La banda puertorriqueña Superaquello presentó el viernes 25 de diciembre de 2009 su concierto especial “Villan Psico”, donde abarrotaron la respuesta con un lleno total que, según los propietarios del lugar, rompió record de asistencia para una noche.

Superaquello deleitó a nuevos y viejos seguidores – algunos que tuvieron la oportunidad de ver la banda en directo despues de muchos años, por vivir fuera de la isla y otros más jóvenes que los veían por primera vez – con un extenso repertorio de 27 canciones de todos sus discos, incluyendo una magnífica colaboración con el productor Omar García en el tema “Escuchate Esta” (que sale al mercado en 2010). La escenografía de parte de Marco Trevisani, el sonido de Orlando Méndez y Nicolás Linares (LittleBig Audio) y el genial Lobogamma en la curadoría de DJ completaron una noche verdaderamente espectacular.

Superaquello @ La Respuesta 25 de diciembre

Pronto subiremos más fotos. Si tienes fotos de este concierto y las quieres compartir envía el link o las imágenes a: rockindie@atrumorbis.com

Base solely on the opening trifecta of: “Animal,” “Dia Cero,” and “El Duelo” this album is rock perfection in any language.  But to give credit to La Ley, INVISIBLE turned out to be an album full of awe-inspiring rock offerings beyond those three songs and much more.

La Ley (“The Law”) were a  Grammy winning rock band from Chile formed in 1987, remaining active until 2005 when they disbanded for good.  They released a total of 7 studio albums, 1 MTV Unplugged, and a Greatest Hits Compilation during their career.  Though several of those albums helped them become recognized as one of the best and most accomplished-not to mention popular-bands in Latin America, INVISIBLE, their fourth release, has remained not only a fan favorite but their most critically acclaimed work…and for damn good reasons.

Expanding their sound by experimenting with electronica, in addition to their more organic instruments and letting the music become influenced by a varied array of rhythms from European to American to Soul to Jazz to Bossa Nova to even Mexican folk.  They even broke out of their Spanish language comfort zone and performed full songs in English and French, making INVISIBLE their broadest album.

And yet the album as a whole is a much darker affair than anything prior or since. The lyrics are particularly dark and some of the songs take on a bit of Gothic-Rock. All of this can probably be attributed to the death of their band leader on a motorcycle accident, months before the recording of INVISIBLE.  And yet, the album is technically flawless; engineered in a crystalline sonic sheen that it is at once, innovative and highly commercial in its accessibility.  15 years after its release, not one bit of it sounds dated.  La Ley were in mourning and in need to be daring and to pay tribute to their lost comrade with a stunning album that was way ahead of its time and they succeeded on every single count.  Grade: A+

Haga click en el flyer para agrandar

SUPERAQUELLO cierra el año con “Villan Psico”

El grupo puertorriqueño de rock Superaquello se prepara para poner punto final a un año de grandes triunfos con el concierto de navidad en el espacio musical y artístico llamado La Respuesta de Santurce, el 25 de diciembre del 2009.

El 2009 ha sido un año importante en la historia de la banda, formada en 1997 por los cantautores Eduardo Alegría y Francis Pérez. Desde el lanzamiento de  su cuarta producción discográfica llamada “Superaquello interpreta Latarde”, su enlace comercial con las disqueras AtrumOrbis Music de Puerto Rico y Diablito Records en México, triunfando con su estilo original.  Han acaparado la atención de la prensa mundial con reseñas positivas desde Puerto Rico, México, Estados Unidos y España. A principios de diciembre fueron artistas invitados en el especial “Palés y la rumba de esquina”, del Banco Popular, en tributo a Luis Palés Matos.

Superaquello se encuentra trabajando la promoción de “Flor Es Ser”, primer sencillo de su nuevo álbum, con el que planean ir en giras promocionales a Estados Unidos y México en el 2010.

“Villan Psico” es el título de la magna presentación musical de navidad en La Respuesta, Santurce, que estará matizada por ser un largo recital con su alineación original (incluyendo a Pablo Santiago, tecladista del grupo que actualmente reside en Los Ángeles) y la interpretación de canciones de sus cuatro producciones musicales. La presentación “Villan Psico” contará además con el estreno del tema “Escuchate Esta”, interpretado por Superaquello en colaboración con el cantante y productor Omar García. Adicionalmente, se regalará una tarjeta para descargar gratuitamente el primer demo de Superaquello, titulado “demo ‘99” a las primeras 50 personas en ingresar al evento.

