Argentine Rocker Opts for the Safe Side : Pop Music: Miguel Mateos chooses to stay within the confines of the mainstream at the Greek Theatre.

Two years ago, Argentine rocker Miguel Mateos became one of the first “rock en espanol” acts to test the waters in “el norte,” playing a successful gig at the Palace. Next, he conquered the Palladium. On Friday, he climbed another rung up the ladder and played to an enthusiastic crowd at the Greek Theatre. It appears that “rock en espanol” continues its Stateside ascendancy.

Such is not necessarily true of Mateos’ artistic sensibilities, however. In the late ‘70s, Argentina spawned a generation of gifted rockers, including Charly Garcia and Leon Gieco, both masters at intertwining two of rock’s most enduring themes: social and moral revolution. Mateos, of that same generation, seems content to stay within the confines of a mainstream rock that’s lost its rebellious vigor.

Mateos’ sound is identifiably within the Sting School of Rock: melodic choruses give way to a little funkiness, a little old-fashioned rock anger, a little dark lyricism. But no path is followed to its limit, and so the music winds up being just that--limited.

The result of these artistic choices is that Miguel Mateos is currently the darling of Mexico’s Televisa, the largest media conglomerate in Latin America, while more original and adventurous acts remain on the margins. The old argument about “selling out” is applicable here. It appears that Mateos is being molded by the media, and not the other way around.