yo,

just thought i'd start a conversation on the music of the zona. there is an interesting song that i've heard in madonnas and in adelita. its called "la ciudad de la furia" by soda stereo. no doubt some of yall have heard it. note: the version of that song that they play in the clubs is the "live" or "unplugged" version. its on napster.
by the way, things don't look that good for napster from a legal standpoint. in my opinion, napster will be shut down. i really hope im wrong because i view napster as a challenge to the record industry for them to keep up with current technological advances.
on another note, i wonder if the djs take requests for the songs. i also wonder if the djs are receptive to "donations" of music. i've heard some rap music played in CC that i thought i'd never hear outside a hip-hop club. i know alot of you don't like rap music, but i've seen chicas dance really sultry-like to it.

cs-out

C'steak,
That Soda Stereo song rules. The whole Unplugged CD (which in fact isn't unplugged, but go figure) is great (check out "Ella uso mi cabeza como un revolver"). One of my former stripper girlfriends used to dance to that song all the time, so I have a very special relationship to it! The girl singing in "Ciudad" is Andrea Echeverri, from the Colombian group Aterciopelados, and they are also very, very cool--check out some of the cuts on their new one Caribe Atomico if you are into her voice at all, as I am.

As for bringing CDs into clubs, I've done this a lot, but via the intermediary of chicas--that is, get a girl you like and who likes you and then convince her to dance to some of your music. I've gotten a few girls to completely revamp their sets--many of them are thrilled that you provide them with CDs (so long as they like them, of course!) because then they don't have to spend money on them! I once had a lovely little stripper on Revolucion who became a huge Stone Temple Pilots fan, and danced to really obscure STP songs at my request. Some DJs are receptive to tunes, once you know them a little bit. I used to convince the day guy in AB to play particular cumbias and songs by Marco Antonio Solis I like. I agree on the hip-hop--personally, I am not into a lot of the stuff, esp. the LA gangster I'm harder and smoother than you crap, but it's fun to watch chicas dance to it.

DJ's are receptive to requests in pretty much all the clubs when la variadad is not going on. A dollar will definitely get your song played faster (and may be a requirement). DJ's at Dance oriented clubs like Tropical often have a long list of requests to get through and if the floor is packed with dollar-a-dance guys who want to hear Banda Recodo, your song may have to wait a while. I have never given a DJ my own disks but I know people who have and the DJ's played them. As for Rap; I don't really care if it is Rap, Banda, Rock, Cumbia or any kind of music for that matter, if the girls like it, want to dance to it, want to party to it, then that's the music I want to hear.

Have fun.

I agreed with everything you had to say, Otra Vida, except for one thing: You will NEVER have to wait more than 5 minutes to her Banda Recodo at Tropical!

BTW, I am pretty sure the DJ at Pollo Bar is in possession of the original mongers' compilation disk 'CMAN'S SUPER SOUNDS OF THE CHICAGO CLUB'. Early one evening I heard him flipping through the songs IN ORDER. Hmm... this couldn't possibly be the copy that was stolen out of my trunk about a year back, COULD IT???

As for my personal fave? The underappreciated CLASSIC 'Seasons in the Sun' seems to get the juices pumping!

How true Porquer Rubio, but I meant that when norteña/banda dancing is in full swing, it may be tough to get a different type of music played. I remember the first day HK shut down and the day dancers did their floorshow over at Miami (before the wall came down). All of the sudden the Banda stopped and on came, I like to move it, move it. The Miami locals just sighed.

Yeah that chicken bar DJ has the disk. And as for Seasons in the Sun, don't laugh, but I got the Manhattan's "kiss and say goodbye" and listened to that song about 100 times just because it reminded me of a chicas set before I said to myself, god I hate this song. Funny how music can grow on you when you associate it with a beautiful girl.

And Ritmo has the right idea. I have burned CDs for chica friends and they were very appreciative. I borrow/lend CDs with chicas quite a bit. I think it is a fun way to hear/learn of new music.

P.S. spell check tried to replace chica with chick. Now that is not very PC.

Everything I know about Mexican music, more or less, I learned from strippers and bar girls. Have learned to really like Los Angeles de Charly (after laughing my ass off at that kind of stuff for a long while) because one of my AB favs sat with me one night deciphering lyrics to "Mentiras" for me while she simultaneously did magical things to Mr. Happy and stuck her tongue down my throat in between verses. Ah, what glorious memories attached to that song! And I learned also about Cafe Tacuba, maybe the most interesting contemporary rock band anywhere, not just in Mexico, from a stripper friend. This was the same girl who once, to make me happy, danced to a little known Metallica song I worship ("The Outlaw Torn") that is almost 10 minutes long--God, I was ready to marry her after that! Come to think of it, maybe I still will!

Damn P-incorrect spellcheckers!

"Kiss and say goodbye" is a GREAT song--and it's not just because I've seen so many naked girls in AB dancing to it. That doesn't hurt a bit though.

This isn't really a song that's heard in TJ but I just Napstered "The Tijuana Jail" by the Kingston Trio and it's really funny. They also have a song called "Farewell Adelita" say you don't suppose those guys used to go to....nah..not those guys!

Looks like Santana is finally being deified OFFICIALLY in his hometown (Autlan, Jalisco)--they're naming a street AND a plaza after him.

