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Latin and local music in 2005: Underground eruption
It's all about reggaeton, baby. Latin music in 2005 grooved to a reggae-spiced, hip-hop-heavy salsa beat that charmed the hips off young crowds, the bilingual set immersed in the urban culture of MTV, BET and today's pop radio. Puerto Rican Daddy Yankee became a bankable star, selling a million copies of his Barrio Fino CD, while Shakira fused the rhythm into her monstrously successful single, "La Tortura." Major Latin labels, always quick to make a buck, signed reggaeton acts in assembly-line fashion, making sure to put out their CDs immediately. Consequently, Billboard's Latin charts filled up with names totally unknown 12 months ago. Meanwhile regional Mexican continued to rule, especially for mainstays Los Tigres del Norte, Vicente Fernández, Grupo Montez de Durango, K-Paz de la Sierra and Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte. We also got great albums from a wide array of artists such as pop singer Chayanne, tropical singer-songwriter Javier Garcia, Guatemala's Ricardo Arjona, pop-rock-hip-hop trio La Secta AllStar and Houston's DJ Kane. Reggaeton's blend of hip-hop and salsa is red-hot Chat with our critics about the best (and worst) of 2005 on Jan. 3 at noon and 1 p.m. 12/18: Pop culture 12/19: Television 12/20: Theater 12/21: Pop music 12/22: Rap/hip-hop/R&B music 12/23: DVDs and video games 12/24: Country music 12/25: Books 12/26: Architecture 12/27: Latin/local music 12/28: Classical music and dance 12/29: Visual arts 12/30: Movies 12/31: Obituaries During a recent trip to Miami, I walked into a Best Buy and headed to the Latin CDs department, just to see what the store had. There, front and center in the aisle of Latin discs, was a section dedicated specifically to reggaeton releases. I was surprised. While Best Buy does separate its compact discs inventory into genres – rock, country, rap, jazz, etc. – it doesn't break them out into subgenres. So this was notable. It's also a sign of the times. Reggaeton has quickly become one of the most successful underground musical movements in an industry that doesn't normally thrive on underground musical movements. It commands more visibility, and no doubt more clout, than rock en español and the relatively short-lived regional urbano. Take a look at Billboard's Top 10 Latin albums chart from Dec. 24 and you'll see Don Omar at No. 1 with Da Hitman Presents Reggaeton Latino, Wisin & Yandel at No. 4 (it was No. 1 the week prior) with Pa'l Mundo and Daddy Yankee with his million-selling breakthrough Barrio Fino at No. 7. All of them are hard-core reggaeton artists. At No. 2 is Shakira's Fijación Oral Vol. 1, which contains "La Tortura," her record-breaking, chart-topping single laced with plenty of reggaeton rhythms. The Colombian singer-songwriter joins fellow Latin pop acts such as Ricky Martin, Aventura, La Secta AllStar, Paulina Rubio and A.B. Quintanilla's Kumbia Kings, all of whom use reggaeton in their musical mix. Reggaeton's allure is a no-brainer when you consider today's youth-driven, bilingual and hip-hop-centric Latin music fans. By mixing dancehall reggae with salsa and hip-hop, reggaeton adopts a beat-heavy, repetitive sound that's essentially Latinized hip-hop. For kids who speak both languages and chew up a steady diet of MTV, BET and today's urban pop radio, reggaeton fits right into their lifestyle. And for reggaeton, the Latin industry is merely the launching ground. Two of the biggies have already signed deals with mainstream labels. Puerto Rican Tego Calderón inked a recording contract with Atlantic Records. Daddy Yankee's newest CD, Barrio Fino En Directo, a live CD-DVD package that includes his No. 1 Latin single "Rompe," was released on Interscope Records. Reggaeton newcomers are arriving on major labels at an alarming pace. There's Alexis & Fido, who call themselves the Pitbulls; John Eric, who looks like reggaeton's answer to Fat Joe; Bimbo, another large reggaeton hopeful; Andy Andy, Andy Aguilera, who mixes reggaeton with bachata; and Boy Wonder, Angel & Khriz, to name more than a few. It's getting hard to keep up with them. Looks as if reggaeton may need an even bigger section at your local Best Buy. E-mail mtarradell@dallasnews.com