Café Tacvba: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Oct. 12, 2018 | Felix Contreras -- It's appropriate that the pioneering Mexican band Café Tacvba (Tacuba) start its set with "Olita del Altamar" ("Waves from the High Seas") from the group's 2012 album El Objeto Antes Llamado Disco. It's essentially an incantation of the magic that transpired during their performance behind Bob Boilen's desk. The lyrics sing of the comings and goings of waves, symbolic of the passage of time and fueled by the Mexican folk rhythm son jarocho, a favorite of the band's since their start almost 30 years ago.
They then fast forward to "Diente de León" ("Dandelion"), from their 2017 album Jei Beibi. It's a majestic, stripped-down version that puts the emphasis back on the lyric, a plea for existential and environmental harmony using the metaphor of the weedy flower.
As usual, lead vocalist Rubén Albarrán is a captivating central presence, evoking a sense of down-home camaraderie with his ever friendly smile that has become the band's most outward image. Having seen the band play in front of dedicated fans in massive stadiums in Mexico City, it's striking to see his movements limited to a few careful spins and dance steps while still managing to embody the intense energy of their music.
Their song "Las Flores," from their 1994 album Re, slips into the ska groove that attracted fans to rock en Español in general and to Los Tacvbas in particular, a beat that captures the adventurous musical energy that swept all of Latin America in the early 1990s.
Not all bands would end their set with a power ballad, though very few bands hold their audience's attention and dedication like Café Tacvba. But that's just how they close their set, the four principal members together for almost 30 years, casting a musical spell that still captivates after all this time.
Set List
"Olita del Altamar"
"Diente de León"
"Las Flores"
"Que No"
Credits
Producers: Felix Contreras, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kara Frame, Kaylee Domzalski, CJ Riculan; Production Assistant: Brie Martin; Photo: Cameron Pollack/NPR

[@nprmusic]

Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

[@user-td2jh9ws4l]

angelesnegrosgrupo

[@nestormartinez9259]

Para cuando panteo rococo?

[@wavecat9816]

I need a Tiny desk with Babasonicos please

[@deviouswizardgd3374]

Tiny desk with SB19 please!😊❤

[@jaimepsierra5035]

Falta una banda muy icónica en Tiny Desk Molotov!!

[@KevinTspirit]

My very first solo trip to Mexico City walked to the Zócalo, and realized I walked into a Cafe Tacuba concert. This was years ago, and I had no clue who they were, but loved the concert. Nice to see them again.

[@lulu_g8445]

Kevin Thomas Wow! How fortuitous!

[@Noggeton]

Kevin Thomas lucky you!!

[@RosarioJavier10]

No way! such a coincidence.

[@ALCRAN2010]

Isn't the world wonderful. ? Thanks for sharing.

[@jankarlozz]

Now that's a story!!

[@NickAdelman]

i bet some ppl have no idea how huge this band is in latin america

[@raulvalgar1999]

They have achieved legend status at this point.

[@calebmauer1751]

I've never heard of them until now and I'm disappointed I hadn't heard of them before because this is awesome.

[@saulmoreno8152]

Caleb Mauer try to go to one of their concerts. They usually play in smaller venues. Epic

[@ItsShortTimeOk]

they are not so huge on south south america ( chile uruguay argentina) before trap and reggeaton the people listen argentinian rock mostly . now its all cumbia trap and fucking reggeaton ( millenials)

[@saraalejandraperezsandoval7019]

They sure not, shame

[@B0yardigi0rn0]

This is soft, beautiful and kind but don't be fooled, their concerts are the complete opposite: fun, loud and explosive. If you haven't seen Café Tacvba live, you haven't yet lived life to the fullest.

[@franciscodelca]

i didnt care that much about cafe tacvba until one festival I went where they performed. they blew my mind. been a fan ever since!

[@lreptarll1156]

im 25 and ive seen them about 5 times. i grew up to them because of my sister. i love their concerts because they give me an energy no other artist or band has. i always leave those shows with amazing energy. im always at my happiest when i see them

[@dark_drops_of_color1336]

I went to the forever cemetery festival and saw them there it was insane mosh pits everywhere I love them

[@claudialeal7153]

I've seen them 5 times in concert as well, every concert has been a complete different experience, they're just great!

[@Babbolozada]

Im seeing them tonight in House of Blues, incredibly excited!

[@angelicasalesg]

El tipo todavía puede cantar perfecto canciones que hizo hace más de 20 años. Una belleza.

[@luisnava1989]

Y eso que es bien mariguano, no le afecto tanto. 👍

[@edgarcardona6641]

pss si pero tampoco son un reto sus canciones de cantarXD

[@imstnn]

@@edgarcardona6641 pues tiene la voz alta (aguda) para la mayoría de hombres, y esos "flips" que hace constantemente de voz de pecho a cabeza tienen su dificultad. Tal ves no tenga un rango gigante pero sin duda tiene una voz peculiar y distintiva.

