Lost Without a Place to Go

By Jacob Clavijo

I have been dealing with a cold for almost a week now, and it’s certainly no fun. In my two and a half years in Lynchburg, I have been truly sick for the first time. Confined to my apartment over the weekend and having no desire to leave my bed, I found myself becoming increasingly homesick. Here are five records that sound like home to me:

Tierra, “Together” (1980)

This was my most listened-to song back in 2022, which was my first year in Lynchburg. I was on a new adventure in life then, and while I wasn’t as homesick that year as I thought I would be, this song reminded me of my roots and the culture that helped shape me. Of course, it’s a love song, but it’s a great listen. Right before I left Dallas, I went to San Antonio and saw this band perform live, and hearing this song live is one of the greatest highlights of my life so far.

Malo, “Suavecito” (1972)

Malo is a great Chicano group that wonderfully blends Latino, soul, and jazz genres. This song is relaxing and was perfect to listen to while I was sitting around hoping to feel better this past week. 

Sunny & The Sunliners, “Baby I’m So Lonely” (2018)

Led by Texas legend Sunny Ozuna, this group has plenty of hits I frequently listen to on vinyl. Ozuna has one of those velvety, smooth soul voices that is hard not to love. The group first gained popularity right out of high school in the late 1950s, and they have since become a pillar of Texas and Latino music.

Rene y Rene, “Lo Mucho Que Te Quiero” (1968)

Out of all the places where I could have found this record, I would have never guessed that an antique store in Roanoke, Virginia, would be the place. This ballad has a deeper meaning than the few English lyrics that lead you to believe it, but if you get to translate the rest of the song, you will enjoy it that much more.

Little Joe and Johnny & The Latinaires, “Los Dos Amantes” (1964)

Growing up, I would hear all my relatives talk about Tejano music and Tejano artists they would see around town, and I was never interested in the music at all. It wasn’t until I got older, probably around 19 or 20, that I began to take an interest in this genre of music. It’s unique to Texas, and not many people listen to it or are fans of it, but I am proud to say that I am. This album was recorded in Dallas, just down the street from my grandmother’s house, and every time I listen to it, I feel a little closer to home. 
For more music recommendations, follow me on Spotify @jacob.clavijo