When people think of learning about different cultures, the most obvious representations of culture that come to mind are food, language, and music. So when friends and family back home ask me questions about life in Spain, they most often revolve around these topics. What kind of food have you been eating? Is it spicy? What about the language? How is your Spanish? Can you understand them even though they have lisps?
In previous posts, I've answered many of these questions. I've posted pictures, videos, recipes, and vocabulary lists. I've explained encounters with language miscommunications and unsettling meals. But I haven't yet answered some of the other most frequently asked quesitons: What kind of music do they listen to? Have you heard much Spanish guitar or flamenco?
The answer to the latter question is no. I've heard more accordions played by street performers than I've heard any flamenco guitars or box drums. So without the two "fundamental" typical Spanish instruments, what kind of music have I been listening to in Spain?
To illustrate the answer to this questions, I'll present to you four women who have been following me around ever since I've arrived to Murcia. Whether I'm in a store, on the bus, or at a bar, one of these four women is bound to show up.
1. Lady Gaga
Of course. "Everyone is gaga for her"--whatever that means. If even Americans don't understand her lyrics and still love her, why shouldn't the Spanish? From "Poker Face" to "Telephone," Gaga's unintelligible words fill the Murcian air.
2. Shakira
Even though she's Colombian, the Spanish's love for this artist is the most understandable--she sings in Spanish and she performed the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which Spain won. So now, Shakira is no longer just the official performer of FIFA, but also the official idol of Spain. "Dance or die," everyone.
3. Rihanna
This woman is probably my number one stalker in Murcia. It doesn't matter if I'm in my living room, walking down the street, or teaching in my classroom, someone is blasting her music so loud that I can hear her. So it's not just American women. There are millions of "only girls in the world" here in Spain too. I'm waiting for them to realize that they're not.
4. Barbara Streisand
This may confuse you as much as it confuses me. I may not actually hear Barbara's voice, but I hear here name almost every day. Titled, "Barbara Streisand," this electronic dance song's lyrics only consist of "woo woo woo" and "Barbara Streisand." One night when I was dancing with Spanish friends, they were asking me to explain English lyrics. When this song came one, they asked me what the artist says in between the numerous series of "woo woo woos." With all four of them attentively watching me anticipate a break in the "woos," I responded, "Barbara Streisand??" Yup.
Hearing so much (Latin) American music makes me wonder, "Are these popular songs in the States too?" Could my readers please fill me in on what's filling the radios back home?
As for the radios here in Spain, Gaga, Shakira, Rihanna, and Barbara have undoubtedly taken over.
In previous posts, I've answered many of these questions. I've posted pictures, videos, recipes, and vocabulary lists. I've explained encounters with language miscommunications and unsettling meals. But I haven't yet answered some of the other most frequently asked quesitons: What kind of music do they listen to? Have you heard much Spanish guitar or flamenco?
The answer to the latter question is no. I've heard more accordions played by street performers than I've heard any flamenco guitars or box drums. So without the two "fundamental" typical Spanish instruments, what kind of music have I been listening to in Spain?
To illustrate the answer to this questions, I'll present to you four women who have been following me around ever since I've arrived to Murcia. Whether I'm in a store, on the bus, or at a bar, one of these four women is bound to show up.
1. Lady Gaga
Of course. "Everyone is gaga for her"--whatever that means. If even Americans don't understand her lyrics and still love her, why shouldn't the Spanish? From "Poker Face" to "Telephone," Gaga's unintelligible words fill the Murcian air.
2. Shakira
Even though she's Colombian, the Spanish's love for this artist is the most understandable--she sings in Spanish and she performed the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which Spain won. So now, Shakira is no longer just the official performer of FIFA, but also the official idol of Spain. "Dance or die," everyone.
3. Rihanna
This woman is probably my number one stalker in Murcia. It doesn't matter if I'm in my living room, walking down the street, or teaching in my classroom, someone is blasting her music so loud that I can hear her. So it's not just American women. There are millions of "only girls in the world" here in Spain too. I'm waiting for them to realize that they're not.
4. Barbara Streisand
This may confuse you as much as it confuses me. I may not actually hear Barbara's voice, but I hear here name almost every day. Titled, "Barbara Streisand," this electronic dance song's lyrics only consist of "woo woo woo" and "Barbara Streisand." One night when I was dancing with Spanish friends, they were asking me to explain English lyrics. When this song came one, they asked me what the artist says in between the numerous series of "woo woo woos." With all four of them attentively watching me anticipate a break in the "woos," I responded, "Barbara Streisand??" Yup.
Hearing so much (Latin) American music makes me wonder, "Are these popular songs in the States too?" Could my readers please fill me in on what's filling the radios back home?
As for the radios here in Spain, Gaga, Shakira, Rihanna, and Barbara have undoubtedly taken over.
2 comments:
You are talking to the wrong person here. I do like Gaga and I hear the cast of Glee is still #1 in sales, I'm still lost in the 60's
Ashley, this has nothing to do with this post, but I follow your blog because I am moving to Spain in October to be a language and culture assistant and because I very much enjoy your posts. :) I just found out that I'm going to be teaching in Archena. I'm very disappointed to not get a bigger city but I thought that since you were so close you might know something about the location because so far I know very little, except that they have hot springs. (huge bummer, hot springs stink to high heaven). Sorry for posting this on your blog, haha, feel free to delete it, but maybe you could email me? richelle.lc@gmail.com :)
Thanks again for all your posts, I always enjoy the read.
~Richelle
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