When I started this friendly little Challenge in 2010 with around 100 other bloggers assembled in about a week's time, I don't think any of us thought it would still be going ten years later. But here we are still going strong! So to kick off my A to Z posts I offer A as in "Arlee" (that's me!). If you haven't read the A to Z story you can find it here.
Actually this first post is merely my introduction to me. All of the April posts will be essentially about Arlee to some extent. Something those who follow this blog already know is that I like music a lot and because of that my primary activity on this blog in the past couple years has been the Battle of the Bands posts. That's how I'm kicking off this month (and every month on the 1st). I hope you'll be willing to play along. This post and the one on April 15th will be the only ones during the month that will feature music videos so don't be scared off by what's happening here today if you don't like listening to music videos.
I hope you play along and enjoy the songs...
Battle of the Bands
Two Hot Latina Favorites
In addition to music, I also have a great admiration for women. I am especially fond of Latinas. Now, to keep myself out of trouble in the improbable event that my wife is reading this, I should state here that my absolute favorita hot Latina is my wife, Betty, who is from Ecuador. I think she won't mind my musical crushes on the artists I'm featuring in this Battle. I'm a fan of the music of both of these lovely singers and I hope you'll enjoy hearing their music as well. If for some reason the embedded videos don't work, you can click on the song titles in the headers of the two selections to find alternate versions of the song. Take a listen and let us know your favorite...
Alicia Villarreal "Capricho Loco" (2000)
This artist was the lead singer of Grupo Límite, a Norteño style band, before departing on a solo career singing primarily in the Ranchera,style. I first saw Alicia and the Grupo on some concert show on Spanish language television station back around 1998. I fell in love with her immediately-- (and the group's sound).
I particularly like this song "Capricho Loco." The structure of the song is interesting to my musical perception. Then there is that flow of the melody with the percussive punches throughout. In a sense--to me at least--this is almost a perfectly constructed song extremely well executed in accordance to its genre. I love it, but see what you think...
Thalia "Sangre" (1992)
This Mexican pop music artist is literally star of stage, screen, and television. She's one of the most well-known stars of telenovelas (Spanish soap operas) and has appeared in a number of films and television shows. In 2000 she married Tommy Mottola, a music executive who had previously been married to Mariah Carey. She remains active in the entertainment business.
I used to hear Thalia's "Sangre" often when I started listening to Spanish pop stations in L.A. back around 1996. The song haunted me for a long time before I finally discovered who sang it. The following is a video version that I've been listening to for a long time and still haven't tired of it...
Time to Vote!
This is a tough choice for me because I like both artists a lot and these are two of my favorite songs. But I'm going to vote for one of these as my preference. What about you?--Vote for your favorite version! Have some fun with us. What's your favorite between these two choices? You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.
Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.
Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
Angel's Bark
Debbie Doglady's Den
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Cherdo on the Flipside
A I Love Music
Winner of this Battle Announced on Monday April 8
There will be posts every day (except Sunday) until next Monday so I hope you can stop by for at least a few of them. But by all means come back to see which artist won this round of Battle of the Bands.
Are you a fan of Spanish language music? Do you ever listen to popular modern music that is sung in a language other than English? When did you start blogging?
Good luck with the A-Z Lee ... and thanks for being one of the main founders and for setting it up - I'll be around but not participating ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary, we'll miss your informative posts!
DeleteLee
So you're one of the original A to Z Blogging Challenge participants? That's so cool that it's been going all this time. I only started around 2014 but it's a great way to meet new bloggers and that's why I love it.
ReplyDeleteGood save on mentioning your wife after saying you love Latin women LOL.
Lacey, yeah, people can blame me for this Challenge, but I'm pretty pleased with how it's gone over the years.
DeleteLee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteI started blogging in 2010 and I think it was a few years later I learned about the A2Z event. I finally mustard the courage to give it a shot. I've participated each year since 2014 completing five years to date and hope to add this year to the tally.
I do love latin mewsic! Much to my surrpise, I have heard of Thalia and I even have one of her CDs. I'd forgotten all about it. While I like her vocals, in this battle round I preferred Alicia Villarreal who gets my vote. I might have to check out more of her mewsic. Thanks for the introduction and you'll find in my BoTB on Sunday!
