from their live shows along with a brand-new studio-track.
In the beginning part of 1992, Daniel Melero and Gustavo Cerati released a very delicate duo-album named Colores Santos, that involved experimenting with synth-pop songs. Another album known as Dynamo was also released in 1992, which was regarded as their most controversial work along with the lowest of sellers in their career. It was from here that this band reached an “impasse” along with a few solo projects like Cerati’s Amor Amarillo. Rumors about a dissolution started to make rounds, yet this band managed to soldier on for many years to come.
By the year 1995, the band hit the road again, with the release of their most relaxed and calmest work known as Sueño Stereo. This was followed by MTV Unplugged album known as Comfort y Música Para Volar. This acoustic-orientated juxtaposed the classic songs which were performed live, with a number of outtakes from their previous studio album.
However, the personal issues between members over the 15 years together had increased, and in 1997, the band made a decision to embark on their farewell tour. 10 years later, they made a decision to reunite for a host of successful shows. Unfortunately, after achieving a highly successful “solo-career”, Gustavo Cerati suffered a stroke which resulted in brain damage on the left side of his brain after the concert in Caracas in 2010. He remained in a coma for over 4 years before passing away in September 2014. Sep7imo Dia a platinum album which contained remixed Soda Stereo songs which were used in a number of tributes which were produced by Cirque du Soleil issued in the year 2017.
Interview By Donald Rogers
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