Amor en la Mente

Durante momentos como ahorita, cuando el racismo estanca nuestras comunidades, mientras el capitalismo corre como agua podrida por la tierra, tengo que acordarme que el amor todavia existe. Ya sea amor por tu vecino, amor por tu familia, amor por tu comunidad, o amor por tu amante, nos hace sentir algo que nos obliga ver afuera de nosotros, de pensar en algo mas que nuestras propias necesidades o interes. Durante estos tiempos dificiles, tengo que acordarme que el amor existe y alomejor no literalmente mueve montanas, pero si cruza fronteras fisicas y mentales.

Asi que aqui estan, en ningun orden, algunas de mis favoritas canciones de amor.

♥
La Pachuquita

Johnny Cash::Ring of Fire


Ramon Ayala::Un Rinconcito en el Cielo


PJ Harvey::This is Love


The Danleers::One Summer Night


Stone Temple Pilots::Still Remains


Julieta Venegas::Limon y Sal


Enanitos Verdes::Luz de Dia

Julieta Venegas in Oakland 5.5.2010

The first thing I noticed as I tried to push my way to the front of the beautifully renovated Fox Theater as Julieta Venegas came out to play was that 1. She was not carrying her accordion and 2. She was not carrying her accordion because her midsection was occupied...by a baby!! She played with so much energy and heart, which is expected, but the fact that she played such a show while six months pregnant has put Julieta in my super women list, like GG who had 2 children while working on her PhD and is graduating this May. Or La Cumbiambera, who came out to an Enanitos Verdes concert while Naya was doing somersaults in her belly. Like my mother and my mother's mother, neither of who had the luxury of maternity leave and had to work hard labor through their pregnancies.

Here are some pictures and video from the great show. Enjoy!

















The Set List!

Día de las Madres parte II

She has been featured time and again on this blog, but seriously, it is appropriate for me to give big shout outs to the new mother-to-be Julieta Venegas because it is because of her that I am a mother now. For those who don’t know the story, back when this blog first started I happened to be in New York for Julieta's free concert in Central Park. Standing next to me at the show was a cute boy. He had long-ish hair and was wearing a pair of blue beat-up Converse shoes. During the show he caught Julieta’s attention by shouting silly things at her (“¡Julieta dame trabajo! ¡Quiero trabajar contigo!”) I was hooked. The rest is herstory.


Much love, too, to my little mamas, Nayáhuari, who has been an awesome companion on this journey. May your life be blessed with creativity, wisdom, and lots of fans.


Julieta @ the Fox Theater in Oakland, CA, 5 de mayo 2010
(video courtesy of angram0)

more gay butterflies

jeje, the previous post amused me very much. and i have to agree with la cumbiambera: that is a very gay video, and i'm also surprised at the lack of notice taken by music press.

everyone knows butterflies = queer. don't they?

...

si*se : mariposa en la habana (bonitafly remix)




**

julieta, for her part, has long defied the mexi-pop star standards of hetero beauty & propriety, ever since she was a little roquera hanging out with tijuana no!. she of course continues to play the hell out of her accordion (very uncommon for a high-profile female musician in latin america as that is traditionally a masculine role, thank you patriarchy) and currently she's pregnant & refusing to answer questions about paternity. anda, julieta.

here she is in eres para mi, with anita tijoux, charming everyone in her path, from a nun to a construction worker, in a very switch-hitter kind of way ;)

Bien

It’s already been talked about on in both English and Spanish, but there is something that hasn’t yet been said about Julieta Venegas’ new video “Bien o Mal.” And that is that the video is oh-so-lesbo-erotic. Come on. Women in an (almost) all female world passionately devour flowers, lift their skirts for each other, and hover at Julieta’s side as if under a spell. All this, mind you, preceded by a reference to “chicas extrañas.” Can strange girls marry? Have kids? Be happy? How many straight parents have asked these same questions about their own niñas extrañas?



By the way, many a YouTube commentator has expressed disgust over the fart-butterflies. I'd suggest that their disgust is really a thinly masked discomfort at seeing a representation of female sensuality which exists outside of the male gaze. And in a music video no less! Once again Julieta reminds us that you don’t have to act like a loba to cause a buzz in the pop world. Love and patriarchy are separable after all.

Never too late: Felipe Staiti’s solo album rocks

With a new album recently out from Amandititita and new albums to be released by Julieta Venegas and Enrique Bunbury this spring, La Cumbaimbera takes this opportunity to hop back on the blog and spotlight Felipe Staiti’s solo album, which was released last September.

