Record Time: "Pura Vida"

Buenas! I hope everyone is well and enjoying their summer. I'm writing from Pavones, Costa Rica. I'm spending two weeks here visiting my Aunt and Uncle’s farm. Between early morning scarlet macaw sightings and laid-back afternoons watching the storms roll in on the gulf, it’s been an unparalleled experience. This week's playlist blends the traditional sounds of Latin America with some eclectic picks to keep things interesting.

We listened to local radio stations as we drove down the Pan-American Highway. We were greeted on one side by cloud-covered mountains and the ocean peeking out from behind the palm trees on the other. This week’s playlist draws inspiration from the songs playing through the stereo on our way down. In a broader sense, this week’s edition is inspired by “Pura Vida,” a phrase that translates to “Pure Life” in English. Here in Costa Rica, Pura Vida is much more than a saying - it’s a lifestyle that encapsulates Costa Ricans’ ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and cherish the little things. 

Whether you find yourself driving down a winding coastal road or simply looking to escape through your headphones, this playlist has what you need to enjoy some good Costa Rican summer vibes. From the haunting melodies of Jaime R. Echavarría’s "Serenata de Amor" to the sultry beats of Rodrigo Amarante’s "Tuyo," this mix is a sampling of the sounds that have been the soundtrack to my latest Costa Rican adventure. I've thrown in a few curveballs, like Rodrigo y Gabriela’s “Diablo Rojo” to keep you on your toes. So, grab a cold drink, find a hammock, and let the music transport you to the tropical shores of Costa Rica.

Link to Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6f4iw4uTEABnztlPvko5w9?si=9b43500812284be9&pt=877a9b03c30dd1ae6dd9ecd36264ddf6

Tracklist:

01. ¿Quién Será? - La Sonora Matancera, Nelson Pinedo

02. La Flor De La Canela - Paco de Lucía, Ramón de Algeciras

03. La Bruja - Tlen Huicani, Lino Chávez

04. Tuyo (Narcos Theme) [Extended Edition] A Netflix Original Series Soundtrack - Rodrigo Amarante

05. Con dolor en el alma - Eliades Ochoa

06. Cuando Voy por la Calle - Trío América

07. Carta Fatal - Soffy Martinez

08. Mi Guajira - Eddie Palmieri

09. Por Amor - Rafael Solano

10. Easy Money - Pedro Bromfman

11. Sofrito - Mongo Santamaria

12. traguito - iLe, Mon Laferte

13. Amor Profundo - Julio Jaramillo

14. Me Muero por Estar Contigo - Silvana Di Lorenzo

15. Noche de Ronda - Eydie Gormé, Los Panchos

16. Me voy pal Pueblo - Los Boleros Con Los Mejores

17. Un Veneno - C. Tangana, Niño de Elche

18. Ameska (District 78 Remix) - Taalbi Brothers

19. Cafe Tropical - Johannes Linstead

20. Diablo Rojo - Rodrigo y Gabriela

21. Serenata de Amor - Jaime R. Echavarría

22. Qué Agonía by Yurida, Ángela Aguilar

Thank you so much for listening. If you enjoyed this playlist and want to spread the Costa Rican vibes, please share this article with your friends and family. Let’s embrace the spirit of Pura Vida and inspire others to enjoy the little things in life with these tunes. Your support means the world. Pura Vida!