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NEWSLETTER
Latin Music
LibraryPreviews.com
NEWSLETTER
Latin Music
POSTED 24 MAY 2001
"Gozo Poderoso"
Los Aterciopelados
Our price: $14.22 | You save: $0.75
...order here.
Celebrated Colombian alt-rock group Aterciopelados return with
their fifth album, which adds to their spicy multicultural mix.
Incorporating traditional Latin American rhythms with electrified
punk attitude and lead singer Andrea Echeverri's unique vocals,
Aterciopelados make Latin pop with an edge.
"Cruzando El Rio"
Radio Tarifa
Our price: $14.99 | You save: $2.98
...order here.
Since their inception, Spanish group Radio Tarifa have been
imagining a world in which Spain and North Africa existed in musical
harmony. Their latest release pushes their revisionist history even
further, creating a hypnotically opulent new reality.
"Mi Son"
Rick Trevino & Los Super Seven
Our price: $12.99 | You save: $3.98
...order here.
Texan Chicano Rick Treviño works his Latin roots on his new
album, "Mi Son." Reveling in his own cultural heritage, Treviño
incorporates Mexican instruments and song styles, such as ballads
and rancheras, on this lovely trip down memory lane.
"Malo Cantidad"
Carlos Manuel
Our price: $14.22 | You save: $0.75
...order here.
Cuban salsa hybrid sensation Carlos Manuel is set to storm the U.S.
with his vibrant sounds. After scoring a major hit in Havana with
the song "Malo Cantidad" (roughly translated as "I'm Bad"), Manuel's
high-voltage salsa collage has become the sound of the streets. The
creative singer incorporates hip-hop, son, and R&B elements into
his musical mix.
FREE DIGITAL MUSIC
Moreno Veloso, son of legendary Brazilian singer-songwriter Caetano
Veloso, does his father's legacy justice with his debut release,
"Music Typewriter." Veloso's angelic voice melds beautifully with
electrified bossa nova beats. Download "Arrivederci," a funky slab
of Brazilian pop.
... here.
Go to "Arrividerci" download
...order here.
Go to all Latin downloads
...order here.
LATINAS WITH ATTITUDE: MUSIC
"The Best"
La Lupe
Our price: $15.99
...order here.
Beloved by all who have ever heard her sing, 1960s Latin music diva
La Lupe is one of the most spirited singers ever recorded. Each wail
sends shivers up and down the spine. With her sassy vocal stylings
and her tormented, emotional delivery, she made each song come
alive. "Best" includes some of the Cuban queen's great work with the
orchestra of her ex-lover Tito Puente, among other groups. Soul by
the pound.
"Sobre El Fuego"
India
Our price: $14.22 | You save: $0.75
...order here.
Nuyorican salsa sensation India is one of the fiercest dance-floor
divas around, and her 1997 album "Sobre el Fuego" shows why. Salsa
may be "just" dance music, but India imbues it with powerful
meanings, using her rich, full voice to accentuate the saucy
rhythms.
LATINAS WITH ATTITUDE: FILM
"Girlfight"
Karyn Kusama
Our price: $104.99
...order here.
"Girlfight" is a movie about a woman without self-esteem issues.
Imagine that. The feistiest heroine that movie screens have seen in
recent years (compare her with the sniveling romantic Bridget
Jones), Michelle Rodriguez's character, Diana, packs a wollop. Angry
and anything but ladylike, her physical and emotional strength
demonstrate women's power in the face of adversity, and her street
sensibility will resonate with ladies of the hip-hop generation (and
anyone with a backbone).
"I Like It Like That"
Darnell Martin
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $0.96
...order here.
Lauren Velez's character, a New York Latina in a suffocating
relationship with few options, decides to rebel. She starts a job that
takes her outside of her natural radius and introduces her to her own
potential. "I Like It Like That" is a sassy, well-made movie that hits
where it hurts.
IN MEMORIAM
"Endangered Species [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Big Pun
Our price: $14.99 | You save: $3.98
...order here.
Bronx bomber Big Pun was the first Boricua MC to hit No. 1 on the
"Billboard" charts, for his '98 single "Still Not a Player." But he
was also a gifted lyricist whose remarkable breath control enabled
him to spit lengthy verses without a pause, as demonstrated on his
debut, "Capital Punishment." Though Pun clearly reveled in his
decadent lifestyle, he also set a precedent for Latino lyricists,
carving a new space for funky bilinguals in the mainstream.
