Summer Jams Song of the Day - Playa Grande - Sofi Tukker, Bomba Estéreo

I love virtually anything Sofi Tukker does, and this collaboration with Columbian duo Bomba Estéreo is no different. Even if you don't understand the language, the music itself beckons summer. Enjoy Playa Grande...

Hump Day Song of the Day - R.I.P. - Sofia Reyes, feat. Rita Ora, Anitta

Hump Day is here and we're finally on the down slope towards the weekend, so I think it's a good time for a hot new Latin-flavored jam.  Here's Sofia Reyes with a little help from her friends with R.I.P....

Song of the Day - I Can't Get Enough - Benny Blanco, Tainy, Selena Gomez, J Balvin

Here's a hot, recent, Latin-inspired jam from producer Benny Blanco with some most excellent company.  Check out the sexy I Can't Get Enough...

Hump Day Song of the Day - Muevelo Loca Boom Boom - Pitbull

For any of you wondering whatever happened to Latin rap sensation Pitbull, well he's still around and he's still sounding like he always did.  With a thumping back beat, catchy lyrics and Pit's signature voice, I totally jam out whenever I hear this one.  I think the only reason this song wasn't a big hit is because people were just over the sound of Pitbull, but hey, he's still got it!  Check out Muevelo Loca Boom Boom...  

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - Living La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin

It's really hard to believe, but in just a couple of months this song that put Ricky Martin on everyone's radar will be 20 years old.  Ugh, I feel old!  Here's Living La Vida Loca...

Hump Day Song of the Day - Ojos Asi - Shakira

I was listening to Shakira yesterday and knew I would play one of her songs today because they're all fiery and well-suited for Hump Day.  This one, sung in Spanish, is one of my favorite songs of hers.  It blends her own unique Colombiana-style with a hot hot Middle Eastern one and the results are, pardon the pun, hip-shakingly wonderful.  Here's Ojos Asi (Eyes Like Yours)...

New Music Fridays, August 3rd, 2013 - New Robyn & More!

After almost two full weeks in Europe, I am back and rejuvenated, and I came back to a great time for new music.  The purest joy for me came earlier this week when the news broke of Robyn releasing a brand new song.  It is really her very first solo effort since the monumental Body Talk series back in 2010, and that makes this week's new music one of the most exciting.  Of course, Robyn is not the only thing to get excited about this week.  Check out some hot new tracks...

Missing U - Robyn

Yes, Robyn is back, and from the sounds of it she hasn't skipped a beat.  This one sounds like an appropriate continuation of Body Talk, beautifully arranged and oh so good, albeit seven years later.  Check out the awesome Missing U...

Tie Me Down - Gryffin, Elley Duhe

Now here's a nice dance/pop tune that is very pleasing to the ears.  NYC-based deejay/producer Gryffin has a winner on his hands with this one.  Check out Tie Me Down...

Heaven To Me - Don Diablo, Alex Clare

What sparked my interest in this song was the inclusion of Alex Clare.  Now I don't know much about the British singer/songwriter, but his 2011 song Too Close is among my all time favorites.  He's got a great voice and it works extremely well on this hot dance number with a great message.  Check out the heavenly Heaven To Me on Billboard. 

Patrona - Lao Ra

Now I don't normally include Latin music in these posts, but Columbian singer Lao Ra's new song Patrona, which loosely means "woman boss" is infectious and very danceable.  Check out Patrona...  

With U - Tujamo, Karen Harding

From the very first beats to this song, you're hooked!  If it weren't for Robyn, this would be my pick for the hottest track of the week.  Check out the slamming beats and powerful vocals on With U...

I have to say that after two weeks of not exploring new music, it's good to be back in the mix.  Of course, the five songs spotlighted here aren't the only new music worthy of checking out.  Here are some honorable mentions from this week's crop of new tracks...

High on Life - Martin Garrix, Bonn

Too Much - ZAYN, Timbaland

Glow - Digitalism

United - Armin Van Buuren, Vini Vici, Alok, Zafrir

One last Song - Gorgon City, JP Cooper, Yungen

Kong - Neneh Cherry

Walk Thru Fire - Vicetone, Meron Ryan

Running After You - Riley Clemmons

Song of the Day - Pum Pum - Messiah, Kap G, Play-N-Skillz

Here's a lil Latin rap throw-down for your Sunday.  This one's just plain hip-shakingly fun!  Check out Pum Pum...

