You may have noticed that in recent shows, we've been playing songs that are a bit melancholy — some might even say sad. If you haven't checked them out yet, we recommend you do so with a box of tissues by your side.
Why so serious? Well, maybe it's because we're in Washington. It's freezing, it's cloudy, it's icy — not exactly uplifting weather.
We decided to switch it up this week and listen to new releases that feel like explosions of warmth. Argentina's La Ola Que Queria Ser Chau starts us off with a blueprint for the perfect summer, with an exuberant melody that feels like a last-minute escape to the beach with your lover. Zuzuka Poderosa makes us break into a sweat with her New York take on Brazilian funk. The up-and-coming Panamanian duo Los Rakas brings on the heat, while Chile's Ana Tijoux melts the Spanish language with her out-of-this-world lyrical style.
It's an amazing mix of new releases to get your heart rate up, and we've also got a bunch of free downloads. So put on your headphones, turn on your space heater, put on your beach clothes and get ready to dance.
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Alt.Latino: Hot New Tunes For The Dog Days Of Winter
Ojala Que Este Verano No Nos Maten
From 'Ojala Que Este Verano No Nos Maten EP'
By La Ola Que Queria Ser Chau
Sounds like: A spontaneous trip to the beach on a summer day
Coming at you from: Argentina
Celular
From 'Celular'
By Zuzuka Poderosa
Sounds like: New York meets funk carioca
Coming at you from: Brazil
Encantador De Serpientes
From 'Fantasma City'
By Fantasma
Sounds like: A Punjabi MC spins cumbia
Coming at you from: Argentina
Kalle
From 'P.B.T. 2: La Tanda Del Bus'
By Los Rakas
Sounds like: A flow like a machine gun.
Coming at you from: Panama/Oakland, Calif.
Elefant Mixtape
From 'Elefant Mixtape'
By Ana Tijoux
Sounds like: The Erykah Badu of Latin rap.
Coming at you from: Chile
Find Out More | Download the mixtape
El Riot
From 'El Final De La Era'
By Amós Piñeros
Sounds like: Dreamy, slowed-down hard rock.
Comes from: Colombia
Lo Cierto
From 'Almismotiempo'
By Camila Moreno
Sounds like: A perfect blend of strong Chilean folk and rock.
Coming at you from: Chile
Visita
From 'Daltonico'
By Enjambre
Sounds like: Tinges of Phoenix.
Coming at you from: Mexico
