Episode Eight—The Evolving Meaning(s) of Rock en Español

What are the evolving meanings of Rock en Español anthems?

In this episode, incoming UC Santa Barbara Ph.D. student Gabriela Lúa joins us to discuss her own coming of age with Rock en Español albums. Gabriela —who’s 22 years young! — shares how the songs by Café Tacvba and Los Prisioneros have influenced the formation of her Chicane identity, while teaching her about Latin American history.

Also, we will discuss a bit of the historical context of Café Tacvba’s “RE” and Los Prisioneros “Corazones” as both albums were recorded in Los Angeles!

We will talk about how songs such as “Tren al sur” have different meanings once embraved by newer generations. And Yes, we will include several versions of “Tren al Sur” by Los Prisioneros and Southern California’s own “The Linda Lindas.” Gabriela will share her recommendations on current artists with a “Rock en Español” vibe.

Plus, this episode includes a complete recording of “Las Flores” performed by the students of the Miramonte Music program in South L.A.

This episode ends our Summer 2023 Season of the Discursive Power of Rock en español and the Desire for Democracy” o El Rock en Español y el deseo democrático. So, what’s next?

We will get back to creating new episodes once the Fall academic term starts. Perhaps once a month or as our academic duties allow us.

Song Listing:

In this episode, we included Café Tacuba’s Las Batallas from their first album and Mediodía from their more recent Segundo Unplugged. Plus, we also heard Calle 13 with Latinoamerica. Gabriela’s recommendations included in this episode FrioLento with the cover of La Gata Bajo La Lluvia and Vivir Quintana a dueto Mon La Ferte with “Canción Sin Miedo”

And yes, we listened to several Tren al Sur versions. We included a live version from Los Prisioneros at Viña del Mar in 1991 at the apex of the career. Además, The Linda Lindas version performed at Corona Capital in Mexico City in November 2022.

Original songs played in our episodes are included in our Podcast Playlist. Make sure to check it out as new songs are included weekly during the summer 23.

We are thankful for the support of the University of California, Humanities Research Institute UCHRI for this podcast series. This project is supported in part by the University of California Office of the President MRPI funding M21PR3286.

Most importantly, we want to THANK all the collaborators and YOU for listening, and sending us your comments and feedback. If you got this far, please keep sending us your messages. We would like to hear from you whenever you hear this podcast, either in 2023 or in the future.