Un millón de años luz

When you immerse yourself in *Un Millón De Años Luz*, you encounter an atmosphere that is built up gradually. It begins with subtle keyboard sounds, a barely hinted-at guitar, and voices that sound like whispers. It's as if the song gently invites you into its world. After this preamble, the main riff emerges, that hook that grabs you and carries you through the track. The rhythm and the characteristically descending bassline have a clear connection with *Tempted*, a piece by Squeeze. There's a key moment, right after the line 'yo estaré a un millón de años luz de casa' (I'll be a million light-years from home), where Gustavo Cerati unleashes a guitar solo. In live performances, these solos are usually more extensive than on the original album recording. Curiously, in one of the live versions, the one included in *El último concierto* (The Last Concert), that guitar solo was edited, notably shortening it. However, in another live version, from the *Me Verás Volver* (You'll See Me Return) tour, the solo was kept as is, without cuts.

This musical piece, *Un Millón De Años Luz*, is part of the album *Canción Animal* by Soda Stereo, released in 1990. It was written by Gustavo Cerati, who was part of this influential trio along with Héctor "Zeta" Bosio on bass and Charly Alberti on drums. The band, originally from Argentina, is recognized for its pioneering role in Spanish-language rock and for achieving significant recognition throughout Ibero-America. Soda Stereo's initial sound was influenced by new wave bands like Virus and The Police, as well as artists like Elvis Costello and post-punk groups like Television. Over time, their style evolved towards alternative rock with a more powerful sound, incorporating elements of classic rock, progressive rock, shoegaze, neo-psychedelia, britpop, and electronic music. The song *Un Millón De Años Luz* has also been included in later compilations, such as *Me Verás Volver* in 2007.