VA - Strictly Breaks Vol. 01-11 [1997-2005] (11 x CDs)

DEFINITIVE COLLECTORS BOX

VA - Strictly Breaks Vol. 01-11 [1997-2005] (11 x CDs)

The Strictly Breaks series, launched in the late 1990s, is a foundational crate-digging anthology, an unofficial but deeply influential set of vinyl compilations that spotlight rare grooves, open drum breaks, and sample-rich tracks across funk, soul, jazz, disco, and rock. Modeled after the legendary Ultimate Breaks & Beats series, Strictly Breaks expands the palette, offering DJs and producers a deeper, more eclectic reservoir of loopable moments and sonic textures.

Across its volumes, the series favors obscurity over familiarity. While a few well-known cuts like Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho Theme sneak in, most selections are drawn from under-the-radar LP tracks, B-sides, and forgotten album cuts, each chosen for its rhythmic potency or sample potential. The curators clearly understood the alchemy of the break: not just isolated drum passages, but grooves with emotional weight, tonal character, and room for reinterpretation. That ethos made the series a go-to for hip hop producers in search of fresh loops and for collectors chasing the DNA of their favorite beats.

What sets Strictly Breaks apart is its refusal to settle into genre orthodoxy. You’ll find psychedelic soul next to cinematic jazz, Latin funk rubbing shoulders with obscure pop, all unified by a shared “funkiness” that defies easy categorization. The sequencing across volumes is loose but purposeful, encouraging discovery rather than dictating narrative. Each LP feels like a private stash cracked open for public use.

Though unofficial, the series has become a reference point in sample culture, influencing beatmakers, archivists, and reissue labels alike. It’s not just a collection—it’s a toolkit, a listening ritual, and a sonic map of the grooves that shaped underground music. For those who build from the past, Strictly Breaks remains essential. (B)

