Mariachi El Bronx 2

When I first heard about The Bronx's plan to do a mariachi album I thought that someone was playing a joke on me. I mean, c'mon, The Bronx. Doing an album of mariachi tunes. What's next, Radiohead doing dubstep? The Deftones releasing a disco album? Muse releasing something good? Exactly. The idea was on the verge of preposterous.
Then the album arrived. And it was the best thing I'd heard the whole year. I could scarcely believe my ears, such was the brilliance of what I was listening to and the quantum shift of the musicians from premier league hardcore punk band to english language mariachi kings.
Now, 2 years later, they're back for more.
The new album runs the gamut of emotions like the first did, but it's more polished, more confident and, crucially, just as good. It might be even better -but I haven't listened to it enough to make a firm judgement on that yet-  I particularly like the story of the seemingly tireless lothario told during "48 Roses" and  the lovesick pleadings of  "Norteno Lights" , but they're all good.
This isn't just a good album for a bunch of punks who've made a mariachi record, it's a good album full stop. It might even be a great one.
Go and get it.

El Bronx, yesterday

Swagger Jagger

As difficult as it maybe to comprehend, I , on occasion, have been accused of being a music snob. Yes, I know dear readers, it's scarcely believable isn't it, but it is true.
I'm telling you this because this week, my snobberry has reached new heights. I'll admit to hating most pop music and to not really understanding how anyone can enjoy the vapid warblings of Dustbin Beaver, Take That, Pitbull, Jason DeRuuuuuuuuuuuul-o and the seeming millions of others who assault my ears on a irritatingly regular basis.
This week though, Bieber is suddenly sounding like Nirvana, and Pitbull is sounding suspiciously like Chino Moreno. Take That, comparatively are Tool, Tricky and Sonic Youth all rolled into one.

Because this week, I heard "Swagger Jagger". It is -and I'm not joking here- the worst thing I've ever heard. Ever...............Evvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

It's also due to be No1 in the UK when the new charts come out. I wonder what that says about our society, or is the only thing it says is how far out of touch I am?
I don't know really, but if not being a music snob means listening to this I'm glad I'm a snob. Now, where are those Pink Floyd albums?


Prepare yourselves.