Artist: Calle 13

Track: La Fokin Moda

Label: Sony International

Heard this while I was waiting at the Virgin record store about to go to my first day of work at the new job. Turns out these guys have won a Latin Grammy for their efforts. Calle 13 is two step-brothers from Puerto Rico who both have fine arts degrees, one of them a Masters.

Great production on this album. Features random samples that end up working well together, with just the right amount of rhythmic complexity. La Fokin Moda is my personal favorite with the fat horns on a syncopated line.

Label: Thirsty Ear

Ok, these guys are out there.

Put it on some high quality speakers, check out how they use reverb as an instrument.

The Crossing
No Country For Old Men
blood meridian

Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West

Track:Dubolition

Artist: Keiser, Velten

Label: Guidance

Make sure you have serious speakers for this track, with high quality bass capabilities.

Part 2 of 5, this is a contemporary dub compilation put out by Chicago-based record label Guidance.  The first track is the best of the lot, with superb sound quality, and some great orchestration.

Artist: Orlando “Cachaito” Lopez
Track: Redencion

From a family of cuban bassists, Cachaito Lopez began his musical education at the age of 6. Proficient at both classical and afro-cuban, he played stints with the Afro-Cuban All Stars and the Buena Vista Social Club.

The first track lays on the bassline at a majestic tempo, with some lush string orchestration. Part way through they break out with a trombone solo; for some reason its a great instrument in the afro-cuban orchestration structure. There’s some great trombone solos out there on a few other salsa tracks.

Shabba Ranks
Roots and Culture