Ozo-Album

I introduced you to the eclectic sounds of Ozomatli last week. Now it's time to breakdown the Ozo-sound and check out their debut album.

Ozomatli released their self-titled debut in 1998. More than 10 years later, the album is still satisfying fans around the globe. It opens with the live party-starting jam "Como Ves" and the excitement never drops.

"Eva" blends DJ scratching with flamenco guitar so well, you'd swear they were meant for each other. If you're not on your feet after these two tracks, the horn-driven, fast-paced "Chango" will have you shaking your pompita with no shame at all.

The album does actually have a calm moment. "Super Bowl Sundae" is as laid back as they come. Chali 2na rhymes over a sitar-led performance that provides the perfect theme song for any lazy weekend.

Finally, the one track that everyone can enjoy is "La Misma Cancion." This ranchero-inspired song satirizes those people who drown their sorrows in saloons while slamming tequila. Most ranchero songs all sound the same, and you can be sure that this one is no exception.

Next week we're fast forwarding to 2007,

-DJ Gringuito

Ozomatli

This melting pot of musicians has been jamming for more than a decade. Their infusion of hip-hop, ranchero, reggae, salsa and funk allow this band to appeal to people around the world regardless of their music taste.

The Sound

Band members describe their music as when you "roll down your windows and the music that comes out of each and every different car... that crazy blend that's going on between that cacophony of sound is Ozomatli, y'know."

Pronounced "oh-so-motley." the band takes its name from the Aztec monkey servant to the god of music and dance. The band certainly lives up to the name with vocals, emcees, turntables and a horn section. It's like they have all the great parts from several musical styles.

Best of all, they've got plenty of songs in English too. This makes Ozomatli one of the best bands for non-native Spanish speakers to listen to when learning the language. Try it!

The Lineup

There are six key members to the band, but there have been up to 10 at one point. There have been more lineup changes in Ozomatli than the 2009 Pittsburgh Pirates. Two notable alumni include rapper Chalie 2na and DJ Cut Chemist, who both left the group to focus efforts on the west coast cult classic Jurassic 5.

A revolving door of band mates has not stopped this group from producing solid albums. Even though Embrace the Chaos hit stores on September 11, 2001, it still won a Grammy for Best Latin/Alternative Album. The band repeated the feat a few years later with their 2005 release Street Signs.

Appearances

This California-based ensemble has performed all over the world. Stateside, they have played Bonnaroo, Coachella and South by Southwest a few times. No stranger to political activism in their music, the band rocked a protest outside the 2000 Democratic National Convention with Rage Against the Machine.

They've also made it into the pop scene. Ozomatli jams "Cumbia de los Muertos" in Drew Barrymore's Never Been Kissed. If you're a fan of Showtime's "Weeds" you might have heard Ozomatli's version of the show's "Little Boxes" theme song. They even wowed the studio audience and viewers at home on "Dancing with the Stars."

Next week will be a closer look at Ozomatli's albums and all the music styles they embrace. Until then, look it up on your own, lazybutt!

-DJ Gringuito

Daddy el Conquistador

Daddy Yankee wants more. The man has already conquered Latin America and the United States, but that's not enough for him.

According to Univision, the Puerto Rican reggaetonero is ready to take over Europe and Asia. The report says that "the planets are aligning for something big this year." Daddy Yankee has already toured a little around Europe, but now he's ready to have a firm presence in the continent.

Meanwhile, Yankee has been busy in Haiti. No, he's not producing a Spanish-language version of "We Are the World." He's actually helping the Red Cross to rebuild schools. This is the best news to come from the Daddy Yankee camp since his endorsement of John McCain for President. Oh, you didn't know? Well have a laugh.

Here's hoping he avoids Parliament,

DJ Grnguito

Baionarena!

I will admit that I have never seen Manu Chao perform live in concert. Until I'm lucky enough to do so, I'll have to settle for Baionarena. And that's fine with me.

This live CD/DVD combo is incredible! Released at the end of December '09, it didn't make its way onto my iPod until this past winter season. How did so much time pass before I found this?!?

Regardless of how long it took me to find this Holy Grail of live Manu Chao, I've already played it enough to make up for lost time. The album was recorded at a sold-out arena in Bayonne, France, and it perfectly captures and the fun-loving, crowd-pleasing, language-mixing style of Manu.

If you're still unaffected by this Manu Chao nonsense that I'm always writing about, check out these clips from the DVD. The man is an entertainer unbound by nationalities and ethnicities.

1. Panik Panik & El Hoyo

2. Mr. Bobby

3. Clandestino

Paz y Amor,

DJ Gringuito

Shameless Self Promotion!

Oye! Radio Chevere is setting a course for the vast sea of social media. So hop on board and help out, because I can't just rely on the motion of the ocean.

I've created a Twitter account. Initially, all the tweets will be reposts of older blog entries. But once everything is all caught up, I'll be tweeting my canción del día (song of the day).

There is also an idea in the works to branch out to the greater Athens community. Until then, tell anybody who cares about Spanish, music, Spanish music or who is simply desperate for another follower on Twitter.

Soy emocionado!

DJ Gringuito

RIP Sandro de America

There is sad news from the Spanish music community. Sandro de America, the Argentine Elvis, is dead at the age of 64. Just over a week ago, the first man to break Spanish music into the U.S. pop scene died from complications after surgery.

I found his obituary while browsing the web for story ideas for my foreign correspondence class. Once I saw it, I knew this was perfect for Radio Chevere. The man embodied chevere, but until last week I had no idea who he was. Allow me to share...

Born Roberto Sanchez, Sandro began his music career with Los de Fuego in the 1960s. After taking over as frontman, Sandro and his Elvis-like swivel and charm made him a superstar.

By 1970, this Argentine rock 'n' roll legend had filled Madison Square Garden five times. One of the performances was the first concert ever to be broadcast via satellite. Obviously, the transmission was sent back to Argentina.

Just like his North American doppelganger, Sandro used his stardom to make a presence on the silver screen. The roles weren't award-winning, but that didn't turn away his worshipping fans.

Upon word of his Sandro's death, fans took to the streets mourning the loss together. Here's a look at some of the photos from his funeral service attended by tens of thousands:

Roberto "Sandro" Sanchez: August 19, 1945 - January 4, 2010

Duerme con angeles,

DJ Gringuito

El Regreso

Radio Chevere is back! After a 7-week hiatus, it's time for more of the Spanish music culture that you've missed so much. Before any candid anecdotes are told or informative posts are written, I want to say a few words.

I've covered plenty of artists since starting this blog, but I've neglected the fans. Sure, I'm a fan of all the Spanish-speaking world has to offer. It might seem that I'm writing about a culture completely disconnected from Southeastern Ohio, but that's not true. So expect an occasional interview a with Spanish music fan.

Next up is... well, that's it actually. I hope that reading about someone else's experience with Spanish music will spark an interest of your own. But I'll stop babbling because there are still several music styles and hundreds of artists to cover.

Good to be back,

DJ Gringuito