While those duplicitous, intellectually and morally deficient cockweasels that make up the spearhead of the government’s Brexit movement continue to flounder around like a freshly-neutered dog wondering what the hell he can now lick as the reality of both the consequences and legalities thunder down on them, I thought I’d take a look at the music of Spain.
I’ve been fortunate enough to see a fair bit of Spain and – while there are mixed emotions attached to part of it now – I’ve always loved being there. I’ve always found it a beautifully vibrant and colourful country, especially the Catalan areas I’ve spent time in, and from the Galician north-west to the Canary islands off the coast of Africa, I found warmth in both climate and people. And the food…..
As for the music, let’s go:
Héroes del Silencio – Entre dos tierras
NB: I don’t think the video is supposed to be as funny as it is. They may have been this earnest.
Héroes del Silencio – formed in the 80’s in Zaragoza – were BIG in Europe which, as per, means jack shit in England and they never crossed over. My wife, however, being from Europe ‘proper’ did know of them and dug them out of Spotify last year. One of Rock en Español most successful bands, they played big rock with a serious, capital R from the late 80’s up until 1996 when the singer went his own way. Rock en Español is a catch-all grouping for those ‘rock’ bands that sang in Spanish and precious few achieved success outside of Spanish speaking countries due to lack of promotion. Héroes del Silencio were signed to EMI and the album this track is taken from shifted well over 2 million copies alone. Not too shabby.
Exquirla – Europa Muda
I’ve blasted this album out of my car and home speakers so much since picking it up earlier this year. Exquirla is the a surprise collaboration between Spanish post-rock band Toundra and flamenco singer Niño de Elche. The two acts met when they were both appearing at a festival in Cadiz (a city I love very much). This surprise collaboration yielded an album of intense post-rock with traditional guitar and flamenco vocals that’s hugely addictive, even if I haven’t got a clue what Senor de Elche is emoting about.
Audiolepsia – Beatrix
One of the joys of the internet is the degree to which the discovery of new music from places so geographically distant and bands not affiliated with major labels is now possible. I also love the ability that it has created for bands who don’t have or don’t want major backing to get product out there in a grass-roots, DIY style and build a genuine fanbase. It’s meant I’ve been able to discover a huge amount and I found a real groundswell of post-rock / ambient flowing out of Barcelona – perhaps it’s the Catalan element. I can really go down the rabbit hole at times and the discovery of Aloud Music (who work with the equally brilliant Dunk!) is a dangerous one for my bank balance. Veering more toward the melodic end of the genre, along with Astralia, Audiolepsia are one of those bands who’s album Muses has been on steady spin since discover.
Triángulo de Amor Bizarro – De la monarquía a la criptocracia
They take their name from the New Order song Bizarre Love Triangle (but I won’t hold that against them) and were formed in the Galician city of A Coruña (again: another city I’ve visited). Highly praised by press and famous musicians from various quarters they’re renowned for powerful live performances and mix indie, post-punk and shoegaze into one heady combo.
Joaquín Rodrigo – Concierto de Aranjuez II: Adagio
Stepping away from the usual fare on this blog but there is zero possibility of talking Spanish music and not mentioning what is one of my favourite pieces of music.
It’s nothing revolutionary and is probably a very well-known piece yet there is something undeniably beautiful about the Concierto de Aranjuez, it’s one of the finest pieces of Spanish classical music and the Adagio moves me every time. I’ve had the joy of seeing this performed live by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Rolando Saad on guitar. There’s no video of that particular combo, that’s Rolando Saad in the video, though but the Spotify link is to just that pairing. The moment at which the orchestra fulls into sweep around the 8 1/2 minute mark always gives me goosebumps.
Mumbling About... 
When you said music from Spain, I instantly assumed – stereotypically I guess – Spanish music. But apart from the last one, it’s rock and some of it pretty good at that. The video proves the Spanish guys can preen and pout just like the Americans and Brits. Nice touch on the classical guitar thing. As far as what that flamenco singer was singing, I’m not sure but I think it had something to do with Brexit and cockweasels. (A word I did not know but is now part of my vocabulary.)
You might be right, though I imagine cockweasel sounds nicer in Spanish
Speaking of cockweasels, I imagine you must be totally pumped up for the royal wedding.
Pumped isn’t the word: I’m hosting a garden party to celebrate it with a live feed. Jeff (Beck)’s bringing some of his home-brewed cider. I was gonna invite Macca but last time he started complaining about lack vegetarian option on the bbq until Keith told him to poke off. Plus I hear he’s quite the anti-royalist, something about “non-elected spongers”. Might throw a downer on things
Wow. I’ll be there. I’ll bring Steven Tyler. He would totally enjoy that. Thanks.
The more the merrirer. It’s a BYOB deal and we gotta keep it down as the neighbours aren’t invited and got a bit touchy about the noise at the last shindig
God save the Queen! Anyway.
Good ones Tony. Like the take on Exquirla and the music they make. Also like the Audiolepsia cut. I was just recently turned onto the last cut but a jazz version, Paul Desmond, Chet Baker and Jim Hall (My neighbors favorite piece of music), MJQ also do a nice version. Like the cut you posted.
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