"Corazon Espinado" is one of my favorite TJ bar tunes of all time...

yo,

i never thought it would make a good zona song, but i once saw ms. smith dance to "sorry" by tracy chapman. its a "somber" song in my book. but dammmmm, she danced good to it.
as far as santana tunes... "...i've got a black magic woman, got me so blind i can't see, that she's a black magic woman, she tryin' to make a devil out of me."

cs

Brother C-steak,
I usedta know a girl at a Rev. strip club who danced almost exclusively to old Santana tunes, including BMagic Woman--at the end, when the band goes into the big rave-up, this luscious girl (a near Salma Hayek look-alike) would go TOTALLY wild, practically orgasmic on stage, shaking everything a hundred miles an hour, and usually completely nekkid by this time. She will always be the BMagic Woman they're singing about to me.

yo,

got another song for ya'll. its a kool slow song called "A Puro Dolor" by "song by four". i turned on the spanish channel today and these guys were on some show performing the song.


cs

Brother CS,
Yeah, those guys are pretty big these days--personally, that male vocal group thing don't do much for me. Have you heard this song in the clubs?

My club song contribution for the day: a few hotties I usedta like a lot at one Rev. club stripped to The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony." Nice depressing melody to be drunk and slightly reflective to, but at same time good beat for nekkid chica dancin'. I explained the lyrics to one of these chicas one time and she was a little surprised that it's such a depressing song. One of the baby dolls who danced to this also danced a lot to Ale Guzman's "Loca," which is a fricking GREAT song. God, I love La Guzman...wouldn't mind gettin' naked and wild with her either...

What I love is AB at about 3 in the morning when everbody is fadin' fast...and the TJDJ starts playing all that salza and tropical stuff...Favorites: Anything by Eddie Santiago, "Mia","Lluvia" - there's a "best of" CD of Eddie...full out horn-poppin' big band chuggin' behind him. My all time favorite ( and I can't seem to find it in record stores...) is "La Va a Pagar" by Pedro Conga...a simple I-VI-II-V chord progression, with burning trumpets, and a percussion section that just keeps on clickin' and tickin'...3 AM at Adelitas, a cold cerveza in my hand, my favorita by my side radiatin' that sweet body heat, watchin' the dancers...and hearin' Pedro Conga or Eddie Santiago's music...
It don't get much better in this life...
KRICO

hey cs- it's SON by 4, I saw them and N'sync on the Latin Grammys. Boy groups don't do much for me, my daughters let me know who's hip this week, and who's history. I like some of the music the DJ plays at AB, at least when he shuts the fuck up! The first couple of times I heard him, his rap was funny in a Dice Clay sort of way, but now I just find him annoying,and way too loud, especially when I'm trying to whisper sweet nothings in my chica's ear.
A

yo,


ooopps. recommending a "boyband" song, my bad. (i should have guessed since i saw them on tv today) really though, the song (i only heard it today) was catchy. i never heard it in the zona, but it sounded like it fit. oh well, kool recommendations though!!! (ritmo, krico)

cs

Dudes/brothers,
If you're as into Paulina Rubio as I am ("Lo hare por ti" can be heard in some of the TJ clubs, or at least this used to be the case way back in August), check out this recent interview with her talking about her current tour, plans, etc. GODDAMN, what a hot chica! When does her shift at AB start?!?!

http://www.rinconlatino.com/esrinconlatino.shtml

hey ritmo-I went to that site, couldn't find the thing with Paulina, but I did see an article saying that Claudia Schiffer broke up with her boyfriend.Now that she's available, how am I gonna
tell my fave that I'm leaving her?"cono nena,pues..." (LOL)
A.

Brother A.,

You're right--they moved the damn Paulina video interview--try this instead:
http://www.rinconlatino.com/subchannel/esritmos.html

Also something on that page about Ricky Martin, that famous player for the other team who won't admit that's what team he plays for. He's talkin' 'bout how he's tired of taboos about sex--he'll be admittin' what everybody already knew long ago any day now!

Brother Adelito,
Know of Los Angeles Azules, but don't know any specific songs--any recs for tunes that get high AB play HIGHLY appreciated. Wasn't it LAA that some of the guys in LA de Charly were in previously? Whoever the previous band was, they had the guys in LA de Charly *arrested* recently for performing tunes from the old band at LA de Charly shows! All your other recs are right on too--esp. the Marco Antonio Solis--he is a HUGE fave of one of MY huge faves, so she introduced me to everything, including Los Bukis (sp?)--the whole CD on which the tune you name can be found is GREAT. I have a whole bunch of cumbia compilations which I selected by talking to the night time AB DJ and looking at his collection--Efren David is one of my favorites (Corazones que no sienten used to get bigtime AB play). Dude, we need to exchange info on our collections!

Party on, brothers!

yo,

was in the zona sat. night and heard "como te voy olvidar" by los angeles azules while hangin out in AB. i downloaded a lot of their songs but only that one sounded familiar. but hey if you like the accordion, then this is your group.

cheesesteak

Hey Ritmo,
I just went out to my car to get my 2 favorite cd's Inolvidables and Confessioes de Amor...both by LAA. Como te voy Olvidar...very pop at AB. Me Haces Falta Tu...same. Mi Confesion...same. Quiero Ser...same. My favorite songs by these guys are Hazmelo Saber and Muriendo a Pausas. The most pop song by these guys is on their newest cd...the song is called El Liston de tu Pelo, and they play it at Adelita's all the time.
I did not know about LA Charly until you told me. There is another band called Rayito Colombiana that according to Samuel the masero at AB is made up of guys from LAA as well. My favorite spanish music doesn't get that much play at AB. My absolute favorite is Shakira. Every song she has made is great. Selena is incredible, I remember when she was killed and didn't think alot about it, but then AB happened and I discovered her. And if you like Selena there is a band called Grupo Limite that sounds just like her(to me). Their most pop song is Alma Rebelde. Elvis Crespo is fantastic for merengue. And there is a whole hell of alot more. If you want me to keep ranting about what I like, let me know, I will be happy to tell you every single artist and song if you want.
Please tell me you use Napster, it rules!

