Day 7 – A Song That Reminds You Of A Certain Event
“Macarena”- Brave Combo
Labor Day weekend, 1996, Seattle, Washington.
Bumbershoot is a festival of arts and music over the Labor Day weekend in Seattle that has been going on since the 70s. At its height it attracted some of the biggest acts, both on tour and special one-off appearances. The previous year Mel Torme and The Ramones were on the same stage just hours apart.
1996 was the year Los Del Rio had a hit with “The Macarena” a silly song that was destined to be a one-hit novelty song for the summer. It was everywhere. The dance was inescapable. As annoying as the song could be, the only thing more annoying was just how ubiquitous it was.
If you’re not familiar with Brave Combo, it should be known they are one of the more musically adventurous acts out there. While they incorporate rock, polka, ska, zydeco, lounge, jazz, and numerous other styles into their music, the band isn’t afraid to venture off the beaten path and try something new. For its Bumbershoot appearance on the main stage (the multi-thousand seat stadium) they were ripping through a number of their better known numbers, as well as having Tiny Tim (who would have a heart attack a couple of weeks later and ultimately pass away before the end of the year) collaborate with the band for a few numbers.
At one point during the set, the band invited as many people as possible to come down to the floor out of the stands. The idea was to have the world’s largest line dance. Brave Combo then performed a polka version of “The Macarena” that simultaneously celebrated and made fun of the song. And yes, I participated.
I have been searching ever since for a copy of their version of the song, but have yet to find one (even on a bootleg). While the original song is fun, Brave Combo’s version was infinitely superior.