Maldita Vecindad

Maldita Vecindad
Maldita Vecindad in November 2006
Background information
Also known as	La Maldita
Origin	Mexico City, Mexico
Genres	Rock en español, Ska
Years active	1985–present
Labels	BMG, RCA, Nacional Records
Associated acts	Inspector, Café Tacuba

La Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio (English: The Damned Neighbourhood and the Sons of the Fifth Block, usually called only "La Maldita") are a band formed in Mexico City in 1985. They are pioneers of rock en español and one of the most influential rock bands in Mexico.

They first made an impact with Mojado, Un poco de sangre, Cocodrilo, Pachuco and Un gran circo, songs that narrate the problems, adventures, and beauty of a society anxious to improve its economic status. Their wardrobe has incorporated elements of the pachuco, an archetypical character represented by Tin Tán in Mexican cinema. Tin Tan is sampled in one of the group's biggest hits, 1991's Pachuco.

The last studio album they recorded was in 2009. Since then, the band has collaborated with other bands, as well as having participated in tribute albums for José José and the Tigres del Norte. Their sound incorporates many styles, including ska, rock, and traditional Cuban forms such as the bolero and Cuban Son. Roco, the band's vocalist, dresses in a manner reminiscent of the pachucos.

At the end of the 80s a movement began, called Rock en tu idioma (Rock in your language), and a marketing was developed by record labels to draw attention of young people to the new trend, which began in Argentina. Influential bands like Soda Stereo, Los Enanitos Verdes, Virus, Heroes del Silencio, Autobús and Zas, the band of Miguel Mateos, were among the pioneers who first played authentic rock music in Spanish. Consequently, Mexican bands began to sprout. Many of these were influenced by groups like The Police, The Cure, Paralamas do Sucesso, and others. The early bands of the movement, Caifanes, Maldita Vecindad, Café Tacuba and Maná achieved huge sales and great international recognition.