"Endangered Species" provides an excellent overview of his work,
both solo and in collaboration with other artists such as the
Beatnuts.
Posted 26 APRIL 2001
"Abrazame Muy Fuerte"
Juan Gabriel
...order here.
Mexican legend Juan Gabriel returns with another gem, managing to
update his signature sound without losing his roots . Though Gabriel
goes without mariachi accompaniments on this release, his emotive
voice and these modern arrangements continue to capture the Mexican
spirit that he's been tapping for decades.
"De Vuelta Y Veulta"
Jarabe De Palo
...order here.
Barcelonan rock group Jarabe de Palo return with a follow-up to
their two previous hit albums, 1997's "La Flaca" and 1999's
"Depende." "De Vuelta Y Vuelta," features more of the blues rock and
poetic lyrics that have made them famous.
"La Historia"
Ricky Martin
...order here.
Sometimes people just sound better in their native language. Though
Ricky Martin's latin lover schtick may work for awhile in the
mainstream, his Spanish catalog shows much more depth and soul than
his latest pre-fab hits. "La Historia," a Spanish-language greatest
hits collection, is a good mix of dancefloor hits and balladry that
shows him at his best.
"Billboard Latin Music Awards 2001"
...order here.
The Billboard Latin Music Awards' "CD" unites selections from the
biggest stars of Latin American music, including Colombia's Paulina
Rubio, Mexican Luis Miguel and Nuyorican Marc Anthony.
FREE DIGITAL MUSIC
Ruben Gonzalez's latest, "Chanchullo," is more of the virtuoso's
elegant stylings, though in this collection the Cuban piano veteran
takes a more laid-back approach than he did with his gorgeous North
American debut, "Introducing...Ruben Gonzalez." Download
"Chanchullo," the collection's bustling title track, which features
Gonzalez providing robust piano solos that power the
percussion-heavy band.
Go to "Chanchullo" download
...order here.
Go to all Latin downloads
...order here.
POP EN ESPANOL
"Mi Reflejo"
Christina Aguilera
...order here.
On "Mi Reflejo," Christina Aguilera rediscovers her own Latin roots
(her dad's Ecuadorian) just in time to cash in on the Latin craze.
But she also shows that she's got more chops than most pop
princesses: her muscular vocals make these translations of her
English-language hits sound good, and elevate this collection from
cash grab to competent pop.
"On Time"
Ilegales
...order here.
Pleasing the party people since their first big hit, "La Morena,"
Dominican merenhouse unit Ilegales are back with "On Time," another
album of dancefloor heaters. They also toss in a couple of ballads,
which should get teenage hearts racing, without the aerobics of
merengue.
"Estilo Libre"
Eros Ramazzotti
...order here.
Eros Ramazzotti's nasal voice is one that you either love or you
hate. The surprisingly named Italian pop star records both in
Spanish and in Italian, and his latest, "Estilo Libre," combines a
harder rock feel with those unmistakable vocals.
EMI LATIN STORE SPOTLIGHT
"Live: The Last Concert [LIVE]"
Selena
...order here.
Selena's tragic story sometimes overshadows her musical abilities.
But her considerable talent and soulfulness are the qualities that
enable the queen of Tejano music to live on in the eyes of her fans.
"Live: The Last Concert" showcases her stunning ability to captivate
onstage. Fabulous from beginning to end.
Visit our EMI Latin label store
...order here.
BLAME IT ON THE BOSSA NOVA
"Vinicius"
Vinicius Cantuaria
...order here.
Brazilian legend Vinicius Cantuaria left Brazil in 1994 in order to
understand Brazilian music better, and he brings a luminous lucidity
to his latest project that indicates that he did the right thing. In
past lives, he has been a drummer for Caetano Veloso and a pop star
in his own right, but with "Vinicius" he is a subdued dreamer,
creating variations on the Brazilian musical theme that he imbues
with a special, subtle shimmer that makes the rhythms fresh like
morning dew.
"Music Typewriter"
Moreno Veloso + 2
...order here.