I hope y'all will find time to check out my Little Mermaid Art Sketch series beginning with ARIEL on Curious as a Cathy and thank you for hosting the fun!
Happy A2Zing!!
Cathy, I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of folks in the U.S. have heard of Thalia since she's appeared on TV a number of times in this country and I believe she's even recorded in English.
DeleteFirst vote goes to Alicia.
Lee
Hello again, Arlee!
ReplyDeleteGood thing you mentioned your wife there... saved yourself a night on the couch! :P
I fell in love with Spanish music when Ricky Martin's Vuelve was released in India. I don't understand a single word of the language, but I know almost all the songs of that album by heart, and love to sing along.
I started blogging in December 2006, by the way. Enjoyed reading about you today. Hope to see you around this month. And a Happy 10th Anniversary of this challenge! :)
Find my post for today @ Acceptance Is the Key to Happiness
Chicky, if a song is good enough I don't think understanding it is essential. I often don't listen to lyrics anyway.
DeleteYou've got a long blogging history. Glad you've made A to Z a part of that.
Lee
Hi Arlee,
ReplyDeleteI was one of those 100 who did the challenge in its first year of 2010. Have done it most years since then as well. Looking forward to it again this time around!
https://seal-of-melchizedek.blogspot.com/2019/04/atlanta-georgia-temple.html
Duncan, yes you were one of those originals. I'd forgotten who all had done it every year--not many. Glad you returned.
DeleteLee
Thanks for starting #AtoZ.
ReplyDeleteOur blogs get richer in April :)
This is my 3rd time.
Kandhamal Haladi - Anita
Dr Anita, I agree that there is a lot of creativity for this Challenge that add's some great content to blogs. Thanks for joining us again!
DeleteLee
The A to Z is off and running! I can't wait to make the rounds. This really was what I needed to get back into it.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Battle (vote, friends!), I like Latin music but I don't here a lot of it in my neck of the woods. Both of the songs are great, but I really preferred ALICIA VILLARREAL. There's not enough according to in the world ...
Thanks for all you do, Lee!
Cherdo
Cherdo, A to Z also provides me a boost of blogging enthusiasm. Hope I can keep up!
DeleteThanks for voting...
Alicia.
Lee
The history of the AtoZ is wonderful Arlee. I wasn't going to do it this time round, but blow me down I've started!
ReplyDeleteI prefer the 2nd one - Thalia's version - more depth and glamour I guess ..
Susan S, good for you for being a part of A to Z again!
DeleteFinally in the race...
Thalia.
Lee
Hey Arlee! I'm on board for another year. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't listen to a lot of Latin music, but the first one made me want to get up and move. So, I'll vote for that one. I love to dance in all my awkward glory. The second one is really nice to, if I could get my hubby up to dance I'd probably prefer it. Nope, right now I'm all about fun and I like the fun rhythms of the first song.
Charity. Glad you've joined us again and ready for some fun.
DeleteLet's dance to...
Alicia.
Lee
Ten years! Enjoy the ride.
ReplyDeleteI like the vocals in the second one better.
Alex, maybe one day you can join in again. A to Z can be a lot of work. I'm not able to put in the time like I did in the first Challenges, but I've managed to finish every one so far.
DeleteA vote for the vocals of...
Thalia.
Lee
Thank you for the A-Z, can't imagine my April without it now, my sixth time this year.
ReplyDeleteI love Spanish music, though I don't understand the language. My vote goes to Thalia.
Nilanjana, yeah, April is a blessing as well as an occasional burden. But that's okay if we have fun.
DeleteGood music can be enjoyed even when we don't understand the language.
Thalia.
Lee
Congratulations on 10 successful years! May the A to Z challenge continue for many more. ☺ Who knows? I might try it again, one day.
ReplyDeleteAs for your BOTB, I love Spanish music also and enjoyed both of these selctions. Thalia's vocals were more pleasing to my ears though, so she gets my vote.
Debbie D, I do miss your music posts for A to Z--or any other topic for that matter.
DeleteAnother vote for...
Thalia.
Lee
Hello A-Z WOW Musica Latina VIVA!Gret videos. I am doing ASTROLOGY with mini videos I made on animoto.
