Julieta Venegas Rocks!

...even more, after I read this:

HARD ROCK WITH A SOFT CENTER
By Ernesto Lechner

Julieta Venegas has been called Mexico's PJ Harvey. But don't expect her to be seduced by such praise. "That's such a first world way of describing me," says the twenty-nine-year-old singer-songwriter. "Nobody in Mexico has ever compared me to her." Venegas exudes strength without sacrificing vulnerability, singing of empty houses and lost loves with youthful bravado. But instead of cranking up the amps, she turns to the more traditional accordion.

Growing up, Venegas listened to what she calls "Anglo music," and the resulting influence of British pop is ever present on Bueninvento ("Goodinvention"), Venegas's second album on BMG Latin--and the most refreshing Latin release of the year. Born in Tijuana to a conservative family ("my father wanted me to get married and have a lot of kids"), Venegas enjoyed life on the border to the fullest, avidly consuming music and films from both countries before moving to Mexico City and becoming an essential part of the growing rock- en-espanol scene. "I didn't go to the city with the hope of finding success there," she clarifies. "Things happened almost as if by accident. I know that the moment I get bored with this place, I'll move somewhere else."

Ernesto Lechner is a frequent interview contributor.

COPYRIGHT 2000 Brant Publications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group

it occurred to me...

Freedom is stifling.

11/26/06

I seem to recall my mom always drawing faces with a ball-point pen on various scraps of paper, to-do lists, etc., as my siblings and I grew up...so I think my habit was directly acquired from her's...

poor Wally

The seascape is by an anonymous artist. Figure and text by me.

medicated rabbit

a dream of a few months ago

Cried on Mom's shoulder
First time in years
Didn't even know why
Just stressed
Slept on the couch

Hosea had these awesome
drawings he'd done
About 3' by 2'
Looked like prints
Horses, elephants
rustic landscapes
He was going to throw away

There was hardly a difference
between the good and bad
Luke was getting first pick
I just wanted some
They were good