Taking after his father Caetano Veloso with his irreverent wit and
divine voice, Moreno Veloso's debut, "Music Typewriter," sauces up
Brazilian rhythms with shots of electronica and jazz. Veloso's
angelic voice and these new school arrangements make beautiful music
together.
FEED YOUR MUSICAL APPETITE
The newest titles, the hottest bands, our favorite discoveries--let
our expert editors e-mail you the best of the music world with
Delivers. Choose your favorite genres to begin receiving more e-mail
recommendations.
Also, check out the New & Future Releases page to view titles
by release date, catch the latest digital downloads, investigate the
coolest new reissues, and more.
...order here.
"Coleccion Romantica"
Juan Luis Guerra
...order here.
Legendary Dominican merenguero Juan Luis Guerra certainly has enough romantic material in his vaults to sustain a great "Coleccion Romantica," and with this one he demonstrates his potent poeticism. This collection, which is dominated by ballads, allows Guerra's beautiful voice to take center stage, and it demonstrates his willingness and ability to experiment with different musical rhythms and excel in all of them.
"Canto"
Los Super Seven
...order here.
Los Super Seven were formed as a supergroup of predominantly Mexican American musicians. But now, in their second collection, "Canto," they've added artists from other musical traditions to the mix, creating a disc that sometimes plays like the soundtrack to a nostalgic evening in the cantina of an anonymous mountain village and at other times sounds like the future sound of Latin America. Peruvian singer Susana Bacas, Brazilian legend Caetano Veloso, and Cuban American pianist Albert Salas add depth to the mix.
"Jerry Rivera"
Jerry Rivera
...order here.
Puerto Rican singer Jerry Rivera has developed a considerable fan base as a salsero, so his latest project (on his new label, BMG Latin) has come as something of a surprise to many of his fans. "Rivera" proposes heartthrob Jerry as a new Latin pop king, and producer Bebu Silvetti provides him with swoony ballads and mid-tempo pop numbers. Rivera's substantial vocals work well here, but fans of his salsa career beware: this is a whole new Jerry.
FREE DIGITAL MUSIC
"Mardi Gras Mambo" is the brainchild of maverick trumpeter and Cubanismo! bandleader Jesus Alemany and the Yockamo All Stars' Mark Bingham, and this meeting of the musical tales of two cities--Havana and New Orleans--works very well. Both traditions are rooted in sonorous African rhythms, so the combination of a decadent New Orleans boogie with a voluptuous Havana rumba makes sense--
...go here.
"Marie Leveaux" perfectly captures the free-flowing fun of these cross-cultural sessions in the Big Easy. Download this highlight from "Mardi Gras Mambo."
...go here.
Go to all Latin downloads
...go here.
LATIN ALTERNATIVES
"Escena Alterlatina..."
Various Artists
...order here.
Demonstrating the diversity of Latin "alternative" music, "Escena Alterlatina" includes funkdafied hip-hop from L.A.-based Delinquent Habits and alt-folk from Mexican Julieta Venegas, and each track is a potent reminder that people outside the English-speaking world are making edgy, inventive, eclectic music. A great introduction to what lies beneath the mariachi 'n' mambo stereotypes.
"A Lo Cubano"
Orishas
...order here.
Cuban quartet Orishas prove that rap in Spanish can be just as tight as rap en ingles. On "A Lo Cubano," whose great beats unite Latin sabor with hip-hop attitude, the Orishas achieve an unusual, excellent balance of the familiar and the extraordinary. Plus, their reworking of Nas's "Represent" proves that they have hip-hop chops.
SALSA SPOTLIGHT
"Heavy Salsa"
Sonora Carruseles
...order here.
Cali, Columbia-based Sonora Carruseles' debut means exactly what it says. This is "Heavy Salsa" at its best, in the tradition of 1970s New York legends like Willie Colón and Ruben Blades. While weak-kneed salsa-lite, with its sugar-coated singers and plasticized beats, has gained favor in North America and the Caribbean, the Columbians keep it real, with relentless rhythm sections and the baddest of boogaloos. A great discovery for any serious salsa fan, Sonora Carruseles have what it takes to keep a party on its feet.
"Con Todos Los Hierros"
Sonora Carruseles
...order here.
