Siempre Que Escucho Al Cuarteto (1990)

El Cuarteto de Nos, a renowned Uruguayan rock band known for their satirical and often controversial lyrics, delivers a complex narrative in 'Siempre Que Escucho Al Cuarteto (1990)'. The song intertwines themes of nostalgia, love, and unsettling imagery, creating a multifaceted piece that provokes thought and emotion.

The song begins with the narrator reminiscing about meeting a significant other at a dance while listening to El Cuarteto. The recurring motif of 'el Cuarteto' serves as a trigger for memories, blending the joy of love with the playful yet crude game 'teto'. This duality of innocent love and crude humor is a hallmark of El Cuarteto de Nos' style, reflecting the band's ability to mix lightheartedness with deeper, sometimes uncomfortable themes.

As the song progresses, the narrator recalls various instances where listening to El Cuarteto is intertwined with significant moments in their life, such as distributing pamphlets against the IMF and enjoying a meal at a lover's house. Each memory is punctuated by the game 'teto', blurring the lines between the political, the personal, and the absurd. The repetition of these scenarios emphasizes the strong emotional connection the narrator has with the music of El Cuarteto, making it a soundtrack to their life's pivotal moments.

However, the song also includes disturbing imagery involving a doll and inappropriate actions by an uncle, which starkly contrasts with the otherwise nostalgic and romantic tone. This juxtaposition may be interpreted as a critique of societal issues or a reflection of the complexities of human experiences, where moments of joy and love are often marred by darker undertones. El Cuarteto de Nos uses this contrast to challenge listeners, pushing them to confront uncomfortable truths while still engaging with the music's catchy and memorable melodies.