Friday on My Mind: Cinco De Mayo!

It’s time again for Friday on My Mind. Our weekly blog post where we look at videos centered around one common theme. This is a collaborative effort between KEXP and King 5 News. Next Tuesday is Cinco de Mayo and we all know that means - time to drink. Or at least that’s what it tends to mean for a lot of Americans when the 5th of May rolls around every year. Those who use the day as an excuse to drink more than likely have no clue as to the origin of the day or confuse it as Mexican Independence Day, which actually falls on September 16th. The true history of Cinco de Mayo originates back to 1861 when Mexico was broke and in serious foreign debt. Invaders descended and outnumbered the Mexican army, but regardless, Mexico fought back and won so it all comes back around to democracy and freedom. Which only goes to prove that like St. Patrick’s Day, American people are eager to find any excuse to get drunk. For us, it’s an excuse to remember some of our favorite songs that mention Mexico...Liz Phair - Cinco de Mayo (Live on 120 Minutes)

“Cinco de Mayo” is from the album Liz Phair's second full length, Whip-Smart. Here she is performing the song during an appearance on a 1994 episode of MTV's 120 Minutes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwTag3N0SL8

Mexican Institute of Sound - Mexico

From his 2012 full length, Politico, here is one from the Mexico City based DJ and producer Camilo Lara, a.k.a. Mexican Institute of Sound:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fIkNzorfOs

Wall of Voodoo - Mexican Radio

From their 1982 hit record Call of the West, here is "Mexican Radio" from Stan Ridgeway and Wall of Voodoo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyCEexG9xjw

Honorable Mentions:

Elbow - Mexican Standoff

Nothing says Mexico more than Manchester, England's Elbow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68YGNZAmlbc

Ween - Buenos Tardes Amigo

Nothing says Mexico more than Dean and Gene Ween.

https://vimeo.com/25743849

Kinky - Mexican Radio

Nothing says Mexico more than a Mexican band playing "Mexican Radio".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQF-TRDqoKw