Chicano: "Latin-tinged rock"

A brief look at an underappreciated sub-genre

You may not have heard of Rosie Hamlin. Martha Gonzales. Rocky Padilla. Chances are, hot bands like Blendell, Quetzal, El Vez, The Gits, and Aztlan Underground have remained out of your top five radio stations. I wouldn't worry too much, though, about missing out on the latest fad. It's a music genre that's been entirely off you're radar. And there's a reason for this: you're white. Now, here's where I make concessions. I'm also white. And if you're not Caucasian and still not familiar with the trending Mexican American bands, then chances are you're also not from East L.A. The sub-genre of rock and roll called Chicano Rock has always remained a bit aloof, or "suppressed" if you agree with the thousands of cult-like followers.

(East L.A. skyline)

This is because Mexican American art is usually depicted as a sub-genre of an already existing "American" movement, versus a unique and independent entity. This is due to current mainstream tastes as well as quite a bit of history. We can't go into all of this. What you need to know is there is SOME Chicano music you have heard of, and chances are you already enjoy it. In other words, your excuses at this point aren't good. The few Latin American stars that have managed to surface to the pop charts since the 60's should be ingrained in your head by now. Or, like I said, you're severely uncool. Band #1- Ritchie Valens

(Ritchie in the middle)

Okay, so this person is famous. One of the first on the rock scene in the 50's, he is often accredited as being one of the few that broke rock and roll out of its sheepish shell. Compared to Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and The Rolling Stones for sheer genre impacting power, Ritchie Valens only lived to age 17. That's impressive. On top of that, he was Hispanic, making him an extreme out liar during the times racist climate. People accepted him anyways, though, for what reasons it's unclear. Everything about him screams, "Remember me!" Even his death is famous: Valens, along with Buddy Holly, crashed in an airplane in 1959 while on tour together. Though, not many people seem to remember him. It's a real mystery. Songs you know: "La Bamba," "Come on, Let's Go" Band #2- Los Lonely Boys

(The cool kids)

Los Lonely Boys seem to be an almost stereotypical punk rock band of the 90's and 00's. You almost definitely know their number one hit, but the history turns out to be interesting. The band is a group of three brothers and their father who moved to Nashville to try and become famous. After hitting it off with their first album, they have since declined but managed to not get on each other's nerves. Currently working on a new album, they are determined to make a comeback despite lowering support and injuries on stage, staying politically active in things like Latin American rights and disarmament. Songs you know: "Heaven" Band #3- War

(A friendly bunch) A multi-ethnic band in the 70's, War is secretly loved by everybody and nobody. I mean, c'mon. Their combination of funky-soul-jazz-Latin-catchiness is just too hard to resist. I can't remember one person who has legitimately hated the band. Only semi-disliked. It takes a lot not to smile when the theme to George Lopez comes on Nickelodeon, or just sing along to most other of their songs. Songs you know: "Low Rider," "Why Can't We Be Friends" Band #4- Cannibal & The Headhunters

(The guys on the left...)

If you didn't get this one, then you're partially forgiven. Writing only one memorable song, the band itself never even really climbed to stardom. The cover you know and love was produced by Wilson Pickett, an African American singer who reworked it with a catchier tempo and trumpet line. The band played for quite a while before they finally called it quits, but we can still enjoy their crowning jewel. If you don't know the words already, then at least you can pickup the chorus. I won't bother with the original: I'll admit, it's not that spectacular. Songs you know: "Land of a Thousand Dances" And some notable artists you might want to check out (in no particular order): -Santana -Las Cafeteras -Aztlan Underground -The Premiers

Chicano in the Community

In exploring all this I also decided to snag a quick interview with an old friend (who is. in fact, Mexican American) and appreciates Chicano rock. In reality, it was an impromptu phone call. A quick profile on him: he speaks superb English. He is best described as eclectic, easily humored, and comfortable with himself. He’s 17 and working a job and makes so-so grades (as he says). It wasn't an awkward conversation because it just wasn't. We were cool beforehand. Plus, I avoided slanted questions like: “How does your heritage effect your musical tastes?" It was a real chill process. So, here's the transcript if you're curious.

Q: So, we’ve already established you’re a fan of the Chicano. What else do you like? You know. With music.

A: Ha! Well, that’s actually an interesting question. I’ve recently not been listening to too much, you know, music, but I guess lots of stuff before. I was working my way through Mozart’s Sonatas (mostly in the shower) for a while and was really digging that. Before I get ready to work a shift I usually just listen to some loud dubstep or pop. Generally, if it’s popular, I like it.

Q: Okay, sweet. Is there anything in general about your music that you find unique? This can be anything.

A: Nope. Absolutely not.

Q: Was that a loaded response or am I missing something?

A: No, I don’t think you did. I just don’t think that I’m very special. Sure, probably not many people enjoy listening to, say, country-techno remixes, but the word “hipster” sort of scares me. I just go to school and work a job and am constantly afraid of the future. I feel normal. Music has nothing to do with, what was the word you used? “Unique?”

Q: Alright. Just one more question.

A: Yes.

Q: Let’s go back to Chicano. This is going to be blunt. Why do you like it? I mean, here’s the context. Not many people enjoy the “spicy”, Mambo flavor to the genre. But some do like other things like country or rap even if, say, their parents aren’t a fan. Maybe I’m looking at a lot of outliers. But what do you think contributes to a person’s tastes as far as an underappreciated genre like Chicano goes?

A: I’ll give you my opinion: we’re all different. I hate country. Though, I know for a fact you like a couple songs by Joe Nickels. This is because we’re friends. And we’ll probably stay friends. But that question deals with a lot of psychology. Trends. Peer pressure. Et cetera. I’m not actually sure. Obviously you don’t have to be an immigrant in order to enjoy maracas to a baseline, though I’ll admit it’s an acquired taste. I just so happened to be brought up on it at a young age. You know, in the car. That’s probably what it comes down to.

Q: Alright. Thanks a ton.

A: No problem.