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polyglotinprogress · 6 years

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pictured above: Charly García and Gustavo Cerati. [1]

Rock en español is a topic I’m pretty passionate about, and also something that I feel like has not received a lot of attention in the anglophone world. There is a lot of complexity to this topic--easily enough to fill an entire book. However, I’m going to try to break down the basics for anyone looking to get their feet wet with some new Spanish-language music, as well as try to provide a bit of historical context.

Since there is no way I can cover everything in one post, there will be a certain amount of bias towards music I personally think is significant--but I will try to cover music that is typically considered universally known or important. We’re starting with Argentina, because of their massive influence on the genre in general.

1. La Balsa, Los Gatos (1967). A “balsa” is a raft, and the theme of this song is, essentially, a generation “shipwrecking” itself. This is the song credited with really starting Argentina’s rock nacional, selling 250,000 copies, inspiring the name for a band (”Los Náufragos”), and becoming an iconic reflection of the youth counterculture of the time. What’s important to understand about this song is that this is the era of the Vietnam War, of Cold War tensions, and of a desire to break with tradition, particularly in regards to sexual relationships & gender roles. Under Juan Carlos Onganía (president 1966-1970), long hair in men and “immodest” clothing for women was particularly targeted (you can read more about that here). The original lyrics started off with “estoy muy solo triste acá en este mundo de mierda” but were later replaced with “estoy muy solo triste acá en este mundo abandonado” [2]. Musically, their first album has a very Beach-Boys vibe to me, but more melancholy.

*For a song that speaks pretty openly about the feelings of this time period, try listening to Rebelde (1966) by Los Beatniks.

The next biggest players to show up in the 1960s and ‘70s are “El Flaco” Louis Alberto Spinetta (1950-2012), and Charly García (1951-Present).

2. Muchacha (ojos de papel), Almendra (1969) & Bajan, Pescado Rabioso (1973) are the songs I am choosing to highlight. Spinetta has had quite a few bands over the years, but to me his most impactful projects were the album Almendra I and Artaud. Spinetta is known for his very poetic songs, and sort of spiritual, otherworldly sound. Artaud in particular is very surreal, psychedelic, Pink Floyd-esque. This was the era of Operation Condor and a lot of senseless violence and social change, and many feel that Spinetta’s nod to the writer Antonin Artaud (and his “theater of cruelty”) is a sort of reflection of the Zeitgeist of the time. It does not feel to me like an overtly political album, but more introspective and melancholy. Regardless, both are considered classics. Personally I’m particularly fond of the song Que el Viento Borró tus Manos.

3. Charly García - García is credited for nearly 50 albums so far in his career, and so summarizing his impact is a bit of a challenge! Starting off with his involvement in the band Sui Generis (Latin: “of its own kind” i.e., unique) during the years 1969-1975, I want to mention the songs Botas Locas and Canción para mi muerte, which describe his experience in the army after being drafted. García more or less faked insanity and health problems to get kicked out of the military, as he considered the service unethical (and has been known for his somewhat erratic behavior his entire life) [3]. Some of his songs were censored, and he later became known for writing subversive songs that could escape censorship, famously Los Dinosaurios--the implication here being that certain politicians were “dinosaurs” who would one day disappear. During his Serú Girán era (1978-1982), he wrote some really interesting songs like José Mercado, which speaks directly to the increase in consumer goods available in the ‘80s, and one of my favorite songs, Viernes, 3am, which is a beautiful, haunting song about suicide. During his career as a soloist, his style has varied tremendously, but I would be remiss to not mention the album Clics Modernos (1983), which is where I feel like people should start when getting into this tremendously influential artist.

*Pappo and Manal are also extremely influential during this time.

What happens in the 1980s is a complete explosion of rock en español and the first time it is really shown to be commercially viable and exportable on a large scale. And a lot of that is due to the influence of Soda Stereo.