Hey Ritmo,
I just read what you wrote about Paulina Rubio above and it made me want to post some more about my favorite music. If you don't already own it, buy her newest cd. It's called Paulina, and every song is great. Also check out Thalia...Amor a la Mexicana, Piel Morena, Entre el Mar y una Estrella, Aressando and others. Ale Guzman...I am kicking my self in the ass, she was here in concert last weekend and I intended to go, but everybody that said they'd go with me flaked and I didn't want to go alone. What a deucebag(sp) I am. Also good call on the Cafe Tacuba. As we speak I am downloading 1 of their songs with Napster and I recognize it from the radio

Ritmo,una otra vez,

I was just downloading songs from LA Charly and came across an AB classic...Me vas a Recordar.

Many TJ chicas learn English by listening to American music, and pidgin Spanish can certainly be improved by listening to Mexican music as well. In trying to find the letras por my favorite song currently in power rotation in the Zona, 'El Ultimo Adios' from the Paulina Rubio disc recommended above, I came across this site. http://usuarios.tripod.es/masklin/canciones/autores/autor_b.htm
It's extremely light on ranchero music, but has plenty of other lyrics.

BTW, ever have a typo on web search and get sent somewhere weird? There is a dude in Spain named PaulinO Rubio who is pretty passionate about satellite dishes.

Porker;

Yes, I know him well... ;^)


Say, I talked to some chick in Adelita last week about her recent experience at Manhattan - and she confirms our suspicions about the joint.

Diego what are your suspicions?
Taxibob

Brother A.,
Dude, I think we are twins separated at birth or something. Like all the stuff you listed in the above, esp. Shaki (just found a website where you can see a bunch of her vids--http://www.geocities.com/shakiravideo/). It IS a shame that she doesn't get more TJ club play, though I have a fave in AB who dances to Shaki tunes for me when I'm there. She (Shakira, not the AB fave!) is the hottest thing goin' except maybe for Ale Guzman, in my book--AG is the best rockera of all-time, really cool and gritty songs and a TOTALLY WILD girl--her attitude alone makes me nuts, I'd give my left arm for one night with her--she could just sing "Loca" or "Hacer el amor con otro" or "Guerra fria" or "Grita" to me for half the night, lying there naked on the bed, and that'd be enough. And yeah, Thalia's great too, though I like the music of the former two more, but T. is a lot of fun to look at...so pisses me off that she's marrying that punk Mattola or whatever the fuck his name is--he already fucked up Mariah Carey for the rest of us, now THALIA? I better never see that muthafucka in a club, or I'ma go OFF on the dude. speaking of hot Latina singer-chicks, ever heard of an Argentinian named Erica Garcia? Super-babe and a cool singer/songwriter too. Did you know that Odalys Garcia, the super-hottie cubana on Lente Loco (the Univision Spanish-language Candid Camera), is turning to a singing career now? Who even cares if she can SING? Just 'shake it, baby!' as one of my favorite strippers tells me frequently (as it's the only English phrase she knows!) Another fave of mine is Pilar Montenegro, though it doesn't look as if she's going to make it through to the real big time in music world. Paulina rules--a fave in Chavelas dances to some of the songs on her new disk very frequently.

Gentlemen,

My musical Zona fantasy?????

To see either a floor show with numerous chicas or even one dancing and stripping to the song "You Can Leave Your Hat On" from the movie "9 1/2 Weeks" and "The Full Monty" sung by Tom Jones.

When they play this in the strip clubs in LA the girls REALLY get into it, and so do I !!!!!!!!

Billypv,

I hope you don't mean you start to take off your clothes too....if they ever make your wish come true please warn me so I can hit another club!

What if I promose to leave MY hat on?

BillyPV

Well.......in that case....I'm running as fast as my bandy little legs can carry me screaming in sheer terror!

Ritmo......where does the, "shake it baby" girl work? Does she work at Hotel Ceaser's?

Brother TJC,
You know who I'm talkin' 'bout! Annie/Spicy at Caesar's, exactly. She actually knows a lot more than that in English, but I swear I hear that phrase from her a hundred times every time I'm in that club...

Ritmo......have you ever met the girl named Ivonne from Ceaser's?

My brother TJC,
Don't know Ivonne--is this a recommendation? Or does she also use the "shake it, baby!"? I think a bunch of them there have picked it up from Annie (or whoever started it). My all-time favorite stripper used to work at Caesar's--a girl named Sylvia, with a thin, muscular little frame, perky B breasts, a tremendous ability on that pole (the one on the stage, naturally!), and a demeanor that was PURE SMOLDERING NATURAL SEXUALITY, in every movement, every look, every word. The great thing about her was she was a heavy drinker, so she was fucked up most of the time and could be taken advantage of! She unfortunately was also underage and so disappeared when they did a chica check at the club--have never seen or heard from her again. As I sometimes tell my friends, this is the kind of girl who, if she told me I could be with her for one year if I'd kill ten of my friends, the only question I'd ask would be "When and with whom should I start?"

