I’m trying to learn some Spanish, but with limited success so far. Although I must admit that I didn’t put a lot of effort in it. But I will…starting tomorrow. Or Monday. A Monday…
One simple way to try to learn a new language is listening to songs in that language and trying to memorize their lyrics. The problem is that most of the Spanish bands I know suck. Bad. I mean, except from Banderas’ “El Cancion de Mariachi” and the ode to the communist icon Che Guevara – Hasta siempre comandante, it was almost impossible for me to find a song I could really say I like.
Julio Iglesias isn’t all that bad, but it only works for those of us born in the first part of the 20th century.
This changed few days ago, when I heard a commercial on Spotify. They were promoting the new album of a Spanish metal band, called Mago de Oz – which translates to Wizard of Oz. I searched their songs and I’m impressed. They’re by far the best Spanish band I’ve ever heard. I totally love their sound. Just search on Youtube for Fiesta pagana, El rincon de los sentidos or Que el viento sople a tu favor and you’ll see – well, hear – what I mean.
Their lyrics are also quite interesting, not the usual “vamos bailar a la playa” intelectual blackholes found in most latino songs.
Rock on…
Lately I was particularly interested in finding songs in Spanish for the same reason as you (an easier way of learning Spanish). I was surprised to see haw difficult it is to find a Spanish band with a decent repertoire, especially regarding the lyrics
. I agree with you, Mago the Oz is above average when it comes to lyrics but, except for El rincon de los sentidos, I can’t say I like their… sound. Anyway, I’d like to share some of my few findings regarding Spanish songs, though, I doubt you’ll be interested in my list
.
Amici Forever – Aranjuez
)
Semino Rossi – Que Sera
Belle Perez – Hijo de la luna
Biagio Antonacci – Cuanto tiempo y aun sigues
Shakira – Hay amores
Shakira – Pienso en ti
Julio Iglesias (btw I was born in ’83
Ana Gabriel, an interesting Mexican singer. Some examples:
Ana Gabriel – Hasta que te conoci
Ana Gabriel – Mexico Lindo Y Querido
Ana Gabriel – Eres Todo en mi
…and the Spanish version of Have You Ever Seen The Rain: Ven A Ver Llover
I know when you were born