[@saifragtv1435]

@@edgarcardona6641 Creo que no sabes de lo que hablas.

[@Gatxnegro]

Se llama Rubén

[@MrPablortega]

Café Tacvba is a historic band in latinoamerica. Almost 30 years as a Band. Always innovating. Que vivan los tacvbos

[@RosarioJavier10]

¡Que vivan!

[@blanquis1824]

Pero lejos

[@feliciazamora3882]

Pablo la mejor banda de rock Mexicano. Ningun album de ellos suena igual.

[@elenabroszkowski5469]

Pablo Ortega los amo

[@gigantomaquia]

No siempre han innovado, de hecho creo que están bastante estancados.

[@omarb.b.]

0:00 Olita del Altamar 4:02 Diente de León 9:47 Las Flores 13:16 Que No

[@fridattorres3228]

Omar B.B. existen héroes sin capa :B

[@moonenlighten3430]

Gracias!

[@b.e.aviladorantes1889]

Gracias

[@monkeyBEATable]

Usted señor, se merece el cielo, lástima que sea ateo :v

[@lilienlambare]

👌🏻🙌🏻

[@monicapineda4492]

Lo más chingón de todo es que Rubén se muestra relajado hablando inglés y contento de explicarles la música de Tacuba a la gente que los escucha, aún cuando se entiende que es su segundo idioma y aun así tiene el sentido del humor para burlarse de si mismo cuando dice “tiny disk” Los amo jaja

[@radarfinter9065]

es buena onda

[@salvadorcalderon3928]

Legendarios!🎼🎤🎸🎶🕺🌎🇲🇽💃

[@alejandromoreno5056]

Fiu fiu!

[@RuloRevueltas]

exacto!

[@torbe2049]

dent of lion jajajaja

[@marisols.856]

these guys are seriously the pride and joy of Mexico; they're experimental, innovative, fun, familiar... simply amazing.

[@Octagram_]

I was surprised when I saw Natalia Lafourcade in here, and now I see Café Tacvba... This is just perfect, watching artists from my country in here makes me so happy

[@swoop8047]

My girlfriend and I play Natalia Lafourcade on a loop. Viva Mexico! from Norway and Belgium. :)

[@Chinomenal]

Do you have more recommendations?

[@enriquelara1045]

ich2312 You should definitely listen to "Porter"

[@Chinomenal]

@Pablo Lara - Thanks! They sound great

[@jesrangel09]

@@swoop8047 If you enjoy Natalia Lafourcade, give a listen to Carla Morrison!

[@Hizoka666]

La bolsa o el morral que carga es una bolsa hecho por nosotros los wixarikas 😍

[@PAULYHEDRA]

gustavo gonzales Who gives a fuck about that stupod bag?

[@alejandroochoahernandez338]

paulyhedra a todos los que les importe la aportación cultural de nuestra gente... vete a mamar a otro lugar

[@Hizoka666]

PAULYHEDRA im sorry who r u??

[@anibalaayalas5814]

no hagas caso a los malos comentarios amigo, siempre da lo mejor de ti para los demas :)

[@jvei9334]

Wow que bueno 😀

[@MrPalitodepan666]

Cafe tacvba es y sera la mejor banda de rock de Mexico, soy fanatico de NPR desde hace años, y verlos aqui me llena el corazon de alegria nadie en nuestro pais merece estar en un lugar tan privilegiado como ellos, grandiosos, profundos, melancolicos, cafetos al fin y al cabo, gracias infinitas por esto.

[@dariomartinez6358]

Caifanes mil veces mejor la neta

[@labestiapolitica3438]

Caifanes, y La Maldita Vecindad? Yo tengo a las tres bandas en el mismo nivel.

[@rafaelcastelan4784]

No son mejores que Caifanes.

[@Jesus-vq6qi]

Que grata sorpresa verlos y poderlos escuchas en npr . Bravo café Tacuba 👏

[@violetenergy4392]

Caifanes💯😁😍

[@MimiClau201]

Yo soy brasileña pero me encanta su idioma, és sonoro, redondo, e muy poético. Gracias ricos! Saludos desde Brasil.

[@MarcoGarcia-vl7vm]

Eu amo falar portugués! Falantes do espanhol e portugues somos irmaos do idioma!

[@atomicbrain9401]

This is cool. Each member of the band is dressed as if they are in a different type of band than the other members.

[@clumsiii]

ha! i see it too (now) the song singing intro for the song at 10:55 reminded me of the first i ever heard of them check it they've been around kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJa4nKaFq76osMU

[@anmelancolique]

Siempre ha sido así, cada Tacubo anda en su pedo.