My brothers,
Who does that 'Bomba' song that plays all the time in all the clubs with verses like "Suavecito para abajo, para abajo, abajo, abajo...suavecito para arriba, para arriba, arriba, arriba..una mano en la cabeza, una mano en la cabeza, un movimiento sexy, un movimiento sexy..." etc.? I had such a great time gettin' my sexy dance on with a little hottie in Miami to this song that I *gotta* have the tune.

That would be Azul Azul who are from Bolivia of all places.

Gracias, mano, acabo de comprar el disco--tengo recuerdos estupendos de 'La Bomba', bailando con mi propia 'chica dorada' (Paulina? no, desgraciadamente, pero aun asi una chica *preciosa*) y pensando en lo que iba a pasar entre nosotros en el cuarto!

Are there any ways to get some latin music off napster too download?

Sfdude, it's all there on Napster...the zona's greatest hits. Just make a point to identify what you like when you hear it and you will find it by title or artist on Napster as easily as anything else.

Bros,
Every time I try to get on Napster lately, it's impossible--my browser searches and searches but nothing. Whassup???

Ritmo, no problem for me tonight or any time recently with Napster. Some busy weekends it can be difficult to get or remain logged on to a server. Maybe that's what's happening to you - could you be getting disconnected from the Napster server once you begin searching?

Everybody's all over Napster these days stealing their favorite holiday tunes! Heavy action on Nat King Cole, the Singing Dogs and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Song of a lovesick puta? Amame by Amanda Miguel.
Real pretty song that came out last year. Havent heard it in the zona though seems like the perfect fit.

Es impossible que este amor de los dos
Puede acaber en media hora
No puede ser una estrella fugas
Que illumina y de repente se va...

Un media hora es nada mas
Una gota que se pierda en el mar
No puede ser que tantas ganas de amar
Pueden calmarse in media hora...

Este amor es tan intenso tan real
Media hora no nos puede alcanzar...

Listen, my brothers, check out: http://www.rinconlatino.com/subchannel/esritmos.html for some stuff on Azul Azul ("La Bomba"--props to Brother ReyTJ) and Cafe Quijano ("La Lola")--two good zona tunes.

Garibaldi has a new lineup w/a bunch of super hotties: http://www.rinconlatino.com/content/es0063E074.html

Ya'll can thank ya brother R. later...

Hey, I'm digging this thread on the Zona Music. I've taken some of your recommendations and I'm downloading some songs now. Here are some of my personal faves that they play in the Zona clubs:

"Caliente Caliente" "Ponte El Sarape" by Banda Zarape, "No Te Voy a Perdonar" "Tiene Espinas el Rosal" by Grupo Canaveral, "Boom Boom" by Chayanne, "Necesito Decirte" by Conjunto Primavera, "Mueve La Cadera" by Banda El Recodo,"Regresa a Mi" "Arrasando" by Thalia, "Llegar a Ti" by Jaci Velasquez, and "Llevantando Las Manos" by El Simbolo. Those are just a few.

BTW, there is one song that I'm dying to download from Napster, but I need some help identifying it. It's a song that the strippers at AB dance to. That's the only time they play it. It's a dance track sung by an Indian sounding singer and the chorus ends with two "smack-like" kisses. The entire song is sung in Indian. I tried to identify the song with one of the strippers and she told my it was sung by an Indian singer named "Narkan" or "Narkon." However, I haven't had any luck locating this track. Can anyone out there help me identify this song and artist?

The singer is Turkish not Indian. His name is Tarkan and the name of the song is Turkish Kiss although in the zona it's known as El Beso.

Woo! Thanks Reytj! I've been dying to download that song for months because it reminds me of someone I met at AC. Time to go to Napster and download it...

Tarkan is correct as the artist, I downloaded the song as Simarik, does that mean kiss or Turkish Kiss in Turk?

I downloaded the 5 minute remix version. Es muy bueno.

I have been wondering about that same song...Turkish Kiss eh? Thanks alot. I would like to share the names of a few that I like from Adelita's as well.
Socios del Ritmo...Llorar, Socios del Ritmo...Mama Cumbia, El Simbolo...1,2,3,,Los Angeles de Charly...Busquenla and Mentiras and Me Vas A Recordar and Amor Secreto.
Banda el Recodo...Te Ofresco un Corazon, and Yo Se Que Te Acorderas.
Banda La Costena...Una Aventura.
Willie Colon...Talento de Television.
Check out Duro De Pelar by Rebeca.
El de los Ojos Negros by Sparx. I guess that's enough for now. Let me know if you have other favorites I should know about.

I just downloaded Turkisk Kiss...thanks mano, I was wanting that for a long time. I saw that tall chica Norma dancing to it a bunch of times and I actually considered going upstairs with her after seeing her slap herself on the ass to the beat of the kiss kiss a coupla times. So what is the language...Turkish???

Guys, thanks for posting the artist names and titles. I just started listening to mex music on Radio Latina, 104.5, which I enjoy thoroughly, and as a result of your posts, I'm building a TJ mp3 collection. Keep 'em coming.

Thanks again!

LDV

Adelito, I haven't found a song by El Simbolo that I didn't like. They rock. I'd also suggest "Brinca Salta Muevete" "Mucho Mas" and "Que Buena Es La Fiesta" by them. Thanks for your suggestions too. I'm going to download some of them before they shut down Napster this Monday at 10 am...."URK!"

