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Nov 21, 2013 By Michele Yamamoto

According to Wikipedia, “Language is the human capacity for acquiring and using complex systems of communication, and a language is a specific example of such a system.” Other definitions included words like “words”, and perhaps the use of words has a defined meaning to a group of people who understand those words. But what about those who don’t? Isn’t there still be some sort of meaning conveyed?

Music has always been a prime example of communication without words and across language barriers. Any film with a score plays with that premise. You don’t have to understand the harmonic logic or even decipher the instruments used to have an emotional reaction. It seems as though the same should be and is true of word-based languages. Even though all of the examples given in this week’s playlist feature a vocal line in another language, if you don’t understand the language, it takes on the role of an instrument or a texture. Yes, there is likely a meaning you’re missing, but you’re still finding meaning.

This week, our UTR staff writers discuss their personal reactions to and interpretations of songs that spoke to them in a foreign tongue.

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Frank Valish
Cecilia Ann: “Gris”

Ken Stringfellow (Posies) produced Un Segundo, the 1998 debut album from this Grenada-based five-piece. “Gris,” meaning “gray” in Spanish, is anything but, instead floating on a melodic pop-rock bubble, enchanting with every Spanish-sung syllable. Cecilia Ann went on to release three albums overseas, none better than Un Segundo and its “Gris.”

Austin Trunick
Rebekah Del Rio: “Llorando” (Roy Orbison cover)

I’m probably cheating with this selection, since it’s a cover of an English-language song (Roy Orbison’s sorrowful “Crying”) and it’s from a movie (David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive) but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t give me chills every time. Lynch was reportedly so impressed with Del Rio’s Spanish rendition, he went home and wrote a scene for it into his script. There’s a clip here, but if you haven’t seen the film, I encourage you to do that first; the song’s impact is even greater in context.

Michele Yamamoto
Feist: “Tout Doucement” (Blossom Dearie cover)

I don’t speak French and neither does my silly little niece, but we easily bonded over its playful arrangement and catchy tune. This version is more whimsical than the original Blossom Dearie cut, and Feist’s warm vocals make it particularly alluring.

Laura Studarus
Sigur Rós: “Starálfur”

Would any discussion of songs in an unfamiliar language be complete without a mention of Sigur Rós? Sure they’re known for their glossolalia-like “Hopelandic.” But Starálfur—sung in their native Icelandic, reminds us why it’s totally okay to believe in magic as an adult.

Billy Hamilton
Malajube: “Ton Plat Favori”

Back in 2006, while I was staggering into my mid-20s, I took this song to heart. Its boisterous barroom rink-a-dinking and tooth-spitting pedigree epitomised my general lack of fuck-giving in those times. That I didn’t know or care what the lyrics meant only added to its charm – in fact, you could say it still does.

Paul Bullock
Portastatic: “Baby” (Caetano Veloso cover)

Wanna take your make out party to the next level? Mac McCaughan’s (Superchunk) lovely, bilingual cover of Caetano Veloso’s Tropicália classic is the perfect soundtrack for smoochin’. Pop it on the next time you’re with your kissy friend. It works. Guaranteed.