Sound Study: Chulas Fronteras y Del Mero Corazón
02.28.26
Sound Study will follow unexpected resonances, feedback, and musical migration around the world. Tune in for situated listening, original field recordings, and occasional interviews with guest DJs, artists, and scholars.
This show celebrates Chulas Fronteras (1976) on its 50th anniversary and Del Mero Corazón (1979).
Directed by Les Blank and Chris Strachwitz, Chulas Fronteras (Beautiful Borders) celebrates the famed Mexican-American musicians of the borderlands, the migrant farming communities from which they come, the strong family bonds of Tejanos, and the social protest ethos inscribed in their music. From joyous, lively dance tunes to soulful, political work songs, musica norteña fuses traditional Mexican harmonies with central European dancehall rhythms. The film brims with tender affection for its subjects, the vitality of their marvelous music, and the generosity of spirit that they show in the face of hardship. Del Mero Corazón (Straight from the Heart), directed by Les Blank and Maureen Gosling, is a lyrical journey through the heart of Chicano culture as reflected in the love songs of the conjunto tejano and musica norteña traditions. The film was constructed from outtakes from Chulas Fronteras and additional footage shot in California.
The episode features musical conversations with filmmaker Maureen Gosling (editor of Chulas Fronteras and co-director of Del Mero Corazón), Juan Antonio Cuellár (longtime archivist of Arhoolie Records’ Frontera Collection), Sonido Sabotaje (Monterrey, Mexico), Trucha Soul (Austin, TX), and a live performance by corrido singer-songwriter Gallo Armado (Monterrey, Mexico).
Tracklist:
Xandão: Ricardo Mejia & Rubén Valdez – Seis Pies Abajo Flaco Jimenez – Un Mojado Sin LicenciaJuan Antonio Cuellár: Conjunto Hnos. Rojo – Puño De Tierra – Discos Ema Alegres del Valle De Oscar Hernandez – Cielito Lindo – Bronco Los Madrugadores – Piquetes De Hormiga – 111 – Discos Beca Los 5 Del Norte – El Tololoche Chicoteado – 10090 – Peerless Lydia Mendoza – Besos Y Copas – 16 – Del Pajarito
Flaco Jimenez – Recuerdos del Troquero
Trucha Soul y Sonido Sabotaje: Los Hermanos Barrón – El Pachuco Los Doneños – Soy Troquero Los Relampagos del Norte – Estamos en Algo Ray Camacho – Contrabando y Tracción Kings del Wepa – Cumbia Llorana Azúcar – Cariño Gallo Armado – Lokerón Citrícola
Gallo Armado en vivo!