Timeless AB Hits that are still played fairly often, some a few years old, some not so old:

El Liston De Su Pelo - Los Angeles Azules
Como Te Vol Olvidar - Los Angeles Azules
Mi Nina Mujer - Los Angeles Azules
Me Gustas - Apache
Al Despertar - Rayito Colombiano
Ciega Sordomuda - Shakira (Fav of AB Dancers)
Me Haces Falta Tu - Loa Angeles Azules
Secreto de Amor - Joan Sebastian

You won't hear this in TJ, this singer is from Argentina. Traditional music. One of the best voices I've ever heard.

Mercedes Sosa, try Gracias a la Vida or Duerme Negrito.

ldv

Brother Dulce,
Ain't no doubt--Mercedes is awesome, a classic. Whole bunch a great music from Argentina--any a you bros ever heard a rockera named Erica Garcia? Very cool in an Ale Guzman kinda way, plus a knockout--in fact, looks just like a former AB hottie central standout some a ya'll mighta known...well, Erica's boobs are a little smaller than the man-made mountains this little girl had, and she looks taller, but still...

Whistler, thanks for your list. I have most of those, but I picked up some new ones from you. I'm going to check out "Me Gustas" from Apache. I like just about everything they play at AB and like the variety. I tend to create my CD's with this variety in mind to recreate that AB atmosphere. I'll throw in some cumbia, merengue, pop, banda and some slow song ballads. Two of the hottest ballads right now are Chayanne's "Yo Te Amo" and Marco Antonio Solis "Si Tu Hubieras Ido." That Solis song is a killer. You can't walk anywhere in La Zona without hearing that one.

I also want to thank Adelito for posting the songs from Los Socios Del Ritmo, "Mama Cumbia" and "Llorar." Those are straight up AB songs. Once you listen to them you want to go back! I would also recommend "La Cumbia Del Garrote" by Los Del Garrote as an AB staple. Some other groups that I like are Calle Ciega. They have a merengue-pop sound. Their songs are "Solo Te Quier Amar" "Sexy" "Quiero Sigur Bailando." And if you want a latin dance mix with a little bit of everything check out DJ Amanda's Rimto Latino Megamix on Napster. DJ Amanda is one of the best mixmasters around and her Latin mix is one of the best things going.

Napster is going crazy today!!! More upload volume from my box than ever before. The activity light on my cable modem hasn't stopped all morning. Quite a few people snag my Mercedes Sosa collection. My Antonio Jobim collection is also very popular.

I wonder what's going to happen to Napster.

Cantinflas, thanks for the recommendations. I'll go for the Chayanne and Solis songs.

I like the music played at AB. Playing it at home, drinking a Pacifico,takes me immediately to MX. Now, if I could only learn to dance Cumbia.

If anyone could educate me,I'd appreciate it. Why do they tend to favor Cumbia at AB? It seems that Cumbia is somewhat a regional music in MX. If this is true, what, generally, is the region?

Also, anyone know, are Los Angeles Azules still together? There have been no new releases for awhile.

La Dulce Vida, It was on the news last night that a napster will start charging for access within the next day or two.

Harry

Brother Cant,
The Solis song is "Si no te hubieras ido"--totally witcha, great (and depressing) song. It's been hittin' in the zona for round about a year or so now, at least, 'cause I heard it everywhere way back in spring 2000 when I was in the zona practically 24-7. A former favorita usedta get all shook up (or pretend pretty good, anyway) when I'd sing the lyrics to her. Ya'll boy Ritmo be croonin', my brothers!

Ritmo, yeah, I screwed up on the title of that Solis song. Thanks for the correction. I just added it to my last "Adelita Jams" CD collection before Napter starts charging a buck. Other songs that I added to my CD today were "Mi Vida Es Un Carnaval" by Celia Cruz, "Feliz Feliz" by El Banda Mexicano and "Homenaje a Papo" by Sandy. The rest of the CD is rounded out by some of the jams that were recommended here in the past few days. I really dig those Los Angeles De Charlys and Los Socios Del Ritmo, Los Rayitos De Colombia recommendations. Those are big-time AB songs and they take me back. I also had trouble finding "Me Gustas" by Apache but was finally able to download it today. I definitely have fond memories of that song.

Whistler: Yes, Los Angeles Azulez are still together. I just saw them on a New Years Eve show and they were singing "El Liston De Tu Pelo." I guess they just haven't come out with anything new yet. But in the meanwhile, check out "Un Sueno" by Los Angeles De Charly. That cumbia song kicks butt and it's all over the airwaves and in TJ right now. It on the Billboard Latin Top 10. As far as dancing cumbia, it's similar to dancing salsa. I'm pretty good at copying the locals, so I just do what they do.Don't know where Cumbia originated. It appears to be a Northern Mexico kind of thing though.

A Colombian told me Cumbia originated in Colombia. We were watching some chicas dancing from the bar at AB recently and he commented with pride how Cumbia had spread northward. He also told me that if I enjoyed beautiful women, Colombia was without peer. HMMMM...

Cantinflas, Celtics, good information, thanks. I was under the impression that Cumbia had a pocket of popularity in central to south MX. But this impression is only from talking to chicas and asking about the music popular in their home state.

BTW one of the best Cumbia collections I have is the CD Fiebre De Cumbia Por La Noche. The DJ's at AB, BT, and Mia all play it. Bought it at the shop 1/2 block North of the alley for $95 pesos.

