Latin Mix
Some movie soundtracks work independently of the movies for which they were produced, regardless of the merits of their respective films: Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? and Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights prove that point remarkably well.
This should be the case for La Mujer de Mi Hermano (Nacional), a movie about a love triangle that has just reached our shores through Lions Gate after considerable success in Latin America (and which I unfortunately still havent seen). Whether you ever get around to experiencing the film or not, the CD is infectious, showcasing a mix of talents which go from more established names to artists who have recently (forgive me) exploded onto the Latin pop scene.
Spain's The Pinker Tones make a memorable appearance with the English-language "TMCR Grand Finale," a respectful send-up to 80s funk that was originally finished off their debut album. Also in the electronic realm are Pacha's bilingual "Don't Let Go," and The Mexican Institute of Sound's "Dub-A El Tiempo Es Muy Largo," which might just begin populating dance floors in clubland.
For those into calmer moments, be sure to check out Sara Valenzuela's beautiful "Ya No," a song where one realizes that her lover is "not coming back anymore." Another must-listen is Andrea Echeverri's poignant celebration of motherhood, "Baby Blues," which originally came out on her year-old solo album. She also sang it live with the group Aterciopelados'one of the greatest moments at last years Summerstage.
As with most compilations, there are a few dudsKemo The Blaxican's rap "I Drink She Smokes" failed to hit a chord with me, the same with Novalima Regresa's "Con La Capilla," a sad tango that only motivates you to reach for the skip button.
But then those missteps are forgiven when you get something as catchy as Tanghetto's electro-orchestral take on New Order's "Blue Monday," which features an accordion and a Chinese violin on the lead against a discreet electronic backbeat. Yes, its been covered before but never with a flavor quite like this.