Expert: Eden Atencio - 1/3/2010

Question
Hi, Eden,

Recently, I've been trying to compile a few playlists of songs I really like to practice to.  I've had no problem finding plenty of rhumbas and cha-chas that I like, but I seem to be at a total loss when it comes to songs that have an appropriate beat to dance tango to.  I have several CDs of traditional, strict-tempo instrumental tangos that are okay, but what I'd really like is to find some modern pop songs.  So far, I have:

"Hey Sexy Lady," Shaggy
"Seven Nation Army," The White Stripes
"Bad Romance," Lady GaGa

...And that's it!  I'd really appreciate any suggestions you have -- I'm so sick of hearing "Hernando's Hideaway," I could scream!

Thanks for your time,
Venus

Answer
Hi Venus!

Great question. I'm not an encyclopedia on tango (I am on swing) but I can certainly give you some of my favorites.

I enjoy Gotan Project tremendously. Though not pop songs, their remixes of classic tango tunes are hot. I also enjoy tango remixes of jazz tunes.

Remix Tango:
"Summertime"- Billie Holiday- Organica Remix
"Whatever Lola Wants"- Sarah Vaughan- Gotan Project Remix

Pop:
"Objection" - Shakira (awesome)
"Volcano" - Damien Rice
"Say It Right" - Nelly Furtado
"Sway"- Pussycat Dolls ( I like classic versions by Julie London and Dean Martin too)
"Temptation" - Diana Krall
"In a Little While" - U2 (Argentine)
"She Drives Me Crazy" - Fine Young Cannibals (a reach but I like it)
"Toxic" - Britney Spears (Fast Milonga)
"Smooth Operator" - Sade

Hope you find one you like!

Best,

Eden