My picks for July new releases include a soundtrack and a Fania CDs that have exactly the same songs on them. I thought it might be fun to compare Marc Anthony and Hector Lavoe's voices singing the identical songs. That's because before the anticipated soundtrack of Anthony's El Cantante is released, the same tracks are out on a compilation disc of Lavoe singing the originals.
Also there are new albums by Grupo Montez de Durango, Alejandra Guzman, the Mexican Institute of Sounds, the B-Side Players, Andy Andy and more.
1. Grupo Montez de Durango - Agarrese (7/3)
Courtesy Disa/Umgd
One of the most famous Duranguense groups in the U.S and Mexico is Grupo Montez de Durango, so you may be surprised to know that they started in Chicago in 1996. Their last album, Borron Y Cuenta Nueva won the Regional Mexican Album of the Year at the 2007 Latin Billboard awards. Agarrese should give us more of their famous 'Pasito Duranguense'.
2. Various Artists - The Bad Boogaloo - NuYorican Sounds (1966-1970) (7/3)
Classic salsa's most famous label, Fania, managed to snag almost all the great salsa artists of the day. The catalogue is now owned by Emusica and, besides remastering and reissuing much of the catalogue, they are also releasing some compilation CDs as part of several series.The Bad Boogaloo - NuYorican Sounds (1966-1970) is the latest in the 'El Barrio' series. With tracks by Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri, La Lupe and Joe Cuba on the album, I sure want a copy.
3. Hector Lavoe - El Cantante - The Originals(7/3)
Hector Lavoe was "El Cantante" and this CD, subtitled "The Originals" is a compilation disc of Lavoe singing the songs that are featured in the as yet unreleased film, El Cantante. The film's soundtrack is due out later this month with Marc Anthony's versions.This CD is also not to be confused with the original album, El Cantante that was recorded by Lavoe for Fania. I checked the track list, and they are not identical.
A good marketing ploy for Emusica, the owner of the Fania catalogue, is just a confusing shell game for the rest of us. With three El Cantantes out there, which is in the hand? Which one should you buy?
Well, I can't decide. I'm going to count my pennies and see if I can afford all three.
4. B Side Players - Fire in the Youth (7/10)
Courtesy Concord Music Group
If you like urban fusion, then the B-Side Players may be the group you've been looking for. This San Diego band fuses many different styles of Latin music with funk, rock, jazz and hip hop; they also often throw a message into the lyrics.
You can experience them for yourself by watching the video or listening to a couple of other tracks.
Watch "Nuestras Demandas"
Windows Media OR Quicktime
Listen to "Fire In The Youth"
Windows Media OR Quicktime
You can experience them for yourself by watching the video or listening to a couple of other tracks.
Watch "Nuestras Demandas"
Windows Media OR Quicktime
Listen to "Fire In The Youth"
Windows Media OR Quicktime
5. Menudo - La Historia (7/10)
Courtesy Sony
Menudo was the first 'boy band' of its time, comprised of the cream of Puerto Rican musical youth between the ages of 12 and 16, when they (supposedly) were made to quit. For die hard fans or the merely curious, Menudo - La Historia is a musical history of the group from the late 1970s to the early 2000s.
And yes, their most famous alumnus, Ricky Martin, is well represented on the CD.
And yes, their most famous alumnus, Ricky Martin, is well represented on the CD.
6. Various Artists - Destilando Amor (Soundtrack) (7/17)
Destilando Amor is an extremely popular Mexican telenovela that aired in the U.S in March, 2007. I've seen lots of requests for the series' music while surfing the web, so the soundtrack should be welcomed by many. It also contains the show's themesong, "Por Amarte" sung by Mexican ranchera's Pepe Aguilar.7. Marc Anthony - El Cantante (7/24)
Courtesy Sony
Here's the second El Cantante, the soundtrack of the movie that will go into general release on Aug. 3, 2007 - at least here in the U.S. The movie stars Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, but J-Lo does not sing; the CD is 100% Anthony.
I love Marc Anthony's voice, but I'm not always thrilled with his choice of material. So, it seems that Anthony's voice and Lavoe's songs might make for a great mix.
I love Marc Anthony's voice, but I'm not always thrilled with his choice of material. So, it seems that Anthony's voice and Lavoe's songs might make for a great mix.
8. Mexican Institute of Sound - Pinata (7/24)
Courtesy Nacional Records
If your tired of predictable music, maybe you should look at the Mexican Institute of Sound. The group plays an unexpected yet effective mix of electronica, dub, cha cha, cumbia, spoken word and probably things we've never thought to musically partner.
The new album features guests from the Tom Tom Club, Cornelius and Babasonicos. Pinata should be an adventure.
The new album features guests from the Tom Tom Club, Cornelius and Babasonicos. Pinata should be an adventure.
9. Andy Andy - Tu Me Haces Falta (7/30)
Courtesy EMI
For all you bachata lovers, the man with two first names is back with his 4th studio album, Tu Me Haces Falta. Dominican Andy Andy's real name is Angel Villalona; he says he wanted to keep his last name private, and his friends called him 'Andy'. That explains it, I guess. But why quibble with a name when you can sit back and enjoy his music?
If you're not familiar with Andy Andy, here's a video of "A Quien Le Importa" from his last album Ironia. That should give you a taste of what's to come, although the new single "Maldita Amor" is playing on some radio stations.
If you're not familiar with Andy Andy, here's a video of "A Quien Le Importa" from his last album Ironia. That should give you a taste of what's to come, although the new single "Maldita Amor" is playing on some radio stations.
10. Alejandra Guzman - Reina de Corazones (7/30)
Mexican singer Alejandra Guzman hit it big with her 2006 album Indeleble. The album went platinum, was on Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks Top 10, was nominated for a couple of Latin Grammys and won other awards all over the world. Will Reina de Corazones do as well?