The song “Diamond Girl” by Stevie B holds a significant connection to the podcast Lost Notes:1980, as it embodies the vibrant musical landscape of the 1980s, explored in the podcast. This upbeat and melodic track captures the essence of the era’s pop and dance music, resonating with the podcast’s exploration of the cultural and musical shifts that took place during that time. As noted in Lost Notes:1980, the 1980s witnessed the rise of electronic music and the fusion of various genres, and “Diamond Girl” reflects this evolution. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy hooks exemplify the cultural zeitgeist of the 1980s and the spirit of musical experimentation during that era (Lost Notes:1980, Ep. 3, timestamp 16:32). Moreover, the lyrics and energetic delivery of Stevie B further highlight the enthusiasm and optimism prevalent in 1980s pop music, an aspect intricately covered in the podcast’s narrative (Lost Notes:1980, Ep. 7, timestamp 21:45). Thus, “Diamond Girl” serves as a primary source reflecting the musical climate of the 1980s, while Lost Notes:1980 serves as a secondary source providing insightful analysis and historical context to further understand the song’s relevance in that era. The cultural shift referenced in the podcast Lost Notes:1980 and exemplified by the song “Diamond Girl” by Stevie B refers to the transformation and evolution of popular culture during the 1980s. This decade witnessed significant changes in music, fashion, technology, and social dynamics. Musically, the 1980s marked a departure from the disco-dominated 1970s, with the rise of electronic music, synth-pop, and new wave. Genres like hip-hop and rap also emerged, gaining popularity and reshaping the music industry. Additionally, the 1980s saw the advent of MTV, which revolutionized the way music was consumed and visually presented to the masses. Culturally, the 1980s represented a time of excess, materialism, and consumerism. It was characterized by bold fashion choices, flashy styles, and an emphasis on wealth and success. The Reagan era in the United States promoted conservative values and economic policies, which influenced the cultural landscape. The era also saw advancements in technology, including the rise of personal computers, video games, and the beginning of the internet. These developments shaped the way people communicated, consumed media, and interacted with the world. Overall, the cultural shift of the 1980s encompassed a blend of musical innovation, technological progress, and societal changes. It was a decade marked by both nostalgia for the past and a relentless drive towards the future, encapsulated by the vibrant and diverse sounds of songs like “Diamond Girl” by Stevie B.

This episode of La Brega talks about the broken promises of the government of the United States. Starting with the ELA, the ELA was a commonwealth status that gave Puerto Rico some degree of autonomy while still being under the sovereignty of the United States. The ELA was established in 1952, and for many years, it was considered a symbol of Puerto Rican identity and self-determination. After the breaking of the ELA people quickly realized that the US did not care about Puerto Rico and only considered them a colony. This caused an economic crisis in Puerto Rico in which they were neck deep in debt. The uncertainty surrounding the future of Puerto Rico’s political status has created significant anxiety and tension for many Puerto Ricans. Those who advocate for statehood believe that it would provide more economic opportunities and greater political representation. However, others worry that statehood would mean losing some of Puerto Rico’s cultural identity and could lead to greater exploitation by the United States. The ongoing debt crisis has led to school and hospital closures, job losses, and cuts to social services, impacting the quality of life for many Puerto Ricans. Overall, the breaking of the ELA has had a complex and significant impact on the people of Puerto Rico, both in terms of their cultural identity and their daily lives.

My initial reaction to this episode was sort of a moment where I said to myself “of course they did”, It didn’t surprise me that the US had broken a promise in which they did not intend to keep in which created so many people to suffer not only economically but emotionally as well. The stories told in the episode touched my heart and kind of made me emotional. Coming from a family that had left their country to come to the US to live a better life I can understand the hurt and impact that the Puerto Ricans had felt.

My question is: Do you think that Puerto Rico is the only place in which the US has directly and indirectly destroyed? Why or Why not?