IN THE TRUNK: Thee Midniters – “Whitter Blvd” (Audio)

By Robert Liu-Trujillo on April 20, 2011

Thee Midniters are one of those unmistakeable California Chicano rock bands. I didn’t know their name at first, but remembered their sound every time I heard “Casual Dreamer” or “That’s All”. Thee Midniters are a band of Chicano musicians from East Los Angeles who are famous for their love ballads and vicious rock and roll jams; made for partying and cruising. Forming in the 60’s, Willie G (Vocals), George Dominguez (Guitar), George Salazar (Drums), Romeo Prado (Trombonist), Paul C (Guitar), Jimmy Espinoza (Bass), and Larry Rendon (Saxophone) were all high school musicians. They came up during the era of high school dance bands, drive ins, milk shakes, the United Farm Workers, and the civil rights movement. This marked the time of one of my most favorite Cali cultures being developed—the art of Low Riding. The track “Whittier Blvd” exemplifies the feeling of cruising for a lot of folks who appreciate the brown sound. It’s unclear which label released their first LPs or which was their first LP. There are several greatest hits LPs such as the one released by THUMP Records. But, basically the group started in the early 60’s, broke up in the late 60’s, and then continued to play sporadically until the early 2000’s.

One of the most striking things about this song is that it is Raza. It is a mixture or hybrid of many cultures that make one amazing sound. At the beginning of the track you have a voice beckoning you to hit the streets in English and Spanish. And then there’s this massive surge of bass, drums, then horns that makes me feel like I could be on my way to a drag race or a wedding. Some of you die hard Cholos or Cholas will recognize this song as it was remade in the film Mi Vida Loca. What I like most about this song is the bad-ass attitude it has. Although Wille G’s voice is beautiful, this is a strictly instrumental track, played with lightning fast precision. The drums and the guitar sound like they’re shouting across the street to a responsive trumpet, trombone, and saxophone. At first I wonder where the hell I’m going, then I just nod my head and enjoy the ride amidst howls and screams of human voices and electric guitar strings. Arriba, arrrrriba!!!!!

“Whittier Blvd” by Thee Midniters

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Robert Liu-Trujillo

Parent, illustrator, author, owner of Come Bien Books, muralist, activist, and self-proclaimed believer in the power of music and its infinite sonic vibrations. Follow him @RobertTres