A Tiempo
Artist: Sergio Vargas
Community Score: 5.00

On A Tiempo, Vargas' combination of his distinctive romantic tropical style with contemporary dance rhythms really jells -- tracks like "Espera un Poco Mas," "Aquello Que Me Diste" and "Fantasma" all strike an ideal balance. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide Read More

Celebremos Navidad
Artist: Yomo Toro

Here's a Christmas album for everyone tired of the same old carols. Toro, a master of Puerto Rican aguinaldo (poetic song), gives us a collection of original holiday tunes that will fill the dance floor and heat up the whitest Christmas. The bright horn arrangements and irresistible rhythms might get your feet moving, but Toro's amazing... Read More

Babalu - RCA
Artist: Desi Arnaz
Community Score: 4.00

Twenty tracks from his 1946-49 prime, mostly paced by Arnaz himself on vocals, with some instrumentals and occasional pieces for female singers Jane Harvey, Elsa Miranda, and Amanda Lane. Sure, this is sometimes corny, but more often it's invigorating Latin big-band pop, Arnaz' conga and quasi-operatic vocals to the forefront. Those who dismiss... Read More

Mondo Mambo: The Best of Perez Prado
Artist: Pérez Prado
Community Score: 7.00

A nice compilation from Rhino of greatest hits by the master (and, more than likely, the founder) of the mambo. Perez Prado was the original Mambo King, and this album attempts to explain that title in full detail. Many of the softer works are here, as any good fan would expect -- "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White," "Patricia," etc. Also, the... Read More

Y Hoy Como Ayer
Artist: Beny Moré

Y Hoy Como Ayer shows Moré back in Cuba fronting his own big band after a successful Mexican sojourn. These recordings are drawn from five years in the mid-1950s and include some of his greatest boleros. Although Moré's uptempo tunes are wonderful hip-shakers, his ballads stab you in the heart. Moré had a great ability to convey wistfulness,... Read More

15 Grandes Exitos - RCA
Artist: Pérez Prado
Sublime Illusion
Artist: Eliades Ochoa

Cuban guitarist and Buena Vista Social Club member Eliades Ochoa returns with 1999's Sublime Illusion, which features guarachas and boleros with an added dash of spice from guest musicians like Ry Cooder, David Hidalgo, and Charlie Musselwhite. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide Read More