[@victoriasmith4208]

@@anmelancolique I know ... todos bien high lol

[@NinjaGenious]

Eclecticism

[@Dharma_Bum]

Cultural appropriation? Lol.

[@drmonica2k1]

OMG!!! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Cafe Tacvba in the description! However, I REALLY wanted them to perform "Chilanga Banda." That's my favorite song.

[@markiebizzy5100]

buena rola pero es cover, a mi me quedaron ganas de oir las persianas

[@jexteberia]

That's one of my favorites as well. It features sooo well the rythm of mexican spanish slang. Love it.

[@cristinasanchez6063]

Are you chilanga ??

[@drmonica2k1]

@@cristinasanchez6063 No, but I love the song. When I was learning Spanish, it helped me learn some of the slang of D.F.

[@grissarceo]

Monica P. Yeah Chilanga banda is a tongue twister but so fun to sing in Spanish. I remember the first time the video came up and truly projects the essence of Mexico City

[@ilike_color]

tbh, i clicked on the wrong video but this is better than what i was originally going to watch

[@kazutinoco8348]

Los Radiohead latinos, no soy mexicano pero creo que es la mejor banda de la historia de ese país y en el top tres de las historia del rock en español.

[@nflocos]

Heroes del silencio, soda stereo y café tacvba ....... top 3 en español de todos los tiempos

[@luisperez5982]

Es la mejor, no hay ni discusión, café Tacvba si se atreve a experimentar con diversos géneros, siempres constantes

[@Ronaldo-9672]

La mejor banda fue,es y será caifanes.

[@luisperez5982]

@@Ronaldo-9672 caifanes fueron buenos pero su ego no los dejo crecer más y lo que son ahora es un insulto a su legado.

[@albanatale8873]

La mejor es soda

[@dizy91]

I'm surprised yall never heard of café tacuba. They have a lot of classics they're a big band in Mexico.

[@scottkennethjones]

kobe bryant thanks for saying that name . I’ve never heard em either until right now, but they are good!

[@socratesvela8285]

They have stayed true to their indie roots, hence why they still are a bit unknown. I agree with most, a great legendary rock band. I have been a fan for about 20 years.

[@juliaesa1]

Big band in Latin America!

[@le.ko0]

Not only in Mexico, but in all latin america

[@dizy91]

@@juliaesa1 tbh I was going to go. Back and edit my comment but I just got lazy and watched the video all the way through lol

[@NickAdelman]

my jaw literally dropped when i saw these guys were at tiny desk

[@kokodrilito]

Soy dominicano y conocí a CT por un tío que compró el CD de RE, en ese entonces no todo el mundo tenía un reproductor de discos compactos en mi ciudad. Ese CD fue una joya! A él no le gustó tanto, no era su onda y me lo cogí para mi. Desde entonces fui fan de estos panas. Viajé a CDMX y visité el Restaurante Cafe de Tacuba solo por el nombre :D Vinieron a Rep. Dominicana hace muchos años y los vi de leeeeeeejos.... uuuffff!!! Que conciertazo!! Cuando tocaron Ojalá Que Llueva Café medio Santo Domingo vibró.... Buenos tiempos aquellos! Sí que me gustaría algún dia darme una rola de estos pinches genios musicales. A ver si se animan para cuando pase el covidkbron este

[@fernandamotolinia1446]

Que bonita historia!

[@salvadorcalderon3928]

Que gran historia, da gusto saber que fuera de mexico hay gente que sabe apreciar la buena musica.🎶🎼🎤🎵🎸🌎

[@Manu.antropo]

Mi disco favorito de ellos

[@soniaparedes7976]

A cuántos miles nos habrá tocado en lo profundo del corazón ese gran y hermoso disco? Eternamente agradecida!

[@nahuelsoriajose6588]

Hermoso ese restaurante !! Yo también cuando estuve en el DF fui a conocerlo y me tome un cafecito, el mas caro de mis vacaciones jejejeej... pero fue un placer saber que ahí se juntaban estos 4 tipos a pensar la música.

[@tamatamaetc]

Tengo 85 años y estoy escuchando esto por 1902 vez, son increibles. como mola tio. Saludos desde Corsega

[@wachirabraso6926]

ey mahn! music knows no boundaries, language or race, if i love this from Kenya you can too..

[@gganotg]

Jeff Ritho I love Kenya! Great to know you love our music!

[@1000-8-]

Bless

[@oscarpaiz79]

I remember that I commented another video asking for this guys to be invited and someone said "they are too old for being invited by NPR and blah blah blah" you see? EAT YOUR WORDS!!! thank you NPR....hope you can include a Guatemalan trovador Ishto Jueves...not so popular but amazing...or maybe you can invite RESIDENTE!!! that would be awasome..