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Track lists

Vol. 01

01 Mort Stevens and His Orchestra - The Long Wait 2:09

02 Sylvia Striplin - You Can't Turn Me Away 5:22

03 David Axelrod - The Smile 0:24

04 Jeff Lorber - Rain Dance 4:35

05 Cal Tjader - Morning 3:23

06 Quincy Jones - Summer in the City 4:00

07 Lonnie Liston Smith - Garden of Peace 2:19

08 David Porter - I'm Afraid the Masquerade is Over 5:13

09 Shelly Manne - Mask 0:40

10 Joe Williams - Get Out My Life Woman 3:14

11 Tyrone Davis - In the Mood 4:04

12 Drums of Death - Bonus Beat 1:00

Vol. 02

01 Main Ingredient - Summer Breeze 3:07

02 Dynasty - Adventures in the Land of Music 3:14

03 Grace Jones - My Jamaican Guy (skit) 1:29

04 Milt Jackson - Enchanted Lady 5:03

05 John Klemmer - Free Soul 3:12

06 Marva Whitney - Unwind Yourself 2:15

07 Ramsey Lewis - The Mighty Quinn 3:09

08 Jean-Jacques Perrey - E.V.A. 3:03

09 Brick - Fun (skit) 2:02

10 Ohio Players - Funky Worm 2:42

11 Jeff Lorber - Night Love 3:23

12 Roy Ayers - Searching 4:02

Vol. 03

01 Seals & Crofts - Sweet Green Fields 4:10

02 Love Unlimited Orchestra - I Did it for Love 2:16

03 Screamin  Jay Hawkins - I Put a Spell on You 2:25

04 Barry White - Killers Lullaby 1:36

05 Unlimited Touch - I Hear Music in the Streets 3:24

06 Meters - Just Kissed My Baby 3:02

07 Steely Dan - Black Cow 3:13

08 Kool & the Gang - Hollywood Swinging 3:12

09 Carl Carlton - She's a Bad Mama Jama 3:25

10 Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out 3:23

11 The Treacherous Three - The Body Rock 0:38

12 Charmels - I'll Never Grow Old 2:36

13 Leon Haywood - I Want 2 Do Something Freaky 2 U 3:13

14 Monk Higgins - Little Green Apples 3:16

Vol. 04

01 Bob James - Shamboozie 2:56

02 Labi Siffre - I Got the Blues 5:35

03 Buddy Baker - Sign Song 1:01

04 Extra T s - E.T. Boogie 2:53

05 Les McCann - Vallarta 0:39

06 Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand the Rain 2:21

07 Rhythm - The World is a Place 2:01

08 Zulema - American Fruit, African Roots 2:40

09 Delfonics - Ready or Not 1:53

10 Ahmad Jamal - Pastures 0:59

11 Ohio Players - Little Lady Maria 1:07

12 Curtis Mayfield - Tripping Out 6:43

13 Eddie Harris - Lovely is Today 4:19

14 Jack Bruce - Born to Be Blue 1:03

15 Lalo Schifrin - Danube Incident 1:49

16 Brother  Jack McDuff - Strolling 1:36

Vol. 05

01 Curtis Mayfield - Right on for the Darkness 2:57

02 Cecil Holmes - Call Me, Come Back Home 2:31

03 Al Green - Love and Happiness 2:25

04 Joe Simon - Drowning in the Sea of Love 2:37

05 B.T. Express - Everything Good to You 2:48

06 Willie Mitchell - Groovin' 2:53

07 Nona Hendryx - Transformation 3:13

08 Bill Conti - Going the Distance 2:36

09 George Duke - Reach for It 2:53

10 Bobby Caldwell - My Flame 2:53

11 Cal Tjader - Django 0:57

12 Stevie Wonder - Too High 3:00

13 Larry Young - Turn Off the Lights 2:57

14 Chocolate Milk - Action Speaks Louder Than Words 2:52

Vol. 06

01 Brenda Russell - A Little Bit of Love 3:04

02 Tami Lynn - Light My Fire 3:02

03 Dexter Wansel - New Beginning 3:26

04 Thom Bell - Moses Theme 3:45

05 Earth, Wind & Fire - On Your Face 3:09

06 Jacques Brel - Vieillir 1:04

07 Troggs - Rolling Stone 2:05

08 Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime 3:17

09 Gwen McCrae - I've Got Nothing to Lose but the Blues 3:31

10 Dells - Free and Easy 3:11

11 Jerry Butler - I'm Your Mechanical Man 3:19

12 Dee Felice Trio - There Was a Time 2:48

13 Harold Wheeler - Black Cream 2:44

Vol. 07

01 Ramon Morris - Don t Ask Me 2:52

02 Love Unlimited Orchestra - Midnight Groove 3:32

03 Steve Arrington - Weak at the Knees 3:16

04 Jean Carne - Don t Let it Go to Your Head 3:08

05 Steve Khan - Darling, Darling Baby 3:45

06 Roy Ayers - Life is Just a Moment, Part 2 2:26

07 Charles Strouse - It s the Hard Knock Life 2:20

08 Love Childs Afro Cuban Blues Band - Somethings Got to Give 4:02

09 Parliament - Come in Out of the Rain 2:41