4. Soda Stereo & Gustavo Cerati. I need to explain that even despite the success and influence of bands in the ‘60s and ‘70s, that rock music in Spanish was still somewhat seen as of “lesser quality” than the British Invasion bands, and that many Latin Americans listened to music in English, regardless of whether or not they understood the lyrics. However, something happened in 1982: Argentina went to war with the United Kingdom (Falklands War). During this time, English language music was actually banned from being played on the radio, and for the first time, Spanish-language bands got enough airtime to really compete and gain a following [5]. In 1983, Argentina elected Raúl Alfonsín, effectively ending the military dictatorship. Soda actually released their first album in 1984, capitalizing on and quickly dominating this emerging market for Spanish-language rock. Soda is remembered for more of a pop-rock sound and for creating great hooks, as well as for creating a massive fan base--take a look at this version of Nada Personal from 1987 and the size of the crowd--this is a real turning point for rock en español. These bands spread to the rest of Latin America and inspired the conception of many more.

Soda had 7 studio albums and numerous hits. The songs everyone knows are Persiana Americana, De Música Ligera, Nada Personal, and En la Ciudad de la Furia. Many people remember them for their danceable rhythms and frivolous lyrics, but I think that’s oversimplifying them a bit too much. They are typically seen as apolitical but they are not entirely--their first album features a fun song, Diatético, which is ostensibly about dieting--and contains the shouts El regimen se acabó! Se acabó! -- a clever pun on the Spanish word for diet (regimen) and (military) regime. What Soda does in their first albums is essentially “celebrate” this newfound freedom with feel-good, romantic, “fun” music, which in a way was inaccessible during the dictatorship, and a sharp contrast to the more melancholy music of the ‘60s and 70s. However some of their later albums have very different feels, and Dynamo (1992) in particular still stands out to me as a very progressive, unique album.

Cerati went on to produce five solo albums before his death in 2014, the most essential of which is undoubtedly Bocanada (1999). This is a beautiful, complex album that (in my mind, anyway) has no rivals. And I am not the only one who thinks so [6]!

In the 1990s and 2000s, rock en español in Argentina (and everywhere else) begins to multiply and take on a number of sub-genres (punk, alternative, indie, grunge...).

I don’t have the space to explore all of these artists, but I will mention a few that are popular. Personally I am fond of Bersuit Vergarabat, who are difficult to classify genre-wise, but try the song Sencillamente. Los Piojos are quite popular, and everyone knows El Matador by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs. Babasónicos is also very well known, and I do love Carismático.

5. Fito Páez. Páez is the last artist I will mention here, and has achieved pretty significant popularity in the ‘90s and 2000s. He’s won five Latin Grammys, and to me is more pop than rock, but everyone loves 11 y 6 (1985) and Mariposa Teknicolor (1994). Cerati, Páez, and García did some collaborative work in the late ‘90s, which is actually pretty cool.

Okay, I think that’s enough for an introduction. There’s a lot more music out there to be explored, but this should give you guys a good basis. Let me know if you end up liking these artists! Music has been an incredibly helpful way to learn both languages and history for me, and I think you’ll find the same. Suerte!

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bbparker · 7 years

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Hold onto Me (Steve R. x Reader x Tony S.)

Summary: (Y/n) is the newest member to the team with a history with Tony. She’s bubbly and can see the humour in anything- She’s exactly what Steve needs in his darkest hours, except Tony is possessive over her and both build up welts of jealousy over her. Little did they know this can have disastrous effects on those around them.

Requested by: @keepcalm-and-beyou

A/N: I'm sorry it's very apparent in my writings who I prefer her with but I'll try my best! Might do a second part if requested :P (Gif not mine)

Words: 2,678

[PART 2]

// Masterlist //

“Steve?” Bruce timidly knocks at his Captain’s office door. “Bruce, hi.” Tensions in the facility where still high after the civil war but they managed for the time being. Bucky was still in cry in Wakanda, nobody knowing but Steve and T’Challa. “The new recruits just arrived and the teams gathering for a drink to … uh, get to know her.” “Alright, I’ll be out in a moment.” As Bruce exited, Steve glanced down at the new recruits file. She was an expert in linguistics; specialising in Russian, Greek, Gaelic, German, Italian and Spanish.