[@aliciamercado5316]

Residente would be 🔥

[@juaricolas]

Amen to residente

[@SpoookiePoookie]

Asked for Residente on another video and got literally no support, so happy to see others calling for him!

[@jexteberia]

Ishto...that means boy, right? That and another 400 words have the same meaning with contemporary Turskish. (pooof, mind blowin). And for Ishto Jueves, I'll look him up. Any recomendations?ç

[@oscarpaiz79]

@jexteberia mind blowing Indeed!! Haha well...check a single called Maltyoox which means thank you in Tz'utujil (Mayan language) or another one called fun key one...he is not so known even here in Guatemala so I don't know if NPR would contact him...there is another band called Bohemia Suburbana...their lyrics are awesome...deep and represent what we went through after the end of our civil war in the late 90's. Check their second album MIL PALABRAS CON SUS DIENTES...one of their best kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6bVn36doL2rqbs

[@cristianbrasca]

Para mi es la mejor banda de latinoamerica desde fines de los 90s para acá. Soy argentino.

[@Hosant123]

No hay que hacer competencia. Soda Stereo, Caifanes, Los Tres, Aterciopelados, etc. El mundo es mejor con tanta musica tan buena de este continente!

[@luisperez5982]

opino lo mismo, ninguna otra banda se atrevió a experimentar tanto como ellos, son los músicos más versátiles que conozco, tienen canciones de todos los géneros posibles, además de que los cuatro integrantes componen hermoso. El Reves/Yo soy es una joyota

[@Victor-xk7dv]

Ehhh no

[@lorellyortega8048]

​@@Hosant123así es todos para mi son buenísimos. Y también cafeta cvba. Demasiado buena ésa epoca❤✨

[@TitoHerreraB]

You can tell for sure the crowd present that day had no idea who they where because any latin rock lover, or music connoisseur when they said or mention their album "RE" would have freak out or at least applause for one of the best album in latin Rock history. "Re" went as far as to be called by The New York Times as ""the equivalent of The Beatles' White Album for the rock en español movement" . CAFE TACUBA: LEYENDAS!!!! (Legends)

[@valeriacisneros4628]

I was listening to this on my phone and my mom walked by and told me that she met this band when she was in her 20’s in Manzanillo, Colima Mexico! She said she joined them in parties and they rode around town! I never knew this and now I’m shocked!!

[@graphfx3721]

Your mom knows good music, greetings👍

[@cristianblack]

Woah really? I'm from Colima

[@valeriacisneros4628]

Cristian Black My parents are from Pueblo Juarez!

[@tlbssauro]

Tu mama es una groupie

[@ag-bk5wf]

Groupie Haha palo

[@robertopolanco517]

No mamen. Esa presentación de diente de león me llegó hasta lo más profundo del alma y de mi ser

[@marisols.856]

escalofríos de los más profundos

[@enriquecamacho693]

suscribo

[@salvadorcalderon3928]

Se me puso la gallinita de piel digo la piel de gallina jajaja😂😂🎸🎶🎼🕺

[@timidez]

En el concierto sinfónico del auditorio nacional fue aún mejor🫠🤍

[@nataliafernandez8194]

Está cabron

[@carloshectorescobargomez9092]

Soy Colombiano y desde que escuché a Café, los consideré mios, por su música, por su alegría e interpretación, pero esta cancion "Diente de Leon", los llevo a otro nivel...gracias Tacubos...

[@EduOrta142536]

Zoé should have a Tiny Desk Concert!!

[@franciscomejia4238]

Nope

[@eydenvillanueva7800]

@@franciscomejia4238 yep

[@angeldrawing3744]

Nop

[@azial]

No, porfavor... mierda no.

[@calamaro70]

No creo, son demasiado pretenciosos... mamones pues.

[@george8873]

No clue as to what words are being sung, but the passion they have for their music more than makes up for my lack of knowledge. Very enjoyable Tiny Desk Concert.

[@kansasgoldilocks]

The first song is about the sea, "tide of the high seas, tell me one day you'll come back," is the main lyric. The second song is really about him finding his "song" or true self within, using the dandelion as a metaphor. The third one is a happy love song, the last is a sad love song. There ya go. LOL!

[@l3lugu]

@@kansasgoldilocks I've seen it's been discussed between fans that the last song is actually talking about addiction and recovery, letting go of something that felt liberating but was destroying you, realizing all that you were to lose if continuing with the habit and how hard is to keep on going after quitting

[@kansasgoldilocks]

@ l3lugu Yes, I saw something about a possible cocaine addiction, so I very well could be wrong on that. Spanish isn't my first language, so I might have missed a subtle play on words. If that's the case, the lyrics are quite clever. That would make a lot of sense in terms of how I view Ruben's current phase though - he really seems to have found an inner peace. I just saw them in Albuquerque, and he just lit up the room.