Javier Garcia Like his heritage, born in Spain to a Cuban father and Irish mother, this Miami-based singer-songwriter mixes salsa with hip-hop, reggae, ska and good old-fashioned song craft to create a danceable mélange of rhythms perfect for shimmying on the sand. Shakira Her best album, hands down. Colombian firecracker experiments with reggaeton, punk-rock and her trademark Middle Eastern elements as she weaves memorable melodies and writes clever lyrics. Ricardo Arjona Mr. Arjona doesn't just record CDs; he conjures up minimovies in his batch of songs. Whether he's singing about a couple having intimacy issues ("Pingüinos en la Cama") or an illegal immigrant ("Mojado"), the Guatemalan artist always fascinates. Chayanne Latin pop star's most fully realized disc, one that takes on more of a rock edge while still remaining commercially viable. He's singing with conviction and stretching his artistic vision without trying anything that doesn't ring true. Miguel Bosé Experimental and provocative as ever, Spain's Mr. Bosé toys with synthesizers and techno soundscapes on an enigmatic and thoroughly arresting piece of work. The accompanying DVD, featuring a video clip for each tune, is a visual banquet. Pablo Montero Ranchera vocalist switches labels and comes up with one of the strongest efforts of his career. The first half of the CD alone, especially the jubilant title track and the sweeping ballads "Como Lograr Olvidarla" and "Como Tenerte Otra Vez," is worth the purchase price. La Secta AllStar Two Puerto Ricans and a Miamian stir pop, rock, salsa and hip-hop into a loose hodge-podge that's got cool written all over it. This is one of those CDs that blossom with each listen. Nortec Collective Second installment, never mind the "Vol. 3" on the title, from the five-man studio group of Mexican DJs that merge samples of traditional norteño and banda bands with electronica flourishes is more cohesive, smoother than the debut. DJ Kane DJ Kane makes sure he stays hip, so the Houston native incorporates reggaeton into his signature mesh of cumbia, R&B, Tex-Mex, hip-hop, salsa and Latin pop. His singing's still silky smooth, and his penchant for grooves never fails him. Akwid Here's an unexpected left turn for the Latin hip-hop duo of brothers Sergio and Francisco Gomez. They portray avocados (seriously) from Mexico's Jiquilpan in a hip-hop fairy tale that finds the veggies falling off a tree and exploring the world. It's an ingenious backdrop for stories about life. Jaguares Call Jaguares lead singer Saúl Hernández a messiah with an electric guitar draped over his shoulders. That's what he looked like during this potent performance at the Northeast Dallas club. Add a batch of socially conscious, spiritually soaring arena rock songs and you have a religious experience, not just a concert. Vicente Fernández and Ana Bárbara He's 65, but were it not for the gray hair you'd never know it. Singing for nearly three hours without any sign of weariness, Mr. Fernández commanded the stage with his robust ranchera baritone. Opener Ana Bárbara put on a feisty hourlong set. Marco Antonio Solís Juan Gabriel, who went on after Mr. Solís, was difficult to watch. But Mr. Solís proved the consummate showman as he delivered lovely, melodic ballads and catchy up-tempo numbers that swirled Mexico's cumbia rhythms with Latin pop sensibilities. Selena Vive Commemorative concert celebrating the life of Selena a decade after her tragic death brimmed with star power, from Thalía to India, Pepe Aguilar to Aleks Syntek, and truly nifty cover versions of her hit songs. Café Tacuba, Kinky and Maldita Vecindad Rock en español with reckless abandon. That's the best way to describe this propulsive package tour headlined by the always-explosive and eccentric Café Tacuba. Throwing Kinky and Maldita Vecindad into the proceedings made it all even more eclectic. Molotov Combine a little bit of fun, such as Molotov's batch of '80s cover tunes, with plenty of fury – these guys still deliver loud, fast-paced thrash metal – and you get a club gig fit for the lean, mean and ready-to-mosh crowd. Los Lonely Boys The headliner was Willie Nelson and the show was a benefit for the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. But with San Angelo's LLB as the opening act, the concert