Tonight begins a two-night onslaught of blood-boiling emotions at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, courtesy of Bronx bachata quartet Aventura. The double dose make perfect sense based upon what is already well-circulated about Anthony "Romeo" Santos and his Latin boy band: They are popular and they know it.
However, writer and noted Latin music aficionado Christopher Lopez isn't having it. We originally approached him to write a preview and try to score an interview, but his reply was: "I kind of hate them. With a passion." What resulted is an excellent and very funny essay: "A Latin Music Fan's Case Against Aventura" running down every grab of the crotch or cat-like "meow" that the glut of fans attending tonight and tomorrow aren't too concerned about. Even if you've never heard of them, this polarizing piece is worth a read.
Lopez addresses Aventura's lyrical content here:
Consider "Un Beso," in which lead singer Romeo declares (translated literally), "Your mouth is so sensual/It captivates and excites me... your tongue is my weakness."From the comments section:Perhaps emboldened by its seemingly unending success, or perhaps
appealing to fans' basest groupie impulses, the bachata boy band from
the Bronx rarely makes an effort to even feign romance. To hell with
thinly veiled come-ons, it just goes for the jugular. Or the zipper, as
the case may be.
"I think you snorted too much of that cocaine and your case isnt one atall, its judgement from a jealous dummy who doesnt know good music
& lyrics when you hear them."
So we found a few grouchy fans! And a guy who was right there with us too. I must note that these were better thought out (and less hateful) arguments than the comments I got from giving 50 Cent a collective "meh."
Aventura. 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, and Wednesday, July 7, at Hard Rock
Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Tickets cost $75 to $150. Call
800-745-3000, or click
here.