10 Supremes - It s Time to Break Down 3:17

11 Love Unlimited - Under the Influence of Love 3:01

12 Diana Ross - My Hero is a Gun 3:13

Vol. 08

01 Enoch Light - Hi-Jack 3:05

02 Ronald Stein - Pigs Go Home 0:40

03 Barry White - I Wanna Stay 3:07

04 J.B. s - Blow Your Head 4:40

05 Don Randi - The Fox 3:40

06 Les McCann - The Morning Song 2:19

07 Buster Williams - Vibrations 3:43

08 George McCrae & Gwen McCrae - The Rub 3:35

09 Bernard Herrmann - Psycho 1:32

10 Pablo Today - Love Till Tomorrow 3:17

11 Coasters - Down Home Girl 3:11

12 Big John Hamilton - Big Bad John 2:27

Vol. 09

01 Claudja Barry - Love for the Sake of Love 5:05

02 David McCallum - The Edge 2:48

03 Jos  Feliciano - Esto es el guaguanc 3:43

04 John Taylor - Notorious 2:44

05 Graham Nash - Chicago 2:37

06 Al Wilson - My Song 3:40

07 Lionel Bart - Anything 2:31

08 Dr. Buzzard s Original Savannah Band - Cherchez La Femme 3:22

09 Kool & the Gang - N.T. 2:52

10 J.B. s - (It's Not the Express) It's the J.B.'s Monaurail 3:10

11 Joe Thomas - Polarizer 3:21

12 Barry De Vorzon - Nadia's Theme 3:21

Vol. 10

01 Detroit Emeralds - You're Getting a Little Too Smart 3:31

02 Michael Quatro - Stripper 2:32

03 Paul Butterfield - I Don't Wanna Go 4:29

04 Dorothy Ashby - Cause I Need It 2:53

05 Ripple - It Sure is Funky 3:12

06 John Kasandra - Down Home Up's 2:33

07 [unknown] - Under the Cherry Moon 1:30

08 Bernard Wright - Hoboclabotribin 3:10

09 Donald Byrd - Dominoes 4:23

10 Dr. John - Right Place, Wrong Time 2:47

11 Fatback - How to Dance 2:48

12 Idris Muhammad - Crab Apple 3:23

Vol. 11

01 Trammps - Rubberband 3:43

02 Meters - Oh, Calcutta! 2:50

03 Shirley Brown - Diamonds Are Forever 2:38

04 Jerry Butler - No Money Down 3:02

05 Supertramp - Crime of the Century 3:02

06 Toshoyuki Honda - Thunder Kiss 3:05

07 Johnny  Guitar  Watson - Lovin' You 2:58

08 Boney M. - Sonny 3:08

09 Gong - Mandrake 4:44

10 Main Ingredient - Let Me Prove My Love 2:58

11 Franck Pourcel - Diamonds Are Forever 3:19

12 John Scott - Tearaway 1:32

13 Best of Both Worlds - Naked Truth 2:40

14 ManDrill - Movement 4 3:05

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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VA - Cuba Son, Les Enregistrements Fondateurs Du Son Afro-Cubain 1926-1962 [2019] (3 x CDs)

LATIN

VA - Cuba Son, Les Enregistrements Fondateurs Du Son Afro-Cubain 1926-1962 [2019] (3 x CDs)

This 3-CD set from Frémeaux & Associés isn’t just a compilation—it’s a time capsule. Cuba Son gathers 64 foundational recordings that trace the evolution of Afro-Cuban son from its earliest shellac sides in the 1920s to its golden maturity in the early '60s. Curated by Bruno Blum, the set offers a panoramic view of Cuba’s most influential genre, blending West African rhythms with Spanish melodies to form what many consider the island’s soul music.

The tracklist reads like a who’s who of son pioneers: Sexteto Boloña, Septeto Habanero, Arsenio Rodríguez, Conjunto Casino, and Celia Cruz all appear in their formative phases. You get Abelardo Barroso’s “El Manisero,” Chano Pozo’s explosive “Sácale Brillo al Piso Teresa,” and Compay Segundo’s early work with Los Compadres. These aren’t polished studio artifacts—they’re raw, vibrant, and often pulled from aluminum and acetate sources, giving the set a tactile sense of history.

What makes this release special is its scope. It doesn’t just spotlight Havana’s big names, it reaches into Santiago, Matanzas, and beyond, capturing regional variations and lesser-known ensembles that helped shape the genre. The liner notes (in French and English) dig deep into the political and cultural backdrop, including how son was once suppressed for its Afro-Cuban roots before becoming a national symbol.

For archivists, it’s a goldmine. For listeners, it’s a journey through the heartbeat of pre-revolution Cuba. And for anyone chasing the roots of salsa, rumba, or Latin jazz, Cuba Son is where the story begins. (B)

