There once was a time when I didn't like vocals in the electronic music I was listening to. If some wailing diva came into the mix or MC Whack started toasting, that usually killed a track for me. I'm still not a fan of divas or whack-ass MCs, but I don't mind vocals the way I used to (that's not to say that there isn't a lot of vocal-y stuff out there that blows). When it comes to vocals, I prefer those that are either tweaked through machines and are therefore somewhat undecipherable or sung/spoken in a foreign language. Maybe it restores some of the music's mystery that you usually can only get when listening to instrumentals.

Now even though I live in Los Angeles, I don't speak the tongue native to these parts, Spanish (hmmm...maybe I'll take a class). If I did speak Spanish, I'd be able to decipher the elocutions emanating from the muy caliente Dirty Princess. Not only do these muchachas put out some of the best hard-edged electro out there, but they've also made some rather naughty videos [strictly for new wave adult 18+ sex robots ONLY]. All this robot can say is Dios Mio! Expect to see more of Dirty Princess as they get pimped out in the new year - they've recently signed with head Gigolo, DJ Hell.

Another Spanish electro body wave superstar is Madrid's Alek Stark. I first heard Alek on the LP he licensed to Germany's Disko B, Highway to Disko. This album is perfect for those times that call for Música del Sexo. Alek puts out lots of music that for the most part, doesn't make it here to the US. If you happen to see anything on his Star Whores label, be sure to snatch it up. Also, keep a look out for his most recent project, Illektric, a collaboration that combines his elektro with the soulful voice of expat US singer Aqeel (Anthony Henry).

From what I hear, there is quite the electro scene in Spain [anyone want to fly me out there?]. Some other labels to check out are Drivecom, Dona-li, and Geometrik (home to the premier Spanish Industrialists, Esplendor Geometrico).