8 Tracks: Of Bolero With Century

Music

Inspired by the worldly sounds of Mexico City, Sueno is a new found record label which seeks to blend elements of modern day electronics alongside the historical musical roots of Mexican culture. Century are the first artists to release on the label and in doing so have reimagined the work of artists from the golden era of bolero music in Mexico. The result is beautifully enchanting as they bring a percussive element to two house driven tracks alongside the vocal accompaniment of Elvira Rios. We spoke to the pair about the roots of bolero as they select eight tracks…

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Lupita Palomera, Desdèn (1958)

Desdén or disdain in Spanish is an excellent opener to the world of Mexican boleros. Guadalajara-born Lupita Palomera was one of the emerging singers of XEW’s acclaimed La Hora Azul radio program – one of the most important outputs for the diffusion of this shade of music. Desdén’s narrative portrays the era’s tendency to create long dramatic intros which usually have isolated vocals few instrumentation. This was our gate to the world of sampling of the genre. It was partly from there that we developed an obsession for the colour of boleros. These intros are usually followed by a harmonious rhythmic section, where singers boast their vocal dynamism. There’s something about how Lupita’s voice distorts the tape recording that notches-up the emotional experience of the track. Infidelity, despair, out-of-tune organs. Fucking beautiful.

Lupita Palomera, Desdèn (1958)

Desdén or disdain in Spanish is an excellent opener to the world of Mexican boleros. Guadalajara-born Lupita Palomera was one of the emerging singers of XEW’s acclaimed La Hora Azul radio program – one of the most important outputs for the diffusion of this shade of music. Desdén’s narrative portrays the era’s tendency to create long dramatic intros which usually have isolated vocals few instrumentation. This was our gate to the world of sampling of the genre. It was partly from there that we developed an obsession for the colour of boleros. These intros are usually followed by a harmonious rhythmic section, where singers boast their vocal dynamism. There’s something about how Lupita’s voice distorts the tape recording that notches-up the emotional experience of the track. Infidelity, despair, out-of-tune organs. Fucking beautiful.
Agustin Lara - Solamente Una Vez (You Belong To My Heart)

A must – Agustín Lara. Possibly the most influential person behind this style in Mexico. Lara is most likely involved in someway or another within most of the tracks listed in this feature. Solamente Una Vez, was popularised in the rest of the world with Ray Gilbert, Bing Crosby, and others as “You Belong To My Heart”. I think the very time we heard this song was in the popular Los Tres Caballeros movie sung by Disney characters. Funny how things are.
Hermanas Águila - Ya No Me Quieres

Hermanas Águila are an essential. These sisters have a unique vocal symmetry. Their weeping harmonies take you to somewhere you’ve never been before. Ya No Me Quieres written by Lara, is the kind of track your Mexican macho grandfather would cry to.
Bola De Nieve- "Vete De Mí"

It’s important to mention that the bolero style has been a constant dialogue between cultures, and the Mexican style as we know it today was born out of a long creative conversation with Cuban musicians and composers during the last century. Bola de Nieve, one of the most famous cuban songwriters, combines piercing piano chords that meet a desperate voice for love through Vete de Mí. Love hurt and pessimistic (for the lack of a better word in English) lyrics tend to be a common denominator in both Cuban and Mexican shades of the style.
Nat King Cole - Perfidia.

Perfidia, a track interpreted by many of the key singers of the era like Javier Solís and Los Panchos, also drew the attention of Nat King Cole; providing one of the most bizarre fusions we’ve ever heard. Hearing Cole sing a bolero in Spanish with a heavy accent is priceless.
Elvira Rios - Janitzio

Elvira Ríos is our platonic love. Her mesmerising voice and the production effort behind all of her tracks are just perfect. It just feels like if you listen to her whole discography, you get to know her as a ghost. Our SUEÑ001 release is a tribute to this amazing woman. Get your tissues ready before listening.
Celio Gonzales.......Quemame Los Ojos

Quémame Los Ojos has one of the catchiest melodies ever. Celio’s voice cuts through the instrumentation with lyrics that portray somewhat a call for mercy directed to his lover. He really doesn’t want to be left by her. “Burn my eyes instead”. Powerful words, powerful music.
Amor De La Calle - Fernando Fernandez

FF’s full band productions are definitely our favourites, yet Youtube has a limited archive of his recordings. He quickly became one of the most important name’s in the game, marrying Lupita Palomera and becoming a recognisable voice within a vast names of singers within Mexican pop music. Amor de la Calle was one of the first tracks we ever sampled.