Borderline Latin is an exploration of the influence of Latin music in styles, places and rhythms beyond its traditional borders, and of different types of cross-pollination between Latin music and other musical creatures. Each week, we will feature the works of a ‘non-Latin’ artist via song or musical style whose rhythm, themes, melodic inflections or influences have earned it the name of Borderline Latin.
The Clash is another one of those British bands that had an enormous influence in several rock en español artists. Their music, style, attitude, and even their political statements resonate in the work of many Sudamerican rockers, some of whom have even collaborated with members of The Clash. Mick Jones sings with Los Fabulosos Cadillacs in “Mal Bicho” from their Rey Azúcar album, which by the way, was produced by Talking Heads bassist Tina Weymouth –it’s great when worlds collide like this, isn’t it?
Another fact: in 2009, Toy Hernández co-produced and put together a show called Spanish Bombs: Tropical Tribute to The Clash at the Barbican Hall, in London, featuring a line-up from Latin America –and beyond. This line-up included Rubén Albarrán of Café Tacvba, Jonaz of Plastilina Mosh, as well as members of King Chango and a tribute band from Argentina. The show was also presented in Argentina’s Personal Fest, later that same year. These artists performed cover versions of The Clash; some of them were far away from the originals, while others stayed pretty close. For example, France’s Sergent García performed a salsa version of “Rock the Casbah” –interesting mix.
So Latin America loves The Clash –we’ve established that. But is there anything else connecting The Clash to the Spanish speaking world? Well, as any fan knows, there is that great chorus from, precisely, “Spanish Bombs.” Yo te quiero infinito. Enjoy the original, as well as a cover by Tijuana No!
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Click HERE to read more “Borderline Latin” profiles. For comments and tips, please contact me at: Salvador@remezcla.com, and for more info on my “Borderline” works, visit Borderline Projects.