De Musica Ligera: "Rioplatense" rhythms

Bajofondo is likely best known as a group created by Argentina's musical jack of all trades Gustavo Santaolalla. Bajofondo is more than just one person, however, as their music incorporates sounds from the Rio de la Plata area in Argentina and Uruguay along with more contemporary music. Their early work from when they were known as Bajofondo Tango Club coupled tango along with electronic music. Their more recent efforts feature a more diverse and rich set of music mixed with the rioplatense rhythms that Bajofondo's members hold dear to their hearts.

Their latest album, 2007's "Mar Dulce", included guest artists such as Gustavo Cerati, Nelly Furtado, and Elvis Costello. "El Anden" features Spanish rapper Mala Rodriguez and is a gem from a very complete and marvelous album:

Bajofondo will be playing tonight at New York's Highline Ballroom along with Contramano. If you can please check it out!

Online Sources - Bajofondo at MySpace Music, Highline Ballroom
Video Source - YouTube

De Musica Ligera: Vamos a Coachella!

Yesterday the official lineup was announced for this year’s Coachella Music Festival. Paul McCartney, The Killers and My Bloody Valentine will headline the three-day event to be held in mid-April in California.

Bonde Do Role and Café Tacuba were two Latin American groups who performed in 2008 yet other artists from the region will be presenting this year. The following are some of those artists:

Mexican rock/hip-hop band Molotov has been around for fourteen years and will perform on the first day of Coachella. The group typically rails against establishment and social injustice such as abuses against immigrants.

• Molotov – Frijolero (YouTube)

Thievery Corporation specializes in lounge, downtempo music which sometimes carries a political message. Their 2000 album The Mirror Conspiracy includes some bossa nova and lovely vocals from the late Pam Bricker.

• Thievery Corporation - Air Batucada (MP3)

Ex-The Smiths frontman Morrissey is not Latin American yet he has developed a cult following among Latinos (including yours truly). “The First of the Gang to Die” is an ode to his Latino fans, especially Chicano youths.

• Morrissey - First of the Gang to Die (MP3)

Formerly known as the Bajofondo Tango Club, Bajofondo hails from Uruguay and Argentina. The group’s music combines electronic beats with platense music such as tango.

• Bajofondo - El Anden (MP3)

We’ve featured Calexico in our best music of 2008 post and described their music as having a “great folkloric Mexican sound.” In reality, their music is not easy to categorize; just listen for yourself.

• Calexico - Convict Pool (MP3)

Mexican Institute of Sound is one of the premier groups specializing in tube fusion of Latin alternative rock and electronic music to form “Latintronica”. MIS will be featured on the last day and I cannot think of a no better way of finishing Coachella than with them.

• Mexican Institute of Sound - Lala Meda (MP3)

Image- BBC Radio 3 (Southern Cone group Bajofondo will be one of several Latin American musical ensembles to perform at Coachella this April)
Online Sources- Too many to list!