Hoy por Hoy Magazine (Nov 21, 2025)
Historias musicales | La brujería de Florence and The Machine, la sempiterna Luz Casal y lo mejor de 1975
Main Theme
This episode dives into the enchantment of Florence and The Machine's latest album, celebrates the enduring artistry of Luz Casal on the eve of her new release, and revisits musical landmarks of 1975 on the 50th anniversary of Queen’s legendary "A Night at the Opera." The conversation is rich with music history, personal stories, sharp humor, and thoughtful reflection on music’s power to define eras and emotions.
Florence and The Machine: Hechicería Moderna y Catarsis Musical
[01:18-06:27]
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Introduction to Florence and the Machine's Latest Work
- The episode opens with a discussion of Florence’s new album, described as “vigorosa, una llamada al coraje frente a las adversidades. Una llamada a echarle agallas a la vida” (01:39, Host).
- Florence Welch is celebrated for her "perfil de hechicera gótica" (02:15, Host) and the album’s powerful celebration of the mystical and the personal.
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The Trauma Behind the Album
- The hosts discuss how this album is shaped by Florence's experience with an ectopic pregnancy:
“Florence se queda embarazada pero sufre un embarazo llamado ectópico... Tuvo que someterse a una delicada operación que estuvo a punto de costarle la vida"
(03:18, Host) - Her personal struggles drive the album’s “apoteosis sonoras” such as the track “Sympathy Magic.”
- The hosts discuss how this album is shaped by Florence's experience with an ectopic pregnancy:
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Intensity and Self-Parody in the Music
- It’s noted that “este álbum nace de esa experiencia traumática, pero también es cierto que ella generalmente su música es un poquito intensa” (04:17, Iñaki Pascualena).
- Florence’s self-awareness is highlighted, particularly in “Music by Men," where she pokes fun at herself (“me se va un poco la mano con esa intensidad”) and jokes about listening to The 1975 (05:02, Host).
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Notable Quote
- “Déjenme a mí también sacar un disco con el que no me joda la vida. Soy muy del Team Florence ahora mismo.” (05:17, Host)
Niña Polaca: Crítica Social y Nostalgia Mediterránea
[06:43-07:56]
- Advance Preview of Niña Polaca’s Upcoming Album
- Iñaki brings a sneak peek of the band’s new single "La codicia y Capital de las fuerzas extranjeras," a critique of mass tourism and cultural loss in Alicante and beyond.
- "La codicia y el turismo masivo, dice que han transformado paisajes y barrios en decorados sin identidad" (06:59, Iñaki).
- Broader Applicability
- "Sospecho que sirve para más ciudades" (07:56, Host), making this social critique universal to many places.
Luz Casal: La Sempiterna Voz del Coraje
[08:28-26:32]
Luz Casal en Primera Persona
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A Lifetime on Stage
- The hosts celebrate Luz Casal’s return with her album “Me voy a permitir” and highlight her 40-year career.
- "Con apenas 18 empezó a acompañar como corista... ha llegado hasta aquí demostrando que para ella no hay nada imposible." (08:49, Host)
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Permission to Speak the Truth
- Luz shares how age has granted her liberty:
“Hace años que pensé... todo lo que vivo a partir de ahora es un regalo. Así que cumplir años para mí no es una pesadez” (10:12, Luz Casal)
- She speaks openly about being more candid now:
“Me voy a permitir abrir la boca, decirle al idiota lo que pienso de él... a veces no es ser borde, es ayudar al prójimo para que deje de ser idiota.” (10:39, Luz Casal)
- Luz shares how age has granted her liberty:
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Artistic Freedom, Collaboration, and Interpretation
- Luz discusses her love of risk and musical freedom throughout her career.
- Her album features 5 originals and 5 covers, exclusively of songs by women, except for one by Charles Aznavour which she adapts from a female perspective and collaborates with Carla Bruni (15:09-20:05).