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Track lists

CD1

01 Sexteto Bolana - Quiereme, Camagueyana 3:11

02 Sexteto Habanero - Eres Mi Lira Armoniosa 3:35

03 Septeto Habanero - El Tomatero 3:17

04 Orquesta Casino De La Playa - Bruca Manigua 3:10

05 Chano Pozo - Sacale Brillo Al Piso Teresa 2:33

06 Conjunto Casino - Ay! Nicolas 3:10

07 Arsenio Rodriguez - Adivinalo 3:11

08 Arsenio Rodriguez - No Me Llores Más 3:20

09 Arsenio Rodriguez - Llevatelo Todo 3:24

10 Bienvenido Granda - El Velorio 2:53

11 Celia Cruz - El Cumbanchero 2:47

12 Dúo Los Compadres - Yo Canto En El Llano 3:04

13 Myrta Silva - Que Corto Es El Amor 2:53

14 Conjunto Chapottin - Mentiras Criollas 3:01

15 Celia Cruz - Burundanga 2:40

16 Conjunto Casino - Alto Songo 3:07

17 Conjunto tipico Habanero - El Huerfanito 2:44

18 Conjunto tipico Habanero - Galan Galan 2:43

19 Sexteto Tipico Habanero - Elena La Cumbanchera 2:50

20 Ignacio Pineiro - Echale Salsita 4:01

21 Ignacio Pineiro - Esas No Son Cubanos 3:24

22 Celia Cruz - Caramelo A Kilo 2:42

23 Maria Teresa Vera - Ella Y Yo 2:42

24 Bienvenido Granda - Que Es El Amor 2:51

CD2

01 Celia Cruz - Nuevo Ritmo Omelenko 3:02

02 Bienvenido Granda - Bailaras 3:00

03 Laito Sureda - Cancaneito Can 2:54

04 Celia Cruz - Juancito Trucupey 2:44

05 Trío Matamoros - Mama, Son De La Loma 3:38

06 Celia Cruz - Mi Soncito 2:41

07 Celia Cruz - Sandungueate 2:42

08 Abelardo Barroso - El Manisero (The Peanut Vendor) 3:09

09 Ignacio Pineiro - Canta La Vueltabajera 4:22

10 Nelson Pinedo - Sixto El Caramelero 2:46

11 Orquesta Sublime - Saca la Lengua 2:43

12 Fantasmita - Gueita Caiman 2:32

13 Conjunto Casino - La Quija 3:11

14 Joe Valle - Felicidades 2:50

15 Conjunto Marquetti - Que No Muera El Son 2:39

16 Conjunto Marquetti - Por Que Me Siento Cubano 2:45

17 Conjunto Casino - Goza Mi Son Montuno 2:51

18 Orquesta Rey Díaz Calvet - Mulata Linda 3:13

19 Grupo Campay Segundo - San Luisera 2:47

20 Grupo Campay Segundo - Voy Pa' Mayari 3:06

21 Conjunto Marquetti - Aprietala En El Rincón 2:49

22 Bienvenido Granda - Eso Se Hincha 2:54

23 Orquesta Novedades - Echale Grasa 2:43

24 Chapottín y sus estrellas - Mentiras Criollas 2:59

CD3

01 Los Compadres - Amor Silvestre 3:08

02 Los Compadres - Linda Sobedia 2:04

03 El Indio Nabori - Guajira Guantanamera 3:22

04 Miguelito Cuni - El Diablo Tun Tun 2:46

05 Chapottín y sus estrellas - Nico Cadenon 3:02

06 Chapottín y sus estrellas - Mariquitas Y Chicharrones 2:51

07 Cheo Marquetti - Sonero 2:55

08 Celia Cruz - El Congo 2:34

09 Celia Cruz - Ven Bernabe 2:52

10 Pío Leyva - Pescadores De Camaron 2:54

11 Celia Cruz - Resurge El Omelenko 2:49

12 Pío Leyva - A Comer Chicharron 3:13

13 Pío Leyva - El Pio Mentiroso 3:07

14 Septeto Cubano de Ayer y de Hoy - A La Loma De Belen 2:30

15 Pío Leyva - Carinoso Si Mentiroso No 3:04

16 Roberto Espí - La Malanga 3:01

17 Celia Cruz - Juntitos Tu Y Yo 2:44

18 Pío Leyva - Dime Adios Carmelina 2:22

19 Pío Leyva - Oye Como Suena 2:13

20 Conjunto Sones de Oriente - La Botijuela De Juan 2:15

21 Ignacio Pineiro - Mayeya No Juegues Con Los Santos 2:59

22 Ignacio Pineiro - Suavecito 4:10

23 Beny More - Me Gusta Más El Son 3:03

24 Cachao Y Su Combo - Tres Lindas Cubanas 4:30

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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VA - Beatles 'n' Choro Vo. 1 - Vol. 4 [2002-2005] (4 x CDs)

CHORO

VA - Beatles 'n' Choro Vo. 1 - Vol. 4 [2002-2005] (4 x CDs).

The "Beatles 'N' Choro" was released by Deckdisc, a Brazilian record company founded in 1998 by João Augusto. This compilation features a unique blend of Latin music styles, particularly samba, with the timeless music of The Beatles. The recordings were made at Estúdio Tambor in Rio de Janeiro between 2002 and 2005. The project was produced by Henrique Cazes and involved various artists who brought their own interpretations to the classic Beatles songs.

Across the four volumes, listeners are treated to a diverse range of tracks that highlight the versatility of both The Beatles' music and the choro style. The intricate interplay of instruments like flute, mandolin, clarinet, and cavaquinho adds a distinct Brazilian flavor to the Beatles' classics. The melodic and harmonic richness of the songs is emphasized through the interplay between different instruments, creating a fresh and vibrant listening experience.