Most know Staiti as the guitarist from Los Enanitos Verdes. No, Felipe has not deflected from Los Enanitos (they did, however, recently swap out Daniel Piccolo, the original baterista, for new dummer Jota Morelli). During the Enanitos’ current 4-year recording hiatus, Staiti recorded his solo project titled after his band Felipe Staiti Trio. The trio, as it turns out, is more of a quartet, as it features Felipe guitar and vocals, Felipe’s long-time friend Gerardo Lucero on bass, and both of Felipe’s sons – Natalio on drums and Juan Pablo as the “invitado” that appears to have a regular role as rhythm guitarist in the band.

The album’s songs are mostly instrumental, with Felipe performing vocals on the three tracks with lyrics. Some songs were recorded years ago while others are new. And while some, like the single “Buenos Días” which aired on Argentine radio, display the familiar melodic pop-rock flavor of Los Enanitos, others, such as the aptly titled “Toro Salvaje” offer a peek at the heavy rocker that Felipe is at heart. Also indicative of Felipe’s personal gustos, is the visual aesthetic of the video for the track “Leviatán.” (Enanitos fans may recall the spooky green lady that was featured as cover art for Néctar).



Not only is Felipe one of the best guitarists in Latin America, he is, as far as I can tell, simply a great guy. He still lives in the city he was raised in. He has responded personally to the MySpae messages I have sent him (yes, I confess – but look how it turned out!). And in between Los Enanitos’ international tours, Felipe passes the time by hopping on stage at venues in his hometown of Mendoza, Argentina and rocking out with his sons. If only all famous artists had his ability to remain true to the music, their family, their roots, and their fans.

¡¡Puras Covers!! Only Covers!!

Algo que siempre me ha gustado es la habilidad de un artista de tomar una canción de otra artista y cantarla en su estilo único. No estoy hablando de esos artistas que solo toman partes de otras canciones sin dar creadito al artista original. Estoy hablando acerca de bandas que solo por el puro amor a la música "cover" canciones que nos transportan a otro tiempo o a otro tipo de música.

Me gustaría compartir con ustedes algunas de mis "covers" favoritas y otras que he encontrado recientemente y me han encantado. ¡Déjenme saber que les parece!

Something I have always liked is a band’s ability to take another artist’s song and sing it in their own unique style. I am not talking about those bands that sample parts of other songs without even giving credit to the original artist. I am talking about bands that out of their pure love of music cover songs that can transport us to another time or to another genre of music.

I would like to share with you all some of my favorite covers and others that I have found recently and I loved. Let me know what you think!


Jaula de Oro: Julieta Venegas (Original: Los Tigres del Norte)


La Negra Tomasa: Caifanes (Original: Compay Segundo)


Dancing Days: Stone Temple Pilots (Original:Led Zeppelin)


Hotel California: Panteon Rococo (Original: The Eagles)


La Bamba: Ska-P (Original: Cancion Tradicional de Veracruz)


Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Ska-P (Original: Cindy Lauper)


Ring of Fire: Social Distortion (Original: Johnny Cash)


Hurt: Johnny Cash (Original: Nine Inch Nails)


Rock el Casbah: Rachid Taha (Original: The Clash)

Traveling Songs... Canciones acerca de Viajar

Recientemente estuve en Nueva York para visitar a unas comadres y en Baltimore, Maryland para participar en la conferencia "Ciudad Desde Abajo" cual se enfocó en la lucha contra el desplazamiento y contra el aburguesamiento de nuestras comunidades. Durante ese tiempo estuve viajando mucho, y me hizo pensar mucho en canciones que he escuchado en mi cabeza o en el radio durante mis diferentes viajes sobre los años. Cada viaje que he tomado en mi vida ha tenido su propio tema musical cual siempre me transporta de nuevo a ese lugar con los mismos colores, olores y recuerdos. Aquí les mando algunas de mis canciones favoritas acerca de viajar, ya sea físicamente o mentalmente. ¡Espero que les guste!

Recently I was in New York visiting some good friends and in Baltimore, Maryland to participate in the conference “City from Below”, which focused on the struggle against displacement and against the gentrification in our communities. During that time I was traveling around a lot, and it made me think a lot about music I have heard either in my head or on the radio during my different travel over the years. Each big trip I have taken in my life has had its own musical soundtrack which always transports me back to that specific place with the same colors, smells, and memories. Here are some of my favorite songs about traveling, either physically or mentally. I hope you like them!

