A fantastic album from the Spanish scene of the 70s – one divided up into sections of "Angeles" and "Demonios" – the last of which is pretty darn funky! The album starts with the demonic material – which has these great heavy drums and percussion – driving fast and frenzied, while basslines rumble and acoustic guitar provides some nice touches that borrow lots from flamenco, then turn towards hipper 70s styles – all with vocal refrains that really keep things moving! The Angeles material is a bit more laidback, but still pretty great – kind of slow funk overall – and there's this really cool energy to the whole record, part of that young Spanish generation trying to find the best elements of their musical roots, then push them forward with a more soulful, youthful vibe. Titles include "Abran Paso Ahoa", "Jibaro", "Mama High Mama Way", "Ay Mulata Mia", "Tema De Amor", "Anacaona", "Los Invitamos", "Tubalo", "Rosa Rosa", and a nice take on "Ain't No Sunshine". CD features bonus tracks – "Samba Samba", "A Caballo", and "Vamanos". CD

Amazing sounds from Peru – the kind of really mindblowing music that will grab your ears, no matter where you're from – and really knock you over with a weird and wonderful blend of styles! The rhythms definitely have some of the cumbia promised in the title, most of these numbers are electrified, and touched with plenty of influence from 60s instrumental and psychedelic rock – a special blend cooked up down in Peru, and originally issued on labels like Dimsa and Infopesa – beautifully collected here in a stunning set of tracks that are presented with richly detailed notes on the music! Many numbers are instrumental, but some are vocal too – and the package has a hefty 34 tracks in all, with titles that include "Mi Choza, Mi Chacra Y Mi Mujer" by Manzanita, "Boogaloo Del Perro" by Los Destellos, "Baila Flaquita Baila" by Los Ecos, "Illimana" by Los 5 Palomiullas, "Recordando A Fachin" by Juaneco Y Su Combo, "Sin Exito" by Grupo Celeste, "Selva, Selva" by Juanaco Y Su Combo, "Colegiala" by Los Ilusionistas, "El Panadero" by Los Beta 5, and "Peti Pan" by Los Demonios Del Mantaro. (Global Grooves, Latin) CD