Rock en Espanol: The Latin Alternative Rock Explosion

The most exciting music to come out of Latin America in the last 15 years belongs to the genre known as rock en español—the fusion of Anglo alt-rock with Latin folklore that is examined in this volume. What began as a cult movement in the late 1960s has blossomed into a popular phenomenon that embodies the eclectic aesthetic of Hispanic youth. The author has followed the development of the genre for years, spending time with the artists, watching them in concert, and conducting numerous interviews. This is his definitive account of a movement that has forever changed the history of Latin American music—and expanded the boundaries of rock. Included are intimate and insightful portraits not only of older big-name acts like Café Tacvba, Fabulosos Cadillacs, Aterciopelados, Caifanes, and Soda Stereo, but also of newer acts like Julieta Venegas, Los Amigos Invisibles, El Gran Silencio, Orishas, and the Nortec Collective. Newcomers to these sounds will find in this book a thorough introduction to the genre, as it also contains a discography of its 100 essential albums. Aficionados will appreciate the book's in-depth commentary, anecdotes, and inside stories.

INK19

A culturally poignant and timely book, fit not only for south-of-the-border musical awareness but one that could be used as a springboard into current US social and political discussions as well.

Ernesto Lechner is a regular contributor to the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times. His writings on music have appeared in such publications as Billboard, Interview, People en español, Rolling Stone, and Vibe. Saul Hernandez was the founder and vocalist of Caifanes, which later became Jaguares, one of the most popular rock bands in Mexico and Latin America.