TRACKLIST
Side A
1 VIRGIN
2 TELL THE WORLD I’M ALIVE
3 YELLOW SEA DAYS
MARCH 7TH
MARCH 8TH
MARCH 9TH
Side B
1 JEWS CABOOSE
2 A PLACE IN TIME CALL “YOU AND ME”
3 SIMPLE
4 MESHKALINA
5 LAST SONG
DESCRIPTION
Dive into the revolutionary Latin rock vibes of Traffic Sound with their 1970 masterpiece, "Virgin."
Originating in Lima, Peru, this iconic album marked a turning point for the band, fusing psychedelia, hard rock, and a touch of progressive rock with a distinct Latin flavor. The self-written tracks, notably the anthem 'Meshkalina' with nods to local culture, showcased the band's unique blend of influences.
Our new reissue includes extensive liner notes and the original artwork on tip-on gatefold sleeve.
"Virgin" by Traffic Sound is described as the band's greatest album, capturing the essence of their musical and existential outlook. Recorded by youthful members barely 20 years old, the album reflects the non-conformist, profound, and occasionally otherworldly spirit that characterized the youth in Lima during the late 60s. The influence of Anglo-Saxon psychedelia is evident, representing a defiance against the prevailing conservative traditions of the city.
Released in January 1970, the album exhibits the bold and free spirit of late 60s pop music, drawing inspiration from post-Sgt. Pepper's rock and Peruvian psychedelia. The lyrics, predominantly in English, emphasize the youthful desire to break free and search for answers in both the real world and the hidden corners of a stimulated mind. The album was a gateway to a more pedestrian future, where Latin music exerted greater influence, and individual egos re-emerged in the wake of hippy collectivism.
"Virgin" also reflects the band's desire to express themselves freely and dream of becoming rock stars. The recording process involved meticulous analysis of foreign records, shaping the band's ability to mix and arrange their own compositions.
The album's context is set against the socio-political backdrop of Peru in the late 60s, characterized by a military dictatorship with progressive policies. While most local rock bands embraced the aesthetics of psychedelia, they were viewed with distrust by political activists. Traffic Sound, however, adopted a political stance with the song ‘The Revolution,’ criticizing the military government.
"Virgin" itself is described as a sonic journey with carefully arranged tracks. The album's songs are divided into 'Tomorrow' and 'Today,' each offering a unique emotional and sonorous experience.
The album includes notable tracks such as 'Virgin (I Can't Regret You, My Friend),' 'Tell The World I'm Alive,' 'Yellow Sea Days,' 'Jews Caboose,' 'A Place in Time Called "You And Me,"' 'Simple,' 'Meshkalina,' and 'Last Song.' These songs cover themes ranging from failed romance to personal rebirth and socio-political commentary, all infused with psychedelic and experimental elements.
"Virgin" set a high standard in Peruvian rock in the early 1970s, showcasing Traffic Sound's musical prowess and leaving a lasting impact on the country's music scene. Despite releasing two more albums in the following years, "Virgin" remained the band's bestselling record, continuing to resonate with audiences even years after its initial release.