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On the Value of Interpretation
- Luz highlights the often-undervalued art of the interpreter:
“Ser intérprete es sacarle... el máximo a las palabras, a la melodía, a la historia.” (18:55, Luz Casal)
- Luz highlights the often-undervalued art of the interpreter:
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Social Conscience and Artistic Responsibility
- Luz connects her awareness of contemporary crises to her music:
“Si veo cómo arden las casas en una determinada parte del mundo... te tiene que afectar. ¿Cómo lo devuelves? Pues a través de una letra, a través de una melodía...” (21:16, Luz Casal)
- Luz connects her awareness of contemporary crises to her music:
Notable Live Moment
- Live Rendition of "Lágrima" (Amalia Rodrigues)
- Luz delivers a moving live performance of “Lágrima” accompanied by piano [23:19–26:32]:
"Llena de penas, llena de penas me acuesto y con más penas, con más penas me levanto..." (23:19, Luz Casal cantando)
- Luz delivers a moving live performance of “Lágrima” accompanied by piano [23:19–26:32]:
1975: Un Año de Oro Musical
[27:07-35:13]
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Queen’s "A Night at the Opera" at 50
- The occasion: 50th anniversary of the iconic album.
- “Bohemian Rhapsody llevó tres semanas de grabación... más de 180 pistas vocales superpuestas, algo revolucionario” (28:14, Iñaki)
- The episode marks this with a passionate discussion and snippets of the song.
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Other Landmark Albums of 1975
- Elton John’s "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" & "Rock of the Westies."
- "Young Americans" by David Bowie.
- Patti Smith's "Horses."
- ABBA’s self-titled album.
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Personal Favorites and Timelessness
- Neira’s favorite: Mike Oldfield’s "Ommadawn," praised for its eclecticism and innovation:
“Esta es una obra maestra, la cara A y B, 35 minutos del tirón, con muchísima parte pastoral... incluso elementos africanos” (31:16, Host)
- Iñaki’s pick: Bruce Springsteen’s "Born to Run":
“Poco más se puede decir, no hace falta que des más explicación.” (33:17, Host)
- Both marvel at the enduring status of these records:
“Es como Luz Casal, no tiene edad... nuestros tataranietos lo escucharán.” (33:35, Host)
- Neira’s favorite: Mike Oldfield’s "Ommadawn," praised for its eclecticism and innovation:
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Debate (for Another Day)
- “Las leyendas se van regenerando... ¿Habrá leyendas de hoy?" (33:44, Iñaki)
Despedida Musical y Epílogo Cultural
[35:23-37:04]
- Friki y Deliciosa: "La chica del 17"
- The podcast closes with a playful dive into Spanish musical history, discussing various quirky and beloved versions of “La chica del 17” (35:36-37:04).
- Cultural context and upcoming homage to folklorist Joaquín Díaz are mentioned.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- On Florence & Courage:
“Una llamada al coraje frente a las adversidades. Una llamada a echarle agallas a la vida.” (01:39, Host)
- Luz’s Philosophy on Age:
“Todo lo que vivo a partir de ahora es un regalo. Así que cumplir años para mí no es una pesadez” (10:12, Luz Casal)
- The Art of Interpretation:
“Ser intérprete es sacarle... el máximo a las palabras, a la melodía, a la historia.” (18:55, Luz Casal)
- Enduring Albums:
“Esto lo puedes escuchar seguro dentro de 50 años.” (34:17, Host)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 01:18 – Introduction to Florence and The Machine
- 03:10 – Florence’s trauma as musical inspiration
- 06:43 – Niña Polaca and the critique of mass tourism
- 08:28 – Luz Casal enters: career, new album, and philosophy
- 15:09 – Album details: covers, collaborations, and interpretations
- 23:19 – Live: "Lágrima" performed by Luz Casal
- 27:07 – Queen’s "A Night at the Opera" 50th anniversary / 1975 retrospectives
- 35:36 – Closing with “La chica del 17” and musical nostalgia
Tone & Style
The episode maintains a conversational, affectionate, and insightful style, marked by a love for music’s power to transform both individuals and societies. The tone moves fluidly from playful and nostalgic to candid and intimate, especially in Luz Casal’s revealing and empowering interview.
This summary provides an engaging tour of the episode’s key moments, perfect for newcomers or fans wishing to revisit its highlights.