My favorita wants to teach me to dance Cumbia, but it seems we are always doing something else. Besides, I would rather learn somewhere else and surprise her.

Try
Celia Cruz, "La Vida es una carnival" (CUMBIA)
Paulina Rubio "El Ultimo Adios" (POP)
Elvis Crespo "Wow! Flash" (POP/MERENGUE)
Juanes "Fijate Bien" (ROCK EN ESPANOL)
Kevin Caballo "Mi Primer Amor" (SALSA)
MDO "Te Quise Olvidar" (POP/BALLAD)
Luis Fonsi "No Te Cambio Por Ninguna" (POP/DANCE)
Natlie Oriero "Rio de la plata" (POP)
Banda El Recodo "Que Bonita" (BANDA)
Luis Miguel "La Bikina" (MARIACHI)
If you guys want more, just ask.
-Jose

Celia Cruz is a good one, also Cheyan (sp) "Lo dejarea todo por te."

Is napster dead? If so, where has everyone moved to?

Harry

Brothers,
For Mexican rock, EL TRI/ALEX LORA is the SHIT! Never yet heard him in the zona, but he's the real fuckin' thing. One a my former stripper baby dolls told me about him.

Oye carnal, tienes que ir mas seguido. One of the 'encueratrizes' at LC dances to 'Todo Me Sale Mal'.

Laura Pausini. Italian/Spanish singer with powerful voice. She had a big hit several years back with "La Soledad", a song about teenage love (she was only 17 or 18 at the time). "Entre tu y mil mares" is her current hit.

OV7 is a tightly choreographed pop group. one of their songs (Locura de amor) is used by the telenovela of the same name. Occasionally played in the zona. "Shabadabada" is another good song.
(oh-vay-siete)

Mano RTJ,
De verdad?!? Pues, como es y como se llama, esta encueratriz ?? Tengo ganas de conocerla! Any chica who's into El Tri has gotta be a wild one! How right you is, my brother, that I need to get into the mix more often down there--live too far away these days, though. Gonna make it a point to spend more time in Chavelas this next time. Gracias por el consejo--eres el Rey de la Musica de la Zona!

Brothers,
One more of the most babe-a-licious latinas, Pilar Montenegro (who, some say, is also a singer, but the jury's out--*I* dig her music, but only when I can *see* her singing it, and preferably w/out the kit on, if you know whutamean...) has gotten married off: http://www.rinconlatino.com/content/es0003BD03.html (and check out the neck line on that wedding dress--YES! Latin Catholic girls are tha BEST!). So I guess this means she probly ain't gonna be workin' at AB anytime soon--damn...

If you're after Zona music and wanna hear bandas, the song you will hear the most and the one that gets the greatest crowd reaction is Banda El Recodo's 'Yo Se Te Acordoras', the song with the refrain 'Te olvidare'. Feel free to acquire a metal ashtray to bang on your metal table (for the one or two of you that don't have them yet, of course) to make the Zona-at-home experience all the more authentic. MINE were designed by a famous artist friend of mine, OV(tm) designer originales, and NO, you didn't see them up for auction on Ebay, ju just THINK ju did!

BTW, the thoroughly American Zona dancer that was seeking dance song recommendations while flipping through her CD sleeve the other night didn't think 'Kim' by Eminem would make for a good strip number. She probably had a point, but I woulda liked to have seen her TRY! The immortal 'Sti*y P***y' woulda.

Jose Cuervo, I'v downloaded most of your recommendations, but I can always use some more to create another CD. So go ahead and name some new Zona sounds that haven't been noted here. Muchas Gracias in advance.

Cantinflas,
Here are some others (some old, some new). . .
Thalia "Arrasando" (Pop/Dance)
Son By Four "Cuando Seas Mio" (Pop/Ballad)
Paulina Rubio "Y Yo Sigo Aqui" (Pop/Dance)
Paulina Rubio "Lo Hare Por Ti" (Pop)
Paulina Rubio "Yo No Soy Esa Mujer" (Pop)
Juanes "Podemos Hacer Nos Dano" (Pop/ Rock)
Natlie Oriero "Tu Veneno" (Pop/ Dance)
Luis Miguel "Y" (Pop/ Mariachi)
La Mosca Tse Tse "Para No Ver Te Mas" (Pop/Rock)
Chayenne "Yo Te Amo" (Ballad)
Chayenne "Boom, Boom" (Pop/Dance)
Shakira "Solo, Tu (MTV Unplugged Mix) (Pop/Rock)
Orishas "Represent" (Rap en Espanol)
Azul Azul "Bomba" (Pop/Dance/Rap)
Carlos Vives "La Gota Fria" (Cumbia/Tropical)
Banda Zarape "Caliente, Caliente" (Banda/Dance)
Alejandra Guzman "Loca (Mijangos Mix)" (Pop/Dance)
Anthony Maldonado "Yo Te Confieso" (Merengue)
Joan Sebestian "Secreto De Amor" (Ranchera/Ballad)
Rogelio Martinez "Y Sigues Siendo Tu" (Banda)
Alejandro Sanz "Quisera Ser" (Pop/Ballad)
Ricardo Arjona "Desnuda" (Pop/Ballad)
Ricardo Arjona "Cuando" (Pop/Ballad)

Again, If you like em and would like some more suggestions, just ask. Also, if you like an artist and would like to know some other good songs by them- just ask.
-Jose

Jose Cuervo: Thanks. I have most of those and we seem to have the same taste. You did mention a few that I didn't know about and I'm going to check out.