ReplyDeletehttps://introspectivepress.blogspot.com/ⒾⓃⓉⓇⓄⓈⓅⒺⒸⓉⒾⓋⒺ ⓅⓇⒺⓈⓈ
MCV, I thought your first A to Z video was pretty cool. Have a great April!
DeleteLee
I have to vote for Thalia. I prefer the way it is styled more than Alicia . She is good but that outfit! When she turned, I thought she was wearing assless chaps! I believe I have been blogging since 2009!
ReplyDeleteBirgit, Alicia must have had to really squeeze into those pants! She definitely caught my attention though.
DeleteA vote for Thalia.
Lee
Hey Arlee, I don't get to blog or read blogs as much as I would like, but many of my readers are attracted to the A-Z blogs in April more so than other parts of the year. Great idea starting it, and I hope to vote in the BOTB more often.
ReplyDeleteZulu Delta
Zulu, I'm kind of the same way about my blogging these days. A to Z kind of acts as a stimulant for many of the blogs.
DeleteI do 2 BOTB posts per month--on the 1st and 15th. Maybe you can take the time to vote on the next one.
Lee
LEE ~
ReplyDeleteHaving been born and raised in L.A., I was exposed to a lot of Spanish music. It's almost impossible to live there and not encounter it in many places. I like it generally, and I liked both of these songs, but I definitely preferred Alicia Villarreal. I think the tempo, beat, and energy of it is why I liked it better of the two.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
STMcC, in the part of town where I live you can hear a lot of music in Spanish which is no surprise considering about 90% of the population here is Hispanic.
DeleteAnother vote for Alicia.
Lee
Not a big fan of Spanish music. Live in a hispanic area so I am exposed it to it quite a bit. I lived in Rissia for 2 years and listened to lots of popular Russian Language music and liked it, but don't reach for it much in the 25 years that I've been back here. Been blogging for over 10 years.
ReplyDeleteDave, one's mindset probably has a lot to do with what we prefer to listen to and enjoy. Frankly, I don't listen to music that much these days--not like I used to.
DeleteLee
Thalia is definitely my favorite.
ReplyDeleteSusan K, short and sweet--
DeleteA vote for Thalia.
Lee
The 2nd gets my vote. I do listen to music in other languages and most recently after watching A Man From Uncle I found myself wishing I understood Italian. Music is a language ya know :) Blogging since 2010 so almost 10 years. Great to be aboard again.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Finnell
@randallbychance from
Katy Trail Creations
Stephanie, usually it's the music that speaks to me more than the words.
DeleteWelcome back to A to Z!
A vote for Thalia.
Lee
Thanks for starting the A to Z Challenge! This is my fifth consecutive year of participating.
ReplyDeleteTrudy, five years is not a bad record at all. Thanks for joining us again!
DeleteLee
Hi Lee -
ReplyDeleteThese are not my cup of HORCHATA. I would not listen to these unless forced to.
Using the SEEK BUTTON method of evaluation: I would hit SEEK on the radio after no more than 30 seconds of the first song, but it would take me a full 45 seconds to hit SEEK on the second song. Therefore, I prefer the second number. Thalia, I guess? (Not a part of the contest, but she is more visually pleasing, as well.)
6-Gun, I agree that Thalia is very nice on the eyes. You should see some of her more upbeat videos--that lady can move!
DeleteA vote for Thalia.
Lee
Hello Mr B . . . . Thought I might have a go at the A to Z this year after hiding last year . . . . I've always enjoyed the A to Z.
ReplyDeleteI hope all is well with you, and I notice many familiar names on the list too.
Rob, all is well--just not blogging as actively as I used to. Glad you are a part of the madness once again.
DeleteLee
Thalia's performance looked like it was out of whatever the Spanish-language equivalent of "American Idol" is: very good technically, she has a good voice, and she looked perfect. Which is why I'm voting for her competitor, Alicia Villareal, whose performance is less-than-perfect but seems more natural. I could see myself watching Alicia in a club while I was pounding down Tecates. Give my vote to her.
ReplyDeleteJohn, Thalia is a long time big time pro all the way and is very nice to watch. But I get what you're saying.
