Hey GOP: She's legal and her name is not Maria!!!

Leave it to Republicans to try and turn a person's vast accomplishments to a reason why they would be "unqualified" for the Supreme Court. Despite the fact that most of her colleges have described her simply as "Brilliant", this woman has as a story, much like Pres Obama's, that should inspire us all.

So in honor of President Obama's nomination of the truly qualified Nuyorican Judge, Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, I'd like to dedicate a song to all the GOP detractors who have called her everything from A LIBERAL ACTIVIST, to a RACIST, to an ILLEGAL, to the ever endearing "MARIA" (no Mike Huckabee, she will not be cleaning your house or watching your children). So for all you conservative ratones enjoy "El Raton", by Cheo Feliciano and the Fania All Stars (also peep Carlos Santana's little bro Jorge on the guitar solo).

Your soon to be favorite band: Los Hollywood

If they're not your favorite Latin alternative band yet...they'll soon have plenty of chances to change your mind.

Looks like Los Hollywood will be hitting New York pretty hard this summer for the LAMC. So far they are confirmed for 3 shows that week with a possible forth to be confirmed.

They were also just confirmed to be featured in the August issue of Latina magazine and....Their single "No Te Agüites" has been selected for a 3 month tv promo campaign for the Telemundo game show 12 Corazones (hilarious in the way all Telemundo show are...wink). Not to shabby for little rock en español band from sunny San Diego.

If your in LA tonight be sure to check them out at the Knitting Factory with Volumen Cero


Sponsored Bands LOS HOLLYWOOD!


"No te Aguites"- Los Hollywood

¿¿¿Donde esta el Autobus???

Apparently Peru....

As though my good friend Marthín Chan did not already have enough side projects going he sent this video of his newest signing, straight from Peru, Autobús. Besides having a very gringo friendly name (ala high school spanish), the video looks just like a dream I had Monday night after consuming mass amount of beer and meat in the hot sun all day.

But of course who hasn't dreamed of being carried by tiny butterfly-winged cows through the clouds, huh?..anybody?

SUNDAY SALSA BREAK!!!: Mi Gente

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to find a DVD copy of Fania Allstars in Africa. Since watching it forward and backward countless times, this scene stands out to me as a moment that is truly reflective of where Salsa was in the 70s in New York, Zaire and around the world. Besides looking as fly as one could ever look in Fire Engine Red pants and guacamole green shirt, singing his hit Mi Gente, Hector Lavoe brings a crowd of thousands in to his world. He also shares himself with them, as he sings the line "..y tu abuela, donde estas", an old Puerto Rican saying reflecting the shared African heritage of both those on stage and those in the crowd in Zaire.

Do you enjoy eccentric Puerto Rican women in hoodies???

...then Mima is the girl for you!

A native of Santurce, PR and part time NYC resident. Since releasing her first project in 2002 she's become a veteran of both the New York and Puerto Rican indie scenes. Moving back and forth from two differnet worlds, in the past 7 years, her music has evolved. Her once loungey quasi bossa nova sound has given way in recent time to a MUCH more experimental avante garde sound. Of course you be the judge of which Mima you like the best, I'll just say the new Mima definitely puts on a entertaining show.

FYI....She'll performing today at the Coors Indie Fest in Aguadilla, PR today.

Listen here to Circa 2005 Mima

Modern Day Mima





Mima's Myspace

Mima's Blog


One thing is for sure, acts like Mima and Davila 666 are perfect examples of how Puerto Rico's music current music scene goes far beyond Salsa and Reggaeton. Be prepared to soon be hit in the face with a plethora of Boricua indie talent!!!

My favorite garage punk band from Puerto Rico: Dávila 666

"But Mike", you may ask, "how many punk bands are there in la isla del encanto??" To which I respond..."the hell if I know!" But these guys kick serious ass both figuratively and (unlike their emo-turned manerexic mainland contemporaries) literally. Besides I think rock due a few coños and cabrones.

If you happen to be in Aguadilla, PR this weekend, check Dávila 666 out at Coors Light Indie Fest along with Mima and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs.... TICKETS

Oh and fyi Parental Discretion is Advised...these boys to do naughty things en el Callejon



http://www.myspace.com/davila666

Volumen Cero this THURSDAY w/ Los Hollywood

Check out Marthín and the boys of Volumen Cero this Thursday at the Knitting Factory (L.A.) along with San Diego favorites Los Hollywood!!!

Show at 8pm
7021 Hollywood Blvd
L.A., CA
Tickets or Text VCERO to 467467

Watch more I Can See the Brite Spot videos on AOL Video

Hispanic Upfronts.....Yay?????

