Rodrigo Amarante on the Joys of Interpretation in Latin Music
Award-winning Brazilian musician Rodrigo Amarante talks with PopMatters about diversifying Latin sounds and ringing the political alarm in Brazil.
latin music
Doctor Nativo Rejoices in His Mayan Heritage on the Politically-charged ‘Guatemaya’
Doctor Nativo creates a lively fusion on Guatemaya that blends hip-hop, salsa, cumbia, reggae, and strong elements of specifically Mayan and Central American sounds.
Various Artists: Nu Yorica! Culture Clash In New York City: Experiments in Latin Music 1970-77
A newly-reissued compilation from the Latin music explosion of the 1970s with names familiar and obscure.
Diana Reyes: Mis Mejores Duranguenses
Heartbreaking melodies belted over Hi-NRG beats of endless momentum -- only the beats are polkas.
Banda Los Recoditos: Sueño XXX
Pinup banda provides forum for drinking stories and sex dreams; its brass lines tangle together like sweaty bodies.
Luis Coronel: Quiero Ser Tu Dueño
Teen heartthrob makes terrible music, tops Latin Albums chart, threatens to cross over.
Noel Torres: La Balanza
When playing corridos, one must be absolutely modern. If you play them as hard as possible, that helps.
Juanes: Loco De Amor
Colombian superstar unplugs again, but stuffs his songs with color and hooks, amor and innuendo.
Nena Guzman: La Iniciativa
Norteño pop singer restrains fiery band from crashing through studio walls.
Los Buitres de Culiacan Sinaloa: Territorio Buitre
Smart-ass norteño punks hire a banda but don't let it play enough.
Various Artists: Las Bandas Románticas de América 2014
These two useful guides to regional Mexican radio hits should be way more entertaining.
Banda el Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga: Haciendo Historia
Banda el Recodo maintains its legend through hard work, commercial cunning and occasional coasting.
