I always find Banda music to be a lot of fun. These guys take it a step further with their wild costumes and cute video. If the instrumentation sounds like a German polka band, it’s not a coincidence. That’s what banda music is… only Mexican.
Despite the name, I believe they’re a Mexican group. I couldn’t find a live performance, but this is one of my favorite cumbia songs, so I posted it anyway.
Here’s an old-school singer we can appreciate for her camp value, or her straightforward artistry, depending on our mood. This is probably her most famous song. Translated as Rat With 2 Feet, it’s directed at her ex-husband, and features the nastiest, most vicious lyrics I’ve ever heard… wrapped in a sweetly delivered tune.
The first time I heard this group, it was on the radio as I was pulling into the parking lot at the dry cleaner. I dashed into the store and begged a nice Mexican woman to come out and tell me who was singing.
Ever since then, I have been a huge fan of this Norteño/Tejano (according to Wikipedia) band from northern Mexico. The music is always light and cheerful, and I adore Alicia Villareal’s sweet vocal style. The band broke up a few years ago, when Alicia went on to a solo career… More to come on that subject.
Cool video of a great song by Mexican-American hip-hop band Akwid. The combination of traditional norteño instrumentation and vocal style with the hip-hop beat is smart and unique. Sorry about the ad at the beginning, but I promise it’s worth it.
Here’s a TV production of a couple of songs by old-school singer/actress Laura Léon. The music may not be terribly trendy, and the production is a bit overcharged, but I do like her big, husky voice.
A cool video of a song by Chetes, a founding member of the influential 90s rock band Zurdok.
Nice video and a nice song from well-known pop singer Natalia Lafourcade.
Lovely Mexican singer Julieta Venegas sings her famous song with the help of the wonderful Spanish hip hop performer Mala Rodríguez in an MTV Unplugged session. The song is great, the women are beautiful, and they’re having fun… It works really well!
A nice song by the lovely Mexican singer Yuri. She’s appearing in concert in Acapulco on July 12. I haven’t been to Acapulco for about 5 years, and I’d get on a plane right now, if I could. Great beach, delicious seafood, a fun concert… sign me up!
Bruce Critchley's Mexico Here and There 