By Mike Sain't Louis ·
Viva la alegría, with a fan and a lamé suit
If the cover of Viva la alegría (Long Live Joy) had a sound, it would be a fiesta band by the sea. It's an image with the feel of a 1960s tourist poster, colours toasted by the sun, palm trees, a packed beach and white houses climbing the hill.
In the centre, an ear-to-ear grin, a tall quiff, a beard, a tattooed chest and a gold lamé jacket that shines as if it were made of glitter. In one hand, an open red and black fan, spread towards the camera like someone waving to the shore.
The title, in red and green old-poster lettering, is almost a toast. I like how little it hides: it's an invitation to have a good time, with that camp touch of the Spain of the seaside «destape» years and postcards with flamenco dancers. Listen to it when you need someone to remind you that summer can also be an attitude.