Back with another excellent album, Sonora Carruseles prove once again that they are among the best in the business, with the hottest, fiercest salsa around and some comely cumbias to boot. Including tributes to Nuyorican heavy-hitters like Pete Rodriguez, Sonora Carruseles leave no doubts as to where their inspiration comes from. Eschewing pop flavor, they combine a punishing horn section, great voices, and tighter-than-Lycra arrangements. This group continues to amaze. Every track is a winner: they're like the JBs of salsa.
See our Fierce Columbian Salsa List
...order here.
GREATEST HITS: PUERTO RICAN SALSEROS, PAST AND PRESENT
"Aniversario 45"
La Sonora Poncena
...order here.
This live recording celebrates the 45-year career of this Puerto Rican salsa dynasty. "Aniversario 45" was recorded last year at the Tito Puente Amphitheatre in San Juan, and this marathon set illustrates La Sonora's prowess in many different rhythms, from salsa, to "plena," to "bomba" to Latin jazz jams, and it all sounds spectacular, with veteran leader Papo Lucca on the piano. It's a pleasure to be able to hear the history of Latin music as interpreted by one amazing group.
"No Me Olvidaras"
Rivera,Jerry
...order here.
For those dismayed by Jerry Rivera's recent conversion into a ballad-belting popster, Sony Discos, his old label, presents his 20 greatest salsa hits in this collection, "No Me Olvidaras." Though it retreads the territory of 2000's "Oro Salsero," for new listeners it's a great introduction to Rivera's upbeat salsa.
MUSIC FOR THE DOGS
"Amores Perros (2000 Film) [SOUNDTRACK]"
Various Artists - Soundtracks
...go here.
It's fitting that the most important Latin American film in years should have an amazing soundtrack, given the preoccupation Latins have with music and director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's history as a radio DJ. This soundtrack is almost as frenetic as the movie itself, which depicts a high-speed crash between Latin tradition (Celia Cruz) and futurism (Illya Kuryaki). Visionary without being alienating, this raw and romantic soundtrack is a fitting accompaniment to the movie that will define Mexico City in the minds of countless foreign fans.
NEW & FUTURE RELEASES DELIVERS
Sign up for our weekly New & Future Releases Delivers mailing, so you'll always be in the know when it comes to the hottest titles every week.
...go here.
POSTED 24 MAY 2001
"Gozo Poderoso"
Los Aterciopelados
Our price: $14.22 | You save: $0.75
...order here.
Celebrated Colombian alt-rock group Aterciopelados return with
their fifth album, which adds to their spicy multicultural mix.
Incorporating traditional Latin American rhythms with electrified
punk attitude and lead singer Andrea Echeverri's unique vocals,
Aterciopelados make Latin pop with an edge.
"Cruzando El Rio"
Radio Tarifa
Our price: $14.99 | You save: $2.98
...order here.
Since their inception, Spanish group Radio Tarifa have been
imagining a world in which Spain and North Africa existed in musical
harmony. Their latest release pushes their revisionist history even
further, creating a hypnotically opulent new reality.
"Mi Son"
Rick Trevino & Los Super Seven
Our price: $12.99 | You save: $3.98
...order here.
Texan Chicano Rick Treviño works his Latin roots on his new
album, "Mi Son." Reveling in his own cultural heritage, Treviño
incorporates Mexican instruments and song styles, such as ballads
and rancheras, on this lovely trip down memory lane.
"Malo Cantidad"
Carlos Manuel
Our price: $14.22 | You save: $0.75
...order here.
Cuban salsa hybrid sensation Carlos Manuel is set to storm the U.S.
with his vibrant sounds. After scoring a major hit in Havana with
the song "Malo Cantidad" (roughly translated as "I'm Bad"), Manuel's
high-voltage salsa collage has become the sound of the streets. The
creative singer incorporates hip-hop, son, and R&B elements into
his musical mix.
FREE DIGITAL MUSIC
Moreno Veloso, son of legendary Brazilian singer-songwriter Caetano
Veloso, does his father's legacy justice with his debut release,
"Music Typewriter." Veloso's angelic voice melds beautifully with
electrified bossa nova beats. Download "Arrivederci," a funky slab
of Brazilian pop.
... here.
Go to "Arrividerci" download
...order here.
Go to all Latin downloads
...order here.
LATINAS WITH ATTITUDE: MUSIC
"The Best"
La Lupe
Our price: $15.99
...order here.