Nice job Jose. It's great to have the name of the artist, song name and type of music. Went to see Banda el Recodo in concert at the Pond in Anaheim last weekend. It was pretty cool.

Hey, bros, there's a bunch of Ale Guzman video up on her website now (don't think I've ever seen such stuff there before): http://aleguzman.com/Music/vclips.htm
Cool songs, hot chica!
Peace.

This Saturday, Galavision, big peace in Chiapas concert w/Mana and maybe the greatest Mexican rock band ever, Jaguares and the mighty Saul Hernandez. Brother ReyTJ, have you ever heard Jaguares in the zona? If there's a club that plays those guys, I wanna hang out there...

http://www.rinconlatino.com/content/es005DB194.html

Nel ritmo, Jaguares and rock en español in general are in short supply in the zona. Jaguares played outdoors at San Diego State in November pero me dio mucha flojera cruzar la linea para verlos. A ver cuando se dignan de venir a Tijuas porque yo opino como tu-los Jaguares son lo maximo.

I just returned from TJ and heard another song at Las Chavelas that I really like. Now I need your help in identifying the song (and this seems like the place to get some help!) It's a song sung entirely in Spanish and it samples "The Roof is on Fire" chorus in English. It's an extremely fast song and everyone gets out on the dance floor when it's played. Can anyone out there give me the name and title of this song?

That would be Follow the Leader by SBS.

ReyTJ: Wow! That was fast. Thanks!BTW, the most popular Cumbia song at the moment is "Un Sueno" by Los Angeles De Charly. They kept playing that one over and over at AB,

Need help ... I like to keep my amigas CD collection up to date. What are the hottest songs right now at AB, particularly Cumbia. A couple of weeks ago, I gave her Un Sueno by Los Angeles Charly.

Since I spend relatively little time in AB, it is hard to keep up.

Un sueño - Angeles de Charly is actually a Vallenato, but close to a cumbia. ;-)

Thanks. Could you briefly explain the difference between Cumbia and Vallenato? I know basically that Cumbia originated in Columbia and is one of the types of Tropical music, but that's it.

A cumbia is indeed a tropical song, typically fast (+/- 120 bpm) and is usually about a happy theme (although not absolutely necessarily). A vallenato, is a derivative, but slower (about 80 beats per minute) and most usually (but not always) about a mellower or sad theme (musically speaking, it is probably in a minor chord, thus a sad song). They are still great to dance to and certainly an inspiring song when in the right company. ;-)

Another great Vallenato is "Los Caminos De La Vida" by "La tropa vallenata" . It's a song about how the roads of life (caminos de la vida) are not how a child expected them to be, and now he lives his life to help his mother, who once dedicated her life to helping him.

I don't know if anyone has heard "El Sirenito" by "Rigo Tovar". It's a remake of a 1960's cumbia which I heard when I was growing up. They did a good job electrifying it (it was originally done with acoustic instruments).

It's a beautiful thing. Have fun guys!

Nogi Boy, thanks for the musical information. I am downloading "La Sirenito" right now on Napster before that becomes a bigger hassle.

Do you know what differences in sound there are between the cumbias in different countries? And what groups or artists would you recommend that use mostly acoustic instruments.

Well El Santo Cachon by Embajadores Vallenatos isn't slow or sad. Maybe a bit caustic because the guy heard his novia was with someone else, but its got an upbeat feel to it. Las Chicas del Can do a great cover and twist the words around from the girls perspective.

The best I can think of....is a vallenato is like what American's call "blues". A moving song intended to "rid" folks of the "blues". The content can be happy, sad, whatever, but....in most cases....sad.

In as far as differenet countries, they will use whatever instruments are "root" to them. In Southern Mexico you will hear a harp and marimba (xylophone), in northern Mexico you will hear an accordian and bajo sexto (12 string guitar) in homeage to the Norteño style. In some cases you will hear timables, like Tito Puente (long live) played. My favorite is when they have a Hammond B-3 with full blast leslie going (check out Yndio's Maria Chuchena).

For acoustic music, try "Los Sabandeños" with "Maria Chuchena". That is a cumbia, but "en sincopa", a sincopious beat which is mostly missing the third note (cumbias having a three note bass line). If you want to hear a more modern version of the same song, i.e. electric sound, try it with "Grupo Yndio" .

I'll post a list of ol' standy by cumbia's if there's interest. I used to play in a band at a local night club and have lots of music info.

I just hope it helps!

nogi boy, your information is very helpful. Yes, I've heard "Los Caminos De La Vida" by "La tropa Vallenata. I think it was the first MX CD I bought, after about 10 trips to TJ. The music quickly grew on me. I also have "Cumbia de los Pobres" and "Cumbias De Mi Tierra" by La Tropa. Do you know if all their music is vallenatos?

Couple more questions ... in talking to people from MX, it sounds like Cumbia and Vallenato music is somewhat regional in terms of popularity. Is this so? If so, in what area of MX would it be the most popular?

Also, Are there any opportunities in So. CA to hear good live Cumbia and Vallenato?

Thanks very much.

Whistler: I do not think all of their music (Tropa) is Vallenato, the label should be a good guide. In the "Los caminos de la vida c.d., it's a draw between Paseo (Vallenato) and Cumbias. 3 of each.

