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We're taking over!

Posted at 12:00 PM on March 26, 2007 by Jacquie Fuller

Anybody else noticed the increasing influence of Latin music on "indie" pop/rock? I mean, bands like Calexico are just a given, but how 'bout those horns they contribute to that gorgeous, swelling finale of Arcade Fire's "Ocean of Noise?" It makes me weep into my Tecate! And Andrew Bird's latest, "Imitosis," has enough of a Santana vibe, that I could have played it at my wedding and my tías would have all gone nuts.

I haven't heard Los Angeles band Ozomatli's latest yet (not out yet, although it was discussed on last week's episode of Musicheads), but from what I've heard, it sounds like the Latin aspect of their music might be taking a backseat to a more commercial hip hop sound. ¡Que triste!

Know what else is triste? Lead singer ? of ? and the Mysterians--another famous and influential Latino--is crying 96 tears over his house, which burned down in January. If that weren't bad enough, he lost his pets, too. I have to believe everything happens for a reason--maybe this will bring the band some much deserved attention. Along with groups like the Sir Douglas Quintet, this band inspired a lot of other Chicanitos to get out there and really rock their brown pride. A documentary about the ? and the Mysterians, called Are You For Real, is in the works, with clips already circulating on You Tube.

(P.S. Hyperlinks are the new italics!)

March 2007
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