It's hard not to notice such an unforgettable sleeve, and if the music it protects is half as memorable as the artwork, you know you just have to hear it. We don't think you'll be disappointed because yes, this is the majestic 1971 album Un Muñeco de Madera, courtesy of the shadowy Sola, and it sounds exactly as you'd want it to. Originally released on RCA in Mexico, it's kaleidoscopic Acapulcan-funk.The album's endless grooves are propelled by softly rocking, quasi-library funk breaks. Vocally, Sola is in step with the 60s French pop-chanteuse style, but of course, her lyrics are delivered in sensuous Spanish. Her voice is beautiful. Pillowy soft and tender, it can suddenly explode in mystical anger. These are ten tracks of moody, mysterious vibes that jangle the nerves and sooth the soul.Next to nothing is known about Sola, except the occasional whisper from only the darkest corners of the annals of music history. It's said that, upon growing disillusioned with the music industry, she ended up in a convent of Carmelite Sisters. As her simultaneous opening statement and parting gift, Un Muñeco de Madera is a spiritual wonder of a record.Much-loved single and title-track "Un Muñeco de Madera" opens the album. It introduces us to Sola's sparkling Latin-funk, bursting with swaggering grooves sewn by tight drums, sweeping strings and lush keys. It's followed by the serene but melancholic bossa groove of "Oye Mamá, Oye Papá" and the strings and guitar of "He Bajado Al Infierno" that hold up vocals reaching for an eternal truth. With full-on soundtracky feels, the rolling keys underpinning the Morricone-esque soundscape of "En Ellos Creo" will give you goosebumps. The gorgeous "Soy Rebelde" ("I'm Rebellious"), sets it's gentle, piano-led delivery in delicate contrast to the lyrical sentiment.Perhaps Sola's most well-known track, the exotic bossa of "Tabu, Tabu", is a formidable groove. Elegant bongos, prominent bass, delicate acoustics and a persistent flute blend with Sola's unique voice; sinuous, sassy and forceful at the same time. The stunning "La Última Palabra", while not literally the album's last word, is nevertheless a stirring statement of strutting Latin soul, with more musical ideas packed into this one song than the entirety of most long-players.If you hadn't decided already, the final two tracks, the funk-fuelled "Bada-Bada-Ba" and horn-heavy percussive masterclass "Únete A Mi", will certainly leave you with the conviction that Sola should not have stopped at just this one solitary album.Mastered with great respect by Simon Francis, cut by the master Pete Norman and with that sleeve lovingly restored by the Be With team, this new reissue ensures that this long-desired record now sounds, looks and feels as beautiful as it deserves to.
Release date:
May 7, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Spite House Desertion
Pure Noise Records
September 12, 2025 -
Despised Icon Shadow Work (Red, Black, White Marbled)
Nuclear Blast
October 31, 2025 -
Guerilla Toss You're Weird Now (Yellow)
Sub Pop
September 12, 2025 -
Duff McKagan Lighthouse: Live from London [2xLP]
Earmusic
October 31, 2025 -
Tasha Cobbs Leonard TASHA Foggy Horizon [2xLP]
Motown Gospel
September 19, 2025 -
Jim White Inner Day
Drag City
October 24, 2025 -
Upchuck I'm Nice Now
Domino Record Co
October 3, 2025 -
Chiodos All's Well That End's Well (20Th Anniversary)
Sumerian Records
September 19, 2025 -
Coroner Dissonance Theory
Century Media
October 17, 2025 -
The Boojums The Boojums
Having Fun
October 31, 2025 -
Creeper Sanguivore II: Mistress of Death (Purple)
Spinefarm
October 31, 2025 -
Brandi Carlile Returning To Myself
Brandi Carlile Band/Interscope/Lost Highway
October 24, 2025 -
Scorpions From The First Sting [2xLP]
Bmg
October 17, 2025 -
Hannah Jadagu Describe (Pink)
Sub Pop
October 24, 2025