Rock en Espanol: The Latin Alternative Rock Explosion [Paperback]

Ernesto Lechner (Author), Saul Hernandez (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2006

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Lechner takes pains to delineate his subject matter. It isn't rock sung in Spanish but instead a "distinct form of alternative music too idiosyncratic . . . for massive consumption in the English-speaking world." To introduce it to the mainstream he limns some most established practitioners, such as Fabulosos Cadillacs and Cafe Tacvba, and notable up-and-comers like Julieta Venegas and Orishas. Carefully distinguishing between these performers of rock and roll and crossover "Latin music" stars like Ricky Martin, Lechner admits that most English-speaking rock fans may never have heard of the acts he describes but that many "are superstars in their respective countries." Since introductions to previously unknown forms of music can be a little baffling without auditory clues, Lechner includes a discography of 100 essential rock en espanol albums. Yow!--important cultural info and a listening guide all in one! Great stuff for fans of contemporary Latino culture and rockers on the prowl for the next big thing. Mike Tribby
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"Gives so much insight into the Latin Alternative Rock genre. The reader is in good hands with Ernesto!"  —Jimmy Smits

"Recommended."  —Library Journal

"A valuable introduction to music that will become more important in the future."  —The City Paper

"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 U.S. social and political discussions as well."  —INK19

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press (June 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556526032
• ISBN-13: 978-1556526039
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #602,272 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's great. Buy it., December 6, 2007

By 

Reyna "Fanatica Original" (The hot hot valley, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rock en Espanol: The Latin Alternative Rock Explosion (Paperback)

Yes to everything that has been said in the other reviews. Anyone who wants to know what rock en espanol is about should read this book. The author clearly has in depth and personal knowledge of the subject matter. He also expands the definition of rock and introduced me to some artists I had never heard of.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lo mejor, November 2, 2006

By 

Ruben Francisco (NEW YORK, NEW YORK United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rock en Espanol: The Latin Alternative Rock Explosion (Paperback)

An amazing book about my favorite genre. Explains the heavy hitter and where the music is heading to.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a bible for Latin rock lovers!, July 19, 2006

By 

Lil' Creeper (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rock en Espanol: The Latin Alternative Rock Explosion (Paperback)

Ernesto Lechner's book is a must-have for any fan of Latin rock and Latin alternative music, especially those who are looking to learn more about the background and origins of one of the most exciting genres ever to emerge.

Lechner writes clearly, and has a great grasp of the music. Whether or not you are a lifelong fan or a recent newcomer to Latin rock, this is a book worth owning.

The Saul Hernandez-written introduction is also wonderful - what a coup that Jaguares' legendary vocalist was a contributor!