Sounds like bad polka or some type of possibly circus music when the clowns are introduced. Any type of music that features the acordian as the main instrument you know is destined for trouble. Add to the fact that every song sounds identical, and you have got one crappy music category.
Are you being serious? If you are, I'll explain the difference, but if you are just trying to be funny, please let me know now so that I don't have to post an explanation.
OK, Let's put it this way. I'm joking about Ricky, for the most part. And his music was played on the Tejano stations in Houston. To me, that makes them Tejano. Just like Faith Hill on 93Q is Country, and Faith Hill on 104 is pop. Make sense?
They have played Selena (Tejano singer) on 104, does this make 104 a Tejano radio station. Ricky Martin is Latin music, but not Tejano music. I cant stand Tejano music, but I do like Salsa.
I sort of get what your saying, but there is a huge difference. The word Tejano is the same as Texan in english. So, the music that is known as Tejano is called that because it comes from south texas and northern mexico. It's roots come from classic mexican music and it's mixed with texan influences. The most obvious is german texans. Drewdog is spot on in comparing it to polka music because polka is mixed in there with the accordian. Ricky Martin isn't from Texas or Mexico as I'm sure you know, but that's not the only reason his music isn't Tejano. Ricky is basically a pop singer. You can call it latin pop since he sings in spanish and is from a latin country. But saying ricky's music is Tejano is kind of like saying Justin Timberlake is a country singer because country music and Justin's music are both sung in English. Latin Pop music isn't popular enough here to warrent too many latin pop stations, but it would be stupid for Tejano stations to not play him since he appeals to the same people. It's kind of like when you started hearing Hey Ya on the Buzz. Here's a simple test though, if a person or band sings in spanish, but they don't look like this: Then they most likely aren't tejano.
I love some Tejano music. A lot of it is bad, but part of that is because of cheesy production value. There is great Tejano music, and the accordian is awesome in it. For those that are doubters, but would interested in bridging the gap, start easy. Try some Texas Tornadoes, and Los Lobos. Both of those groups have other styles of music, and other influences, but both groups also have some really solid song writing, and perform Tejano, and Rancho music. Even some of there songs that aren't strictly Tejano have enough Tejano influence to help a person get accostumed to what is good about Tejano. Los Lobos are also some of the most talented musicians assembled and can play quality blues, Tejano, Rock, Irish, Cajun etc. I think, like with many forms of music, there is a lot of really bad stuff, and a few real gems out there worth checking out. Also it's usually a lot better live than recorded.
The only entire genre of music I dislike is heavy metal (excluding ballads from heavy metal groups, which really don't qualify as metal). I have found something, usually many things, that I like in all other genres that I have heard. And I like Los Lobos.
Tejano is Latino country music. I find it quite interesting, especially the use of the Bajo Sexto, which is incredibly difficult to play... If you are ever in my neighborhood, go visit Gabbanelli's Accordion Store on West Bellfort near South Post Oak. It is geared towards Tejano and Cajun bands, and they have some interesting instruments in there. Gabbanelli Accordions
I love Tejano music. The accordian is a difficult instrument to play and when played well, it just makes people dance! Sure alot of it may sound the same to you, but so does rap and country and Blink 182 type of music to me...."know what I'm sayin'?" Actually alot of new Tejano music has electric sounds I'm not to fond of. The originial music, Conjunto, is the stuff you drink beer to! Tons of live places to see here in San Antonio. I love it! Heres a good site: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/benson/border/arhoolie2/raices.html I too wish I could play the Bajo Sexto
I saw Joe Ely at Gator Fest in Anahuac on Sunday. While I would have liked to have headr him with a full band, I was more than happy to hear him with just his guitar and his accordion player, Joel Guzman (sp?). Accordions rock, or at least Guzman does. And you should hear Slapshifter's accordion player on their version of Smoke on the Water.
