While all of the final details are being sorted out to get us back on the road, the crew is getting deep into Buenos Aires checking out the sights and sounds of one of the most fabulous and entertaining cities in Latin America. We often get questions from our readers about music, movies and books we would recommend for each area we travel through. In order to give our readers a better idea of what we are reading, watching and listening to in each locale, we will be posting blogs with links giving samples of the media and the option to purchase via Amazon.com (and it gives you a chance to support the expedition through our affiliate program with Amazon). Buenos Aires has provided all of us with endless history and culture and we have already accumulated some note worthy Argentine bands and books.
Although their reputation hardly precedes them outside of South America, Babasónicos have been holding strong on the forefront of the Latin rock scene since the early 1990s. Now, over 15 years since their debut, a whole new crop of cool kids are discovering their earlier classics like Jessico. Their music continues to expand and evolve, but most would agree their more solid recordings can be found on Infame and Anoche.
Jessico
Infame
Anoche
Another Argentine group that offers a little bit of everything is the legendary Los Fabulosos Cadillacs. Because they are a nine piece band they can and do offer a greater range of sound and style that will never disappoint. Their music is a fantastic blend of multiple variations of ska, reggae, rock and traditional latin folk music. The easiest way to familiarize yourself with their 20 year discography is to pick up a copy of their greatest hits…the first song, Matador, should give you the general idea!
Originales 20 Exitos
Every now and then we get enough down time to start (and even finish) books. Some of these choices will not only fascinate foreigners, but much of the general Argentine population as well. One essay in particular is called Las Venas Abiertas de América Latina which can be found translated into English below. Published in 1971 by Uruguayan journalist Eduardo Galeano, its initial effect and purpose of this powerful historic insight has hardly wavered since its publication in 1971 despite its banishment in the later years of the 1970s as military governments began their take over in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile.
The Open Veins of South America
Any trip to Buenos Aires, no matter how short or long, would not be complete with out experiencing the seduction of the Tango. Now a world famous music style with accompanied dance, the Tango was born in the relatively lower class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the mid 19th century. Within fifty years the world was introduced to the “King of Tango,” Carlos Gardel, a baritone crooner that recorded hundreds of classic tangos.
Lo Mejor de lo Mejor
However it is Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara who is easily Argentina’s most famous and recognizable citizen. It is widely understood that it was his motorcycle trip around South America, coupled with family instilled leftist leanings that molded him into the Marxist Revolutionist that people understand today. Guevara’s published account of this trip as a young medical student in the best selling Motorcycle Diaries. His diary and the award winning 2004 film adaptation of the same name can be found below.
Diarios de Motocicleta
