“Twelve Heads In A Bag”–The Narcocorrido That’s Sweeping America

The Krayolas of San Antonio, Texas, (pictured here 30 years ago–we couldn’t resist), are getting some attention for writing a song about America’s favorite obsession: gruesome violence. The lead singer Hector Saldaña, was inspired by a news story about twelve human heads found outside a Guerrero mall–casualties of the Mexican Narco Wars–so he wrote the song, “Corrido: 12 Heads In A Bag.” So far, both NPR and E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt have taken notice.

NPR interviewed Saldaña during SXSW this year where The Krayolas appeared on Little Steven’s “A Town South of Austin,” showcase. “We’re probably the only ones playing them,” Van Zandt says of featuring The Krayolas on his satellite radio show, Little Steven’s Underground, “and we’re playing them in heavy rotation.” Guess the song fits perfectly with his Sopranos brand image. Meanwhile, we love the way NPR’s Neda Ulaby pronounces “conjunto.”

The Krayola’s English-language narco-ballad may be the first one of its kind. Either way, it’s a sign of more things to come. How long can it be before CBS figures out there’s money to be made with CSI: Narco Wars? 

Listen to The Krayolas “Corrido: Twelve Heads In A Bag” below.

The Krayolas [MySpace]