Notes & Personnel Info |  | So what is Latino Nuevo anyway? It some ways it the child of rock en espa¤ol, something that's outside the box of any mainstream, while remaining definitely rooted in Latin music. As the collection shows, there's no single style -- it can be the earthy, conscious hip-hop of Rico Pabon, the electronica of Spam Allstars or the punkified stylings of Los de Abajo. Perhaps the unifying factor is in seeking something new and a little different, which certainly encompasses all the acts here, whether it's the veteran Juan-Carlos Formell or Baku. As with all experiments, not everything works (The Welfare Poets are a definite disappointment) but when it clicks, it can be electrifying, as with Cuban Cowboys, who kick like a mule on "Jardin de La Verdad." There are some well-known names, like Ozomatli, Quetzal and Yerba Buena, along with H?ctor Buitrago, one of the linchpins of Colombia's Aterciopelados. They do sterling work, and show that innovation is very much alive and well in Latin music, but it's a few of the not-so-well-known people who spring excellent surprises. Jose Conde unleashes some loving funk, and Quantic's "Sabor" is a feast not just for the feet, but also for the head. Excellent stuff indeed. ~ Chris Nickson |
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