Beloved by all who have ever heard her sing, 1960s Latin music diva
La Lupe is one of the most spirited singers ever recorded. Each wail
sends shivers up and down the spine. With her sassy vocal stylings
and her tormented, emotional delivery, she made each song come
alive. "Best" includes some of the Cuban queen's great work with the
orchestra of her ex-lover Tito Puente, among other groups. Soul by
the pound.
"Sobre El Fuego"
India
Our price: $14.22 | You save: $0.75
...order here.
Nuyorican salsa sensation India is one of the fiercest dance-floor
divas around, and her 1997 album "Sobre el Fuego" shows why. Salsa
may be "just" dance music, but India imbues it with powerful
meanings, using her rich, full voice to accentuate the saucy
rhythms.
LATINAS WITH ATTITUDE: FILM
"Girlfight"
Karyn Kusama
Our price: $104.99
...order here.
"Girlfight" is a movie about a woman without self-esteem issues.
Imagine that. The feistiest heroine that movie screens have seen in
recent years (compare her with the sniveling romantic Bridget
Jones), Michelle Rodriguez's character, Diana, packs a wollop. Angry
and anything but ladylike, her physical and emotional strength
demonstrate women's power in the face of adversity, and her street
sensibility will resonate with ladies of the hip-hop generation (and
anyone with a backbone).
"I Like It Like That"
Darnell Martin
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $0.96
...order here.
Lauren Velez's character, a New York Latina in a suffocating
relationship with few options, decides to rebel. She starts a job that
takes her outside of her natural radius and introduces her to her own
potential. "I Like It Like That" is a sassy, well-made movie that hits
where it hurts.
IN MEMORIAM
"Endangered Species [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Big Pun
Our price: $14.99 | You save: $3.98
...order here.
Bronx bomber Big Pun was the first Boricua MC to hit No. 1 on the
"Billboard" charts, for his '98 single "Still Not a Player." But he
was also a gifted lyricist whose remarkable breath control enabled
him to spit lengthy verses without a pause, as demonstrated on his
debut, "Capital Punishment." Though Pun clearly reveled in his
decadent lifestyle, he also set a precedent for Latino lyricists,
carving a new space for funky bilinguals in the mainstream.
"Endangered Species" provides an excellent overview of his work,
both solo and in collaboration with other artists such as the
Beatnuts.
Posted 26 APRIL 2001
"Abrazame Muy Fuerte"
Juan Gabriel
...order here.
Mexican legend Juan Gabriel returns with another gem, managing to
update his signature sound without losing his roots . Though Gabriel
goes without mariachi accompaniments on this release, his emotive
voice and these modern arrangements continue to capture the Mexican
spirit that he's been tapping for decades.
"De Vuelta Y Veulta"
Jarabe De Palo
...order here.
Barcelonan rock group Jarabe de Palo return with a follow-up to
their two previous hit albums, 1997's "La Flaca" and 1999's
"Depende." "De Vuelta Y Vuelta," features more of the blues rock and
poetic lyrics that have made them famous.
"La Historia"
Ricky Martin
...order here.
Sometimes people just sound better in their native language. Though
Ricky Martin's latin lover schtick may work for awhile in the
mainstream, his Spanish catalog shows much more depth and soul than
his latest pre-fab hits. "La Historia," a Spanish-language greatest
hits collection, is a good mix of dancefloor hits and balladry that
shows him at his best.
"Billboard Latin Music Awards 2001"
...order here.
The Billboard Latin Music Awards' "CD" unites selections from the
biggest stars of Latin American music, including Colombia's Paulina
Rubio, Mexican Luis Miguel and Nuyorican Marc Anthony.
FREE DIGITAL MUSIC
Ruben Gonzalez's latest, "Chanchullo," is more of the virtuoso's
elegant stylings, though in this collection the Cuban piano veteran
takes a more laid-back approach than he did with his gorgeous North
American debut, "Introducing...Ruben Gonzalez." Download
"Chanchullo," the collection's bustling title track, which features
Gonzalez providing robust piano solos that power the
percussion-heavy band.
Go to "Chanchullo" download
...order here.
Go to all Latin downloads
...order here.
POP EN ESPANOL
"Mi Reflejo"
Christina Aguilera
...order here.
