Manu Chao-The Best Band in the World

I started listening to Manu Chao on a trip to Europe. I was in a youth hostel and the clerk would play it all day long. After I got back from my trip I bought the album called Esperanza (1998) and it was awesome. It has a pop sound with a reggae feel to it. The instruments on the album are quite varied, with a nice guitar sound and beeps and some radio addresses. Also, the lyrics are in English, Spanish and French. I've used the song Me gustas tu in some of my Spanish classes. It's a nice song about what the singer likes and if you like him. It's good practice to learn another language. Promiscuity is also a good song, some of the lyrics are

promiscuity leads to insanity

. Does that remind anyone of a certain period in their lives.
I also bought the album La Radiolina. This is their latest album from 2007. It has more of a political feel to it. It's a rebuke to the Bush years. The same sound prevails in the CD. It has a reggae feel to it and other odd sounds, and good guitar riffs. This album also has songs in English, French and Spanish. I love Manu Chao and it was quite popular on my trip to Mexico. I heard it in many bars and people would often quote lyrics.
I also bought another album called Radio Bemba Sound System, which is a remix of their old songs with more of a dance/techno feel to it. It has the ever popular song Bienvenido a Tijuana, with the quote

tequila, sexo, marijuana

I did go to Tijuana a few years ago, and I had none of those delights. However, I did drink a lot and met some interesting people. I didn't stay in Tijuana, but rather the beach resort called Rosarito. I remember the bar Papas and beer fondly. The crowd there was mostly from San Diego. The under 21 crowd would come and party in Mexico, because the drinking age is probably 18 in Mexico. Though, not enforced. Nevertheless it is one of the most known songs of Manu Chao. Manu Chao is a world reknown group and they travel to all parts of the world, especially Latin America. Listening to Manu Chao is quite nostalgic for me, as it reminds me a lot of a few trips I took. Have a listen to Manu Chao, one of the best bands in the world. Hasta luego, Pascal

Gonzo:The Life of Hunter S. Thompson

The life of Hunter S. Thompson has been filed with ups and downs. In this book, there are many different accounts of Hunter's life. Many people explain a part of his life, from his early childhood to his death. Friends, family and neighbors explain some of his adventures and tales in sometimes frank and obscene ways. Gonzo is an icon, and has revolutionized the way stories, and articles are written. He has given the word gonzo to the masses. His early childhood was troublesome and it followed him throughout his life. There are interesting accounts of his life as a journalist, his life in Denver and for Rolling Stones Magazine. Where ever Hunter went, trouble followed. There is no way to understand the madness that was Hunter, apart from perhaps watching Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. They talk about his adventures briefly in the book. They also talk about his dealings with the Hell's Angels. His life was filled with booze, womanizing and drugs. His walk made him topical, yet his dealings with people made him who he was. Hunter S. Thompson has written many books, including a few on the Campaign Trail and even a Black Book of sorts. He followed his dreams until they were no more. A great read to have a perspective on specific events with his wives, friends and important events in his life. Purchase for a bit of debauchery.