SUPERAQUELLO

Invitados: LOBOGAMMA, OMAR GARCÍA

@ La Respuesta, 1600 Ave. Fernández Juncos, Santurce

Viernes 25 de diciembre

9:00 PM

Entrada $10

http://superaquello.com

Ringo Garza, American drummer and vocalist with Los Lonely Boys

I rarely watch late night shows, but I just happened to be up and watching Craig Ferguson’s “The Late Late Show” after going to see Eisely in concert on 10/28. Rodrigo y Gabriela played “Buster Voodoo” and it was one of those performances where I just could not take my eyes off of them because it was so different and so impressive. I don’t care how long you’ve been playing guitar, they are doing things on their acoustic guitars you probably could only dream of. So fast. So unique.

I believe this second video is of the album version and if you listen to both, note the energy and speed of the live performance:

Song Recommendations

If you like this song, I also suggest:

• Chingón
• Heart
• Martin Tallstrom

I also suggest the music genre:

• Latin Rock

Click here for more info on Rodrigo y Gabriela – 11:11 – “Buster Voodoo”.

The MP3 may be purchased here:

Rodrigo y Gabriela - 11:11

We are very excited to announce that Del Castillo will be releasing a new CD entitled “Vintage Reserve” just in time for the holidays!! This special, online-only digital download, release will contain songs that have been written over the past ten years but have never made it onto a cd or even been played live! We’ve kept them in the “wine cellar” for many years but now feel that the time is right to let them be heard! These songs show many different musical sides of Del Castillo so we hope you enjoy them!! We hope to have a “Behind the Scenes at Smilin’ Castle Studio” video to accompany it also!!

Disclaimer: If you were wondering what kind or rock music was popular in the ancient Roman empire, I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong Latin rock post.

A lot of people have no idea that there is more to Latin music than mariachi or salsa or whatever other musical stereotype they hold dearest.  I’m not saying YOU didn’t know, because if you are reading this blog, frankly, you’re already awesome.  I’m going to try to cover some of the greatest rock bands of Latin America, including some of the most well-known and then going into some less commercial gems.  The compiled list after the jump.

1) Maná:  One of the most popular rock bands in Latin America, Maná has a distinctive style that can be contagious, innovative, and yet mainstream at the same time (which is probably why it’s so popular).

2) Jaguares: Though most popular a few years ago, I think this band is still going strong. I just LOVE the guitars.

3) Caifanes:  This is probably one of the most famous songs, and one of my personal favorites.

4) El Tri:  One of the oldest and most beloved rock bands in Mexico. The song starts at about 2:05 .  Wait for it, it’s worth it.

5) Café Tacuba: I find them to be somewhat like Maná in terms of style, but judge it by yourselves.

6) Enanitos Verdes: “Lamento Boliviano,” in my opinion, one of their best.

7) La Gusana Ciega: I added this band because, though virtually unknown, theirs was the first concert I ever went to.  There were people bouncing off the walls. Literally, throwing themselves at and bouncing off the walls.  It was the craziest thing my 13 year-old self had ever seen, and it just brings back nostalgic, pubescent memories.

8 ) Julieta Venegas: A more alternative pop/rock singer.  In fact, all the musicians or groups that follow belong to this class of music.  They are not quite rock but not quite so pop.  I thought it would be nice to include some of them, too, for those who prefer this style.

9) La Ley:

What do you think?  Any favorites?  If you have any more band recommendations, leave them in the comments!

In “Cuba: Waiting for a Revolution” Adrian Baschuk travels to Cuba to examine the potential of a counter-revolution against a leadership that has been in power for 50 years. He’s agreed to be interviewed in the same fashion as Mariana, which means we need questions from you! Do you have questions about Cuba, Castro’s 50 year reign, or any of Adrian’s other work with Vanguard? You can post your question as a comment below, or as a tweet@current.