Every Hispanic broadcaster in the U.S. had their upfronts this week. And what do we have to look forward to..........more of the SAME! More Novelas from Mexico with the same actors as the last, more Reality TV, more Celebrity Gossip and more ripoffs of mediocre hit from English language TV. The only mildly exiciting thing for 2009-2010 season is ESPN Desportes' full coverage of FIFA 2010 and it's acquiring of the documentry Lost Son of Havana, the story of Red Sox's pitcher Luis Tiant and his return to Cuba.

More info below:

Univision Reveals Powerful Line Up for 2009-2010 Season Showcasing Proven Formula Across Three TV Networks

ESPN Deportes Enters 2009-2010 Upfront Season with Record Ratings and Continued Focus on Delivering News with the Best Sportscasters in the Spanish-language Media Industry

MTV Tr3s Announces Fresh Programming Slate Building on Audience Favorites

Fox Sports en Espanol Unveils Innovative New Platforms and Original Programming at Upfront Event in NYC

Mun2 Says, 'You're On'

This year's LAMC are shapping up to be pretty DOPE!!!

LAMC @ the Mercury Lounge


Wednesday 7/8

$12

Doors at 7 pm

More info + tix HERE





Los Hollywood





Domino Saints




Maluca




Ceci Bastida




Monareta




RH+





Banda de Turistas






Limited Tix Available / LAMC Badges Also Admitted. Please note lineup order is subject to change.

Maleco Collective is coming!!!!!

The brainchild of critically acclaimed Spanish Hip-Hop Artist, Malverde, and Grammy Nominated Latin Alternative Artist/Producer, Marthin Chan. The band features Malverde on vocals and Marthin on keyboard, joined by artists/musicians Cuevo Perez on guitar and Ibo Rodriguez on bass.
Created in 2008, the band debuted with much fanfare at the Chaca Chaca Miami showcase during this year’s Latin Billboard Conference and has already been creating a huge buzz in Los Angeles, Miami and even New York.
Fusing elements of Hip-Hop, Alternative, Ska, Classic Rock and Electro with Traditional Latin sounds, the music transcended genres and categorizations. Their initial plan of putting together a 5 song EP evolved into a full-length album in a matter of weeks.
What began as exploratory sessions quickly evolved into a genre-bending project. In the small pre-production studio behind Marthin’s house in Echo Park, CA, “Maleco Collective” was born.
The Maleco Collective fulfills their pact to explore the universal essence of music with their new sound and uplifting lyrics. With such an eclectic mix of sounds, their music can only be described as Pueblo. Musica del Pueblo, para el Pueblo (Music of the people, for the people). At a time when the state of music has become oversaturated and formulaic, they provide true-music lovers with a breath of fresh air and the opportunity to join them on their journey.

Palenke From The Jungle

These are my boys from Colombia - Palenke Soultribe.



Created in Los Angeles in 2005 by Colombian producers Juan D. Borda (AKA Insectosound) and Andres Erazo (AKA Popa) and later joined by drummer/percussionist A.Zuluaga. The trio combine electronic break and house beats with live South American folkloric instruments to create sonic experience like no other.
The band’s first album, Tropic N Heaven was awarded with a 2008 Independent Music Award in the Dance/Electronica category.
Their upcoming album release, ORO, shows a development in the sound of the project and features known international artists like Miami's Locos por Juana ( Grammy nominee 2009), Sr. Mendez ( Grammy Winner 2007), and Cesar Pliego ( bass player from KINKY). In contrast to their previous album, "Tropic n' Heaven" (2007), "Oro" gives more prominence to organic indigenous AfroColombian Rhythms and instruments in search of a balance between acoustic and electronic.
Palenke Soultribe deconstructs atmospheric and warm Colombian sonic textures that ride over underground beats and exploratory synthesizer sounds. The foundation of PST's work is the colorful sound of Colombia's traditional music mixed together with electronic beats.

These guys have been killing crowds in L.A. and Miami, and are soon to make their mark in NYC this summer. Stay tuned!!!!!

Check Out my kiddies Los Hollywood!!!!! ...along with Miami favorites AfroBeta

Sponsored Bands


This video is taken at the Myspace Latino Anniversary showcase last month, where Los Hollywood blew open the show, followed by a strong sets from buddies AfroBeta (for whom i played roady for about 5 minutes) and Da Zoo. Can't really recall much after that! I guess the video should fill you in =)

MySpace Latino 1 YR anniversary Party Miami, FL