A Tribute to the World Cup Losers #5: The Quarter Finals

We are currently featuring a special series on the World Cup and will return to our normal schedule including "This Week's Picks" and "Wednesday's Reader Picks" when the series is finished. We do hope you enjoy the current series. 

Alright, so maybe calling them "losers" is a little harsh seeing as they made their way into the final 16, but this new series will focus on the countries who are eliminated during the final stage of the World Cup. As the 2010 World Cup in South Africa moves into the elimination stage, Nomad's Playlist will be showcasing our favorite picks from the countries unfortunate enough to be thrown out of the running.

The Quarter Finals saw four more teams sent home in some surprising upsets, but the good news is that we get to listen to some great music!


Brazil

In a surprise lost, Brazil gives up their spot in the semi-finals to the Netherlands. Whereas it may be hard to find some music from the Netherlands, Brazil has the opposite problem-- there's just too much good music!



"Shimbalaie" by Maria Gadú


Maria Gadú is a new young Brazilian pop singer who seems to be taking the country by storm. This track was her first single and topped the charts for five weeks. "Shimbalaie" is now available on her self-titled album, Maria Gadú (2009). I've surprised myself by liking this track, as it's a little too poppy for my normal tastes. However, I enjoy the relaxed beat and think this song is great for unwinding.


Ghana

In a heartbreaking match, Ghana lost in the penalty shoot-out after their last goal of the game was deflected by a handball. This unfortunately means that the last African team lost its chance at an African World Cup title.


"KyenKyen Bi Adi Mawu" by Alhaji K. Frimpong


You can't discuss music from Ghana without talking about highlife. Highlife is a hybrid style created in Ghana in the 1900s, combining African song forms, Christian hymns, European brass band, and big band jazz. It has successfully been the jam of Ghana for a century. Even if Ghana can't pull through when it comes to football, they can definitely crank out the music.


Argentina

Much to the dismay of the entire country of England, Argentina lost to Germany. Not only did they lose, but they were surprisingly battered by the same team that sent England home.



"La Gloria" by Gotan Project


The Gotan Project successfully introduce and wed the world of folk music to the electronic. This track is from their newest album Tango 3.0 (2010). (I recommend watching their official video here for some fun dancing.) "La Gloria" features the voice of Victor Hugo Morales, the Argentinian football commentator, and the track even manipulates his voice to say "GOOOOOOOOTAN!" rather than "GOOOOOOAL!" In this particular setting, the change may be appropriate.


Paraguay

In one of the least surprising defeats this weekend, Paraguay lost to Spain. As Paraguay are sent home, we are left with one more South American country for our musical tribute.



"A Mi Tierra" by Luis Alberto del Paraná

For Paraguay's tribute, we're going to go old school with Luis Alberto del Paraná who was big in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. He traveled extensively bringing recognition to Paraguayan music. He is one of the most famous Paraguayan musicians.