Radioboxer  is an indie rock / pop band formed at the end of 2008 in Miami.

The band consists of Vanessa (vocals), J Dazza (bass), Gian (keyboards), Esteban (guitar), Santos (guitar) and Tekila 23 (drums).

Vanessa describes their music as “not exactly a Latin rock band rather something trapped between Latin sounds and indie rock“ while J Dazza describes their music as “electronic-driven with hints of country [and] straight-forward rock sounds…”

Their debut album Radio Drama is being released independently on 2009 and has been said to be  “clever and unexpected variety in styles coaxed to meld together in harmonious union”.

Radioboxer’s music has been defined by the local media as “A very talented patient at the psych ward with multiple personality disorder” and they’ve also been dubbed  “one of Miami’s Coolest Bands”.

Keep a lookout for them- they seem to have a winning formula for success.

Enjoy their video for ‘Radio Broke My Heart’ below

xx

yours in musical madness

Argentina's Own, Andres Calamaro

Andres Calamaro is an Argentinian singer who has really won me over. He has a really raspy, smokey, cigarette addict-damaged voice that really isnt easy to like. The first time I ever heard him I really wasn’t feeling him. I couldn’t figure him out. Was he a balladeer? Was he a tradition bolero singer? Was he new wave? Alternative? I couldn’t get it. I just couldnt figure out where he was going with his music. Thats how he grew on me.

Andres basically hits on everything to make his own sound. He pays homage to everything in his music. Salsa, Tango, Bolero, Rock, Pop, Alternative, Blues, Funk, you name it.

The other thing I love about this guy is, he lives and breathes music and its not about the money. I mean he made his music free he wanted it to be downloaded on torrents and free sharing sites because he wanted the music for everyone. Hes always trying to make new music and make different sounds. Its awesome.

I couldnt find many videos on the guy so here is one for his song Loco, its not my fave but its pretty good.

Steve Berlin, American saxophonist, keyboardist and record producer, Los Lobos

Maleco Collective proposes to meet in the middle, somewhere in between.

We had el gusto to have Maleco Collective over at Globalhue Latino, where they got to share with us how the band got started, where they are and a their perspective of Latino music and its future.

Maleco was born out of a basement in the Silverlake district of Los Angeles, and what started as a 5-song project quickly became a movement on music exploration.  If we had to describe what defines Maleco Collective is the fact they are pretty much impossible to define. The band, composed of members from all over Latin America (Puerto Rico, México, Perú), explores different music genres and styles without claiming ground in any one particular musical corner.

“When this whole thing got started, I thought it was going to be a Hip-hop gig, but we ended up with a global sound” says Maleco.

The moment the band decided to shed labels and ignore traditional formulas that would define who they would grow up to be, was the moment the group found its voice, “I want us to go the opposite way, I want us to meet in the middle” said drummer Arquet.

Here is Maleco speaking about their differences:

“We all come from different places and we bring all of that with us”

“That’s what is special about this project, the music is so hard to classify”

“We are a group that celebrates all our diversity, we bring all of that together to create a unique sound”

While Maleco Collective is a sound completely representative of our times, it is also very much anchored in Latino tradition and values, plus it feeds from the band’s personal heritage and past.

“Our sound, you really can’t put your finger on it, but I do think it representative of who we are as Latinos as far as multicultural goes, you got México, Perú, you have Puerto Rico, Reggaeton, Hip-hop, electro, Ska…”

“Our music is really a fusion of what we grew up with, it’s the melting pot within the Latino community”

“Everything we are bringing in…message wise, music wise, even aesthetically, comes from cultural globalization”

While being “undefined” allows for a heightened creative expression, it also breaks down traditional media structures where content could be “heard”.  This is the challenge Maleco faces and they are up for that challenge.  The group believes now, more than ever, is the time to change that traditional model.  “Our generation is empowered” says lead singer, “It is the right project for the right time where Latinos are”

The lesson to be learned here is that without the sound, all else is pretty much just noise.  If we are able to produce content that is relevant, meaningful and connects culturally with Latinos, the places and the space where this material can potentially live will organically form.