had a Latin music vibe. Brothers Henry, Ringo and Jojo Garza have plenty of Latin soul running through their Texas veins. Luis Miguel When the 11-piece mariachi band took the stage and Mr. Miguel began singing cuts from his splendid Mexico en la Piel CD, the show took on greater heft. Plus, the boleros he sang before that were nice, too. Gloria Trevi Controversial Mexican singing star returned to recording, with late 2004's Cómo Nace el Universo, and performing after spending four years in a Brazilian jail cell. Nothing's changed, though. Onstage, she's still plenty of shock value and little substance, but Ms. Trevi is entertaining. Pitbull Cuban rapper swaggered totally unrestrained and quite cocky, during his stage stint at the Reggaeton Summer Fest 2005. While his songs are repetitive and simplistic, the man's got presence and attitude in spades. Even if you loathe the beats and the words, there's no keeping your eyes off him. One of the great unsung qualities of the D-FW music scene is that it doesn't have a "sound." Hard rock might dominate Deep Ellum, but art rock, alt-country, folk and nu-wave all receive support. This year saw a variety of remarkable new releases, many more than can be discussed here, but you'll see in these 10 picks one common thread: creative vision. E-mail hhauk@quickdfw.com Fishboy Christmas trees come to life, a jellyfish leaves a lasting impression and Corn Mo stops in for a singalong. If you're confused, you didn't hear Fishboy's musical love letter to hometown Denton. Salim Nourallah Mr. Nourallah writes (and produces) melodic songs about mortality that both simultaneously mess with your head and tug at your heart. He's Dallas' finest: Check out "No Guarantee" if you don't believe us. South San Gabriel Centro-Matic's countrified side project took center stage with a concept album about a cat. The lyrics (from the cat's point of view) often incite tears, putting a furry face on human emotions. The Deathray Davies Dallas' sons perfected the balance between indie intelligence and mainstream catchiness on their fifth album. If you don't instantly love "Plan to Stay Awake," you must be a robot. Singer John Dufilho put out a solo album that's equally enjoyable. The Happy Bullets Smart pop has a new champion in Dallas. The collective, led by Jason Roberts and Tim Ruble, stretched its creative legs and successfully re-created the all-hands-on-deck spirit of its live shows. More to come, we hope. Deadman Married couple Steven and Sherilyn Collins followed up the acclaimed Paramour with another transcendent set of Southwest- flavored country-rock gems, putting greater emphasis on Sherilyn's Emmylou-esque vocals. Black Tie Dynasty Taking cues from new wave isn't innovative, but this Fort Worth band brought humanity and freshness to the genre. Cory Watson's one of the most talented singers we've heard. Period. The Golden Falcons This debut is smart enough for music snobs and sexy enough for everyone else. Not that these guys care about their appeal – they just want to have fun. Collin Herring Mr. Herring calls it alt-country with an indie-rock influence. We call it driving music. In "Back of Your Mind," he sings (in his signature gravelly style), "I gotta prove that I ain't a beginner." Mission accomplished. Pilotdrift Pilotdrift came from Texarkana, but it made its musical home in Dallas, thanks to persistent props from the guys at Good Records. The group's proper debut is a challenging set that successfully defies rock's current conventions. 1. "La Tortura," Shakira (feat. Alejandro Sanz) 2. "La Camisa Negra," Juanes 3. "Hoy Como Ayer," Conjunto Primavera 4. "Lo Que Paso, Paso," Daddy Yankee 5. "Aire," Intocable 6. "Eres Divina," Patrulla 81 7. "Porque Es Tan Cruel El Amor," Ricardo Arjona 8. "Mayor Que Yo," Baby Ranks, Daddy Yankee, Tonny Tun Tun, Wisin, Yandel & Hector 9. "Viveme," Laura Pausini 10. "Algo Mas," La 5A Estación 1. Barrio Fino, Daddy Yankee 2. Fijación Oral Vol. 1, Shakira 3. Mi Sangre, Juanes 4. Chosen Few: El Documental, Various Artists 5. Mas Flow 2, Luny Tunes & Baby Ranks 6. Y Sigue La Mata Dando, Grupo Montez De Durango 7. Mexico En La Piel, Luis Miguel 8. Rebelde, RBD 9. Divinas, Patrulla 81 10. X, Intocable SOURCE: Billboard magazine
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