Very very cool 4CD set of classic Latin material, packed inside of a nifty cigar-box cover, with an extra 112-page booklet of notes! The set's perfect if you're just getting into Afro Cuban music – but also pretty darn great even if you're already a fan, as the selection and packaging are exquisite. There's far too much music on the set to mention in this small space – but let us just tell you that the 4 CDs in the package all focus on a different side of Cuban music: Jazz, Vocals, Percussion, and Cuban Traditions. Each track comes with lavish notes and information that's helpful to novices and experts alike – and some of the artists include Cachao, Roberto Faz, Issac Delgado, Tito Gomez, Merceditas Valdes, Arsenio Rodriguez, Sexteto Habenero, Beny More, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and Irakere. The jazz CD alone is enough to blow your mind – and that's only the beginning! CD

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