1. Buena Vista Social Club
Courtesy Nonesuch Records
2. BVSC Presents Omara Portuondo
Another of the original Social Club cast, this album contains wonderful, classic songs of the son genre. Also appearing on the album are Compay Segundo, Ibrahim Ferrer and Eliades Ochoa.3. BVSC Presents Ibrahim Ferrer
Ibrahim Ferrer was a featured singer on the original BVSC album and has a voice that echoes the sound of the island. This album is a treasure for your collection, especially since it's the last one; Ferrer died in August 2005.
4. Compay Segundo - Compay, Compay
The man who brought you "Chan Chan" was actually named Maximo Francisco Repilado Munoz (now there's a mouthful), and this album of some of his greatest hits is a great way to wind down at the end of the day. Segundo has since passed away, but will always be remembered for his Borsalino-type hat and ever-present cigar.
5. A Buena Vista: Barrio de la Habana
Buena Vista is a neighborhood in Havana with plenty of "pista" -- literally meaning "trail," but colloquially describing a place where there's lots of action. The album puts young and old "soneros" side by side and is a great example of the old Havana classics.