Tags: Boogaloo

Review: Joe Bataan's 1968 sophomore album Riot! is considered a cornerstone of Latin soul and the record that truly cemented his reputation as the genre's king. Backed by the dynamic Latin Swingers band, Bataan masterfully blends Afro-Cuban rhythms, soul and funk with his signature streetwise flair. Tracks like 'It's a Good Feeling' and the title song capture the energy and emotion of late-1960s urban life while reflecting both personal and societal struggles. Its infectious grooves, raw vocal delivery and tight instrumentation mean that this one remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate across the generations.

Review: Vampi Soul duly remaster one of Ray Perez's most sought-after albums from 1969; this is the second in the Venezuelan salsa dura bandleader's (and group's) eponymous "Los Kenya" two-parter albums series, which tracked Perez and co's turn to purer salsa, after his more storied debut with Los Dementes from 1965 onwards heard more of a fusion of salsa, pachange, boogaloo and psych. An eight track reflection of a band's youthful spirit, marked by an opening "wee!" exclamation and subsequent vibrancy.