Hurray for the Riff Raff – ‘Pa’Lante’
I am sorry. I have been meaning to share this with you for over 12 months now. Pa’Lante means ‘go forward’ or ‘advance’ ‘progress’. It’s a common Peurto Rican abbreviation often used in political and/or social contexts. The ‘day in the life’ like time change in the middle is jarring on first listen but becomes part of the joy on successive listens. The sample is a recording of Pedro Pietri’s seminal 1969 poem “Puerto Rican Obituary,”. She also name checks my daughter ‘Silvia’ in the final verse. I have romantic notions that my daughter will love this song in years to come and will envision her dad cheering her on as she ‘go’s forward’ in life … ‘to Sammy and Silvia I say ‘Pa’Lante’.
I’ve been meaning to get into this band for ages. I’m sure I’m going to love them. Where should I start, Brother J?
To be fair I am no expert but start with ‘The Navigator’ album – its a real mixed bag stylistically speaking. Probably not what you’ll expect after hearing this. Pa’Lante Brother David, Pa’Lante.