Song of the Day - 1,2,3 - Sofia Reyes, feat. Jason Derulo, De La Ghetto

Here's a happy Latinish tune for your Tuesday.  It's by Latin Grammy nominated singer Sofia Reyes and she's got two good friends helping her out on this catchy Latin jam.  The song was featured on February 16th's New Music Fridays and for good reason.  Check out 1,2,3...

Hump Day Song of the Day - Muévelo Loca Boom Boom - Pitbull

It's been a long time since Pitbull's been at the top of his game, but he has been putting out new music of late.  This one's vintage Pit, with catchy lyrics and an even catchier backbeat.  Check out Muévelo Loca Boom Boom... 

Song of the Day - La Tortura - Shakira, Alejandro Sanz

Ay amor me duele tanto

Me duele tanto

Que te fueras sin decir a donde

Ay amor, fue una tortura perderte

Oh my love, it hurts me so

It hurts me so

That you went without telling me where

Oh my love, it was torture losing you

I heard this classic duet the other night at Posh Bar in New York City and ooh, I immediately remembered how good it was...one of my favorite Spanish language songs ever!  Here's an awesome live performance of the sultry, yet sad song featuring two legends.  Check out La Tortura...

Song of the Day - Mi Gente - J. Balvin, Willy William, feat. Beyoncé

Here's a hot song that I am hearing everywhere.  I think maybe it's so hot because of the Beyoncé guest vocals on the mix that's being played, but it does have a hypnotic sound and the Spanish, ooh the Spanish!  Check out Me Gente...

As an extra bonus treat, here's the original video for the song sans Bey.  Still hot!

Song of the Day - Vivir Mi Vida - Marc Anthony

HoustonPublicMedia

This picture is from Puerto Rico and I want to post it with today's song instead of the usual cover.  I have several connections in my life to Puerto Rico: families of friends, former students, and yeah, even musicians whose music I've loved, like Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin Luis Fonsi, Ricky Martin, and of course, this guy.  Marc Anthony is a talented singer and songwriter, and this beautiful, uplifting song is a perfect dedication to what we hope that all Puerto Ricans will end up doing soon...living their lives.  Check out Vivir Mi Vida...  

Song of the Day - Sùbeme La Radio - Enrique Iglesias, feat. Descemer, Bueno, Zion & Lennox

Here's a fun new, Spanish language jam from Enrique Iglesias and company.  It's of the reggaeton persuasion, and like Don Omar's Danza Kuduro, it's got that huge crossover feel.  My students have been singing it all week in class, and every time they do, I follow suit.  Check out Sùbeme La Radio (Turn Up the Radio)...

Song of the Day - Suavamente (NYC Remix) - Elvis Crespo

kidzworld

Today is Cinco de Mayo, a day marking the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.  The anniversary is really a minor day of note in Mexico, but in the past couple of decades it has become the Mexican version of St. Patrick's Day here in the States,  In other words, it's just another excuse to drink beer whilst celebrating Mexican culture (Dos Equis anyone?).  I don't really know any Mexican music, but I have been known to listen to Latin music in general here and there, but I figured I'd post at least a Spanish song to commemorate the day.  Here's an infectious dance number from 1998.  It's the nasally-voiced Elvis Crespo and his hip-shaking, Spanglish remix of Suavemente...

Summer Jams Song of the day - Danza Kuduro - Don Omar, featuring Lucenzo

Summer is winding down, but we are still heating it up with our first Latin dance jam of it all. Loosely based, this one talks about shakin' ya hips, but you don't have to know what they're saying to enjoy this one...

A Birthday Song of the Day - Vivir La Vida - Marc Anthony

Today is a special day and this song was carefully chosen to mark the occasion,  You see, today is my friend Manny's birthday and I want to mark the day by posting a song that always makes me think of him.  I've only known Manny about 3-4 years, but I consider him one of my great friends.  I met him through my other friend, Ozzie, and the three of us have been a cool trio of sorts over the years since.

Manny is a sweetheart...a big Puertoriqueño with an even bigger heart.  His sense of humor and his lovable personality are traits that I treasure in my friends and so I am proud to call him one.  We've had a lot of good times together and I look forward to many more to come.  So here's to you buddy...Happy Birthday!  Keep on viviendo la vida!