Providence, Rhode Island punk outfit Downtown Boys are about to embark on an European tour in June, and they are building excitement in the most foolproof way: by releasing a cover of a Queen of Tejano classic. Recorded during the making of their third album Cost of Living, “Fotos y Recuerdos” is an ecstatic homage to Selena, one of the band’s biggest inspirations.
Their take on “Fotos y Recuerdos,” which is actually a Spanish-language cover of The Pretenders’ “Back on the Chain Gang,” shows a more relaxed side to the band, but still adds enough grit to punkify the sweetness of Selena’s heartbroken vocals. Frontperson Victoria Ruiz swaps out the original melody, bringing her own trademark style to the table instead. But the guitars and horns evoke familiarity through the song’s unforgettable riffs.
“Selena Quintanilla reminds us that, while it often feels like history repeats itself, our mystic chords of memories – even memories of thoughts – become part our protection,” shared the band in a press release. “Our most gracious fotos and recuerdos break history repeating itself by being endless. And yours can be for you and no one else.”
The band has previously covered songs by artists like Jessy Bulbo and Los Prisioneros, so expect requests for this one to flood their shows.
Cost of Living is available on Sub Pop.