Not to mention she had the ability to run at the speed of light and had a masters degree in engineering. Everyone knew that while her powers were new, her history with Tony definitely wasn’t; they'd been best friends since childhood. The thought of his own best friend sent a pang throughout his heart. Why did it feel like every time he seemed to get his best friend and last family member back he'd lose him all over again? Steve wasn't selfish but sometimes he felt the world did owe him a little something. How was he supposed to save people if he couldn't even manage to save himself? Sighing, Steve rose and exited making his way to the living area next to the kitchen, seeing the crew surrounding someone. Upon hearing his steps, they move so he can introduce himself. Steve didn't exactly know what he was expecting; another sarcastic and witty girl like Natasha or a quiet and smart girl like Wanda. However, the last thing he would have expected was her.

(Y/n) were gorgeous, in a way no other could pull off. She wasn't thin, with muscles were semi-defined from all the running you'd done with your powers, however, her curves from maybe slightly eating unnecessary things were readily there. Finally, her smile was the brightest thing he'd ever seen. She was the epitome of happiness while the rest of them were slightly war-torn.

Before he could blink (y/n) was right in his face, examining him. Though usually, he would feel uncomfortable, her radiance simply drew him in. "Hello, Steve Rogers! I-I mean Captain America sir! Reporting for duty... uh, sir." And then (y/n) saluted, the second-hand embarrassment was noticeable on most of the team's faces.

(Y/n)'s face began to glow bright red at Steve's raised eyebrow. "Too much?" She asked. He laughed but before he could reply a loud voice boomed over them all. "I heard there was a beautiful girl in the building so naturally, I had to come see!" With a gust of wind, (y/n) was gone again and settled into Tony's arms.

Turning with his eyebrow still raised, he could see (y/n) tucked under Tony's chin with arms wrapped around his waist. "Did you get taller (y/n)? Or just sexier?" The famous smirk was ever present and the whole team groaned. "And, you haven't changed Tony. Like at all, kind of weird but never mind!" She laughed. "I believe the Captain was about to say something before you rudely interrupted, as usual." (Y/n) held a playful smile as she turned back to Steve. Tony behind her was checking her out and Steve noticing gave him an 'are you serious' look, only to be replied to with him mouthing 'what?'

"Captain?" "Oh, uh yes, sorry." Holding out his hand, she closed the distance in no time and was shaking his hand softly. "Steve Rogers, you don't have to call me Captain." The charming smile he gave her made a slight red rise to her cheeks. She was somewhat in shock from being invited to be a part of the team by Tony Stark himself. "Oh okay, Steve Rogers." They kept shaking hands, keeping the eye contact although both hadn't noticed the hand shake was much longer than what should have been comfortable.

"How about those drinks, hey?" Tony interrupted, grabbing (y/n)'another hand and pulling her away to the big round table. Noticing someone missing Steve turned to Nat, who had placed himself next to her. "Where's Clint and Thor?"

"Clint wanted to actually try to retire and Thor's back on Asgard doing prince things, I don't know."

Wanda was placing glass cups on the table for people, while Tony selected the alcohol- naturally. Looking over the shelves of expansive alcohol, (y/n) laughs, "you're still an alcoholic Tony? Times haven't changed for you have they?" "Well, Tony's always going to be Tony." Steve laughs tasting the alcohol poured into his glass. "You know me so well Cap." The saying was meant to be playful but the tone was slightly bitter; from what he couldn't tell. "Hate to break it to you Champ, but this fast running also comes with fast metabolism in all the wrong places- I can't get drunk anymore."

"Well that's semi-disappointing, we had so many good memories from when we were-"

"Yes, and there definitely will be no report on of it either" (y/n) laughed, still bringing the glass to her mouth. Moving the conversation along, Steve slipped into Captain mode. "So, (y/n), what made you say yes?"

Thinking about it thoroughly, (y/n) smirked over her glass. "I guess I just want to look out for the little guy." Steve's heart thundered at her words. Some sick part of him wanting to be the little guy once more so she could protect him. Wiping that thought away as the team kept questioning the new recruit and a flirty comment from Tony every now and then. Throughout the questions (Y/n) and Steve make eye contact over their glasses or when a question slightly pertained to the other person, it was like magnets.

