What does tradition sound like in the hands of an artist who respects it but also wants to challenge it? It sounds like Mexican vocalist Carla Morrison. And, when we say tradition, we mean the tradition of artfully crafted pop music made for the head as well as the heart. The tradition of, say, Joni Mitchell.
Morrison's voice is airy, but her lyrics aren't. Her musical arrangements are clever, and she has all the ingredients to make an impression beyond those who've already discovered her on both sides of the border. And, we discovered, Morrison's thoughts are just as entertaining as her music.
In this week's show, we have a special interview with her, during which she talks about her new album, Mientras Tu Dormias (While You Were Sleeping). She also introduces us to some of her favorite new artists, most of whom we didn't know about. A new album, a captivating artist and new discoveries -- just another week here at Alt.Latino.
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Hear Carla Morrison's Picks
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From 'Mientras Tú Dormías'
By Carla Morrison
Coming At You From: Mexico
Sounds Like: A doo-wop-style angsty ballad.
Yo Sigo Aquí
Coming At You From: Mexico
Sounds Like: Emotionally stirring words and an angelically sweet vocal style.
Muñeca
From 'Musica Moderna'
By Paté de Fuá
Coming At You From: Mexico/Argentina
Sounds Like: Tango revived, with a passionate vocal style and classic themes of intense melodrama, mixed in with stories of everyday life.
Defensa
From 'Defensa'
By Torreblanca
Coming At You From: Mexico
Sounds Like: A pop soundtrack to an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
Un Año Quebrado
From 'Lejos. No Tan Lejos.'
By Hello Seahorse
Coming At You From: Mexico
Sounds Like: Frantic synthesizers and a lunatic voice give this a haunting horror/disco feel.
Luz De Piedra De Luna
From 'Mena'
By Javiera Mena
Coming At You From: Chile
Sounds Like: '80s retro pop, but don't let the bubblegum sound fool you: The girl is pouring her heart out.
