Selena Tribute: Brooks & Dunn, Chris Perez, and Santa Esmeralda

"BEST I CAN"   CHRIS PEREZ

If you saw the movie "Selena" you know the story.  Chris was a young guitarist hired to play in Selena's band.   After falling in love with Selena, her dad fired him from the band.   In 1992, they got married and he was back in the band.   Sadly, Selena was murdered less than 3 years later.   This is Chris' Grammy winning tribute to his love.

"MY HEART IS LOST TO YOU"     BROOKS & DUNN

Spanish rhythms, flamenco dancers, fast cars, mixed with the classic vocals of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn.    This is the kind of song to share with someone who claims "I hate country music!"   With the latin beats, the swagger of Brooks & Dunn, and the sexy spanglish lyrics ("Mi corazón perdido en ti") this song and video should melt many stubborn hearts.

"DON'T LET ME BE UNDERSTOOD"  SANTA ESMERALDA

Written for Nina Simone, top #5 hit for The Animals in the 60's, this song got its disco makeover in the late 70's by Santa Esmeralda.  On the famous Casablanca Records label, here is one of the best blends of synchronized hand claps, latin beats, and disco.   The song got added exposure when it was included in Tarantino's Kill Bill Vol 2.

World Cup Soccer Theme : Jennifer Hudson, Dizzee Rascal, Crazylixx

"SHOUT FOR ENGLAND"            DIZZIE RASCAL

In 2010, I went to Ireland during the World Cup tournament.   What an amazing experience!   Watching big matches with a pub filled with Brazilians, seeing the passion of the French and English fans for their games.    During this time, I got exposed to this amazing, enthusiastic chant!    Sampling Tears For Fears, English rapping, and the fanatical soccer crowds in this video makes it a favorite!

"21 TILL I DIE"                 CRAZYLIXX

The L.A. Sunset Strip is famous for the sleezy, hard-driving rock bands like Guns N Roses, Motley Crue, LA Guns, and Faster Pussycat.    This spirit lives on in Sweden with groups like Vains Of Jenna, Crashdiet, Hardcore Superstar, and Crazylixx!      You can feel the 80's influence on their sound and their rockin' attitude.   "Blame It On Love" is another favorite of mine.  They've been headlining the awesomely named, Rest In Sleaze Festival all over Europe.    Definitely a band to watch!
Here's the link to their website:  http://www.crazylixx.com/

"BELIEVE"                              JENNIFER HUDSON

First made popular by Brooks & Dunn, Jennifer takes on this spiritual-themed ballad and "takes it to church" by ramping up the powerful chorus.    She first sang this live at the Brooks & Dunn Farewell concert.    Jennifer has come a long way since her 4th place finish on American Idol (same as Chris Daughtry):   An Oscar winner, #1 singles, an amazing body transformation, a true role model and inspiration for those who've overcome tragedy in their life.