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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Take equal parts soul and samba, do a hip-hop en español thing over it, and then rock it out like Santana. And you can kinda imagine what’s goin’ down here. Now that I have this track, it’s impossible not play it at my next party. What wonderful, joyous music. It’s discoveries like this that make it necessary for me to blog.

Márcio Local
“Soul Do Samba” (mp3)
from “Márcio Local Says Don Day Don Dree Don Don”
(Luaka Bop)

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What qualifies as “feel good music?” Why, music that makes you feel good! And this, my dear readers, is feel good music du jour on the Superfan 2009 blog. Joyous midtempo flamenco with a modern twist. Crackling rhythms and inspired solos weave a veritable tapestry of carefree fun. Enjoy, you deserve it.

Eric Fernandez
“Entre Dos Aguas” (mp3)
from “Verdine Tempo”
(Sounds)

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Lordamercy, what a voice! No surprise that Mariza has become a huge star in Portugal and is buzzing big in England and around the globe. Have a listen and you’ll understand what Fado music is all about, and why Mariza’s album is called “Fado em mim” – which means “Fado in me.” Heartfelt virtuoso solo singing, over a sweet folky guitar arrangement that almost whispers of flamenco. Breathtaking.

Mariza
“Loucura” (mp3)
from “Fado em mim”
(World Connection BV / Times Square)

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Magnificent.

Aventura
“La Pelicula” (mp3)
from “Love & Hate”
(Premium Latin Music)

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Another sure-fire hit for the party mix! This track is packed full of so much good musical fun it’s hard to break it down, but, think post-Fela Afro-Beat horns, sweet call and answer Spanish vocals, an unstoppable beat and some dubby rhythm section work reminiscent of the best David Byrne / Brian Eno collaborations. Or you could just say this music is fresh air for the soul. Thumbs up for this outstanding record outta Bogota, Colombia. And a tip o’ the ska hat to Din for another great link.

Sidestepper
“La Paloma” (mp3)
from “The Buena Vibra Sound System”
(Palm Pictures)

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