Customer Reviews

Tex-Mex - Music of the Texas Mexican Borderlands

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Given dowadiddi's farce of an analysis, a more balanced review of "Tex-Mex - Music of the Texas Mexican Borderlands" is long overdue. This DVD is an entertaining and informative look into the Tex-Mex experience. On the Mexican side of the border, the roots of Tex-Mex music are explored, going back to the Mexican Revolution. The unlikely influence of Mariachi's German roots are even probed. Performances and interviews are enjoyed by choice artists such as Lydia Mendoza, the 'Queen of Tejano Music.' The influence of Mexican cowboys are documented. At one point, the audience witnesses a Mexican rodeo. On the American side of the border, most time is spent in San Antonio. Between both sides of the border, performances happen at night clubs, living rooms, crop fields, festivals, back porches and concerts. Like all DVDs in the 'Beats of the Heart' series, music is not examined in isolation. Rather music is a barometer that expresses people's aspirations and experiences. Along these lines, "Tex-Mex" spends a good deal of time on illegal immigration. Originally released in 1982, such a film could today be painfully dated. Eventually, however, the social and economic aspects may be more relevant today. Indeed, those seeking to better understand today's immigration debate should consider this essential viewing. As expected, the audience meets songwriters and performers who translate the migration experience into music. While the video and audio is good, it should have been remastered for the DVD transfer. "Tex-Mex - Music of the Texas Mexican Borderlands" will appeal to those with an interest in borderlands music and the Mexican-American experience.

A ture vision of multiculturalism. Against the background of Texas-Mexican border, which is marked by violence, drugs, and shady business dealings, this production shows how Mexican and American cultures have mingled to produce a new kind of music, and unique culture.

OK so the title says 'Music of the Texas Mexican Borderlands', well what you get very little of on this DVD is music ... what you get A LOT OF is TV news stories of seedy little Mexcian towns and Mexicans trying to get over the border to Texas ...

I mean even if I downed 10 Tequila Sunrises while watching this DVD the music that they did tape on this DVD is bad ... poorly performed .. badly taped ...

The picture on the front of this DVD should have been shots of the US border patrol taking handcuffed suspects into custody .... I know I guess I should really let you know how I feel about this DVD .... LOL