Influenced by British new wave groups
the Cure and
the Jesus and Mary Chain,
Caifanes' self-titled debut album was at the forefront of the early rock en español scene. Originally released in 1988, the Mexican trio's brand of dark synth pop mixed with Latin American rhythms produced three hit singles, "La Bestia Humana," a cover of Cuban folksinger Guillermo Rodriguez's "La Negra Tomasa," and "Mátenme Porque Me Muero," which was also the name of the album in several countries. ~ Jon O'Brien