Julieta Venegas: Me Voy


El Barrio: Me Voy al Mundo



La Ley: Fuera de Mi


Los Prisioneros: Tren al Sur


Heroes del Silencio: Entre dos Tierras


Panteon Rococo y Julieta Venegas: Skapate Conmigo

So many albums, so little wireless access

Yes, folks, I am currently in a limited wireless access situation, which means that I have totally L-A-G-G-G-E-D on downloading the slew of new albums by some of my favorite artists. Some of these albums I know I need to have (Julieta’s Unplugged) and others I am curious about (Beto Cuevas) and others are yet to be released (Aterciopelados). But the bottom line is, if you can get to them before me, you should. Here they are, my wishlist:

Julieta Venegas - MTV Unplugged (released in June)
Jaguares - 45 (released Sept 2)
Enrique Bunbury - Hellville De Luxe (released Sept 30 in Spain)
Beto Cuevas - Miedo Escénico (released Sept 30)
Volumen Cero - I Can See the Brite spot (released Oct 7)
Aterciopelados - Río (release date Oct 21)

In the meantime, check out Café Tacvba’s collaboration with Calle 13 on “No Hay Nadie Como Tú.” Like the song, enjoy the video, LOVE the Tacubos plunking and strumming away on their acoustic instruments as they groove!

tu eres para mi, julieta

there's just something about a girl with an accordian, que no? she plays tonight at the warfield in sf, part of her presente tour.

el presente : julieta venegas



con el mundo como va
se nos acaba todo
ay ay ay ay ay
la tempestad y la calma
casi son la misma cosa
ay ay ay ay ay

...

el presente es lo único que tenemos
el presente es lo único que hay
es contigo mi vida con quien puedo sentir
que merece la pena vivir


**

with the world going as it is
we run out of everything
ay ay ay ay ay
the tempest and the calm
are almost the same thing
ay ay ay ay ay

...

the present is all that we have
the present is all that there is
it's with you my love (my life) that i feel
it's worth the trouble to live

random fan notes...

Went to see Julieta (again) in Nueva York, and guess who was playing keyboards for her—Horacio “Chicho” Gomez, who has also been doing teclados for Los Enanitos Verdes ever since Big Bang (the 1995 album, not the explosion). Seeing him on stage with Julieta was like seeing an old friend in the company of one of your other great friends unexpectedly on a street corner. Although, of course, the circumstances aren't that random. Julieta and Los EV have been musical pals ever since Tracción Acústica (1998), a live album recorded in Mexico City and for which Los Enanitos invited Julieta to play her accordion. As for Chicho, during the last few Enanitos shows I’ve been to, his fellow argentinos always give him a solo in which he busts out some good old Argentine tango. And as for those little green guys, a fellow fan and close friend of the band told me that they are planning to release a new album (their 15th!) next year. In the meantime, they are doing their yearly tour EE.UU. in October, but haven’t announced Bay Area dates yet. Come on Barcelona, hurry up and confirm!

still

... thinking about the immigration raids.


de que me sirve el dinero
si estoy como prisionero
dentro de esta gran nación

cuando me acuerdo hasta lloro
que aunque la jaula sea de oro
no deja de ser prisión


**

what use to me is money
if i'm like a prisoner
within this great big country

to remember it i almost cry
even if the cage is golden
it doesn't cease to be a prison




la jaula de oro : versión julieta venegas (original, los tigres del norte)

Not so fabuloso - "Matador" peddles Nissans

It's not a new strategy: big company purchases the rights to a popular song in order to sell a product. Nissan is no exception and is currently running a series of commercials in both Spanish and English set to some of our favorite tunes, such as Julieta Venegas' "Eres Para Mi" and Marc Anthony's "Dímelo." The most disappointing, though, is that Los Fabulosos Cadillacs have also sold a song to Nissan. The kicker is that the song they sold is “Matador,” a song about a freedom fighter living under a (U.S. backed) dictatorship. I saw Los Fabulosos in concert about ten years ago. One of the band members was wearing a Madres de la Plaza de Mayo t-shirt. These days, instead of demanding justice for los desaparecidos, “Matador” is out peddling the 2008 Altima to television watchers.

