The Best Regional Mexican Music of 2015
Whether norteño or banda, regional Mexican music had rich and vibrant year in 2015.
Josh Langhoff
Diana Reyes: Mis Mejores Duranguenses
Heartbreaking melodies belted over Hi-NRG beats of endless momentum -- only the beats are polkas.
The Best Norteño and Banda Music of 2014
Beware: what follows may contain tubas. Also accordions, clarinets, canned gunfire, protest songs, dance songs, songs about roosters, songs about drug cartels, songs using drug cartels as metaphors to make the singers seem intimidating and/or awesome and/or "authentic", songs using roosters the same way, and amor.
Banda Los Recoditos: Sueño XXX
Pinup banda provides forum for drinking stories and sex dreams; its brass lines tangle together like sweaty bodies.
Luis Coronel: Quiero Ser Tu Dueño
Teen heartthrob makes terrible music, tops Latin Albums chart, threatens to cross over.
Noel Torres: La Balanza
When playing corridos, one must be absolutely modern. If you play them as hard as possible, that helps.
Juanes: Loco De Amor
Colombian superstar unplugs again, but stuffs his songs with color and hooks, amor and innuendo.
Nena Guzman: La Iniciativa
Norteño pop singer restrains fiery band from crashing through studio walls.
EMP’s Pop Conference Goes Mobile and Returns Home
In its 13th year, the Pop Conference offered more exciting ideas about music and mobility than you could shake a walking stick at.
Los Buitres de Culiacan Sinaloa: Territorio Buitre
Smart-ass norteño punks hire a banda but don't let it play enough.
Various Artists: Las Bandas Románticas de América 2014
These two useful guides to regional Mexican radio hits should be way more entertaining.
Raoul Björkenheim: eCsTaSy
Free-ish Finnish jazz guitarist alludes to ecstasy, makes solid album.