Thanks Maleco! Meeting “en medio” no suena nada mal.

http://listenrecovery.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/maleco-collective-intro-bio-of-a-band-latin-movement/

Tamy Rofe
a -Latinsound- @GlobalHue Latino

Again the most clever latin american songwriter of our generation and undoubtedly one of the all time great musical geniuses delivers an epic performance in his ultra-rare, numbered, limited edition live performance album:  Teatro.

In Teatro, Draco Rosa (also known as Robi Rosa, Cornelius Draco Rosa) again shows us he has been fooling the uneducated ears of latin american pop fans by performing in its purest, original and undoubtedly “as intended” form the song “Living la vida loca”- which previously turned Ricky Martin into and unprecedented mega star in the english speaking markets.

He also elaborates on his Baudelaire- inspired poetic themes with songs like “Todo es Vino”, “Bosque de los Numeros” and his encore acts of “Penelope”, “Cruzando Puertas” and the song considered by many the most iconic latin rock sound of our generation: “Vagabundo”.

Draco is one of the most brilliant musical minds of all time, a true musical genius responsible for some of the most successful latin songs ever (he wrote latin chart toppers for Ricky Martin, Ednita Nazario and Julio Iglesias including “La Copa de la Vida”, “She Bangs” and “Living la vida Loca”), and who has dedicated his solo career to explore a range of musical genres that go from rock, jazz, pychedelic and gothic all the way to pop rock with electronic and even bohemian undertones.

This latest album goes a little bit deeper and darker than his previous live album (“Al Natural”, which loosely translates to “All Natural”), and connects deeper with the crowd- one of the staples of his performances, which was evidenced during “Penelope” where 90% of the time it was the crowd who “sang” while he demonstrated his skills playing the guitar. The first 6 tracks have a very hard rock and almost metal sound, while the second half  becomes a little more vintage Draco, with the always present mix of old songs with revised sounds and styles.

Technically impresive by live album standards, this is both en epic, vintage Draco for old fans, a great live album for any rock (or latin rock) fan or the best moment to join and become a fan of one of the legendary rock icons of our time.

Highly recommend for anyone who can find one of the 5,000 numbered, unique copies. Draco -as always- won’t disappoint.

-Omar

Link to buy: http://www.phantomvox.com/draco/

Also you can look it up in Amazon.com while supplies last.

Adorably Nerdy

Its been a while. I may be making up for lost time this week so get ready for possibly more than one of these a day.

So yes, Alek Sytnek. Another latin musician. Pretty awesome I must say. Based in Mexico, he started out young doing mexican tv shows aimed at children, with an iconic mexican singer named Lucero ( I know there is a band named that so dont get confused, Lucero from Mexico was a child singer who would act and doing musical movies, etc.)

Anyways, from there he ended up forming a band called Alek Syntek y La Gente Normal (Alek Syntek and the Normal People) a really cool alternative rock/pop band. Alek’s songs were written and composed all by him. Of course all in spanish but with influences from funk, pop, new wave, and a bit of punk and alternative sounds. The videos themselves are really cool and were different.

I gotta say in general videos from Latin countries, be it Mexico, Spain, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, etc, they are more avant guarde and artistic when the budget allows them to be and I may love english speaking songs more, I always thoroughly enjoy and look forward to latin videos. I know Im gonna see someone try to do something new and unseen. Not all the time but most of the time. I suggest even if you dont like latin music to give the videos a go. I can promise you they are entertaining.

After years of being with his band, it was pretty clear he was the mastermind and needed to do his own material on his own. He made a huge name for himself as a lyricist, composer, and producer. Helping other latin artists with their own musical endeavors that it was time for solo work. Left La Gente Normal, and has made a few albums in his own right.

What I like about his solo work is that he really built up the lyrics. With his band the songs were more band influenced making sure the instruments were showcased more often, I mean after all the band were his friends and diplomacy was evident. He knew they needed their moment to shine as well. Now on his solo work it was more about the songs themselves. He really knows his voice too. Hes done a few duets (including Kylie Minogue) and he knows who his voice blends well with. He knows the technical aspects of music and it shows.

What I do miss is the edgy portion. I do like his solo work quite a lot but with the band the alternative and punk influences really were what got me into them. I really think if I werent a fan of his prior to his solo work, I more than likely would have never bothered giving this a listen. Im glad I did though but there are a lot of latin singer songwriters out there and he probably would have gotten lost in the crowd of them.

