1. Los Van Van - "Temba, Tumba, Timba"
In 1969, Juan Formell formed Los Van Van, the band that was considered the island's house band through the next 3 decades. Here's one of thier big hits, this one performed live at one of their rare U.S. appearances.
From Live At Miami Arena Compare Prices
2. Calle Real - "Princesa"
Although timba has not been particularily popular outside of Cuba, that's beginning to change, especially in Europe. Calle Real is timba group from Sweden that's been catching on - and for good reason. They mix their timba with hip hop and pop accents.
From Calle Real Con Fuerza Compare Prices
3. Tiempo Libre - "La Cosa"
One of the most popular young timba bands is Tiempo Libre from Miami. They got their start playing for Albita and started playing timba in their free time - hence the name Tiempo Libre.
From Arroz Con Mango Compare Prices
4. Charanga Cubana - "Aprovechame"
In California the most famous purveyor of timba is Charanga Cubana, a staple of Latin nightlife in Los Angeles. Formed by Cuban expatriate Edgar Hernandez in 1996, A Comer Chicharron was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2007.
From A Comer Cicharron Download
5. El Timba - "Quiereme"
El Timba is from Italy, once again demonstrating the popularity of the form in Europe. I can't read Italian so facts are scarce, but I really liked this track.
From Descargando Download
6. Bamboleo - "No Me Parezco a Nadie"
In the last decade, Bamboleo has become one of the most popular bands in Cuba. Their timba incorporates a lot of more modern elements, especially funk, and the 12-piece band boasts two sultry ladies leading on vocals.
From The Best of Bamboleo Compare Prices
7. Maraca - "Castigala"
I love everything that Maraca (Orlando Valle) does from their jazz to their timba descargas. I picked "Castigala" for the playlist because its interesting to hear Maraca's version of the song made famous by fellow Cuban Celia Cruz.
From The Best of Maraca's Bailables Compare Prices
8. Charanga Habanera - "Chan Chan"
Formed during timba's biggest and most successful boom, Charanga Habanera was considered one of the most exciting timba bands in the late 1990s. They only made four albums before splitting; I picked "Chan Chan" because most people are familiar with the song from the original Buena Vista Social Club album and it's fascinating to hear the song performed with a different rhythm and sensibility.
From Marina Quiere Bailar Compare Prices
9. Charanga Forever - "Somos Charangueros"
Charanga Forever was formed by ex-Charanga Habanera members. Their music is very aggressive and complex but worth the listen.
From Somos Charangueros Download /Purchase
10. NG La Banda - "La Protesta De Los Chivos"
From the band who more than any other defined modern timba, here's a song that really gives you the sound of classic timba.
From Desde Cuba Con Amor Download /Purchase