The fusion of The Beatles' music with choro is further explored through more complex arrangements and a wider range of instruments. The tracks are characterized by their rhythmic intricacy and melodic sophistication, making the box set a standout collection. The diverse selection of tracks highlights the unique qualities of each instrument, bringing new life to the classic songs.

The "Beatles 'N' Choro" box set is a testament to the enduring appeal of The Beatles' music and the rich tradition of Brazilian choro. This compilation offers a fresh and vibrant listening experience that bridges the gap between two distinct musical worlds. (Amazon)

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Track lists

Vol. 1

01 Carlos Malta - Help 2:13

02 Hamilton de Holanda - Something 3:08

03 Paulo Sérgio Santos - The Fool on the Hill 3:40

04 Henrique Cazes - Day Tripper 2:45

05 Rildo Hora - Here There and Everywhere 2:32

06 Henrique Cazes e Marcello Gonçalves - Blackbird 3:35

07 Quarteto Maogani - While My Guitar Gently Weeps 4:22

08 Paulo Sérgio Santos - When I'm Sixty Four 2:19

09 Henrique Cazes - With a Little Help From My Friends 3:00

10 Rildo Hora - For No One 2:38

11 Hamilton de Holanda - Eleanor Rigby 2:20

12 Carlos Malta - The Long and Winding Road 3:07

Vol. 2

01 Carlos Malta - You're Going to Lose That Girl 2:50

02 Henrique Cazes - In My Life 3:28

03 Rildo Hora - A Hard Days Night 2:43

04 Hamilton de Holanda - Yesterday 3:32

05 Paulo Sérgio Santos - Martha My Dear 2:15

06 Hamilton de Holanda - I Want to Hold Your Hand 2:54

07 Marcello Gonçalves - She's Leaving Home 4:36

08 Rildo Hora - If I Fell 2:49

09 Henrique Cazes - You Won't See Me 2:14

10 Paulo Sérgio Santos - Michelle 3:13

11 Hamilton de Holanda - Here Comes the Sun 3:17

12 Carlos Malta - Come Together 3:18

Vol. 3

01 Carlos Malta - I Feel Fine 2:51

02 Hamilton de Holanda - Hey Jude 4:01

03 Paulo Sérgio Santos - Honey Pie 3:17

04 Henrique Cazes - Got to Get You Into My Life 3:08

05 Rildo Hora - Do You Want to Know a Secret 2:45

06 Marcello Gonçalves - We Can Work it Out 3:14

07 Henrique Cazes - All My Loving 3:44

08 Paulo Sérgio Santos - Wait 2:58

09 Henrique Cazes - Girl 3:23

10 Rildo Hora - Hello Goodbye 3:12

11 Hamilton de Holanda - Mother Nature's Son 3:46

12 Carlos Malta - Penny Lane 2:55

Vol. 4

01 Carlos Malta - Night Before 2:28

02 Hamilton de Holanda - Ticket to Ride 3:02

03 Rildo Hora - Let it Be 3:03

04 Henrique Cazes - And I Love Her 3:30

05 Paulo Sérgio Santos - I Will 2:57

06 Marcello Gonçalves e Henrique Cazes - Because 3:28

07 Hamilton de Holanda - You Never Give Me Your Money 2:41

08 Rildo Hora - She Loves You 2:39

09 Paulo Sérgio Santos - Maxwell's Silver Hammer 2:56

10 Hamilton de Holanda - Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da 2:30

11 Henrique Cazes - Nowhere Man 2:55

12 Carlos Malta - Inner Light 3:38

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VA - Brésil, Choro - Samba - Frevo (1914-1945) [1998] (2 x CDs)

LATIN

VA - Brésil,  Choro - Samba - Frevo (1914-1945) [1998] (2 x CDs)

The CD contains historical recordings of Brazilian music from the first half of the 20th century. Thus, the development up to shortly before the emergence of bossa nova and Latin jazz is traced. The recording quality is sometimes extremely modest, but this is to be expected with historical recordings. For example, the CD contains the very first samba recording "Pelo Telefone" from 1917 (incidentally, the same year in which the first jazz recording, "Livery Stable Blues", was made, just by the way). The booklet contains a detailed history of Brazilian music, some song lyrics with translation, as well as the recording date and participating musicians for each song (Amazon)

