E14: Music in the Cuban Revolution

Hear the full episode here:

In this week's episode Jeremy and Tim travel to New Years Day 1959 as Che Guevara's forces defeat Batista to complete the Cuban Revolution. We hear about the military embargo imposed by the USA on their island neighbour, its impact on life for musicians on both sides of the border, and is resonances with American foreign policy in Latin America more broadly.

Tim and Jeremy also consider the nationalisation of the Cuban record industry, the pros and cons of state sponsorship on music creation, and how Communists across the world have addressed the problem of vernacular popular music's status within the culture industry. Plus, the Cha Cha Cha source of a foundational piece of Garage Rock, the Bay of Pigs, and why cymbals were banned for being 'too jazzy'.

Produced and edited by Matt Huxley.  

Tracklist:
Cuarteto D' Aida - Yo Si Tumbo Caña
The Kings Men - Louie Louie
René Touzet - El Loco Cha Cha Cha
Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna - The Man I Love
Irakere - Bacalao Con Pan
Grupo De Experimentación Sonora Del ICAIC - Granma
Los Van Van - Chirrin, Chirran

Books:
Timothy Brennan - Secular Devotion: Afro-Latin Music and Imperial Jazz
Ned Sublette - Cuba and its Music