The Romani people are a fairly misunderstood culture, shrouded in myth, a semi-self-imposed isolationism, and secrecy. But you wouldn't know it listening to the Gipsy Kings. There's nothing secret about those salsa rhythms bubbling over with rumba and funk, making bones rattle with pulsating dance vibrations.
If you don't know their international smash hit "Bamboleo," which seems impossible unless you didn't step outside in the '80s and failed to hear radio throughout the early '90s, it's possible you've heard them highlighted on an episode of HBO's Entourage. Better yet, there's also the disturbingly hilarious scene in The Big Lebowski when "the Jesus" — a flamboyant, purple-clad bowler played by John Turturro — thrusts his pelvis, tongues his bowling ball, and boogies from side to side in a celebratory shimmy after bowling a strike.
The song featured in both is the Gipsy Kings' passionate rendition of "Hotel California" by the Eagles. Of course, if you haven't seen The Big Lebowski, stop reading immediately and go update your Netflix queue. All set? Now get some Gipsy Kings tickets.
