By José Gallo @theremyn4
Editor's note:
We have invited the following people to create the first Latin Set of 2017 José Gallo from the Peruvian group Theremyn 4, One of the most interesting electronic music projects on our continent. Gallo has selected his all-time favorite Latin songs, and although the list is traditionally 10 songs, he insisted on adding two more to feel more confident in his selection:
Cerati Melero . A Trip Around the Universe
Knowledge of the language of contemporary music, good taste, and inspiration converge in this monument. It would have been wonderful if this duo had explored this same universe more extensively.
Narcosis – Current life
Narcosis was that initial spark that made me form a rock band and start writing songs. The genuine rage of the performance, the rudimentary recording, the audacity of the lyrics. Nothing is more punk than “Vida Actual” (Current Life). In 2006 I used some samples for a Theremyn_4 track («Rocknho») and then with Wicho (vocalist of Narcosis) in 2009 we made an electronic version («La vida actual»).
Soda Stereo – Without any surprises
Everything starts off great with this track! The piano, the guitar, the drums, the horn section, and it has to be the best opening lyric on any album. “Sin sobresaltos” is a pop masterpiece with Charly and Zeta at their best. Cerati is on fire. If I want to lift my spirits, I just have to put this song on. A stroke of genius from every angle.
Miki Gonzalez – So many times
I was lucky enough to play this song with Miki for several years. Minimalism and rawness in the lyrics, set to a fast-paced ska-pop with some of the best guitar arpeggios Miki has ever composed. The backing vocals, in their African-inspired harmony, sing “…it turns into pain.” A classic and a cult favorite.
Charly Garcia – Dinosaurs
The genius Charly creates one of his masterpieces here. I first heard this song live at the Home Fair in Lima around 1995. "Friends from the neighborhood can disappear." Now I understand perfectly. "It's better not to be tied to anything"... only Charly can do that...
Robi Draco – Lie without a lover
It was 2004, and I'd spent the entire year in airports. At a US airport, I saw Draco sitting on the floor, leaning against a cylindrical column, among many other passengers with delayed flights. He was visibly exhausted and dressed like he'd just come down from a gig. I don't remember what I asked him, but he replied something like, "Sorry... I'm wasted, man..." That year, I ended up "wasted" too. Pools in suburban American condos, beer in hand. Adrift, without expectations. Kerouac, without ever having met him. The soundtrack of those days was this song. Draco in total freedom, demonstrating that Latin "heat" can go to other, more interesting, more abstract, more creative places. One of my favorite drum performances, by Vinnie Colaiuta. A gem.
Fragile – Antiheroes
While Frágil has a fairly large discography with classics like “Av. Larco,” “Oda al Tulipán,” “El Caimán,” “La del brazo,” and “Aquella niña,” for me, the band's new wave era is the most interesting. Featuring the vocals of Argentinian singer “Piñin» Folgado and with Tavo, César, and Luis in a completely wave-progressive mood. “Antiheroes” is the B-side to the single “Nave Blanca,” which is also a fantastic track. One of my all-time favorites.
Legiao Urbana – Daniel a cova dos leoes
My cousin's uncle lived in Belo Horizonte in the '80s and sent him Brazilian music every month, which we listened to for years. Legião Urbana was my favorite band, and this song from "Dois," which opens the album, stuck with me. That ending with the piano melody showed a punk teenager that you could do more elaborate things with songs. The essential "Indios" is also on that album.
Lucybell – Horses of hysteria
A song steeped in the earth. Perhaps the most earthy thing to come out of the Pacific coast. The atmosphere achieved in this song, the perfect harmony between music and lyrics, is, for me, the pinnacle of Lucybell's music. "I used to hear that voice, and now I'm wide awake." A Wurlitzer, a Sunday afternoon in Pueblo Libre, Lima.
Cerati – Soul
“A unique map…blurred. Under the fairy's sheets. Scattered through fantasies. What you wanted…smells like a garden.” From that milestone called “Bocanada,” this is the song with which I take off, never to return. By the acronyms of the centuries.
Two more songs…
Zoe – Don't destroy me
Zoe entered the Latin American scene with a freshness and intelligence that made them stand out in a dry period. “No me destruyas” has that indie-pop flavor but also that intrinsically Mexican lament.
Virus – Pagan Images
The synth line in counterpoint with Moura's voice, dreams and absence. The acoustic guitar celebrates an ignored ritual. The bass and drums want to pronounce the silence. And you undress in dreams.
PS: Also: Sueter “Via Mexico”, RPM “Olhar 43”, Los Violadores “Fuera de Sektor”, Fragil “Av. Larco”, Azul Violeta “Solo por hoy”, Caifanes “Afuera”.
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