Wganda Kenya were one of the most unique groups to record for the Discos Fuentes label in the 70s – and they were maybe also one of the coolest, too – as they never stopped in their pursuit of a groove, and were always able to mix together so many different styles at once! This gem of a record has some elements that begin in more familiar Colombian modes, but the group also bring in touches from American soul, Afro Funk, and lots more too – all with unusual instrumentation and production, at a level that really sets this album apart from the pack! Very different stuff than mid 70s sounds on Fania or Vaya – with titles that include "La Torta", "Dulce De Guayaba", "Mira Para Arriba Mira Para Abajo", "Mammy Boy", Tifit Hayed", "Fiebre De Lepra", and "Entre Tu Y Yo". LP, Vinyl record album

This is about as strong as you can get from Willie Colon – he's holding a gun to some cat's head on the cover! (And hip hoppers think they invented the gangster image!) More than just a catchy picture, though, the image is really important at a symbolic level – as the guy Willie's capping is an older one, possibly a bloated bandleader from years past, being shoved out of the way by Willie's leaner, cleaner sound and style. The album more than lives up to that picture, too – as it's filled with hard-hitting salsa numbers that show Willie and crew refining their sound even more from their already-strong previous albums. Includes the long cut "Junio 73", a really wonderful number, plus loads of other great ones that include "Guajira Ven", "Vo So", and "Calle Luna Calle Sol". LP, Vinyl record album

A lucky seventh album from Roberto Roena and his groundbreaking Apollo Sound combo – a set that's filled with spectacular arrangements and a new level of sophistication for the group – yet one that's still firmly pointed towards the dancefloor! There's a richness here that's really great – an array of tones and colors that flows out from some incredibly strong charts for the horn players – who include Miguel Rodriguez on tenor and flute, set in amidst the brassier players to give the record a nice shade of soul. Vocals are by Papo Sanchez and Sammy Gonzalez, and titles include the classic "Mi Desengano", plus "Que Me Castigue Dios", "A Bailar Mi Bomba", "Te Voy A Tratar", "La Mala Mana", "Hoy Mi Dia Triste", and "Estas Equivocada". LP, Vinyl record album