The doors to this hell will close, and perhaps I will want to leave.
That's a line from the 1973 song "Confesiones de invierno" ("Winter confessions") by Argentine band Sui Generis. At first listen, it's a song about heartbreak — specifically a guy who gets dumped by his girlfriend for not having a job. But buried in that mundane story a storm is brewing. A few lines later, the singer laments having drowned his sorrows in alcohol, and gotten a beating by the police.
That's because the '60s and '70s were a time of political turmoil in Latin America. By the 1970s most Latin American nations were ruled by brutal dictatorships. The ominous line from Sui Generis' "Confesiones" had become a reality. Much of Latin America turned into a true hell for those unable to leave.
Music can reflect tectonic shifts in society. Despite efforts by government censors in Latin America, rock and roll music was increasingly seeping into the mainstream, challenging everything from cultural values to sexual norms and the political status quo. In many cases, it was nothing short of heroic: After a concert in 1969, the police tortured members of the Guatemalan rock band S.O.S. they considered subversive. A year later, Brazilian musician Chico Buarque had to leave Brazil after threats from that country's military dictatorship.
On Alt.Latino this week we pay tribute to some of our favorite artists of the '60s and '70s — the pioneers of Latin rock who paved the way for artists we love today. The psychedelia of bands like Kaleidoscope and La Revolucion de Emiliano Zapata was indeed revolutionary.
We're joined by Franklin & Marshall College Associate Professor of History Eric Zolov, author of the books Rockin' Las Americas and Refried Elvis: The Rise of the Mexican Counterculture. Prof. Zolov also writes a bimonthly column on our Alt.Latino blog called "From The Vault," in which he explores Latin rock's history.
And for those of you who like me are of a younger generation, take my advice and tune into this week's show. It's not only about reminiscing. It's also about discovering an amazing musical past.
We want to hear from you: What are your favorite bands from this era? What was it like discovering this music for the first time? Share your stories with us!
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