On "Mi Reflejo," Christina Aguilera rediscovers her own Latin roots
(her dad's Ecuadorian) just in time to cash in on the Latin craze.
But she also shows that she's got more chops than most pop
princesses: her muscular vocals make these translations of her
English-language hits sound good, and elevate this collection from
cash grab to competent pop.
"On Time"
Ilegales
...order here.
Pleasing the party people since their first big hit, "La Morena,"
Dominican merenhouse unit Ilegales are back with "On Time," another
album of dancefloor heaters. They also toss in a couple of ballads,
which should get teenage hearts racing, without the aerobics of
merengue.
"Estilo Libre"
Eros Ramazzotti
...order here.
Eros Ramazzotti's nasal voice is one that you either love or you
hate. The surprisingly named Italian pop star records both in
Spanish and in Italian, and his latest, "Estilo Libre," combines a
harder rock feel with those unmistakable vocals.
EMI LATIN STORE SPOTLIGHT
"Live: The Last Concert [LIVE]"
Selena
...order here.
Selena's tragic story sometimes overshadows her musical abilities.
But her considerable talent and soulfulness are the qualities that
enable the queen of Tejano music to live on in the eyes of her fans.
"Live: The Last Concert" showcases her stunning ability to captivate
onstage. Fabulous from beginning to end.
Visit our EMI Latin label store
...order here.
BLAME IT ON THE BOSSA NOVA
"Vinicius"
Vinicius Cantuaria
...order here.
Brazilian legend Vinicius Cantuaria left Brazil in 1994 in order to
understand Brazilian music better, and he brings a luminous lucidity
to his latest project that indicates that he did the right thing. In
past lives, he has been a drummer for Caetano Veloso and a pop star
in his own right, but with "Vinicius" he is a subdued dreamer,
creating variations on the Brazilian musical theme that he imbues
with a special, subtle shimmer that makes the rhythms fresh like
morning dew.
"Music Typewriter"
Moreno Veloso + 2
...order here.
Taking after his father Caetano Veloso with his irreverent wit and
divine voice, Moreno Veloso's debut, "Music Typewriter," sauces up
Brazilian rhythms with shots of electronica and jazz. Veloso's
angelic voice and these new school arrangements make beautiful music
together.
FEED YOUR MUSICAL APPETITE
The newest titles, the hottest bands, our favorite discoveries--let
our expert editors e-mail you the best of the music world with
Delivers. Choose your favorite genres to begin receiving more e-mail
recommendations.
Also, check out the New & Future Releases page to view titles
by release date, catch the latest digital downloads, investigate the
coolest new reissues, and more.
...order here.
"Coleccion Romantica"
Juan Luis Guerra
...order here.
Legendary Dominican merenguero Juan Luis Guerra certainly has enough romantic material in his vaults to sustain a great "Coleccion Romantica," and with this one he demonstrates his potent poeticism. This collection, which is dominated by ballads, allows Guerra's beautiful voice to take center stage, and it demonstrates his willingness and ability to experiment with different musical rhythms and excel in all of them.
"Canto"
Los Super Seven
...order here.
Los Super Seven were formed as a supergroup of predominantly Mexican American musicians. But now, in their second collection, "Canto," they've added artists from other musical traditions to the mix, creating a disc that sometimes plays like the soundtrack to a nostalgic evening in the cantina of an anonymous mountain village and at other times sounds like the future sound of Latin America. Peruvian singer Susana Bacas, Brazilian legend Caetano Veloso, and Cuban American pianist Albert Salas add depth to the mix.
"Jerry Rivera"
Jerry Rivera
...order here.
Puerto Rican singer Jerry Rivera has developed a considerable fan base as a salsero, so his latest project (on his new label, BMG Latin) has come as something of a surprise to many of his fans. "Rivera" proposes heartthrob Jerry as a new Latin pop king, and producer Bebu Silvetti provides him with swoony ballads and mid-tempo pop numbers. Rivera's substantial vocals work well here, but fans of his salsa career beware: this is a whole new Jerry.
FREE DIGITAL MUSIC
"Mardi Gras Mambo" is the brainchild of maverick trumpeter and Cubanismo! bandleader Jesus Alemany and the Yockamo All Stars' Mark Bingham, and this meeting of the musical tales of two cities--Havana and New Orleans--works very well. Both traditions are rooted in sonorous African rhythms, so the combination of a decadent New Orleans boogie with a voluptuous Havana rumba makes sense--
...go here.