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Track lists

CD1

01 Pixinguinha - O Urubu E O Gavião 3:11

02 Custódio Mesquita E Orestes Barbosa - Flauta Cavaquinho E Violão 2:58

03 Pixinguinha - Urubu 3:02

04 Pixinguinha E Benedito Lacerda - 1 X 0 2:14

05 Pixinguinha - Naquelle Tempo 3:03

06 Luperce Miranda - Risonha 3:11

07 José Augusto Gil - Fala Bandolim 2:27

08 Chiquinha Gonzaga - Sultana 3:30

09 Ernesto Nazareth - Apanhei-Te Cavaquinho 2:12

10 José Barbosa Da Silva "Sinhô" - Chékéré 2:57

11 Pixinguinha E João De Barro - Carinhoso 2:48

12 José Barbosa Da Silva "Sinhô" - Não Quero Saber Mais Dêla 2:40

13 Ari Barroso - Na Baixa Do Sapateiro 3:18

14 Dorival Caymmi - A Preta Do Aracajé 3:14

15 João Pernambuco - Sonho De Magia 2:50

16 Ari Barroso E Lamartine Babo - No Rancho Fundo 3:22

17 Luiz Gonzaga - Vira E Mexe 2:56

18 José Gonçalves "Zumba" - Murilo No Frevo 3:15

CD2

01 Assis Valente - Deixá Comigo 3:12

02 Marino Pinto E Wilson Batista - Preconceito 3:11

03 Ernesto Dos Santos "Dongo" E Mauro De Almeida - Pelo Telefone 3:14

04 Wilson Batista - Lenço No Pescoço 3:01

05 Noel Rosa - Rapaz Folgado 3:31

06 Francisco Alves, Ismael Silva E Nilton Bastos - O Que Sera De Mim ! 2:39

07 Alcebiades Barcellos "Bide" E Armando Marçal - A Primeira Vez 3:23

08 Kid Pepe, Germano Augusto E Js Gaspar - Implorar 2:57

09 Herivelto Martins E Grande Otelo - Praça Xi 3:08

10 Ciro De Sousa E Valdemiro Rocha "Babaú" - Tenha Pena De Mim 3:20

11 Noel Rosa - Vôce Vai Se Quizer 2:36

12 Noel Rosa E Osvaldo Gogliano "Vadico" - Conversa De Botequim 2:49

13 Noel Rosa - Palpite Infeliz 3:08

14 Angenor De Oliveira "Cartola" E Francisco Alves - Divina Dama 3:07

15 Alberto Simöens "Bororó" - Curare 3:26

16 Dorival Caymmi - O Que É Que A Baiana Tem 3:15

17 Geraldo Pereira - Falsa Baiana 2:51

18 Assis Valente - Recenseamento 2:49

19 Ari Barroso - Aquarela Do Brasil 3:10

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VA - Chicano Power! Latin Rock In The USA 1968-1976 [1998]

MEXICO

VA - Chicano Power! Latin Rock In The USA 1968-1976 [1998]

Chicano Power! (subtitled: Latin Rock In The USA 1968-1976) is a 1998 compilation album released by Soul Jazz Records.  These two CDs contain 17 tracks by Latin bands throughout the U.S. who fused rock, jazz, and Latin music in the late 1960s and 1970s. The title is a trifle misleading; although Mexican-American bands from Los Angeles and San Francisco are well represented on the set, it also includes Puerto Rican-American artists and groups from New York and Miami. There are also a couple cuts from the Peruvian band Black Sugar, included to illustrate the influence of U.S. Latin rock in Latin America itself. At any rate, it's a great collection of a genre that, other than the hit records by Santana of course, is largely overlooked by mainstream rock history and poorly represented on reissues. It should be noted that the tracks by larger ensembles with several horn players and percussionists can sound rather more like salsa music with a rock influence, rather than the other way around (not that that's a bad thing). Cuts like Black Sugar's "Viajecito," for instance, could fit well on a salsa radio station but for the obvious touches of contemporary rock, usually in the guitar. In "Viajecito," for example, there's a wild "Shaft"-like psychedelic guitar that runs through the entirety of what otherwise is a fairly standard Latin pop-jazz song; Tierra's "Sun God" kicks off with crazy synthesizers reminiscent of those heard on Pink Floyd's "On the Run." The influence of Santana is felt mightily throughout, particularly in the more rock-oriented bands, like Miami's the Antiques, whose "Chauca" is like early Santana with a dash of the Yardbirds, and a real highlight of the collection. The Santana comparisons are not always coincidental: Carlos Santana's brother Jorge Santana played guitar in Malo, and onetime Santana member Coke Escovedo founded Azteca. At its best, this collection, like early Santana, is an intoxicating mix of rock, R&B, psychedelia, jazz, and Latin music; even at its least impressive, it's still pretty enjoyable. Santana themselves are represented by the song that's probably the apex of the whole musical movement, "Soul Sacrifice." The only major complaint one could offer is that 75 minutes of music is spread throughout two discs, and could have been combined onto one CD.  (AllMusic review by Richie Unterberger)

