OCR Text |
Show Friday, Jan. 15, 2010 Page 5 A&EDilf•I'Si Utah State University • Logan, Utah • www.aggietownsquare.com Psychobilly Freakout By Patrick Oden editor in chief The Reverend Horton Heat, aka Jim Heath, has been slinging his version of rock 'n' roll for two decades now. Some call it Rockabilly, some call it Psychobilly and some call it Punkabilly, and depending on the track, they all seem to make sense. Pulling from the influences of rockers like Elvis Presley, country greats like Johnny Cash and the surf and hot rod tunes of The Beach Boys, Rockabilly artist like the Reverend have been growing in popularity. While still very much a subculture genre, Rockabilly has come a long way since Sha-Na-Na came on the scene in the '70s. With "Stray Cat Strut" hitting No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1982, Brian Setzer led the Stray Cats and rockabilly music into the mainstream. While the genre's widespread popularity waned quickly, a counter-culture movement was underway. Fueled by a nostalgia for the '50s lifestyle and a love of hot rods, there are no fewer than three nationally circulated magazines dedicated to the culture and with the current collector status of classic Detroit iron and vinyl sofas, the music's following grows. Rockabilly, which derives its name from a combination of rock 'n' roll and hillbilly, has produced many top-notch combos, but few if any with the staying power of The Reverend Horton Heat. Playing his classic Gretsch guitar, accompanied by Jim limbo" Wallace on a flamed, stand-up bass and Paul Simmons on drums, the Rev has released 10 full-length CDs and two greatest hits collections. Still playing 120 gigs a year, The Reverend Horton Heat would most likely be known by the masses for his song "Psychobilly Freakout", which was featured on "Guitar Hero 2". Even though the band is averaging a show every three nights, the Reverend says it seems easy. " I think we did 275 dates in one year," the Reverend said. "Back in those days, we would just drive ourselves around in the van every day. "I love playing music, that's really the short answer, and it's my art form. I don't really consider being a recording artist to be an art form, it's more like just being in the advertising business." Despite an affinity for the larger theaters and ballrooms, such as the Fillmore in San Francisco, which he has filled to capacity, the Reverend makes Salt I See REVEREND, page 7 Los Rasquetis keeps Argentinean culture alive drive-through Starbucks-ridden U.S. citizen but they would be missing the point entirely. The members of this Hispanic culture values time spent having a conversation, enjoying coffee in the morning or helping a friend in need. They value their quality of life more than being on time to a job that will still be there when they are ready to arrive. Because of the cultural differences, life in Cache Valley can leave an Argentinean very homesick. "You get really homesick," Jimena said. "We don't have as much of the food, culture or as many people here as other Hispanic cultures. It's been really nice to hear something that's from home. Anytime they play it brings back good memories. It's nice to have a little piece of home here." Tango is played on Florida Street on every corner. The Rock Nacional genre is specific to Argentina and has produced some of the most accomplished musicians in Hispanic culture. It is widely considered the most prolific genre of Spanish rock music, which was influenced by the British Invasion and punk bands. It is widely listened to and it is a cultural enigma. The music that Los Rasquetis play is largely Rock Nacional and pulls together the small population of this different culture. John Lennon said, "Music is everybody's possession. It's only publishers who think that people own it." This music and band has brought a facet of Argentinean life back to the small community. Everyone, from the fan base to the band playing the music, is part of the experience. Something as simple as music has pulled these few families together. To put things in perspective, imagine living in a foreign country where you don't hear any of your favorite songs played at social functions. Imagine reading everything in a different language. Imagine knowing only a few people who speak your dialect and enjoy the same leisure activities. Even the things you take for granted are missing like never being able to find a basketball game on television or eating your favorite comfort food. Small pleasures such as these are part of what makes home feel like home. There are other reasons the band enjoys playing Rock Nacional for the local community. "I like it cause it helps to break the stereotype that all Latinos listen to reggaeton and salsa," Francisco said. By Cody Littlewood staff writer The smell of empanadas waft through the air and ambient voices converse in eloquent Spanish. Children are mingling off to the side of a large dining room, while the adults laugh and enjoy the signature food and mate after a big family dinner. Although not all of the guests are necessarily family by technical terms, they behave and feel like family in this social setting. Fernando Leonhardt, owner of La Ranchera, and Oscar Romero, a Cache Valley dental technician, picked up guitars and began to play. The evening progressed and the lights were dimmed. The family began to circle around them: the band is formed. This is how Leonhardt and Romero tell the story of how they started Los Rasquetis, an Argentinean Rock Nacional band, nearly two years ago. The story could be only a joke, but they will never tell. The original band was started two years ago, but the band as it is today has only been playing together since June. Los Rasquetis now consists of three main members — Leonhardt, Romero, Francisco Herrero, senior in exercise science — and is soon debuting a new guitarist. Los Rasquetis plays at venues and functions throughout Cache Valley, averaging a show every week. Los Rasquetis played last semester in the Sunburst Lounge for Diversity Week, drawing a large group. The band plays with a different motive than most bands. "We just want to play for experience right now. We aren't trying to be on the cover of "Rolling Stone" or anything like that," Herrero said. "We play because we all love Rock Nacional. I grew up listening to Rock Nacional and Tango." The Argentinean population in Cache Valley is small, but devoted to its roots. About five families are spread throughout the valley, according to Francisco. The America lifestyle is a different from their culture. The things that are emphasized in the Argentinean culture are oft overlooked and are actively fading in American culture. Family is extremely important in Argentina. "You never hear an Argentinean complain about having to go to dinner with the in-laws," said Jimena Herrero, Francisco's sister. The time spent with family is relished and looked forward to. Even time constraints do not directly translate: being 15 minutes late for an appointment is being punctual for an Argentinean. This may seem strange and inefficient to the Argentinian Rock Nacional has produced some of the most accomplished musicians in Hispanic culture. Argentineans living in Cache Valley may be few in number, but they remain devoted to their roots. STATESMAN photo illustration I See BAND, page 7 W TIME TO RELAX! Come enjoy our hot pools! Have a group of 25 or more? Call for a private swim! Check out our website for monthly e-coupons, specials, or to sign up for our monthly newsletter. 208-852-0266 3696 N 1600 E Preston, Idaho www.RIVERDALERESORT.com |