by Craig Harris
With its sizzling mix of ska, rock, hip-hop, and traditional Latin music,
Café Tacuba is one of Mexico's hottest bands. One of the "50
Future Latin American Leaders" according to Time magazine, the group
continues to share its exciting dance music with audiences throughout
Central and South America. Signed by Warner Music, in 1992, Café
Tacuba has consistently exceeded the label's expectations. Their self-titled
debut album sold more than 40,000 copies and was certified double gold
in Mexico. The band's music was introduced to an international audience
after the band was featured on a multi-artist compilation En Sessions
at West 54th Street. Recorded at a New York nightclub, the album was called
"the equivalent of the Beatles' White Album for the rock en español
movement" by the New York Times. Café Tacuba continued its
success with the funk-inspired Re in 1994, and Reves/Yosoy, which received
a Best Rock Album of the Year award at the first Latin Grammy award ceremonies
in 1999. The Tiempo Transcurrido collection followed two years later,
but the band remained inactive as the members explored solo projects and
took time away from the group. Refreshed by 2002, they stepped back into
the studio and recorded the Vale Callampa EP.
Café Tacuba was formed in the northern suburbs of Mexico City
by design students Ruben "Nru" Albarran, guitarist Joselo Rangel
and his bassist brother Enrique "Quique" Rangel, and keyboardist
Emanuel DeReal.
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