By Fran Saravia @fransaravia1978
(Editor's note: Fran Saravia He is an Argentine musician in the traditional rock tradition of that country. After playing in several local bands, he released his first album, “Donde los Versos” (Where the Verses Are), in 2018. His music, as stated in his press release, evokes diverse landscapes of the Río de la Plata region, showcasing, in his own way, Influences of Charly García, Fito Páez, Lisandro Aristimuño, and others, combined with a modern look and sound. Saravia is currently promoting "Miguelito," the third single from his upcoming album, and during his press conference, he took the time to share with Zonagirante.com readers his list of favorite Latin songbooks.
1. Speaking to Your Heart – Charly García. In my memory, this is the first Charly García song I ever heard. Love at first listen. I chose this one because it's the first I remember hearing, but I could put almost any of Charly's songs here. Every song on this list could be his. His music has always been with me. My admiration for him is total and absolute. And his music never ceases to amaze me.
2. And bring joy to my heart – Fito Páez. When I was 12, I went to see Fito at a theater that held no more than 300 people. It was probably my first concert. I knew very few of his songs, and his fame hadn't yet exploded. This song was the last one of the concert, and people still didn't know it. I remember humming it as I walked home. Fito was a huge part of my early adolescence. A tireless songwriter.
3. What concerns us is that grandmother, the conscience that regulates the world – Invisible. While Spinetta had appeared in my childhood through Almendra, he truly captivated me with Invisible. During my adolescence, my friends were heavily into foreign heavy metal bands. That first Invisible album had a power and lyrics that immediately blew my mind. The instrumental quality of that trio is overwhelming. I was lucky enough to see them live at the concert of the eternal bands, and I was speechless. Spinetta could easily be included anywhere on this list.
4. Virgin of Riña – Illya Kuryaki & The Valderramas: “Oven for heating the seas”"The second album by this band and its songs were a huge influence. The beginning of the deformity in Argentine rock, combined with classic songs. I sang them with my guitar thousands of times.".
5. The Entity – The Visitors. Palo Pandolfo's arrival as the interpreter of his songs left a lasting mark. His untimely passing a few days ago reminded me how present he was during some very dark times. "El Ente" channeled, through his screams, moments of adolescent angst. "Los Visitantes" also introduced me to a tango-infused style of Buenos Aires rock. Palo will always be with us.
6. Complaint – Caetano Veloso. Brazilian music has been important to me from an early age. Its harmonic beauty, the chords, the way they play the guitar. Caetano Veloso, a perpetual innovator. An immeasurable artist. I saw him live several times, always with different, even opposing, approaches. Like Spinetta, he is a school of art. This song, and this version, is beautiful. Brazil is part of the continent!
7. Nem um Dia – Djavan. If we're going to mention Brazil, I can't leave out Djavan. He won me over immediately. His phrasing, his rhythms. His vocal range. A tremendous artist. And this song is incredibly beautiful.
8. Amphibian – Lisandro Aristimuño. Lisandro was a defining figure in my life. Listening to him opened the path to songwriting for me. His approach to his influences, his way of expressing himself, and the production of his songs resonated deeply with me. In an era of very "rock" or very "pop" productions, or rather modest ones, Lisandro took the plunge and produced his own songs, taking them wherever they needed to go, regardless of market limitations, aesthetics, or anything else. A major influence.
9. Natural Force – Gustavo Cerati. What can I say? Gustavo was always there, ever since Soda Stereo. But his solo career always seemed more daring and more interesting to me. Natural Force I think it was their peak; and this song in particular has it all. Production, performance, atmosphere, lyrics. A masterpiece.
10. Dressing room – Babasónicos. Babasónicos was a band that came to hit hard, to shake things up. And they shook me up. Their lyrics. Their audacity. That drive to revive and draw inspiration from what rock had discarded. The album Jessica It's my favorite, and this song, for some reason, moves me deeply.
11. Direct contact – Noelia Recalde. Her simplicity in interpretation and her frankness in expression deeply moved me. I believe she is one of the great artists of our time. A communicator, a promoter of cultural spaces. A fighter through action, without repetitive speeches. Noelia fights from her own place; through her songs. Direct Contact is overwhelmingly sweet.
12. The age of heaven – Jorge Drexler. This song is perfect from every angle. Jorge Drexler flirted with electronic instruments, combined them with acoustic sounds, revealed his Uruguayan roots, and all while choosing the perfect words. Even so, what resonated with me most was his calm and direct delivery.
13. Zambaguala of the Traveler – Kevin Johansen. He's an exquisite, laid-back artist who reaches emotional heights that blow me away. He brought humor to Argentina at a time when there wasn't much to laugh about. This topic fascinates me.
14. The eternal night – He killed a motorcycle policeman. A new sound. They were a band that paved the way for many others. They were pioneers of a sound that remains incredibly relevant today. I think it's time to look for new sounds, but El Mató was a pioneer. This is a great track.
15. Miguelito – Fran Saravia. I've saved myself for last. This is my latest single. Part of the upcoming album, and I think it encapsulates a lot of the music I've listened to and that I carry within me. A love story, two special characters, and the longed-for encounter in infinity. Always trying to say something…