[@elvergonzalez2287]

Qué chingón que te haya gustado. Busca la traducción y te gustará aún más. Un abrazo fuerte.

[@lucias753]

Berly saw this comment , I definitely recommend hearing their first two albums and their more experimental stuff in their album re/reves and well just hope you like what they have to offer

[@labiosj4gu4r]

El mejor café del mundo... ❤

[@castnj]

Yo antes decía que son el mejor café de México, pero tienes razón...

[@gganotg]

Sin duda!

[@leonelsalazar1839]

🔥

[@salvadorcalderon3928]

Totalmente de acuerdo...🌎

[@xinyster18]

👏👏 exacto

[@Bimp_Lizkit]

Caught these guys by accident on Austin City Limits in 2005. Had no idea of who they were. Outstanding! Been a fan ever since.

[@alexflores9582]

Lucky you! 😀

[@RamaSS275]

Unos capos , saludos desde Argentina

[@miguelorozco6138]

Parece que fue ayer cuando de morrito cantaba a todo pulmon la ingrata. Que chido crecer con la musica de estos chingones.

[@venusempress7]

Lastima k ya no la tocan 😏

[@edgfrankdarkness8231]

Y tampoco tocaron la de eres

[@christopheralejandro7586]

@@venusempress7 x Complacer a unas Cuantas para que no venga a su Estudio y lo quemen

[@JovastianKiki]

Eso era antes de que se perdiera en un mal viaje y la destruyera por ideologías baratas.

[@salvadorcalderon3928]

Somos muy afortunados de vivir en la misma epoca de cafe tacvba y a ver crecido con sus canciones.💓🎼🎶

[@yolkey6483]

They all seem to be light-hearted men. So spiritual, and full in profoundness, I could see it in the lull of their eyes. They look as if they have not done anything "wrong" in their lives, or if they had, they've transcended it into song.

[@coppercanyonhealth4594]

yes their songs are super spiritual! the lyrics are soooo profound many people cant realy appreciate how genious and truly god inspired this band is

[@m.fernandagallegosp.4061]

Tuve la mega suerte de verlos en vivo en un pequeño teatro de Amsterdam, fuimos en grupo amigos ecuatorianos y mexicanos: super power los Tacvbos!

[@juan.zabala]

Yo recién viendo en el 2022.

[@m.fernandagallegosp.4061]

@@juan.zabala el vídeo o ellos ya fueron x tu ciudad?

[@OswaldoGoite]

Eché de menos un tema como "Revés" o tal vez, "Esa noche", pero no se pueden meter 30 años de carrera en un recital de 20 minutos. Igual siguen siendo, no solo relevantes, sino de lo mejor de América Latina.

[@codyzwick2753]

Second song was so beautiful

[@j.sebastianp.h2911]

Café Tacvba en Tiny Disk. :)

[@monsegvalle]

Acá en 2021 sin entender los comentarios y todavía llorando con esta interpretación de Diente de león ❤️

[@lemon_chr8947]

imaginate estar en 2021 y no saber ingles de manera no irónica

[@plantasia7368]

@@lemon_chr8947 que tiene de raro? No entiendo? Se hablar inglés pero solo por eso no le voy a decir a otra persona "imagínate que en pleno 2021 no hables ingles" estamos en pleno 2021 y sabes hablar en lesco?

[@lemon_chr8947]

@@plantasia7368 dale pa', era una joda, por eso aclare que "No ironicamente" ah. En parte me cayo en gracia su comentario, porque me parece re boludo poner comentarios como esos. Que aporta al video ese comentario? Acaso cambiaba algo poner "aca en 2021" o en cualquier otro año? y asi, pienso que el sistema de comentarios de youtube es una cagada (y mis comentarios son la viva prueba de eso heck yeah)

[@Carlos-po2dj]

Viva México cabrones! Y un abrazo a los Cafeta desde chile!

[@cobymela]

FINALLY! This was long overdue. Latin Urban/Rock heroes for all Spanish speakers.

[@MusicRevolution1992]

In case anyone is interested. These guys are in a Documentary called "Hecho en Mexico" and it's AMAZING. Please check it out when you have time.

[@noelperez935]

Royal Chicano where can I watch this?

[@MusicRevolution1992]

@@noelperez935 Netflix use to have it, that's how I saw it originally. It was so good at explaining the history of Mexico and where the inspiration of music comes from that I ordered and paid for the DVD. It's beautiful

[@andrestapiavega5101]

LA RAJA WEON OHHH!!!! siempre admirando esta hermosa banda desde NZ. Saludos de un chileno.

