By the Zonagirante.com team @spinning zone
And yes, we've reached that December moment when we contribute to the saturation of "best of the year" selections., filling readers with lists that we hope will interest them and make their parties a better time. This is the moment when we again justify the reasons for our choices, trying to differentiate ourselves from other media outlets. As you already know: Our interest lies in delving not only into what barely lies beneath the musical surface, but also..., to rescue what is often overlooked by more corporate portals because they are guided simply by reproduction figures or exposures on the red carpets of major international events. We give preferential space to independent and self-managed productions, hoping that one day these works will become classics among a mainstream audience, because they deserve it and not because a marketing machine put them ahead of others for no reason. Mind you, within our initial selection we have a couple of albums that have deservedly resonated throughout the continent, and we're happy that this has happened., because it gives us hope and confidence about the taste of the audience in this hemisphere.
These are the ten albums we liked the most in 2023. We present them in no particular order, without any specific ranking among them. The truth is, we'd be incredibly bored if someone boasted (or hated us) for placing it seventh or ninth. These ten titles (knowing we could have easily reached 50) represent the great sonic diversity that Latin America enjoys today. Here you'll find pop, electronic music, rock, hip hop, and contemporary folk music., And those who invented all these sounds reside in cities as far apart as Berlin, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, New York, La Plata, Mexico City, Medellín, Salta and San José. They were born in Chile, Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Argentina. Some of these artists, curiously, are better known in foreign lands than in their own birthplaces. Some enjoy worldwide fame, while others have barely managed to shine among a few thousand in their scene. This is a compilation of productions that, when listened to with the tranquility this task deserves, It demonstrates the good moment our music is experiencing.
Here we go:
Sofia Kourtesis – Mothers
Published under the prestigious imprint Ninja Tune, Mothers, The work of this Peruvian DJ, based in the German capital, is exquisitely varied, and she uses it without restriction, without falling into obvious trends often seen in contemporary electronic music., to combine moments of house and techno, with subtle moments of Latin American sound tradition. The instrumental construction of this album manages to surprise every second and at times creates raw emotions. with an unexpected combination of folklore, tenderness and intense dance. It's an eclectic album, ranging from that track called If you behave nicely (a kind of "Sergio Mendez" from the 70s, a sort of "tropical disco"), going through that game of experimental vocal throwbacks that are emitted in Moving Houses, and arriving at that particular reinvestment of Hope Station, original song by Manu Chao, It fills with bells and voices of protest, while the body shakes, expelling all the bad vibes around it. Is it an album for frenetic dancing? Perhaps. Is it a collection of songs that convey a message that goes beyond the unbridled revelry of the party? Clearly.
Jarina de Marco – Caribbean all inclusive luxury
This woman of Dominican origin, with Brazilian roots and a resident of New York City can boast, without fear of being wrong, of being one of the artists who best defines the word "sensuality". We wish we could have Jarina's voice as our cell phone alarms, waking us up with her captivating voice and good humor, whispering, just like she does in her song. Mass:
Sit in the chair
Tell me about your life
Come and cook for yourself
I'll take away your hunger
A cassava puree
Tomato sauce.
We would love to have her by our side singing, with all the joyful boldness that entails, that she is «"the last Coca-Cola in the desert"». She is the one who makes us feel like we're on the perfect beach. when he invites us to have an electric daiquiri regardless of what the envious might say.
Jarina makes the act of listening to her give us goosebumps and remind us (without any shame) the excitement we need every day to be able to celebrate being alive in some way. She transforms carnal desire into a delicious art form for our ears, and it's not simply through her vocal intonation, but through the fine combination of hip hop, Caribbean essences, and carefree pop, far removed from outdated formulas. Here are 27 minutes of sonic pleasure., splendid lust for everyone's enjoyment.
Blond – Venus & Blue
It was more than obvious that we were going to include Fran Straube in this list, especially when he presents this new album that demonstrates his growing sonic maturity, Launched from Mexico City, her new home. Why do we insist so much on Rubio? Because, regardless of whether some still think it's an exaggeration for us to say this, her music can resonate anywhere in the world and make listeners feel, without considering origins or cultural metropolises, that she belongs to the very elite of the world's musical world. She has nothing to envy, in terms of talent and artistic structure, from the brightest names in international stardom, especially after hearing Venus & Blue, where he approaches more commercial rhythmic trends without losing his exquisiteness, Reaching a wider audience with strength, without losing its pride, its texts, its search for different resonant threads. Straube has what legends are expected to have in their work: Its own identity, power in its message, and constant and solid surprise in its reinvention. Listen as many times as you can When the sun goes to sleep, They will never get tired.
Winona Riders – The sound of ecstasy
Who are these brazen inhabitants of western Buenos Aires province?, permanently immersed in different hallucinogenic substances, Knowing that they've released two intense and wonderful albums in a single year makes us suspect that their time in 2023 was spent between the four walls of the studio and unrestrained bacchanals across their territory? Who are these musicians, so cruel, that make us choose between two musical gems to be included in our list of best titles of the year? If, due to health issues, curses of the musical genre, or an alien abduction, we never hear from them again in the future, We must recognize from the outset that what Winona Riders has done should forever leave an indelible mark on the history of rock and roll in this century. They have managed to recover with fascinating audacity the blasphemies in which the devil and Jesus clash, the lyrical saturations in homage to the best motorized toys invented by man, or the long recordings made so that the zombie that lives in each of us can take over our soul and celebrate, amidst the delicious and heavy distortions that occupy the entire sound spectrum. If, once you finish listening to this album, you are not satisfied and want more of the best stoner rock you can hear these days, then continue with the other album., This is what you get when you get tired of what you've already got. There will be no possible remorse.
