What Do You Think Of This?

Question

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070403/ap_en_mu/music_spanish_crossover;_ylt=AockBK2A50UZUMUmum965bxY24cA

Answer 1

My guess is that there is already plenty of spanish music to listen to. The fact that mainstream artists want to get in on the trend only tells me that that record giants want a piece of the pie, so to speak. If it's what their (musicians) desires were from the beginning, they would have been pumping out spanish music from the get go, as opposed to...realizing there is a large untapped market and trying to supply that demand. This approach makes it quite clear that it is not the intention of the artist to fulfill a need, rather it is the intention of the record company to make money.
That's what I think. Thank you for your time.

Answer 2

I kinda think cross cultural is nothing new, but you want to go for quality and art that has staying power. Too much based on the so called popular that becomes something you have to conform to which can be as dictatorial as anything people rebel against in the first place. Art. It has no fear of time. Look at Jose Ferrer in ' Cyrano De Bergerac ' or a Pablo Casals or an Andres Segovia. Not the here today gone tomorrow thing of the center stage life dashing across the sky like a comet. Like a Jimi Hendrix who burned out even with his resilience and ace ability, but could've been greater had he taken it higher than mainstream pop. This is stuff you learn over time. I guess people need to find out on their own. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Cant stand that crappy song and I wish both Shakira and Wyclef would fall off the end of the earth. As for English speaking singers singing in Spanish and vice versa....so what? That has been happening since before I was born. I do find the crossover Latin songs to be on the corny side, the translated lyrics are usually veeeeery trite. Example "livin la vida loca, anything by Enrique Iglesias and the migraine-inducing "hips don't lie".

Answer 4

I don't know what response you're looking for? Latino's play and sing music and get paid big bucks for it? Some people like hearing music in other languages? Guess it proves they aren't being deprived of their chance for stardom. I personally liked one the Beatles did in French and Nina's 99 red ballons done in German...think Paul even did a couple in Russian when he did the concert in Red Square. Gee...there's Enya's stuff done in Gaelic. There's a few more so it's not "new". I personally just don't like latin music or the Spanish language. I'm glad they are doing well and that they have a responsive crowd. Sure isn't going to convince me to go to one of their concerts or see it as a reason to learn Spanish or have it as the prominant language in this country.

Answer 5

I hate when I hear people talk about Hispanics and all of their "purchasing" and "voting powers." Haven't Hispanics been around here (the US) for awhile? Hell, I remember (25 years ago) growing up spending much time at my neighbors (which happened to be Hispanic), playing with their kids and eating their rice and beans. So, did Hispanics all hit the lottery or something and all of a sudden have all this money? Please, they have as much "purchasing power" as any group. Besides, no disrespect, but how can a group with 21 percent of its population living in poverty have so much "purchasing power" anyway?

And voting power? How much voting power can a group have when 45 percent (a generous number) of Latinos actually vote (as compared to 67 and 57 percent for whites and blacks perspectively)? Don't believe me, check the stats: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2002/cb02-31.html.

People now act like the influence of Hispanics on music is something out of the ordinary. Well, growing up, I remember several musicians, or songs, who were Hispanic that had a large influence on music (anybody remember the group Menudo or the song La Bamba?).

I dig Hispanics (my girl and best friend are Hispanic), but I cant get with the fact that ever since they were named the largest minority in America, they feel (Hispanics) like they need to be "heard" (as if they haven't been all along).

Answer 6

So with 32 million spanish speaking people in the US and 400 million more worldwide only 11 million of them watched their best performers get awards and perform. Sounds like they don't care any more about these 'entertainers' than I do. Which is not at all.

Answer 7

It's a free market.

More Spanish speaking people means demand for more spanish speaking music.

Never the less, I doubt making "English the Official language" would change this, since most people who speak English as a second language still THINK in their native tongue.

Answer 8

I didn't know that market lines and political boundaries were the same. So what? I listen to Italian music all the time, because I enjoy it. If it sells - let it.

Answer 9

What I get out of it is this is just another industry catering to illegal immigrants. I really do care for that style of music anyway. Every song sounds the same to me.

Answer 10

In truth, could care less since I am not making money on it. Shakira is hot and I do wish I was 35 years younger and could be on a desert island with her.

Grrrrrrr!!!!