[@jimenaolvera3642]

A veces uno como mexicano olvida la magia que tienen los Tacubos, gracias NPR por recordárnoslo y gracias a esta banda por poner el nombre de México en alto ♥️ Amo poder decir que mi primer concierto fue de Café Tacuba 😎

[@SmokeyChipOatley]

Asistí mi primer concierto de CT totalmente solo en Los Ángeles porque no conocía ninguna otra persona que era fan. Soy pocho y la verdad no era “cool” escuchar música en español en ese entonces. Ni modo. Me la pasé dpm y me hice nuevos amigos con los vecinos sentados al mi alrededor. Nunca olvidaré ese concierto ❤️

[@MisaelLiranzo]

Si se te está olvidando la magia te recomiendo que te eches los videos de un segundo, el segundo unplugged que hicieron. Son demasiado espectaculares! Los mejores sin duda! Creatividad, calidad, buenas letras y buenísimas vibras.

[@cristianjimenez1000]

Claro la mayoria de Hispanos sufren de Baja autoestima. Pero esta Banda no....

[@Blagmafuga]

Great addition to Tiny Desk history! Café Tacvba is truly a musical institution in Mexico and Latin America, and it's amazing to be able to listen to them in this intimate, acoustic setting. I slightly disagree with the video's description, though. The first song, "Olita del Altamar," is described as "fueled by the Mexican folk rhythm son jarocho." Although it indeed uses a son jarocho instrument (the 8-string jarana), the rhythm itself sounds much more inspired by Andean music, such as Peruvian and Bolivian huayno or Chilean trote. This is evident both in the drumbeat (similar to an Andean bombo legüero) and the pentatonic vocal melody. Even the melodica's melody imitates what an Andean woodwind such as a quena or zampoña would usually play in instrumental sections of these rhythms.

[@ytotiany3111]

perdona a estos caucásicos que no saben nada de la música latina lol

[@fcool]

master class in latin american music. bien dicho

[@pjimenezcl]

Well said. As an early reference to this mix between huayno and rock, one can hear for example Los Jaivas' version for «Mambo de Machaguay».

[@alfredov4603]

Son muy conocidos pero en ciertos países incluido Perú y los que estan más al sur no es tanto como una institución, pero se les admira y respeta.

[@gabooper]

muy cierto!!

[@josethflorescabanillas1935]

Diente de león es perfectamente hermosa ♥

[@negris23]

Café Tacuba siendo Café Tacuba así pasen los años, yo sin pena los veía en las tocadas gratis en el zócalo de la ciudad de México, mientras vendía periódico machetearte, sin fallas entrando al slam, y enamorada de Rubén, siempre bien guapo hasta hoy chula banda y todas sus rolas bien locas, y siempre sacando nuevo material y cada ves más espiritual 🖤🖤🖤🔥🔥🔥 sin duda de mis bandas favoritas con las que sigo creciendo envejeciendo con ellos y como ellos y cantando mientras chambeo.

[@dianaforeropena5397]

Cafe Tacvba es la expresión mágica de las voces latinas 😃😃😃 larga vida a cada uno que hace tan linda música, qué viva México. Saludos desde Colombia.

[@eugeneolsonjimenez4600]

@dianaforeropena5397 muchos abrazos hasta Colombia 🇨🇴 Gran nación de todas nuestras hermanas latinoamericanas ❤

[@ikuep]

"If you want, you can try it. It's free."

[@b.e.aviladorantes1889]

Es muy chido

[@AshTurnabout]

when you must sing in NPR Office at 2 and teach in ur dojo at 3

[@FlowerBoyWorld]

more like attend a matsuri lol

[@scottkennethjones]

I’m thinking more like attending an ayahuasca ceremony at 3...

[@cotemoraga3608]

lol

[@rogeroga]

Haha the vocalist is a force to be reckoned with, he changes his appearance constantly: from native Mexican indigenous clothing to modern urban stuff

[@darkcnotion]

😂😂

[@christina1739]

Mi hijo de 3 años está obsesionado con este concierto, dice que quiere ser cantante también 🥰🙏🏻❤️

[@JG-qh5tr]

ª

[@rodnino6818]

Me encanta que Dave Grohl toca muy bien los teclados en Café Tacvba !!

[@rosy9644]

Jajajaja, ¡sí se parece!

[@rogeliomartinez8267]

No NASA que esteem no es globalista

[@jonathannavarrete9162]

😂😅🤣😂🤣

[@vagflu07]

The greatest band of Latin America. Cheers from Brasil!