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Track lists

CD1

01 Sapo - Been Had 5:32

02 Black Sugar - Too Late 3:02

03 Chango - Mira Pa CA 2:53

04 Harvey Averne Presents the Barrio Band - Cayuco 5:22

05 Tierra - Sun God 2:40

06 Benitez - Night Life 4:22

07 Malo - Street Man 4:56

08 El Chicano - Ron Con Con 3:48

09 Mother Night - Fools Are You 4:46

CD2

01 Santana - Soul Sacrifice 6:39

02 Black Sugar - Viajecito 5:09

03 Toro - Ramona 4:05

04 Malo - Pana 6:46

05 Antiques - Chauca 2:49

06 Benitez - Butterfly 2:31

07 Azteca - Azteca Theme 4:38

08 Sapo - Sapo's Montuno 6:07

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VA - Love, Peace & Poetry, Mexican Psychedelic Music [2003]

MEXICO

VA - Love, Peace & Poetry, Mexican Psychedelic Music [2003]

Just what did they put in their drinks and cigarettes south of the border in the late sixties? Something must have inspired them, for of all the geographical areas of psych I've investigated, the Mexican scene is up there with the best. 

Volume Two of the Love, Peace & Poetry series focused on Latin American psychedelic rock. Volume Seven zooms in on one of the countries featured at the time: Mexico. Its geographical proximity to the West Coast scene translated into a strong influence, and the appearance of very convincing psychedelic acts (although with a certain delay). The Q.D.K. Media label has unearthed 17 gems, each one a keeper. Sound quality is occasionally shaky, but the track selection is enlightened, to say the least, and offers an attention-grabbing trip through obscure bands and fascinating music. Throning in the center of the track list is La Revolución de Emiliano Zapata's eight-minute piece "En Medio de la Lluvia," a stunning progressive psychedelic song that integrates traditional Mexican elements in a way that almost announces the flamenco-prog of Carmen (Fandangos in Space came out a couple years later). Another highlight is La Fachada de Piedra's "Roaming," a song that steals a bit from the guitar riff and groove of Jimi Hendrix's "Highway Child," and throws it in the Santana blender. Grupo Ciruela's singer tries too hard to emulate The Jefferson Airplane's Marty Balin, but their song, "Nada Nos Detendra," works out nicely nonetheless. La Vida's heavy "Touch Me," and Nahuatl's acoustic camp song "Volvere" (judiciously used as the album closer) are also worth note. The other tracks are a bit more generic, but still make for an enjoyable album that can be taken as a springboard for further discovery (which will imply costly internet hunting), or more simply, as a self-contained introduction. (All Music review by François Couture)

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Track list

01 Dug Dug's - Lost In My World 4:06

02 Kaleidoscope - Hang Out 2:17

03 La Fachada De Piedra - Roaming 3:08

04 El Tarro De Mostaza - El Ruido Del Silencio 3:05

05 La Vida - Touch Me 2:34

06 La Libre Expresion - Joven Amante 2:49

07 Flying Karpets - Behind A Young Girl Smile 2:22

08 La Revolución De Emiliano Zapata - En Medio De La Lluvia 7:58

09 Spiders - It's You 4:03

10 Three Souls In My Mind - Lenon Blues 2:46

11 Toncho Pilatos - Tommy Lyz 3:49

12 Renaissance - I'm Dying 3:35

13 Ernan Roch Con Las Voces Frescas - The Train 4:15

14 Grupo Ciruela - Nada Nos Detendra 3:13

15 Los Ovnis - Cuando Era Nio 2:07

16 Survival - The World Is A Bomb 2:26

17 Nahuatl - Volvere 3:32

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