- Special Edition, Made in Austria
The "Mexican Shuffle Special Edition" 12" Vinyl LP Album by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass offers an enhanced listening experience with its 170-gram vinyl pressing. This special edition lets you enjoy the iconic sound of Herb Alpert's trumpet and the band's captivating melodies in superior quality.
The resurgence of vinyl records brings a special edition pressing of Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass's iconic "Mexican Shuffle" album. This release isn't just a chance to revisit catchy tunes on warm analog – it's a reminder of a musical phenomenon that defied expectations and sparked a cultural conversation in the 1960s.
Herb Alpert, the trumpet-wielding frontman, wasn't initially aiming to revolutionize music. He was a successful A&R man at A&M Records, but after hearing a recording of mariachi music, he envisioned a lighter, breezier take on the genre. Teaming up with experienced session musicians who became The Tijuana Brass, Alpert created a sound that blended infectious Latin rhythms with pop sensibilities.
Their 1962 debut album cemented their place in the charts. "Mexican Shuffle," released three years later, solidified their success. Tracks like the title song captured the spirit of a bygone era, a romanticized Mexican soundscape perfect for poolside lounging. This lighthearted approach wasn't without its critics. Some argued it was a superficial take on rich musical traditions, a point fueled by the band's name, which some considered an inauthentic appropriation.
However, Alpert and his band pushed boundaries in a way few anticipated. They introduced American audiences to a new sound, sparking a fascination with Latin music that transcended genre limitations. Their success paved the way for other Latin-influenced artists, fostering a broader appreciation for diverse musical expressions.
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Music Genre: Mexican Themed Brass Music |
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Album Production Information: Liner notes written in German |
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Record Label & Catalognr: A&M Records 179 060 |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 230 gram |
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Year and Country: Made in Austria for European Distribution |
Complete Track Listing of: "Mexican Shuffle Special Edition" |
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The Song/tracks on "Mexican Shuffle Special Edition" are
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The album cover for "Mexican Shuffle" by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass showcases seven band members posing on a black wrought-iron staircase outside an old white brick building. The group is dressed in matching light beige suits with black lapels, white dress shirts, and black ties, giving them a cohesive and formal appearance. Herb Alpert, the band's leader, stands at the bottom of the staircase, leaning against the railing with one foot on the first step. He is wearing a black and white mariachi-style outfit, setting him apart from the rest, and smiles confidently.
The staircase has ornate black metal railings, showing signs of wear, and leads to a black door on the upper level of the weathered brick building. The background includes some greenery growing near the base of the staircase, adding a touch of nature to the urban setting.
The album title, "Mexican Shuffle," is prominently displayed in bold, stylized green letters in the upper left portion of the cover, while the band's name, "Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass," appears above it in an ornate purple and green psychedelic font, reminiscent of 1960s graphic design trends. The A&M Records logo is situated in the lower right corner, completing the vintage aesthetic of the cover.
The back cover of the album "Mexican Shuffle" by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass is designed in black and white with an elegant, structured layout. The left side prominently displays the album title, "Mexican Shuffle," in bold, highly stylized typography with swirling, ornate lettering. The band's name, "Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass," is written in a similar artistic style above it, creating a cohesive vintage aesthetic.
On the right side, the tracklist is neatly organized into two sections, "A-Seite" (Side A) and "B-Seite" (Side B). Each song title is listed along with the respective composers, including well-known names like Lennon & McCartney, Lerner & Loewe, and Ervan Coleman. The text is in a clean, serif font, ensuring readability against the plain background.
There are three black and white photographs arranged strategically on the cover. The top right corner features a dynamic image of Herb Alpert in a dark suit, playing his trumpet with passion. Below this, a second photo captures The Tijuana Brass in an outdoor setting, dressed in matching mariachi-inspired outfits. Some members are standing while others sit casually in the shade of trees, adding a relaxed, natural feel to the composition. In the bottom left corner, a third image presents a close-up portrait of Herb Alpert, who is smiling warmly while dressed in a light-colored sweater, conveying a friendly and approachable demeanor.
Below the portrait, a large block of German text provides background information on Herb Alpert’s rise to fame. It recounts how he developed the distinctive Tijuana Brass sound, drawing inspiration from his travels and experiences near the Mexican border. The text discusses his early work as a songwriter, his eventual success in the music industry, and how the band's lively, brass-driven style captivated international audiences.
The bottom of the cover includes the A&M Records logo, signifying the label under which the album was released. Additionally, a small note indicates that the album was printed in Austria by Hofmannsdruck, 1060 Wien VI, marking its European production.
This is a close-up of the Side One label from the vinyl record "Mexican Shuffle" by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass. The label is circular with a mustard-gold background, contrasting with the black vinyl that surrounds it. The text is printed in black, neatly organized, and legible.
At the top, "Mexican Shuffle" is displayed in bold uppercase letters. Below, the tracklist is arranged in a clear hierarchy, featuring:
The artist's name, "Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass," is printed at the bottom in uppercase letters, aligning with the record’s branding.
The left side of the label prominently features the red and white A&M Records logo, which includes a stylized trumpet below the label's name. Additional details include a "Special Edition" marking and a copyright warning encircling the outer edge of the label, stating, "All Rights of the Record Manufacturer and of the Owner of the Work Recorded Reserved. Copying, Public Performance, Broadcasting of These Records Are Forbidden."
On the right, a black rectangular stamp indicates "BIEM," a European copyright organization. Below this, a circular marking shows "ST 33," denoting the record's stereo format and 33 1/3 RPM speed. The catalog number "179 060 A" is printed just underneath.
The spindle hole in the center is slightly worn, with visible fraying around its edges, indicating usage. The clean, minimalistic design ensures that the information is well-structured and easy to read while maintaining the vintage aesthetic typical of 1960s vinyl records.