Buenos Aires Radio

In our experience, a playlist is the next best thing to a passport. With some good local grooves in the queue and better-than-average headphones, we can be on our way—in a sense. Which is why we asked Tomás for a sound trip to Buenos Aires. Being Gyde & Seek's resident Argentine music guru, we knew he'd deliver a serious mix. We were right. What follows is his personal spin on Porteño music history, and in 10 tracks, it spans almost a century. Expect funk, folk, jazz, hip-hop, the latest genre-bending cuts from the underground scene, and of course, tango. 

1. Astor Piazzolla, "Fuga y misterio" (1968)

Piazzolla is arguably the most talented musician Argentina has ever produced. Both reviled and revered by tango traditionalists, he revolutionized the genre with the introduction of jazz and classical elements.

2. Lisandro Aristimuño, "Es todo lo que tengo y es todo lo que hay" (2009)

One of the most innovative artists on the local music scene, Aristimuño fuses rock, pop, folk, and electronic to create a unique, original sound.

3. Lo' Pibitos, "A punto caramelo" (2015)

One of the youngest bands on the list and a must-listen if you're looking for a good balance between substance and fun—a little bit of hip-hop, a little bit of funk, and maybe even some cumbia.

4. Luis Alberto Spinetta, "Bajan" (1973)

Versatile and prolific, Spinetta is widely hailed as the godfather of Argentine rock.

5. Soda Stereo, "Persiana americana" (1986)

Led by the legendary Gustavo Cerati, Soda Stereo was the first-ever Latin American rock band to achieve international commercial success, opening the door for subsequent Latin artists to enter the global music market.

6. Mercedes Sosa, "Alfonsina y el mar" (1969)

Even in the 21st century, folk songstress Mercedes Sosa remains a powerful symbol of Argentine identity.

7. Javier Malosetti, "Delpo" (2010)

Bass virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist Javier Malosetti is one of the leading figures in contemporary Argentine jazz.

8. Morbo y Mambo, "Gorila" (2011)

Among the key players in Argentina's underground music scene, the members of Morbo y Mambo fuse funk, rock, and electronic music to create a sound all their own. 

9. Charly García, "Yendo de la cama al living" (1982)

One of the biggest names in Argentine rock history, the classically trained frontman of both Sui Generis and Serú Girán is an outrageously talented (and depending on whom you ask, outrageous) unpredictable music genius.

10. Osvaldo Pugliese, "Recuerdo" (1924)

Composer, director, tango pianist extraordinaire. Pugliese's "Recuerdo" is a shortcut back to our music roots.