Hi friends.
I'm supposed to bring a song into my Spanish class with lyrics, and memorize it.
Yo La Tengo came immediately to mind, until I remembered a second later that the only thing in spanish is their name.

Does anyone know any good indie bands that perhaps usually sing in english but did a song in spanish? Or, just good Spanish indie rock bands/artists in general?

So far my options are: Santa Maria de la Feira ~ Devendra Banhart

Doesn't Juana Molina sing exclusively in Spanish? I only listened to Son a few times, but I believe she's from Argentina, which is Spanish speaking, if memory serves.

I'll bet crazed has a few recommendations. I seem to recall him referencing a few Spanish language bands in the past.

Now Playing: "Get Together" The Youngbloods

Every Los Lobos album should have a song in Spanish, but La Pistola y El Corazon is completely in Spanish, if you're still around, they count as "indie", and it helps.

The Pixies' "Isla De Encanta" is in Spanish, and there are parts of "Vamos" in Spanish as well.

Try Migala.

How about the backing vocals on the Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go"? Every line in the second verse and chorus are repeated in Spanish.

Cafe Tacuba is a Mexican band that sings in Spanish. Some of their stuff is a little on the cheesy-pop side, but they also play some rock solid rock. uhhhh...yes that was lame. Cuatro Caminos was their last album - it's damn good.

And I'm not sure that pixies songs would be the best ones to take to your spanish class - some of them are pretty slangy and a little dirty.

Los Super Seven's Canto is another good one to pick up. It's major-label island music, so I guess it probably doesn't qualify.

I was also going to mention Juana Molina. Albums from the funk-rock band Kinky have songs in Spanish, maybe more so in their earlier releases. I believe Savath + Savalas also sing in Spanish, among other languages. There should be a Spanish song on one of Stereo Total's albums as they also sing in German, French, Italian and English. Is "Cravo e Canela" from the Tortoise/Oldham album in Spanish or Portugese- I can't recall?

Then, of course, there's El Vez, great in English and Spanish. The Iguanas may be less indie than Los Lobos but they're very good and sing sometimes in Spanish. King Chango's songs are all in Spanish-I think- but so much fun.

quote:

Originally posted by ericg75:
The Pixies' "Isla De Encanta" is in Spanish, and there are parts of "Vamos" in Spanish as well.

Also Oh My Golly, Santo, and Corazon Diablo. Although I really could only recommend the last one. And it's apparently a cover of the Byrds "Evil Hearted You" in Spanish. But still it's awesome.

Yeah I'm going to do Evil Hearted You (Corazon Diablo). Thanks for the recommendation.

Ok, I'm latin, not from heritage, but actually latin. I'm from Puerto Rico and I think the bands I'm gonna mention will be helpful, not just for your class, but for your musical knowledge...they are damn good, even if you don't get the lyrics, the music is marvelous. Without further ado:

1. Zoe - check out this songs: "miel" and "universo" from their self titled album; "love",(its in spanish) "soñé" and "veneno" from their album Rocanlover; and "corazón atómico" , "vinyl" and "via lactea" from the album Memorex y el corazon atomico de la via lactea"...yep, thats the title.

2) Cafe Tacuba - check out "eres" "encantamiento inutil" and "desperte" from the album "cuatro caminos"

3)Babasonicos - this Argetinean band is simply amazing. Check out their last three albums: Jessico, Infame and Anoche...it should blow you away.

4) Zurdok- Check out "Si me adverti" and "Cuantos Pasos" really pink floydie ...if thats a word...which I know its not.

5)Robi Draco Rosa- Check out the album "libertad del alma" for his best songs.


Just a little taste...plus, check out anything from Gustavo Cerati and Enrique Bunbury.

ps. sorry for any word I mispelled, my english is not perfect. It may be quite difficult to find these artists, I'd check out any music sharing program...even in Puerto Rico it's not available sometimes. Anyways, good luck, and great post! If anyone listens to this music and enjoys it and would like to learn more, feel free to ask or anything...see ya.

Ok, as a spanish teacher and an indie lover I'll second a lot of the bands previously mentioned and add the following (if you already did your project I would still consider checking them out):

Costa Brava
Ivan Ferreiro
La Buena Vida
La Habitacion Roja
La Polla Records (the best spanish punk band)
Los Planetas
Love of Lesbian (yes, they are a spanish band)
Mercromina
Nacho Vegas
Nosotrash
Nueva Vulcano
Refree
Sibyl Vane
Sr. Chinarro

That's the cream of the crop as far as I'm concerned. I have to admit most of my experience is in Spanish (as in the country) music, so I am surely overlooking lots of great bands from the rest of the spanish-speaking world. Also, check out these sites:

www.muzikalia.com
www.mondosonoro.com
www.commonpeoplemusic.com