Okay, maybe it's an over generalization to say that Mexicans love Morrissey, but damn, there's a lot of us out there. Yes, I'm a Morrissey fan, I'll give you a moment to make your jokes. I have no shame in showing my love for Morrissey.

Joanna Barba
Joanna Barba
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But we brought it up on the show the other day when we interviewed the guy who plays Frankie Valli in "Jersey Boys." I thought I didn't know any of his songs and it turns out I did. Then I realized that I hear the songs Franki Valli sings and the songs Morrissey sings when I'm with my family.

There's this culture surrounding Mexicans and oldies and Morrissey. I can't explain it but I definitely know all the words to "Angel Baby" and "I'm Your Puppet." A lot of these songs are called "Chicano Oldies" and that's a whole category in itself. It's definitely it's own culture but it definitely has a correlation.

Mexicans are known for this machismo and exaggerated pride that most of the Spanish music throws out there, but there is also another side. Lots of oldies, Rancheras and lots of Morrissey songs deal with heartbreak and death and shattered dreams.

Songs like "Smile Now Cry Later" by Sunny and the Sunliners and "I want the one I can't have" by Morrissey both deal with unrequited love. Something that Mexicans would call wimpy instead is blasted at every Sunday carne asada. This expands to more than just music, it's a lifestyle.

JB
JB
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These are my cousins Jerry and Victor and they both love Morrissey. I dare you to tell them that he's a wimp, no really, I dare you.

But what is it about this white vegan British singer that captivates Latinos all around? Maybe it's the pompadour and cholo style he wears, or his open love for Mexico and Mexicans. Many think it's the way he openly talks about being excluded and how growing up as second and third generation Mexican-Americans we can relate. But I think Luis from "Ant-Man" puts it in simpler terms...

We relate to his melancholy ballads.

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