Not that they ever went away, but Los Fabulosos Cadillacs just released their first studio album in ten years, and it is gr8. “Contrabando de Amor” is the lead off single, and it is an undeniable smash. Truly anthemic, joyous, fun, passionate, tight, unpretentious.. let’s see, did I leave anything out? Oh and glorious! K? SuperFan approved, hit it up.

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
“Contrabando de Amor” (mp3)
from “El Arte de la Elegancia de LFC”
(Nacional Records)

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Jazz, baby. Soul soothing samba jazz. J. T. Meirelles composed, recorded and performed music in this sweet, sexy genre from the early 1960′s til his passing in 2008. Through the inevitable myriad ups and downs of the fickle music industry, the combo he founded in ’63 left a gr8 legacy, which you can discover on this brilliant new collection out on the Dubas Musica label. Timeless, joyous, sophisticated music. Enjoy!

Meirelles e Os Copa 5
“Sudeste” (mp3)
from “Samba Jazz !!”
(Dubas Musica)

Continuing a virtual international musical trek, today finds these ears somewhere in the Dominican Republic via the South Bronx, where Aventura perfected an original fusion of bachata, hip hop, R & B, rock and various world music styles, which has made them a huge success. How huge? They sold out Madison Square Garden solo, and at the last minute, to accommodate frustrated fans, the Garden opened seating to 360 degrees to let more people in. This song is a gr8 taste of their unique and passionate musical blend, with magnificent vocals, inspired instrumental work, loads of heart and a thread of humor throughout. Enjoy.

Aventura
“Peligro” (mp3)
from “The Last”
(Premium Latin Music)

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Let’s party. Eddy-K from Cuba, now residing in Miami, brews up a joyous and powerful dance music that treads into zones of reggaeton, hip-hop, old school Cuban big band style, and str8 up contemporary pop. However you break it down, this track is a winner. Exuberant, fun, and truly international stuff.

Eddy-K
“Mami Besame” (mp3)
from “Asalto”
(Premium Latin Music)

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I love the rhythm guitar riff that sets this track up and drives it along so much it drives me crazy. The vocals are magnificent, the percussion bubbling, the whole thing is intoxicating.  A seamless blend of African and Cumbia and rock styles, off the 21 year celebration/comp from David Byrne’s brilliant Luaka Bop label. So hot.

Jorge Ben
“Ponta de lança africano – Umbabarauma” (mp3)
from “Twenty First Century Twenty First Year”
(Luaka Bop)

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Here’s a sweet bossanova jazz instrumental that shows what a gorgeous sound just two guitars and a drummer can produce in the hands of superb players. I’m sure at least one Kathleen is loving it! Unpolluted musical joy.

TerzaRima
“Dance for Kathleen” (mp3)
from “Moonlight Express”
(Tea Room Records)

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Just some tried and true old school houserockin’ blues, baby. And anyone who drops “Stacey Adams” in a lyric gets bonus points from this Fan. Los Lonely Boys, live and uncut, before they were famous.

Los Lonely Boys
“Friday Night” (mp3)
from “Live At Blue Cat Blues – Dallas Texas”
(Blue Cat Blues Records)

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A magnificent and joyous duet from Brazilian star Olivia Hime’s 2007 release.

Olivia Hime
“Cara Bonita” (mp3)
from “Canção Transparente”
(Biscoito Fino)

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Certainly one of the major musical events of the turn of the 21st century was and is the worldwide recognition of the Buena Vista Social Club. The story would be great anyway, but with music this good, this joyous and unpretentious, it becomes a unifying force that renders borders and politics impotent.

Buena Vista Social Club
“De Camino a la Vereda” (mp3)
from “Buena Vista Social Club At Carnegie Hall”
(World Circuit)

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Pop rock candy based on early Beatles and the Young Rascals, delivered with love by San Antonio, Texas darlings, The Krayolas. So pop, and so right.

The Krayolas
“All I Do Is Try” (mp3)
from “Best Riffs Only”
(Talking Taco Music)

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