In memory of the true spirit of “Matador,” I leave you with these lyrics from the song:

Viento de libertad sangre combativa
en los bolsillos del pueblo la vieja herida
de pronto el día se me hace de noche
Murmullos, corridas aquel golpe en la puerta,
Llegó la fuerza policial

Mira hermano en que terminaste
por pelear por un mundo mejor
Que suenan, son balas, me alcanzan,
me atrapan, resiste, Victor Jara no calla…

En el umbral del mundo

Recently I made a mix tape—I mean iTunes playlist—for a friend of mine who was transitioning to a new job. I spent a lot of time combing through my collection to pull together songs that captured everything I thought there was to be reminded of in order to have a healthy transition—how to look back and take lessons without getting stuck, how to look forward without fear. Basically, how to live in the moment, and well, feel excited about the wide-open future.

This is the track list for the CD I eventually made. If you are in need of some inspiration/grounding/good old rockera fun (see Charly García’s “No te sobra una moneda” recorded by Los Enanitos Verdes), I suggest these songs.

Enjoy!


Me Voy Al Mundo - El Barrio (Toda una Decada, Disc 1)
Dormir Soñando - El Gran Silencio (Libres y Locos)
Oleada - Coti Sorokin con Julieta Venegas (there’s also the Julieta-only version on Sí, but I like this one better ‘cuz it has clave.)
El Viento A Favor - Enrique Bunbury (Canciones 1996/2006)
Tren Al Sur - Los Prisioneros (Ni por razón, ni por la fuerza)
No Estuvo Tan Mal - Los Enanitos Verdes (Amores Lejanos)
tengo todo - Café Tacuba (Si No)
¿No Te Sobra Una Moneda? - Los Enanitos Verdes (Guerra Gaucha)
727 - La Gusana Ciega
Hombre Al Agua - Soda Stereo (Canción Animal)
Día Cero - La Ley (Historias e Histeria)
Creo - Los Enanitos Verdes (Big Bang)
Fuera de Mi - La Ley (MTV Unplugged)
Amnesis - Quetzal (Die Cowboy Die)
Que Tengas Suertecita - Enrique Bunbury (El Viaje a Ninguna Parte)
Lucha De Gigantes - Nacha Pop (Amores Perros Soundtrack)


La Gusana Ciega playing "727" last year in Mexicali

Julieta Venegas - Unplugged & Uncompromised

OK, we all know that Julieta used to be a rockera and then she went pop. That being established, there are still many reasons to love her, perhaps even more, as now she has been able to pursue her own musical trajectory, part of which I was privileged to share in last Sunday at a free concert in Central Park, NYC. (Incidentally, there should be more free music in the world, more access to art, more public & private monies to pay the artists so the public’s access isn’t so restricted.) As you may know, Julieta recently recorded an MTV Unplugged album, and though I have not yet watched the YouTube videos, I got a taste of her latest project at her concert, as she is now touring the unplugged versions of her songs. Let me start by saying that Julieta had 14, yes, 14, musicians on stage with her playing everything from orchestral strings to brass to keyboard to congas. The bass player was even doubling as a tambourine player (the tambourine was played with his foot while he plunked away on an upright bass). What an orchestration! Clearly Julieta’s compositional skills are not lacking. Neither is her musicianship. During the concert Julieta sang, and played guitar, and played piano, and of course, played her sparkly red and black accordion (red and black...how cool is that). Then there were her shoes, low silver pumps that were decorated with little purple lighting bolts to match her purple dress. Needless to say, I was in love.

But no concert is complete without it's público, and no city is complete without its Mexicans, which, in New York, are hard to locate if you don’t know where to look. Of course, it wasn’t just the paisas that came out.
I happened to be standing next to a group of rasta-colombianos and some Peruvians. I was also standing next to a Mexican woman and her daughter. The little girl looked about nine years old. She stood there, gripping the front security fence for three hours while we waited for the line-up to start, for the first two acts to do their thing (DJ Bitman & Pastillina Mosh), for the set change to be completed, and then for Julieta to finally come on stage. When Julieta emerged, the little girl was soooo excited. She was singing along with the songs, and whenever Julieta walked towards our side of the stage, the little girl reached her arm out, as true fans do, trying to get as close to her beloved idol as possible. It reminded me of the Selena craze, and I thought, isn’t it awesome that this little girl has female star to look up to—an artist who does not allow herself to be sexualized in the gross ways that other female artists often are, a singer/songwriter/musician who came of age in the Tijuana rock scene and who gives her fans a wealth of true talent to admire.