The Robertas – Love is the answer
One of the most interesting places in contemporary Latin American music (and one of the least mentioned) is Costa Rica. It's a small music scene, but with plenty of examples of good rock and roll, punk, garage music and other similar sound species. Perhaps the best example of this is the now legendary band Las Robertas, a group that presents itself, as its press releases warn, as «"Latin American standard-bearer for female-led rock bands.". Already, throughout their thirteen-year career, they have traveled to many countries, on both sides of the oceans, showcasing their excellent rock work, their alternative sound linked to shoegaze and stoner. His work, without losing its own unique style, is timeless; it could have been made in California in the seventies, in England in the nineties, or in his hometown of San Jose just a few months ago. That, rather than detracting from it, makes the result of his recordings more attractive.
As we did in a previous review, we dare to recommend one song in particular, Third Door. Six and a half minutes that summarize all these lines like no other. and where the journey of Las Robertas is at its peak.
Tide – Alligator Man
Why did we choose an album that's probably been played more in underground clubs in Medellín and the surrounding area than on digital platforms? Are we trying to be the craziest people around, trying to impress an audience that appreciates new and good music? Well, the reason is simpler: We believe that what Maria Arango, a DJ born in Manizales and known in the local scene as Marea, has done, It is one of the most interesting examples of what can be done with reggaeton, demonstrating that it is a rhythm that, in the right hands and with brilliant minds, can achieve captivating combinations., when it feeds on sounds from diverse origins and enriches its auditory discourse. If you're looking for some macho man to spout anal nonsense or tasteless seductive advances, this isn't the place. This is, as we said in a previous article, a sophisticated digital laboratory in the middle of the resonant tropical jungle. It is, as the artist herself defines it, «"urban, mystical and immersive"». And, of course, he's ready to make us sweat on the dance floor at any moment.
He killed a motorcycle police officer – Super horror
Would you mind if we told you that this group has been the best Latin American band for several years now? Most of their songs are anthems sung all over the continent, and they never disappoint at their live performances. What's striking is that they look just like any of us, eschewing sequins and the annoying excesses of celebrity, standing out for what truly matters: for his wonderful music, for his impeccable songs, Because of what they say, which anyone can understand and grasp, because they are like all of us who listen to them and believe in their words. We repeat this in this short review: This is relatable poetry, which touches hearts without complications. That's why we like Santiago Motorizado and his band, because we suspect they understand us. As for their sound, this is also the best album of their career in terms of production, thanks to Eduardo Bergallo., an elegant blend that, even in the most subdued moments, achieves its strength. Is it an exaggeration, at this stage of the post-pandemic era, to exclaim that El mató… has crafted the discourse we expected from the best musical heroes we could aspire to these days?
Mad Tree – This is how birds speak
This is an album to listen to multiple times, as each time we discover new details, more reasons to fall in love with its melodies. A few months ago we stated that this was a beautiful album, Carefully crafted down to the last second, it seeks to move and shake the heart and succeeds, and, moreover, exudes honesty in its construction., Because there's more effort involved in creating an extraordinary work than in conforming to market rules. We listen to it again and we don't regret our words. It's a complex album in its instrumentation, drawing on influences from Argentine rock of the nineties, moments reminiscent of Seattle music from three decades ago, and certain touches of British rock from the seventies. It's not an album for lazy people, nor for an audience accustomed to elevator music. Here there is experimentation, pain, sensitivity, candor. Jardines is, perhaps, the best song released in Colombia this year, as it is guitar magic and dazzling lyrics that announce, if our ears don't deceive us, sweet dreams.
Puebla – Thirst
We're going to complicate things with a label. We'll say that this band makes poetic indie folk, which adds to its art elements and hints of hip hop, other moments of pop philosophy, and undeniably rock material. It is music of genuine feeling and extraordinary results, with songs made, perhaps, to find strength for any journey in our lives, Whether on a short public transport ride or an extensive journey through unfamiliar territories. To paraphrase a previous article, I can reiterate that His texts can be taken as personal diary entries, where there is an effort to find meaning in every word spoken, so that each word touches our ears and allows us to accept that everything we experience is worthwhile., Even though there are no notable peaks or troughs, because time in its entirety belongs to us. Tunes like Cruise speed (made alongside The Idiot Prince), and In the dark (recorded with the collaboration of Ramiro Sagasti), These are pieces that should remain in the memory of every being who loves being alive on this planet. And yes, they are worthy sons of La Plata, the city that should be, because of all its good musical examples, the capital of our favorite sound on the entire continent.
Julieta Laso – Dog's Paw
Not just anyone can return to the classics of a lifetime and successfully reinterpret them in their own way if they don't have the voice. Yes, THE VOICE. Anyone can be in tune, but few people have enough personality and a particular tone to immediately attract attention. and take over the old compositions, making them their own. Julieta Laso knows how to express anger, seduction, courage, emotional breakdown, tears, and laughter in a single second. That's why she can interpret Tango, Cuban son, French chanson, ballads and boleros with complete naturalness. What she sings seems originally written for her, even the Argentinian version of No, I regret nothing, by Edith Piaf, using a very particular translation in a recording called I don't regret anything. No matter your age, whether you're from the generation of Gardel, Fabiana Cantillo, Miranda, or Wos, You should take the time to appreciate what this Argentinian artist has done on her new album.
