Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25245
"imagine that, instead of traveling to India, George Harrison experimented with the Mayan gods and invited The Monkees along" Gabriel Gonzalez and backed by a heavily percussive backdrop fea- turing violin , congas and vibraphone, Quetzal is the ambassador of a disparate Chicano community that, more than fame or recognition, simply wants its people's share of this supposed democracy's prom- ises . With the steamrolling success of Sing the Real (they've played alongside Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, and, weirdly enough, Aerosmith), Quetzal's time is here. 3> LOS DE ABAJO Cybertropic Chilago (Luaka Bop, 2002) One of the year's most energetic releases, Los de Abajo's Cybertropic Chilago Power is a hip-hoppin', floor-rockin' swirl through Mexico City's dirty politics and social ills . The band is a col- lective of progressive word (and music) smiths engineering future sounds with technological surety. Singing of revolution and equali- ty , this record is an in-your-face, anthemic bible for the underrepre- sented lower and middle classes, sonically appealing to all. 4> LILA DOWNS Border (Narada World, 2002) A native of Oaxaca, Lila Downs' biracial mix of Mexican and Scottish- American has helped her develop the best of both worlds. Singing in Spanish as well as Mixtec, Zapotec, Maya and Nahuati-as well as the occasional foray into English-Downs tackles existential theory and realistic life in one fell swoop with Border. Her lyrical levity destroys emotional boundaries, backed by passionate assurance and an accompanying band of accomplished musicians. The overall fusion of these elements is enlightening. 5> VOLOVAN Volovan (Lakeshore Records, 2002) The city of Monterrey has recently produced a series of alt-pop groups (Molotov, Kinky, El Gran Silencio), and none so poppy as this merry quartet. If you're wondering what their self-titled debut sounds like, imagine that, instead of traveling to India, George Harrison had experimented with the Mayan gods and invited The Monkees along. Quirky and light, yet fully head-nodding, this album is infectious. 6> HEROES & HORSES (Smithsonian/Folkways Recordings, 2002) Where would futurism be without tradition? Corridos (translated loosely as " ballads" ) are what Mexican folk is all about; wandering minstrels singing the acoustic newspapers of their day. Ranging in topic from love to drug smuggling, horse races to shootouts, the compilation Heroes & Horses: Corridos From the Arizona-Sonora Borderlands is a great introduction to the language of the Mexican streets. " weekly email newsletter covering arts, music and cultural events sign up at flavorpill.net