So once you’re at the top of the pops or gain a certain level of recognition, what’s left to conquer as an American band?
Sure you can have more and more radio hits and fan favorites. You can tour the world over and over. But what could a bigger challenge be?
If bands that gain prominence singing in other languages are faced with the gut wrenching test of making that, “crossover” English language record that will be marketed to American audiences.
Would it then be possible to say that for certain American bands that wish to further connect with their worldwide fans, making a “reverse crossover” album is a major feat and milestone as well?
We think so.
So today we bring you a playlist by American bands familiar to the KCRW audience, that see the bigger trend at large.
And we applaud them for catering to and attempting to make fans out of the other 400 million or so people on earth that speak Spanish.
FYI: We threw a Portuguese song in… well… just because)
Reverse Crossover Playlist (Stream on Spotify below)
The White Stripes – Conquista – Spanish Version
Rilo Kiley – Dejalo
David Byrne – Desconocido Soy
Gogol Bordello – Mala Vida
Brazilian Girls – Me Gustas Cuando Callas
Pixies – Isla De Encanta
Adam Cohen – Take This Waltz (Toma Este Waltz)
Puscifer – The Undertaker (Spanish Fly Mix)
Beck – Que’ Onda Guero
Devendra Banhart – Mi Negrita
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Kisses Over Babylon
Calexico – No Te Vayas
Little Joy – Evaporar
The Mars Volta – L’Via L’Viaquez
Bonus Song: White Rabbits – I’m Not Me” (Spanish version)
— Jose Galvan