A Soundtrack for Our History

 

That's right herman@s - a soundtrack to the Chicano/a Movement! Rolas the Aztlan features the amazing songs that were sung during various marches and events during the 1970s Chican@ Movement. Featured on the cd are Teatro Campesino and Augustin Lara, among others. This collection is a strong reminder of the grassroots organizing that Chicano/as took part in to demand equal pay, worker's rights, women's rights, and recognition for their contributions to society.

The collection was featured on iTunes Latino - and is being sold on Amazon as well. So, mi gente definitely check this out and pay homage to those who struggled before us. Que Viva!

http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Chicano-Movement-Rolas-Aztlan/dp/B000AM67BE

The Underground Exchange

I recently came across a photo essay on the web site foreignpolicy.com by a Mexican immigrant: Dulce Pinzon. The essay seeks to showcase the very underground nature of Latin American immigrants working in NYC. She intentionally asked these workers about their remittances back to their families in Latin America. Despite how poignant their truths are, it is the theme behind the photo essay that is remarkable.  Pinzon had the workers dress up as superheroes against the backdrop of their everyday lives. The outcome is special. Please take the time to visit this amazing photo essay:

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/05/28/the_magnificent_migrants

Latina popstar slump? Make room for up and coming!

This past weekend Christina Aguilera hit the stage for the second time in two weeks on MTV's Movie Awards.  After an average performance on the American Idol finale and after her tour was canceled earlier this month, it is clear that her time has come and gone. There is no room in American pop music for Christina and her 'new' look (that so closely resembles Lady Gaga). Long gone is the sweet, big blue-eyed "Genie in A Bottle" and "Dirrrty" Christina. During those periods, Christina's image and music was simple and honest - not performance art. While she may have jumped on many a bandwagons (Can't Hold Us Down), she still remained somewhat accessible. Her ballads kept fans coming back. This time around she's just an older version of Lady Gaga.

Similarly, Jennifer Lopez's pop music career has also taken a huge nose dive. Her upcoming album "Love?" was dropped in February after SonyEpic dropped her from the label. Her performance on SNL in late February was the nail in the coffin. Her ballad was so off-key that it was painful! Not only has this interest in this album and her movies in general dwindled, overall it seems that J.Lo hasn't been able to make a full-on pop diva comeback. Granted, everyone respects her for her entrepreneurial savvy and creativity, but her singing/acting career has yet to be what it was during her heyday of "Love Don't Cost a Thing" or "Monster-in-Law". 

With this experienced group of Latinas just not cutting it in the pop realm, it seems that there should be some new up and coming Latina powerhouses...right? Enter Selena Gomez. Named after the late-great Selena - fellow Tejana Gomez is only 18 years old and has already had a hit show, hit record, and is launching a clothing line made of eco-friendly materials. Her pop career just started as her hit song "Naturally" hit the airwaves (And it's kinda catchy!). 

Another Latina pop star currently in the limelight is Fergie. While Fergie is technically more in the age group of Christina (actually 5 years older), her career has recently taken off because of the Black Eyed Peas overall success. As the R&B singer from the group (and the only female), Fergie has banked on their success to jump start her solo and acting careers. She also designs shoes! 

And of course, who can forget SHAKIRA! While her career started a long time ago - she continues to make hit songs and news with her humanitarian work! I LOVE HER!!