A Taste of Abroad
Monday 19th October 2009
If you are looking to expand your music collection, there is one beyond that of the English-speaking world; there are plenty of foreign bands, and if you do not speak the language, here is the opportunity to learn! Skipping the big names such as Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Johnny Halliday and Rammstein, this will serve as an introduction to some artists probably unknown to you.
France – Tryo
Tryo are, at their roots, a reggae-acoustic band, popular all over Europe as well as in Quebec. Instrumentals range from guitars and clarinets to bongos and “cajóns” - a kind of box drum. The music they produce is unique - there are some hints of traditional French folk music, mixed with percussion of modern music. Lyrically, they cover everything from “life in the world of work”, to “apologies” for last night’s behaviour!
Songs to listen to: Desolé Pour Hier Soir, Apocalypticodramatic, France Telecom.
For more info: www.tryo.com
Spain – Ojos de Brujo
Translated as “the eyes of the sorcerer”, Ojos de Brujo hail from Barcelona and play ‘jipjop flamenkilo’ i.e. hip-hop with a dash of flamenco. They are a nine-piece band featuring flamenco guitars and trumpets. The resulting sound is a flamenco that is both traditional and modern. The themes to their songs encompass a wide range of topics – from poverty to the poetry of small Spanish towns.
Songs to listen to: Corre Lola Corre, Sultanas de Merkaillo.
For more info: www.ojosdebrujo.com
Greece – Stavento
Stavento is a hip-hop/R&B group from Alexandropoulos, consisting mainly of members from former underground Greek bands. If you are able to understand the Greek lyrics you’ll realise that their songs are not filled with drug references, “bling”, or “gangsta chat” about the ladies; their focus is on deeper, more emotional concepts – which is very refreshing coming from a band with this background. If, however, you do not understand Greek, not to worry – the music is irresistibly catchy and you may find yourself humming along, no matter what.
Songs to listen to: Mesa Sou, Hey Hop
For more info: www.stavento.gr (but you may want to find a Greek friend to help you read it!)
Germany – Die Ärzte
One of the highest grossing live acts in Germany today, Die Ärzte (The Doctors) are from Berlin. Currently they only consist of three members, although the line up has changed a few times since they started. Their overall sound is punk, although a lot of their music is are interlaced with more melodic elements. The songs themselves reflect strong opinions on the world today – such as the generation gap between this generation’s teenager and their parents.
Songs to listen to: Junge, Deine Schuld.
For more info: http://www.bademeister.com/
And one last band to bring you back to St Andrews:
Scotland/Latin America – Salsa Celtica
Salsa Celtica is exactly what it sounds like. Originally from Edinburgh, they fuse the best of Scottish and Irish traditional music with elements of salsa, to create a truly unique sound. This music is perfect for dancing to – whether it be in a salsa show or in the middle of a ceilidh!
Songs to listen to: Yo Me Voy/Maggie’s Pancakes, El Capitan, Esperanza.
For more info: www.salsaceltica.com
France – Tryo
Tryo are, at their roots, a reggae-acoustic band, popular all over Europe as well as in Quebec. Instrumentals range from guitars and clarinets to bongos and “cajóns” - a kind of box drum. The music they produce is unique - there are some hints of traditional French folk music, mixed with percussion of modern music. Lyrically, they cover everything from “life in the world of work”, to “apologies” for last night’s behaviour!
Songs to listen to: Desolé Pour Hier Soir, Apocalypticodramatic, France Telecom.
For more info: www.tryo.com
Spain – Ojos de Brujo
Translated as “the eyes of the sorcerer”, Ojos de Brujo hail from Barcelona and play ‘jipjop flamenkilo’ i.e. hip-hop with a dash of flamenco. They are a nine-piece band featuring flamenco guitars and trumpets. The resulting sound is a flamenco that is both traditional and modern. The themes to their songs encompass a wide range of topics – from poverty to the poetry of small Spanish towns.
Songs to listen to: Corre Lola Corre, Sultanas de Merkaillo.
For more info: www.ojosdebrujo.com
Greece – Stavento
Stavento is a hip-hop/R&B group from Alexandropoulos, consisting mainly of members from former underground Greek bands. If you are able to understand the Greek lyrics you’ll realise that their songs are not filled with drug references, “bling”, or “gangsta chat” about the ladies; their focus is on deeper, more emotional concepts – which is very refreshing coming from a band with this background. If, however, you do not understand Greek, not to worry – the music is irresistibly catchy and you may find yourself humming along, no matter what.
Songs to listen to: Mesa Sou, Hey Hop
For more info: www.stavento.gr (but you may want to find a Greek friend to help you read it!)
Germany – Die Ärzte
One of the highest grossing live acts in Germany today, Die Ärzte (The Doctors) are from Berlin. Currently they only consist of three members, although the line up has changed a few times since they started. Their overall sound is punk, although a lot of their music is are interlaced with more melodic elements. The songs themselves reflect strong opinions on the world today – such as the generation gap between this generation’s teenager and their parents.
Songs to listen to: Junge, Deine Schuld.
For more info: http://www.bademeister.com/
And one last band to bring you back to St Andrews:
Scotland/Latin America – Salsa Celtica
Salsa Celtica is exactly what it sounds like. Originally from Edinburgh, they fuse the best of Scottish and Irish traditional music with elements of salsa, to create a truly unique sound. This music is perfect for dancing to – whether it be in a salsa show or in the middle of a ceilidh!
Songs to listen to: Yo Me Voy/Maggie’s Pancakes, El Capitan, Esperanza.
For more info: www.salsaceltica.com