Here are this week's notable new releases.
1. Julieta Venegas - MTV Unplugged
Courtesy Sony International
It's Mexican rocker Julieta Venegas' turn to unplug and deliver an acoustic album composed of favorites plus 4 new songs. She's joined by guest artists Gustavo Santaolalla, Marisa Monte, La Mala Rodriguez and more.
2. Prima J - Inside Out
Courtesy Geffen
Cousins Jessica and Janelle Martinez from Rosemead, CA are Prima J. They've just finished with the soundtrack for the movie Bratz (to which they seem to have a passing resemblance) and this album of pop, dance and r&b numbers is their official debut.
If you haven't heard them in the Listening Booth, here's a sample video of the break-out single "You're Not Alone".
3. Gilberto Gil - Banda Larga
Courtesy Warner Music Latina
Gilberto Gil's Banda Larga is a refreshing change after the compilation CDs that have been coming out lately as this is an album of newly composed numbers. It's also the music that you'll hear if you're lucky enough to attend this summer's Banda Larga Summer Tour 2008.
Because Gil is one of the few artists that has insisted on retaining control over his music, attending a Gilberto Gil concert is a unique experience as the audience is invited to record any or all of the concert and post it wherever they want. What a concept!
4. Grupo Fantasma - Sonidos Gold
Sonidos Gold is Austin-based Grupo Fantasma 3rd studio album. Their music is Latin funk, cumbia, jazz, afro-cuban - lots of good elements mixed together. If you haven't heard them yet, you can go to the Grupo Fantasma MySpace site and listen.5. Hector 'El Father' Bambino - Mi Trayectoria
Here's one for reggaeton fans as Hector El Father drops a new album featuring guest artists Yomo, Divino, Zion, Tito El Bambino and Victor Manuelle.6. Orishas - Cosita Buena
Here's a new album from the Cuban-expatriate hip hop band that delivered 2007's amazing Antidiotico. "Bruja" is a single from their new album that's currently making it's internet rounds.7. Locos Por Juana - La Verdad
Locos Por Juana is a group from Miami and one I always look forward to hearing. Their members are from Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico; their music is a mix of everything under the sun mixed with a rock stir stick.8. Hector Acosta - En Vivo (DVD)
With his golden voice, Hector Acosta left the legendary Los Toros Band to persue a solo career and his rise has been stellar. This 'live' DVD features Acosta singing all of his solo hits.9. Alex Bueno - Mensajes
Another bachata album for Dominican music fans.10. Kiko Rodriguez - Naci de Nuevo
Dominican music fans should really be feeling the love this week as a third bachata album goes on the list. This one is by Kiko Rodriguez, one of the young bachateros that has been hitting the airwaves.