Here’s the video that really got me to love him, its back when it was Alek Syntek y La Gente Normal. Talk about out there.

Univision’s 5th annual Premios Texas 2009 take place on Thursday, August 13, 2009, right here in the ATX.  In celebration and anticipation of the event popolio is hosting a ticket giveaway (read more about the show and the popolio giveaway here) as well as featuring nominated and/or performing Premios Texas Artist pop quizzes as a weekly countdown to the event EVERY WEDNESDAY starting today.

First up are the accomplished and respected local homeboy band, VALLEJO.  Not only are they the official opening act for the show, they are also nominated for Best Austin Band.  You can vote for them here.  Though un-PC, I’d like to offer the VALLEJO frontman a cigar for his answer to Number 14.  Congratulations to you and yours.

Week 2 Bobby Pulido pop quiz
Week 3 Los Bad Apples pop quiz
Week 4 Makano pop quiz

July 22, 2009

Name:  VALLEJO  
Genre:  Latin/Rock 
Latest Release:  Thicker Than Water (VMG/Quadra Entertainment Group)
Release Date:  March 8, 2008

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Somewhere in between
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)?? Everything
3. Studio or Stage? Both
4. Spirituality or Hedonism? Family-ism
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? Try to make a difference somehow

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my life.
7. I’m musically inspired by real life.
8. My favorite old school joint is “Suavecito” by Malo.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Superman.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Sex, Love, and Music. 

Short Answer
11. I make music because:  It’s a blessing and also releases a lot of the everyday things we all go through.  It’s a beautiful thing for everyone involved.
12. I want my fans to:  Leave our shows sweating.
13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:  Due to contrary belief, I’m not gay.
14. Wild Card!  I’m having a baby girl (Sophia Apollonia) in September.
15. I want my musical legacy to be:  Someone who contributed to the world with his music and helped young people continue to achieve greatness.

Listen to “Sweet Maria” from VALLEJO’s latest release, Thicker Than Water.  Go to their MySpace Page for more.

VALLEJO’s favorite old school joint!

The music video for Microdancing from Argentine band Babasonicos is really funny, or at least unintentionally. I haven’t seen white shoes move this good since Billy Joel’s Keeping the Faith.

The name of Mexican band Zoe shouldn’t be confused with your unusually-always-happy neighbor’s hippie band from the 60’s, no sir! No Me Destruyas is a great example of their style, check out their website for more.

There’s nothing sexy about a dismembered ear but it sure is when a Spanish rock band with a hot female vocalist names themselves La Oreja de Van Gogh. I wonder if there’s a band named after Rick Allen’s arm.

This  is just a great song from Mar de Copas it just goes great with one of those long drives and you need a quick picker-upper. The video… meh.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen this video before I decided to post it and I really thought it would be a cheesy teen wolf type of video but Spanish pop/rock band La Union has a decent song and a decent video for their 1984 hit “Hombre Lobo en Paris”.

Ahhhh, the summer of ‘08, we all had just discovered the delicious and refreshing taste of gin & tonics and then Bam! Andres Calamaro releases a new single titled Mi Gin Tonic and that was just the tonic icing on our gin flavored cake…

When my friend asked me if I heard Por El Hueco I thought she was making a move on me but then she crushed my dreams by saying it was the name of the new album by east coast rockers Kofre. I’ve seen Kofre plenty of times and I can honestly say it’s very much worth the trip.

It’s hard to believe Andres Calamaro was already a star way before I was born and this song “Mil Horas” from when Calamaro was with Los Abuelos de la Nada just kind of gives you an idea of how old it is, of course it should not be confused with the hot mess cover that Magic Juan did a few years back.

Make a quick google search on libido and almost all you’ll get is everything that has to do with sexual drive, you can also do an image search if you want to get real kinky, but to us Libido is also a popular Peruvian rock band and tomorrow after a 2 year hiatus their new album “Un Nuevo Dia” will be released. According to Yahoo! album work has been done in Lima, Los Angeles, and London, should be good. What do you think of the new single?