Talk about timing: Mexican rock band Maldita Vecindad kept us waiting for twelve years for their latest release, Circular Colectivo (Nacional) and now they’ve released the song, “Fut Callejero” (translation: “Street Soccer”), just in time for the World Cup. And we complained Sade kept us waiting?
“La Maldita”, as they are known, formed in the eighties and were extremely active in the music scene, blending rock with local songs and ska rhythms and are cited as an influence by some of Latin America’s well-known rock bands. “Fut Callejero” is a pretty bad ass song; only Latin American rock bands make you rock out to a brass section with little guitar. Similarly the entire band joins in for the chorus: “Street soccer/ Game of the barrio/ Pure fun…” The song is not just about “having fun”, it’s about going back to ones roots. La Maldita reclaim soccer from the elite leagues and scouts; this kind of soccer belongs to the streets, easily accessible to all. “Fut Callejero” also begs for audience participation; if you can’t see yourself singing this while having a few drinks with pals during the upcoming France vs. Mexico soccer match in South Africa, then you have missed the point.
Peace,
Radio M.