“Macarena”
And here we go again! Los Del Rio, also known as the Del Rios, are an Andalusian Spanish Latin pop and dance duo formed in 1962 by Antonio Romero Monge (1940) and Rafael Ruiz Perdigones (1938) in the town of Dos Hermanas. Their first album, Luces de Sevilla, was released in 1967. They’re best known for their hit dance single, “Macarena” (1993). It was originally recorded for their 1993 album, A mi me gusta. As is the case with many of these types of songs, it has been remixed by several groups/artists, including a remix in 1995 by the Bayside Boys, which essentially launched its worldwide success. The Bayside Boys remix included English lyrics and spent 14 weeks at No.1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1996, becoming one of the longest runs atop the Hot 100 chart in history. And that, my friends, is why I probably grew to despise the song, as it was being played over, and over and over again. In the United States, the song and its corresponding Macarena dance (which I might detest more than the song!), became popular around the time of the 1996 Democratic National Convention in August of that year. C-Span actually filmed convention attendees dancing to the song in an afternoon session. As the story goes, Al Gore, who had a reputation for “stiffness,” made a joke about doing the Macarena dance during his speech. He said, “I would like to demonstrate for you the Al Gore version of the Macarena,” then remained motionless for a few seconds, and eventually asked, “Would you like to see it again?” I know, pretty tame compared to this year’s election “happenings.”
Given the song’s popularity, I must admit to being hesitant at first to include it for this series, but that ended when I discovered my feature cover by Leo Moracchioli. What are the odds on finding a heavy metal cover of a Latin, pop dance song? I wish I had the presence of mind to place a bet on that! Not only is it a heavy metal cover, but Moracchioli (1978) is a Norwegian-based musician known for his metal covers of popular songs, which have garnered him over 4.5 million views on YouTube as Frog Leap Studios. He has recorded over 400 covers (about one per week). He has stated that even though he is doing covers, the creative outlet for him comes from putting his own spin on the songs. For each video, Moracchioli creates the arrangements, and plays all the instruments, except for on a small number of covers in which he has collaborated with other instrumentalists. He sometimes tours internationally with his band, Frog Leap (studios).Although his energy and multi-instrumental talent are something to behold, it is still an annoying song, only this time with kick-ass metal energy!
Los del Rios. “Macarena” 1993.
Leo Moracchioli. “Macarena” heavy metal cover 2015.
And because you can never get enough of an annoying song, here are two more for you. The Bayside Boys remix official video of their cover, and a clip from the 1996 Democratic Convention. Warning: You cannot unsee the last one.
The Bayside Boys. “Macarena” (remix) official video 1995.
“Macarena” 1996 Democratic National Convention.
Los Angeles 2024
Well I need a mental cleanse after this one North. I agree the song it annoying but the dance even more so!. That Leo Moracchioli metal cover is priceless. The 1996 Democratic National Convention, there’s your start of the downfall of the party!
Haha. I know, pretty bad! Love the metal cover.
Even the Moracchioli metal sheen can’t drive away the brain-numbing earworm that it the Maccraperana, sadly!
So true!
I have to agree with you Los Del Rios’ version of “Macarena” borders on insult to the ears. I also think you’re right it largely has to do with the fact their rendition was so overexposed. Now, a heavy metal version of that song is something unexpected – and kind of fun!
I thought so too!
It was a fun, catchy song good for exactly one listen, then became incredibly annoying. I actually kinda like the metal cover, but wouldn’t want to hear it more than a couple times either.