[@rrdgz5355]

"Come and tell me all those things, Invite me to sit with you, I'll listen to all your dreams, in my ear, Allow me to hold your hands, and to gift you some dreams, Tell me a story that makes me feel good, I'll listen to you with all the silence of the planet, and I'll look into your eyes as if they were the last ones left in this country" Pure Effing Poetry

[@hangsmotionless5935]

13:33 "We are Café Tacuba in Tiny Disc... Desk! Tiny disc, ha, ha, ha!". His self-awareness is soooo refreshing and relatable. I love these guys. Thank you very much.

[@fabianperezromero8393]

Ya alguna vez me atreví a decir que Cafe Tacuba podría ser un equivalente de una banda tan grande como The Beatles, poniendolo desde un punto latino y de mi generación. Tengo 28 años y café Tacuba a llegando a un nivel legendario. Me dió mucho gusto ver qué lejos han llegado y no me arrepiento de haber dicho lo que dije. En verdad pienso que Café Tacuba es la banda de N.1 y mejor representante de la música Mexicana popular de mi generación ❤️

[@fabianperezromero8393]

Cuando sea viejo le diré a mis nietos "está era musica de mis tiempos, música de a deberás buena y reconocida"

[@karinavillavicencio2182]

De acuerdo con tu comentario para mí dos bandas en español están a la altura de los Beatles: Café Tacvba y Serú Giran. Son igual de legendarias.

[@Marco-vc2fh]

Que pésimos gustos tienen

[@g0o0z]

...............la barriada queda pasmada con mird4 jajajaja

[@katerinnavarro286]

Estoy viendo el video por primera vez y la canción "Diente de León", me pareció hermosa, tiene un mensaje claro de cómo el cuerpo físico o la mente, reconoce su espiritualidad y desea poder ser ella en mayor proporción. Seguiré a esperar la canción de mi adolescencia "Eres"

[@jellybellyforever]

My father always played their songs when I was younger and always thought that they sounded amazing. just reminiscing. Love this band

[@facekidnoise]

Café Tacuba dejando en alto a nosotros los latinoamericanos❤️ un abrazo desde Panamá

[@danieldiaz6314]

My brother and I were both walking in Coachella watching other bands.. and we bump right into these guys.. growing up partly in Mex DF.. my bro was a big fan.. it was nuts!

[@yosoy3218]

Since 1989, the best band in the world.

[@matheus230692]

Wow That was awesome Such a good energy coming through this band I love it

[@johnjoe699]

I wish I could find the level of happiness and passion for my calling as they have. They've found the connection of the triangle, mind, body, and soul.

[@alfapp87]

Ayer los ví en vivo en Madrid, los conozco de pequeño, toda la vida escuchándolos y ahora siento que los conozco y siento más cercanos. Diente de León, que grande. Temazo

[@kansasgoldilocks]

I've been a fan of this group for years, but living in the US, I just kind of dabbled in their music here and there. I saw them in concert last week, and then I saw this Tiny Desk Concert and I have to say I'm a hardcore fan now. They display so much joy, positivity, professionalism, depth and soul in their performance. And Ruben kills me with his smile and little jokes.

[@roverg2009]

Sublimes como siempre. Grandes entre los grandes. Detalle chicos: el vegetal "diente de león" en inglés se dice "dandelion".

[@DanielHv]

mams ni sabia que era un vegetal 👌

[@franciscogalindo2702]

25 años escuchándolos ycada día me parecen mejor

[@KaZPerzT00]

Just so the World can know what the Mexican Vibe is all about! Que pinché orgullo ver a estos canijos dándole tan rico en un lugar tan chingon, Gracias por los escalofríos durante todo el set ❤ VIVA MEXICO CHINGAAA

[@JC-co6uy]

Felicidades a Café Tacuba, Meme, Quique, Joselo, Rubén e invitados. Geniales como siempre.

[@elizabethramirez565]

Que tan lindos, me encantan... me encanta la actitud del cantante siempre es todo sonriente, todo feliz

[@salvadorcalderon3928]

Son geniales, como no contagiarse de su buena vibra!🕺💃🎶

[@LaChona420k]

simply the most amazing mexican band of our time.

[@brendareyna5219]

Fue uno de los primeros grupos que escuche en mi adolescencia y me siguen acompañando en la vida, ahora también los escucha mi hija y fuimos a verlos en Irving, Tx, mi esposo, mi hija y yo… que bonito vdd? 😊

[@PAOFFA877]

This guy is so humble, his eyes and heart are so clean like a 10 year old boy, you can see it when he smiles, I have been on one of his concerts and it was one of the best concerts ever, his energy is strong and the vibes were unique. Thanks for this gift tiny desktop! Aunque falto ingrata, y como te extraño mi amor🙃🙃🙃🙃

[@adamantiumgonzalez8389]

¡Gracias NPR por escucharnos! Fue en el video de Juanes y Mon Laferte que los latinos más pedimos a Café Tacvba y por aquí los tenemos. ¡Gracias de verdad! You really pleased Latinos this time. Thanks so much.

