Born Aug 22, 1961 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he began his professional musical career at the age of 17 playing keyboards in Raíces.
In 1981 he incorporated to one of the main bands of the Argentinean '80s rock scene: Los Abuelos de la Nada. Although the band was led by the brilliant Miguel Abuelo, Calamaro composed most of the band's hits, like "Mil Horas," "Así es el calor," "Sin gamulán" and "Costumbres Argentinas."
In 1984 he made his solo debut with Hotel Calamaro. The album was a bizarre mix of styles and musicians, and didn't gain public or press support.
In 1985 he left Los Abuelos de la Nada and registered his second album Vida Cruel. Inspite of the important musicians and guests, such as Luis Alberto Spinetta and Charly García, the album was a disappointment: both commercially and artistically. But if as a songwriter the luck was out of reach, he had an intense and successful work as a producer of bands like Los Enanitos Verdes, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs and Don Cornelio y la zona. He also worked and collaborated with many artists of different styles and genres, a constant attitude through his whole career. The third album Por Mirarte showed Calamaro in a better shape with an established band. Released in 1988 it contains some outstanding songs such as "Con los dientes apretados" and "Me olvidé de los demás," while others like "Cartas sin Marcar" and "Loco por tí" helped the album to get popular.
When Calamaro released in 1989 Nadie Sale Vivo de Aquí, Argentina was living it's worst economical crisis: few albums were released. The album title suggest it all: Nobody comes out alive from here. The LP production was paralyzed, and the few that could make it were almost ignored. That was Calamaro's case. This situation lead the singer to settle in Spain, following a road taken by many Argentinean rockers. Out there in Spain he met Ariel Rot y Javier Infante, former members of Tequila. They formed Los Rodríguez in 1991, a pop-rock band that was very popular in Spain and Latin America: Calamaro's songs began to be popular like in the early '80s: the hit maker was on the road again. Curiously, from Spain, he was conquering Argentina. While being part of the band he didn't release any new solo material, just Grabaciones Encontradas 1 y 2, a couple of CDs that contained unreleased and rare material from the '80s.
After the split of Los Rodríguez, Calamaro returned to his solo career recording Alta Suciedad in 1997, an album produced by Joe Blaney. This album brought him the commercial success that seemed to fail in his previous solo efforts, and sold 300.000 copies just in Argentina. That is certainly a huge amount for the country's small market. No doubts, that album helped him to be placed between the star legends of the national rock scene. Before that album Calamaro was considered an important character, appreciated by other musicians, but not a main one. After he broke up with his spanish girlfriend he released in 1999 the double CD Honestidad Brutal. Recorded when he was 37, it contained 37 songs of despair, love loss, drugs and regret. It was not as successful at the previous album, but showed a new Calamaro: desperate, decadent and often elegant at the same time, with a new and raw lyrical approach. El Salmon followed in spring 2001.
Calamaro's next proyect, El Cantante, was released in 2005. A delicious mixture of tango, rock n'roll and flamenco guitars (mostly played by spanish prodigy El Niño Josele).
After a break, he returned to the stages with a tour full of classics that gave birth to a live album called El Regreso on 2005, recorded with members of Bersuit Vergarabat as a backing band. This album was very well received for the charts as well as for the critics, wich lead him to different awards. One year later, on 2006, Andres published a new album from the roots of tango with the collaboration of guitarrists Niño Josele and Juanjo Dominguez. On 2007 El palacio de las flores was published, although it was recorded on 2006. The album had the collaboration and musical influence of argentine composer Lito Nebbia and was also recorded on his studio. This was the return to a classic Calamaro album with new songs and hits.
El muro de Berlin
Andrés Calamaro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These lyrics are from the song El Muro de Berlín, by Argentine musician Andrés Calamaro. The song begins with references to notable figures in history who have had an impact on society, regardless of their skin color, such as Mandela, Malcolm X, Sammy Davis, and Angela Davis. The singer then connects their importance to the universality of the human experience, citing the shared pleasure and danger of sex, drugs, and rock & roll. He also acknowledges his own limitations, admitting to never having driven a Formula 1 car but nonetheless can imagine the thrill. The reference to iconic figures such as Tyson, Lennon, Mohamed Ali, and Diego Maradona suggests a connection to boxing, music, politics, and football, respectively, as universal pursuits.
Despite being a song about the Berlin Wall, the lyrics turn inward as the singer states that he found the key to his own kingdom, without caring for prestige or accolades such as the Nobel Peace Prize. He mentions characters from popular culture, such as Manolito Montoya from Spanish literature and Bo Derek from 1980s pop culture, making it clear that the real content is found in mundane references to everyday life. As the song builds up to its end, it touches on the universality of kindness and empathy, citing Kosovo as a place where somebody is always in need of rescuing. Finally, the singer acknowledges not being at the site for the fall of the Berlin Wall, but asserts that he is confident he will be found by someone, somewhere.
Line by Line Meaning
Mandela, Malcolm X, Sammy Davis y Angela Davis todos tienen el mismo color.
Regardless of skin color or ethnicity, these individuals have all made significant impacts and contributed to society.
Sexo, drogas, rock & roll, mismo vértigo y sabor.
The wild and intense experiences and emotions associated with sex, drugs, and rock and roll are all similar in their thrilling and satisfying nature.
Nunca monté un formula 1, me imagino el temblor.
Although he has never driven a Formula 1 car, he can imagine the intense adrenaline rush and excitement that comes along with it.
Tysson, Lennon, Mohammed, Diego todos fuimos.
These legendary figures, regardless of their profession or background, all made significant impacts and contributions to society during their lives.
Somos rey al volver, qué suerte.
Being recognized and admired upon returning home is a fortunate and rewarding feeling.
La llave encontré, no inventé el reino de Israel no es el premio Nobel de la Paz, déjame en paz.
He has found the key to success, but does not wish to be compared to others or receive unwanted recognition.
Manolito Montoya en mi televisión Bo Derek es igual a la mujer anterior.
Two different television characters or actresses can appear similar or interchangeable in appearance or personality.
Los que estamos, estamos, y se acabó, estamos haciendo rock & roll.
Those who are present and committed to making music are already doing what they need to and should not overthink it.
Si alguna vez fue verdad Reyes o Navidad nunca falta en Kosovo alguien a quién salvar.
Although it may be difficult to believe in the kindness of humanity and the holiday spirit, there will always be someone to save or help in war-torn regions like Kosovo.
Se cayó el muro de Berlín y no conocí al mago Merlín.
Despite the historic events surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall, he did not have the chance to experience the fictional character Merlin.
Pero creo, estoy seguro que me vas a encontrar.
Despite his missed opportunities, he remains optimistic and confident that he will find what he is looking for.
Estoy seguro que me vas a encontrar.
His confidence in finding what he seeks remains unwavering.
Estoy seguro que me vas a encontrar.
His confidence in finding what he seeks remains unwavering.
Contributed by Madison V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.