Monday, February 6, 2012

is it too early to go back?

Even though I just went in January... is March 17 too early to return to Lima? Flight prices seem to be against me.

The reason for all of this Peru-mania: Manu Chao. Lima. March 17.

He is a true punk and true artist. He turns out heart-pumping fun music made for dancing and informed, intellectual folk music with ease. He mixed genres (Reggae! Ska! Rock! Hip Hop! And more!) of music before it was cool. He is like soccer, well-known everywhere except the in the USA. He is so phenomenal that he could be a stinking rich rock star drowning in excess but he chooses not to be. He sings of topics that most people are afraid to touch, yet handles them with such deft that anyone can listen. He is the voice of not just Paris or Spain or Latin America but the world. Everyone can relate to his lyrics, if they would only listen!

Unfortunately, he rarely tours in the United States... though when he does, I always seem to just miss him by a hair and a plane ticket. The story of my musically tragic life!

A seamless blend of "La Primavera" and "Radio Bemba," the latter being a song named for his band.

The visually fascinating music video for "Mr. Bobby," named for a late artist who would've been best buds with Manu Chao.

"Me Llaman Calle," sung not in a recording studio or on stage but in a neighborhood pub.

One of his sweetest songs is "Me Gustas Tú," an easy ballad that's also great for learning Spanish.

Oh man, I missed too many concerts last year, including a rare miracle when Manu Chao performed a sprinkling of shows in Texas and Florida. Is a weekend in Lima too much to ask?

If you like music, you'll like Manu Chao. Keep an eye out for ticket information from the Gran Parque de Lima, AKA Parque de la Exposición and tell me about it!

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