Classic Cumbia release: A Orillas Del Magdalena, Discos Fuentes 1955-1975

Cumbia is growing stronger! Nevermind the hippest producers from Argentina, this is the classic cumbia sound of Colombia, presented to you by the Domino Sound label/shop out of New Orleans. Call and response wailing, percussionists that play a measure then disappear, backwards accordions and a persistent, loping bassline comprise some of the elements that make up the Cumbia. Born on the banks of the Magdalena River in coastal Colombia, this infectious music represents a marriage of African, Spanish, and Indigenous influences. Antonio Fuentes began recording Colombia's music in 1934, founding his country's first record label, Discos Fuentes. Crazy stuff, I absolutely love it. Listen to samples @ Juno.

Tracklisting: Los Corraleros de Majagual - Cumbia Campesina, Los Guacharacos - Baila Rosita, Conjunto Tipico Vallenato - Cumbia Cienaguera, Nafer Duran Y Su Conjunto - A Orillas del Magdalena, Banda Y Coros Campesinos de Repelon - Macondo, Esperma Y Ron - Los Guacharacos, Combo Los Galleros - Soledad, Andres Landero Y Su Conjunto - Cumbia en La India, Los Cumbiameros de Pacheco - Santo Domingo, Eliseo Herrera Y Su Conjunto - El Mangle, Los Gavilanes de la Costa - Los Gavilanes, Carlos Roman Y Su Conjunto - Cumbia Negra.

New Daptone Afrobeat release: Pax Nicholas And The Nettey Family - Na Teef Know De Road of Teef (1973)

These are mighty times for lovers of funky Africa, as Daptone just released a lost afrobeat album by Fela Kuti's conga player and background singer. While playing and recording for Fela’s Africa 70 (he appeared on all of Fela’s releases between 1971 and 1978), Mr. Nicholas Addo-Nettey also always had his own thing going on the side. He released two solo LPs for the Tabansi Label with the Martin Brothers Band from Portharcort, Nigeria: Mind Your Own Business in 1971 and Na Teef Know The Road of Teef in 1973. The latter, made with Africa 70 musicians and singers, is heavy Afro-funk, recorded in Ginger Baker’s highly equipped Lagos studio, where many of Fela’s albums were recorded, as well. Obviously, Fela was not amused at all about these kinds of things, even less when he heard how strong the Na Teef… album was. Reportedly, he said, “Don’t you ever, EVER play it again!” And so it was. Despite being a killer record, Na Teef… remained undercover for more than 30 years. If you dig Fela, you are bound to love this stuff. This text & more info can be found @ the Daptone site.

Diggin' the Dusty Bins of Valencia & Barcelona Sep 2009

Been having a fabulous time last two weeks in Valencia (thanx to Anna & Salva) and Barcelona. If you're around Valencia, be shure to check out the Oldies record shop. Lots of vinyl in all genres and very friendly staff with loads of musical knowledge. The store even made a few compilations for the Vampisoul Label. And yes, the mix again contains lots of Spanish oldies & rumbas, but also soul, sixties, afrobeat &  funk, cumbia, samba, reggae and  dub, finishing off with a nice raggajungle track....enjoy!

Manolo Escobar – Y Viva Espana (Belter 1973)
Conchita Velasquez - Una Chica Yeye (Belter 1965)
Robert Knight - Everlasting Love (Monument 1969)
Chacho – Cuidao (Odeon EMI 1970)
Los Corraleros de Mahajual – La Trombona (Discos Fuentes)
Maligna Five - Marie Thereze (Barclay 1976)
Superblack - Rambo we Rambo (Jammys 1986)
Little John - Over Me (Black Solidarity)
Los Chunguitos - Dame Veneno (Regal EMI 1975)
Dolores Vargas – Jamalacha (Belter 1970)
Argentina Coral - Ramona (Belter 1965)
Merry Clayton - Southern Man (Ode 1971)
Fela Kuti - Coffin for Head of State (Kalakuta 1979)
Antonio Carlos e Jocafi - Toro de Lagrimas (RCA 1973)
Alain Delon – Laetitia (HMV EMI 1967)
Tere de Oro - La Mosca (Marter 1972)
El Gitano Portugues - Lloro (Discophon 1972)
Los Amaya – Que Mala Suerte La Mia (Odeon EMI)
The Beltones – No More Heartaches (Trojan)
Tyrone Davis – Is it Something you Got (Brunswick 1975)
Los Chunguitos – Me La Lleve A La Era (Regal EMI 1975)
Dolores Vargas - Maria Lisi (Belter 1973)
James & Bobby Purify - Shake a Tail Feather (Stateside 1969)
Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 – Ye-me-le (A&M 1970)
Basque Dub Foundation – Slaving (Brixton 2005)
Terry Ganzie – Outlaw rmx (Chopstick)