After the Yugo-Soviet relations broke down in 1948, the Yugoslav authorities were looking for an alternative source of cultural inspiration. They found it in Mexico

At the beginning of the 1950s, Yugoslavia was a socialist country playing the odd Cold War game in between the two blocks. After Tito’s break up with Stalin in 1948, Soviet-style doctrines were denounced in favour of a locally-infused “alternative path to socialism”. With the Russians out of the picture, and the Americans yet to step in, the Yugoslav authorities were in search of alternative cultural models for the new socialist federation. (Un)surprisingly enough, these were found in Mexico.

Why Mexico? As Slovenian author Miha Mazzini argues, it was “far away, the chances of Mexican tanks appearing on Yugoslav borders were slight and, best of all, in Mexican films they always talked about revolution.” However, Mexican revolutionary style wasn’t emulated in cinema as much as in the booming Yugoslav music industry. Armed with sombreros and acoustic guitars, fake mariachi bands spread throughout the country and some of their 7” records from the 1950’s can still be found today on flea markets across ex-Yugoslavia.

Mazzini has compiled a precious list of obscure Yugoslav Mexican music, along with EP covers, lyrics translation and MP3’s. We bring you a selection of the most hilarious. Ay, caramba.

Miroslava Mrdja and ansambl Paloma

Why Do I Have to Love You

Like a quiet river

my days are passing

and my sad eyes

just tears come to visit

Listen: Three Days (Tri Dana).mp3

Milić Ljubomir and Paloma

Divorce / Ballad of Sad Life

My wife is talking all the time

how I just drift around

and don’t care about her

that I come home at the dawn

What can I do

when beautiful women are after me all the time

and at least one

is pulling me by the shoulder

Every morning when I return home

my wife bables to the evening

Oh, enough!

I’ll apply for divorce!

Listen: Divorce (Razvod Braka).mp3

Nevenka Arsova

Paloma Negra / Carbine 30-30

Carbine you old gun

tell about your glorious days

all heroes remember you

many of them carrying the wound you gave them.

If somebody wanted my hot blood,

I would shed it gladly!

Listen: Carbine 30-30 (Karabin 30-30).mp3 / Paloma Negra.mp3

Trio Tividi

Mama Juanita

Let your attentive eyes

always shine with this warm glow.

and let this greeting be

just for you mama Juanita!

Listen: Mama Juanita.mp3

Kvartet Paloma

Let Me Suffer if I Love Her

May I hug you?

Sorry – so young and already married!

What can I do but return to my woman

let me suffer if i love her

Listen: You, Just You (Ti, samo ti).mp3

Tenori

My Hat

My Mexican hat

is the biggest in the world.

When I’m walking below it

I know I’m very handsome.

And every tries to

touch my hat,

because it brings her luck,

that’s what people think!

My hat is beautiful!

SPLENDID!

My hat is beautiful!

SPLENDID!

I’m giant with it!

My hat is beautiful!

SPLENDID!

Without it my life is colorless.

Listen: My Hat (Moj Sesir).mp3