A beep echoed throughout the room and Steve brought out his phone to check what it was. The team seemed to go silent, waiting for orders while (y/n) glanced around wondering why everyone suddenly went stiff. Upon seeing it was a mild case Steve looked up into the eyes of the woman across from him. "Avengers a-"

"Arrive!" (Y/n) shouted, the team awkwardly turning to her. A wild blush spread across her cheeks and embarrassment dominated her persona. "I-is that not the phrase?”

For once Steve was the first to laugh, shaking his head and standing up. "Avengers, gear up. Wheels up in twenty."

"(Y/n), a word please?" Steve asked before the left the table. Tony eyeing him suspiciously as he walked down the hall to get his suit.

"Yes, Cap- Steve. Sorry..."

"That's okay. Anyways, I don't know if you'd had experience in, but just stick close to one of us for this okay? It's not particularly hard I just want someone to keep an eye on you for a while- monitor your skills and such." Though slightly offended at being treated like a child, (y/n) understood she was the newbie and needed to gain their trust. "I'll stick close to you blast from the past!" The metaphor went straight over Steve's head and instead of replying he walked away. When she couldn't see his face, he allowed the full-blown smile to cover his face- something within him was happy she chose to follow him rather than Tony.

-----

Five months later and the small competitiveness between Tony and Steve, in the beginning, has blown up into a whirlwind of jealousy and competitiveness. Of course (y/n) noticed the building tension in the team but she assumed it was because of the major upcoming mission they had. They competed for everything; from small touches, to who would be helping (y/n) in the gym, to even who would make her coffee in the morning. The game, however, became dangerous when it began affecting team dynamics.

Sitting on the couch watching T.V, (Y/N) had he head on Steve’s lap as he combed his hands through her hair. Her eyes fluttered shut as she slowly drifted before being startled awake by her feet being lifted. Tony sat with her feet on his lap, rubbing slow circles on her ankles- further soothing her.

“S’okay, kinda feels nice though. Her eyes drifted close once again at the motions on her head and feet. Both touches intensified strangely and it seemed each got harder until- “ouch!” (Y/n) let out, sitting up abruptly, feeling the dull pain in her head and ankle. “I’m so sorry!” Both men let out, holding their arms out as if to south her- she’d just have to choose who’s arms. Standing (y/n) decided just to go back to her room, the tension floating thickly in the air. “It’s okay, it was an accident! I’m just going to go to bed now…” Making her way down the hall, (y/n) heard harsh mutterings but was too tired to find out what was happening.

——

“Do you want help in the gym today, (y/n)? You know how I was teaching you those- “

“Oh, no its okay Tony, Steve was going to help me with my gymnastics!”

“Why do you need to know that?” Tony made a face, what was Steve playing at?”

“To help performance, not all of us can rely on suits, Tony.” Steve slightly smirked at Tony, the other man’s ears going red from anger.

“I’d be happy to give her-” Noticing the tension, (y/n) butts in awkwardly and smiles nervously.

“It okay Tony, I’ll be back later, I really want to get this fly kick Steve’s been teaching me down, okay?”

———

“Good morning, (y/n)! I made you your favourite…coffee!” Steve held up a cup of the smooth liquid right in her face and he looked so proud of himself. (Y/n) was tired, probably from writing mission reports all night and Steve’s chipper attitude wasn’t exactly helping. Steve’s cheerful face, however, caused (y/n) to crack a small smile on her face and take the coffee. Just as she was about to take a sip, Tony burst through the elevator doors, breathless. “(Y/n) …I…got…you…coffee.” Hand on a knee, he held up the cup of coffee from some prestigious coffee place, she was sure. “Oh, uh Steve already made me one but that you Tony!” Walking away (y/n) began to mutter about how people in this tower were so giving and nice.

Steve’s baby blues followed her form as she retreated to her room, a smitten smile on his face.

“Back off Rogers.” Tony glared at the taller man causing Steve to smirk. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Slightly getting in his face, Tony’s nostrils flared. “You know exactly what I’m talking about! You have no chance, we already have history.” Huffing, Steve fully turned to Tony, crossing his arms. “Yeah well if it was such good history, why aren’t you two still together.” Tony’s mouth opened and closed, trying to find an answer. Clapping him on the back as he went to walk away, Tony grabbed his bicep in his hand. “I mean it Rogers, you don’t know her like I do. You don’t deserve her, not you.”

