May 23, 2011 by

Heya IGNers!

Let's cut to the chase here, I'm not really Cuban or Indian. However, I think I may be becoming one of both; let me explain. As an assignment from one of my Spanish classes presented itself, I had the choice of either watching some cheesy Spanish soap opera on TV or watch a Spanish documentary. Seeing how May has been my "movie-watching" month, I decided to watch the documentary. I had a number of choices, but I decided to watch "Buena Vista Social Club".

The Buena Vista Social Club is a giant band centered around Havana, Cuba consisting of many members. They typically switch singers for different songs. As I was watching the documentary, I had a different view on Latin countries from there on out. Normally, you think of Latin countries as old, smelly, and useless; just like your Gameboy Color. However, as I was watching this, I noticed the culture and the people of Cuba. These weren't miserable criminals as most people make them out to be like the drug dealers who try to cross the border. These were just real people with authentic Spanish traits. While watching this, I also noticed two remarkable musicians: Barbarito Torres and Ruben Gonzalez.

Barbarito Torres plays the Cuban laud and he is one of the fastest and best players that I've ever heard. The passion and joy is very noticeable in his playing. If you think that the guitarist from Metallica or some other band are fast and good players, try watching Barbarito. He plays the Cuban laud which is 12 stringed. Normal guitars have 6 strings and with 12 strings, you must be more precise when playing it. That's why when I saw him play it without looking and very fast, I knew that he was a phenomenal musician.

The next musician is Ruben Gonzalez. He is a piano player and an extremely good one as well. I heard his story in the documentary and his journey into becoming one of Havana's most famous pianists. He died in 2003 and he will be missed dearly. He was a great pianist with grace and skill that the entire world would have appreciated. He normally played for the band, but he also played for a ballet school where the staff and the students would gather and dance around the piano.

Now let's switch from becoming Cuban to becoming Indie-an.

Lately, I've been watching many movies. Indie movies, to be exact. I've been learning to love IFC and the local Indie festivals around here. I'm constantly on the look-out for new indie movies and all things that are underground *puts on hipster glasses*. I've been enjoying these movies because the popular movies out in theaters look horrible compared to these movies. The indie films are really thought-provoking and they have some of the best acting in years. What's not to love? While on the topic of being Indie-an, I've learned to love Indie music. It's very underground--Yes; yes. I know what you're saying: "Go cry, Murd."--and I love the soft sounds of it.

So this is where you guys come into place. Does anybody have any suggestions? I'm very interested in new Indie bands and Indie films as well. If you have something that you think that any Indie "must" see, then by all means, do tell! I might even compose a blog speaking my opinions about some in the near future.

Ta ta for now!


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