There are a lot of goodies on this month's list of new releases, including GLoria Estefan's new Spanish-language 90 Millas, Vicente Fernandez singing new Joan Sebastian songs, Gloria Trevi, Frank Reyes, Pepe Aguilar, Valentin Elizalde and of course, Manu Chao's long-awaited La Radiolina.
Manu Chao - La Radiolina (9/4)
For all the many Manu Chao fans, La Radiolina is here at last. Manu Chao has just finished his North American tour, and if the tour's packed arenas are any indication, his first album in 6 years should be flying off the shelves. La Radiolina contains the hit single "Rainin in Paradize".
Soda Stereo - Me Veras Volver (9/4)
Soda Stereo was a popular Argentinean alt-rock, new wave trio; the band disbanded in 1997, much to the dismay of their many fans. While all the musicians in the trio went on to make solo albums, it was Gustavo Cerati that made the biggest impact as a solo performer.Now it looks like the trio has regrouped; in addition to their first new album since the break-up, Soda Stereo will be touring together in October.
Cachao - Havana Sessions (9/4)
Israel "Cacaho" Lopez is the Cuban bassist who is credited with 'creating' mambo. (Although I have a difficult time believing mambo was created by one man). Whether he did or didn't, Cachao is a legend in this own time, having composed many great Latin numbers over his long, musical career.The Havana Sessions is a 2-CD set that contains 39 descargas that were performed in Havana between 1957-1961. It's a pretty good bet that this will become a collector's set over time.
You can also hear Cachao performing on this month's new Gloria Estefan album, 90 Millas.
Pitbull - Boatlist (9/11)
After last year's El Mariel, Miami's Pitbull is back with Boatlift. It sounds like he's going after a matched set of CDs with the same theme. Pitbull's popular music blends reggaeton and hip hop.Belanova - Fantastic Pop (9/11)
Fantastic Pop is Belanova's 3rd studio album. If you've seen the Mitsubishi commercials, you've probably heard "Tus Ojos" from the group's first album Cocktail. Belanova has garnered lots of fans in Latin America and Spain; this might be the year that their name becomes more familiar in the U.S.Gloria Estefan - 90 Millas (9/18)
Courtesy Sony BMG
This is Gloria Estefan's 3rd Spanish-language album, and it is quite glorious with the help of Andy Garcia, Arturo Sandoval, Cachao, Carlos Santana, Chocolate, Generoso, Giovanni Hidalgo, India, Johnny Pacheco, Jose Feliciano, Luis Enrique, Nelson Gonzalez, Orestes Vilato, Papo Lucca, Paquito D'Rivera, Sheila E and Willie Colon. See what I mean?
If you can only afford one album this month, buy this one.
If you can only afford one album this month, buy this one.
Valentin Elizalde - Historia Jamal Contada (9/18)
Valentin Elizalde was a popular Mexican banda singer; he was gunned down last year after a performance in Reynosa, Mexico. There have already been 2 of his albums released in 2007: Lobo Domesticado and Mi Ultima Bohemia. There can't be many unreleased songs left, but it's too early to see what's on the album.Maria Rita - Samba Meu (9/18)
If you love jazzy, Brazilian music, then Maria Rita's 3rd album, Samba Meu should hit that sweet spot. Great voice, good stylist.Federico Aubele - Panamericana (9/18)
Federico Aubele is an Argentinean singer-songwriter who really doesn't have just one style; rather his music tends to be a synthesis of various musical genres from Latin America. Sounds like we'll get more of that from an album named Panamericana.