“What, like you? A big man with his name plastered everywhere but what’s inside you, Tony? What makes it so hard for a woman to stay with you, huh? Guaranteed (y/n) already figured it out and won’t want to repeat history; probably learned her lesson the first time around.” Glaring at each other Tony pulled Steve face to face with him, “what? Do you want a repeat of history, Captain? Because guaranteed I’ll just beat your ass all over again!” Tony spat Captain as if it was poison to his mouth. Both men hadn’t noticed that their voices had raised and caught the attention of the people occupying the tower.

———

While getting dressed for the day, (y/n) frowned upon hearing raised voices from the kitchen that sounded like Steve and Tony. She couldn’t understand what was being said but the context was clear; they were pissed with each other, again. The little scrambles between the two became more apparent as time moved on. The whole team noticing the glares and petty comments each sent to each other; even on missions. Pulling on her shirt, (y/n) made her way to the kitchen, to finally get to the bottom of this, but froze when she heard her name.

“Are you really using that? Threatening me with another fight? What would that achieve? As far as I’m concerned that wouldn’t win any brownie points with (y/n) …” “Yeah, if it gets you to back off! (Y/n) doesn’t belong with you!” “I could say the same about you! You’re so selfish Tony!”

Stepping into the kitchen finally having heard enough, she yelled over their loud tones. “This is what the whole team tensions been about?!” Both men froze, eyes glancing over to a furious (y/n). “(Y/n), listen- “

“For once in your life Tony, SHUT UP!” She couldn’t believe their behaviour. Did they threaten each other with another Civil war over her? They sounded like children fighting over a toy. They were friends, team mates and colleagues which sometimes the fate of the world relied on; yet, here they are acting like complete assholes. Then to the fact they thought they had a say on who she could and couldn’t date, not realising she wasn’t here to play a romantic interest.

Steve let out a smirk and small laugh as well. “And YOU Steve Rogers, can do the same!” Instantly the look was wiped off his face as he glanced down like a scolded child; which in a way he was. “You’re both acting like children, god help the day when the world needs us on another world-dependant mission!” Running a hand across her forehead, thinking of what she can do to rectify the situation. Then the thought struck her; if she moved herself from the equation, then they would have nothing to fight about. “You both act as if I don’t have a say in any of this! I’m a god damn grown woman who doesn’t need the likes of men telling anyone who she belongs with-” She looked right at Tony, him shamefully looking away. “-Or who wins fucking brownie points with me!” (Y/n) looked over at Steve, his blush darkening in shame.

“You’re both complete idiots! I can’t believe I thought joining this team would be a good thing, I should have just joined the X-men…” She trailed off muttering about her other options and how none of this wouldn’t have happened if she’d just chosen somewhere else. “I’ve decided, if you can’t act like friends or even team mates, I’m leaving transferring from the team.”

Both men stared wide eyed at (y/n) and both tried to stop her. “(Y/N) wait we can work this-”” Don’t leave please-””-Can you not talk over me-?” “-I was talking first, you ice cube!” “You were not- “

“ENOUGH!” (Y/n) yelled. “Enough.” She said softer, looking at the men she used to look up to. With disappointment clear on her face, they could both see what they’d done wrong. Too obsessed with out-completing and being better than the other, they both forgot to consider the feelings of the girl they wanted. “I will go on this one last mission you all, then that’s it. I refuse to work on a team that doesn’t have each other’s back and I’ll be damned if I’m the reason anyone on the team got hurt; Or even split the Avengers apart. You understand, Stark? Captain?” With light tears in her eyes, (y/n) said with an authoritative voice. Both men nod with understanding as she left no room for argument.

“Right, well then, everyone go get ready, the mission's tomorrow and we can’t afford to fuck this up because of the pettiness of men. Understand? Captain, Stark.” Hands behind her back, (y/n) nodded and made her way to her office instead of her room, deciding to call Charles Xavier and finally accept his offer of becoming a language teacher and part of the X-Men.

“You guys don’t usually fuck up this bad but when you do, someone always gets hurt.” Nat piped in from behind Steve and Tony. Both turned to look at her and then each other. They all left without a word to get ready for their mission.

Part 2??