Almendra

Formed in 1968 by Luis Alberto Spinetta, Edelmiro Molinari, Emilio del Güercio and Rodolfo García, from the ashes of different school bands: Los Sbirros, Los Mods and Los Larkins. They met producer Ricardo Kleiman, who signed them that year and released their first single: “Tema de Pototo/ El mundo entre las manos”. The songs featured orchestral arrangements made by Rodolfo Alchourrón. By the end of 1968, another single was released: “Hoy todo el hielo en la ciudad/ Campos verdes”. By the end of 1969, the first LP (“Almendra”) was released, an instant classic featuring the smash hit ballad “Muchacha (ojos de papel)”, fuzzed up nuggets such as “Ana no duerme” or “Color Humano”, and songs of undescribable beauty like “Laura va” or “Fermín”. Alchourrón was called again for the orchestral arrangements, bandoneon player Rodolfo Mederos guested on “Laura va” and Santiago Giacobbe and Pappo were featured on “Figuración”. A new single featured “Tema de Pototo” and “Final”, this song being and out-take of the LP. During 1970 Almendra were working on the second LP, this was meant to be a conceptual album by Spinetta but by the end of the year the group split. In December of 1970, the second LP was released, a double album featuring sketches of the original idea and compositions by the main members previewing the sound of each member´s new band: Pescado Rabioso (Spinetta), Aquelarre (Del Güercio, García) and Color Humano (Molinari). Another classic. By 1979, Almendra reunited for some shows and a tour. A live album was released (“Almendra en Obras”, double) and a studio album with new songs (“El valle interior”). Some years ago, a wonderful live album was released on CD featuring a concert in 1969 (Teatro del Globo) including some unreleased songs.