I'm not too sure on the history of why or where the Vallenato vs. Cumbia issue comes from. I think I've reached my musical limitation on that one. My experience comes from playing (by ear) in a band and reading the song labels off of the c.d. we studied the music from.
It sounds to me like Vallenato would prolly be from the mountainous regions (at least a brain tug tells me so) where the cumbia would be from the sandy beach fronts (i.e. tropical).

In as far as where they play in So. Calif, I really can't help there either. I live in So. Az. and can't say I've ever been to a concert involving Vallenato.

Sorry for the lack of knowledge. :-(

Hey anyone know who does the Espanol version of "Suspicious Mind"?

Elvis Presley "Suspicious Minds" is covered by Guardianes Del Amor. They call it "Sospechas de mi"

There are some really good spanish dance songs that I can't get out of my head. Check out Ecuador by Sash, Bailando by Loona, Amor de Papel by Sentidos Opuestos, Duro de Pelar by Rebeca. Most of these songs have remixes, which are pretty good too.

Conshaqi,

Mucho Thanks! Anyone have a source for a good playlist of the more popular songs that are out now? I've checked various radio station websites and haven't been able to locate anything.

Whistler inquires "Also, Are there any opportunities in So. CA to hear good live Cumbia and Vallenato?"

La Opinion-a spanish language daily that is available just about everywhere in So.Ca is a good source for latino musical offerings.

I don't think you'll have any problem finding cumbia since both the Mexicans and Central Americans have made it their own. Vallenato is much more regional even within Colombia. However there's a sizable Colombian community living in the greater Los Angeles area so you may be in luck.

HEY REDONGO-check out Billboard's latin chart-it has a top 20 list,and a hot album list also.you can find the billboard list online.
a.

Hey A,

Of course! Watsa matter with me? I even went to the radio industry sites like R&R with no success. Guess it was just too obvious.

Thanks!

Bros,
Here's a nice thing on the hot li'l salsera Carolina Lao, whose last CD ain't bad (got a new one comin' out) and who looks like a zillion bucks to boot. Plus she's lookin' for a boyfriend...

http://www.rinconlatino.com/content/es0070C71B.html#loc1

Any a you brothers into hot chica salsa singers should check out Saned Rivera too.

Here's another one....

Real uptempo song...."boom boom, chicka chicka, boom boom" Definitly sounds more like "chicka" than chica.

Anyone?

That's a good one Red. I hear it on the radio all the time. Have you heard Ya Lo Vez by Uff?

BTW, it was good meeting you the other night at Chevelas

Did I meet you at Chevelas?

HAH! Must of been Friday night!

Friday it was. I was talking to West Fargo and Roger,you introduced me to Lakers and Tomas.

From your response it sounds as if you had as many beers as I did.

Bros,
This is more like FUTURE music of the zona--check out the gorgeous Odalys Garcia, who is moving into singing. Some samples and a pic of her with a NICE little top (barely) on: http://www.rinconlatino.com/content/es0078E969.html

What a baby doll...and she can sing a bit too.

...."boom boom, chicka chicka, boom boom"

I'm pretty sure that's a Ricky Martin song but the name escapes me.

Check out Thalia, I downloaded a bunch of her songs off napster, Arrasando, Amora La Mexicana and a few others. I did a search and found some sites with fotos and she's hot, too!

I live in a cave and detest top-40 radio so forgive me if this isn't news to anyone, but I heard some chicks singing "Turkish Kiss" in English with some piped in music feed the other day. Can't understand a freakin' WORD of the original (just the smooching noise), but after hearing that English version I WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY!

Hey reytj,

Pretty sure it's not RM. There's some rapping in it and I think even some female vocals. I think I know the one you're thinking of and this one is different.

Anyone else? C'mon!

Redondo,
You know how to dance. The gals name is Sugey Suazo Guevara. I've also got her address. She's divorced with a 1 year old child. She just got married again to a "man" that beats her up daily. She invited us to her house. She said, just ignore my husband. He's really weak and is a drunk. I'm serious.

I have stories about going to Mexican womens houses and they just got through fucking their husbands. etc. She probably lives alone or with some friends. Again! They lie, lie, lie, anything to get the man to feel sorry for them. They get a little more money. But she's some really nice shit. I know you can fuck her. Just don't drink Vadka or get drunk, or not when your planning to get fucked.

You and I should just walk into her house and fuck the shit out of her, Cum in her little pussy as her husband watched. And if her complanes, just through him out of the door...

Westfargo...

Fargo,

Thanks for replying to my e-mail on-line! HAH! It's cool I don't care, but I have no intention of getting bombed like that again, a couple of other "mongers" are bad influences and made me go in on a big bottle of vodka. I had to make sure I got my share....which led to my gymnastics exhibition at La Gloria (translation, I fell down!).

Wadda story, I'm gonna have to re-think whether or not I wanna chase that one anymore.

As for dancing, I can fake it with the near-best of 'em.....I just wish I had Rogers moves!

Aterciopelados, one of the coolest latin rock groups (Colombians), were on Leno last night. Pleasantly surprised to see that these guys are apparently picking up a US audience. Echeverri has a GREAT voice--shame she's so damn ugly...

"Mi Album" by the Aterciopelados is a cool song.
Funny about voices, normally (but not always) people w/. good voices do not have good looks.

Porker, I think you're talking about "Kiss, kiss" by Soleil.

I've only heard the English version on VH1.
I think it's only one chick.

I'd fuck her.