[@cesarmelendez3293]

Most of the members play more than one insrtument!!! That´s insane!

[@johnjoe699]

After navigating the videos that outrage the soul with COVID19, and police brutality, I've come to a moment of peace in this dimension!!

[@motorfunkbanda]

Diente de león - una de las mejores poesías que he escuchado en mi vida ❤❤❤

[@veronicamartin4066]

My NPR Tiny Desk antennae made me open my eyes. And now here I am, up at 2:48 am wide awake and smiling to this new concert. 💋 I couldn’t wait.

[@omarnovela9948]

Me too up @ 4am 😃😄 salud!

[@javierbecerra8207]

Cuando casi 19 minutos de música son capaces de cambiar todo, gracias NPR música Tony desk

[@tomasdejesushernandez4380]

Como cuando andabas perdiendo la fé en la música en español y de pronto te topas con esto y te das cuenta que son “las grandes” de siempre los que vienen a salvar el cuadro...

[@PaulTumialan]

veo las canas de los muchachos universitarios de finales de los 80s, cuantos años han pasado, y aún seguimos aquí Tacvbos!

[@anabelgonzalez8596]

Me encantan estos pequeños grandes conciertos acústicos mis favoritos !

[@carloseduardoleon6722]

Aterciopelados..por favor

[@joseespinoza6283]

Que alegria ver acá a Los Tacubos! Saludos desde Venezuela donde se les quiere mucho

[@marcelodangelo915]

“Avalancha de exitos” is one of the best latin american rock albums I’ve ever listened to. This guys... 💕😍

[@davidcaro79]

hace como 14 años estuve en concierto de Café Tacvba, en la ciudad de Bogotá, realmente puedo decir que la musica de ellos transmite emociones y vibra, es más que musica, es energía pura.

[@jeannettefranco5487]

I got to listen to this concert on the radio, and now I get to watch it. Happy day! ❤

[@gatudo]

This is one of the best latin american bands, full of character and energy. I love how proud are they about their mexican/latino culture. Congrats NPR ! Another lovely session, as usual

[@ItsShortTimeOk]

latino culture, thats so incorrect. the culture on central america is very different from most of south america.

[@gatudo]

Tell me more, please...

[@WilliamAfton19806]

Tremendo grupo dios mío. Los adoro. Saludos de Chile

[@CherryNahme]

It's nice to hear them in accoustic. Their concerts are just CRAZY energetic so here, in an intimate concert like this, is very different.

[@juanmanuelmunoz9149]

LEGENDS! I write this proudly. I have being lucky to grow with you and witness you go through phases like I did. Eclectic, goofy, reinventing and sometimes composed. That never changed, but your souls being translated into the music. 🙏 🇪🇨 🇲🇽

[@cpuassassin1422]

The RadioHead of Spanish music.

[@danitestalkr]

CPUassassin 1 not in style but yes in importance/influence

[@PowerGurhl]

yeah i dunno why i get more of incubus vibe :/ but maybe i am tripping too.

[@antoniolarios9940]

PORTER.

[@rodrigopalomino322]

@@PowerGurhl they played with Incubus a while back, in some MTV music awards I think.

[@MartinRomero]

Spanish is the language. You're thinking of spaniard.

[@JorgeHernandez-th1kz]

Lo mejor Cafe Tacvba por siempre 🤙🏾saludos raza de por aca Seattle 🌊

[@gdr733]

I love how they're all enjoying, feeling, experiencing the music. Such an enjoyable performance. Love them!!!

[@JulianMartinez-wg5bg]

PERO POR FIN!!!!!! FINALLY you heard us and we thank you!

[@cheesecakelasagna]

I clicked once I saw the thumbnail. I definitely don't regret it.

[@violetenergy4392]

Cafe Tacvba is awesome, but can we get Caifanes to do an NPR Tiny Desk, please please please😍😍😍 I know they're older, but still🖐️🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@franciscoperez2531]

Quiero llorarme por este talento que está enfrente de nosotros 😩😭

[@prettysimplemusic]

NPR = Never Predict Radio... You guys definitely keep us guessing with these musical guest!!! I can't wait to be featured (Dirty Chords)!!! 🙏

[@rodrigoreyes3436]

Svicente fernandez

[@PowerGurhl]

I love this tiny desk so much. Se siente muy bien ver talento mexicano en tiny desk. Me encanta ver a mi gente y me siento muy orgullosa de ser mexicana. Gracias Cafe Tacvba y Tiny Desk!!

[@juanfelipeblum7901]

the last time I saw then, they were on rock al parque, the whole concert was amazing, and they always make new music, they will be eternal (VIVA MEXICO, VIVA all THE MEXICAN SAMURAIs ) Saludos de Colombia