DeleteA vote for Alicia.
Lee
Congratulations on the 10th anniversary, Arlee! Actually, that's about how long I've been blogging - off and on ;-)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed both contenders! I could listen to norteno all day (and sometimes do), so Alicia gets my vote!
Happy April A to Z!
Diedre, I think a lot of us started about the same time.
DeleteGlad you're a fan of the music!
A vote for Alicia.
Lee
Yay! 10 years old! Bravo! I have to say Alicia got me from the get go. I liked Thalia too, but Alicia's voice was just different and I'd like to hear more of her!
ReplyDeleteLisa, Alicia's been getting a good response which is great!
DeleteA vote for Alicia.
Lee
Despite Alicia Villarreal's outfit, I am sticking to the theme of the day and voting Ringo Starr on every BOTB. You're Sixteen wins!
ReplyDeleteCW, a throwaway vote. Kind of like voting third party in a presidential election. When did Ringo ever look as good as these two gals?
DeleteLee
Well, now, if it's a BEAUTY contest...
DeleteLooking forward to this year's challenge. Good luck with yours! @mirymom1 from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
Samantha, have a great April!
DeleteLee
Thalia gets my vote on this one.
ReplyDeleteMike, okay you got it!
DeleteThalia.
Lee
Alicia. I loved the song, the style, and definitely the accordion. Asking for Help to Avoid Burnout
ReplyDeleteHeather, Alicia is doing better than I thought she would...
DeleteA vote for Alicia.
Lee
I had no idea your wife was from Ecuador. When I lived in Colorado, I met a friend who grew up in Ecuador as well. Her grandfather (greatgrandfather?) was el presidente. It shouldn't surprise you that my friend herself is involved in American politics, being the Denver County Libertarian representative. She's since moved out of the county, so unable to continue that role, but still very much involved. She goes home to Ecuador frequently.
ReplyDeleteAtoZ - I started blogging in Oct 2014 and I recall hearing about the challenge in Feb 2015. I was so excited about it, I wanted it to take place in March of that year. I've made quite a few blogging friends along the way and it's something that I look forward to every year.
As for the battle - I'm giving my vote to Thalia.
~Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
Literary Gold
Mary B, my wife and I went to Ecuador several years ago. It was nice, but she said that she didn't care to go anymore. She likes the U.S. better.
DeleteI've enjoyed having you as a blogging friend.
A vote for Thalia.
Lee
I vote for the second. I listen to a few non English songs. 2012 is when I started, and it is all your fault because you created this wonderful challenge. Hi to the Mrs!
ReplyDeleteJ, I take the blame, but it's been a good ride.
DeleteA vote for Thalia.
Lee
Hi Arlee! I don't participate in the A to Z anymore as a blogger but do love to wander through the list of participants and read random posts. I'll enjoy learning more about Arlee this month.
ReplyDeletePatricia, maybe eventually you can come back to A to Z for another round of it. Nevertheless we appreciate your support of the bloggers who do participate.
DeleteLee
Hello Arlee! This is my first participation in A2Z challenge. Hats off to your consistency and congratulations on 10th anniversary of this April blogging challenge.
ReplyDeleteThough I do not understand Spanish - i liked the music of Thalia Sangree en vivo!!
Cheers :)
Kislaya, so happy you decided to join in the A to Z fun!
DeleteA vote for Thalia.
Lee
Stuart, very cool story. Blogging is one of the greatest creative outlets that I can think of for writers and otherwise. A blogger is essentially in control and doesn't have to wait to be accepted or to sell something. We can just write and get instantaneous response depending on our own willingness to get word out. A to Z has been great for expanding the outreach.
ReplyDeleteGlad you've stayed with it and found it to be helpful.
Lee
Alicia Villarreal "Capricho Loco" for the reasons you give. I posted more about my Latin roots but Blogger censored it. My I post has a Chilean band.
ReplyDeleteRoland, Blogger censored it? I'm puzzled.
DeleteA vote for Alicia
Lee
I realise that it wasn't Blogger but Google as Google+ has gone, although Chrome and Gmail are still operating.
DeleteFrom Facebook comes a vote from my Cousin Tom...
ReplyDeleteAlicia partly because of the accordion.
Lee