Manu Chao has been practicing more of a pared-down, uncluttered lifestyle that extends beyond material things into his emotional life, going forth with a pure heart and zero pretention. 

“Viva Tu,” or “long may you live” in Spanish, was a rumba written for his neighbors. A collector of “little bits” that eventually piece together into song, this one looks us in the eye with its candid pace and beautiful refrain. Today, while Manu Chao celebrates others, we thank him for all the great music and his forthcoming album, on his 63rd birthday.