One of the great joys that I have adopted since living in the Latin world is música ranchera, or what we sometimes call “música corta-venas.” Well I guess not all songs of the “Mexican Ranchera” variety are what one would consider “corta-venas.” That moniker is limited to those songs that reflect a state of being so heartbroken as to drive you to “cut the veins” (the literal translation of “corta venas”). My office manager, Pablo, is also a “corta-venas” aficionado and if one ventured into our office late in the evening, around “quitting time” you might find us sipping “flor de caña” and belting out corta-venas songs at the top of our lungs. Anyone walking by on the street gets a free “mariachi-type” serenade during those moments. Needless to say that we have both had “girlfriend troubles” as of late, so the music is really flowing around 5:00 PM these days. This music is a direct importation from Mexico, so I am a little confused as to why it is so popular in a country where the culture is normally not that keen about most “cosas mexicanas.” However, it seems that this type of music is popular throughout Latin America, or at least certainly in Nicaragua and Colombia, where they are just as wild about it as the ticos. The first time I heard rancheras I thought it was some form of Spanish opera, but after a while it really grows on you. Two of the best in this genre are Vicente Fernández (el “Charro”) and his son, Alejandro (el “Potrillo”). Vicente recently caused a stir here in Costa Rica as his concert had to be postponed due to management problems (they didn’t have their permits). He re-scheduled and the concert finally went off last month without a hitch. I didn’t make it unfortunately, but was certainly there in spirit. I have even learned a few of these songs by heart and after downing a little “liquid courage” I have been known to belt out a song or two at various karaoke bars around San Jose. That is a sight to behold. That is, a gringo singing cansiones corta-venas. It is kind of funny because when I walk up there the folks in the bar are expecting a Frank Sinatra or Elvis tune, but when the melody and words of “El Rey” appear, the astonished looks are quite telling. I even sang with a mariachi group at my girlfriend’s last birthday bash. Música corta-venas has become one of my great loves as I have adapted to and adopted the culture of Costa Rica.
Here is a great song of the “corta-venas” variety….from Alejandro Fernández……
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