"Marie Leveaux" perfectly captures the free-flowing fun of these cross-cultural sessions in the Big Easy. Download this highlight from "Mardi Gras Mambo."
...go here.
Go to all Latin downloads
...go here.
LATIN ALTERNATIVES
"Escena Alterlatina..."
Various Artists
...order here.
Demonstrating the diversity of Latin "alternative" music, "Escena Alterlatina" includes funkdafied hip-hop from L.A.-based Delinquent Habits and alt-folk from Mexican Julieta Venegas, and each track is a potent reminder that people outside the English-speaking world are making edgy, inventive, eclectic music. A great introduction to what lies beneath the mariachi 'n' mambo stereotypes.
"A Lo Cubano"
Orishas
...order here.
Cuban quartet Orishas prove that rap in Spanish can be just as tight as rap en ingles. On "A Lo Cubano," whose great beats unite Latin sabor with hip-hop attitude, the Orishas achieve an unusual, excellent balance of the familiar and the extraordinary. Plus, their reworking of Nas's "Represent" proves that they have hip-hop chops.
SALSA SPOTLIGHT
"Heavy Salsa"
Sonora Carruseles
...order here.
Cali, Columbia-based Sonora Carruseles' debut means exactly what it says. This is "Heavy Salsa" at its best, in the tradition of 1970s New York legends like Willie Colón and Ruben Blades. While weak-kneed salsa-lite, with its sugar-coated singers and plasticized beats, has gained favor in North America and the Caribbean, the Columbians keep it real, with relentless rhythm sections and the baddest of boogaloos. A great discovery for any serious salsa fan, Sonora Carruseles have what it takes to keep a party on its feet.
"Con Todos Los Hierros"
Sonora Carruseles
...order here.
Back with another excellent album, Sonora Carruseles prove once again that they are among the best in the business, with the hottest, fiercest salsa around and some comely cumbias to boot. Including tributes to Nuyorican heavy-hitters like Pete Rodriguez, Sonora Carruseles leave no doubts as to where their inspiration comes from. Eschewing pop flavor, they combine a punishing horn section, great voices, and tighter-than-Lycra arrangements. This group continues to amaze. Every track is a winner: they're like the JBs of salsa.
See our Fierce Columbian Salsa List
...order here.
GREATEST HITS: PUERTO RICAN SALSEROS, PAST AND PRESENT
"Aniversario 45"
La Sonora Poncena
...order here.
This live recording celebrates the 45-year career of this Puerto Rican salsa dynasty. "Aniversario 45" was recorded last year at the Tito Puente Amphitheatre in San Juan, and this marathon set illustrates La Sonora's prowess in many different rhythms, from salsa, to "plena," to "bomba" to Latin jazz jams, and it all sounds spectacular, with veteran leader Papo Lucca on the piano. It's a pleasure to be able to hear the history of Latin music as interpreted by one amazing group.
"No Me Olvidaras"
Rivera,Jerry
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For those dismayed by Jerry Rivera's recent conversion into a ballad-belting popster, Sony Discos, his old label, presents his 20 greatest salsa hits in this collection, "No Me Olvidaras." Though it retreads the territory of 2000's "Oro Salsero," for new listeners it's a great introduction to Rivera's upbeat salsa.
MUSIC FOR THE DOGS
"Amores Perros (2000 Film) [SOUNDTRACK]"
Various Artists - Soundtracks
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It's fitting that the most important Latin American film in years should have an amazing soundtrack, given the preoccupation Latins have with music and director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's history as a radio DJ. This soundtrack is almost as frenetic as the movie itself, which depicts a high-speed crash between Latin tradition (Celia Cruz) and futurism (Illya Kuryaki). Visionary without being alienating, this raw and romantic soundtrack is a fitting accompaniment to the movie that will define Mexico City in the minds of countless foreign fans.
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editor, Elizabeth Mendez Berry © 2001, amazon.com and ncdn associates of amazon.com,bn,tower,cdnow
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reviews excerpted are copyright © 2001 amazon.com & associate ncdn and CDnow, TowerRecords, Barnes & Nobel associates