Merengue--in all its hip-swiveling glory--is the focus of this edition of the Rough Guide series, an eclectic experiment dedicated to schooling the uninformed (read: Anglos) on globe-trotting cultures and sounds. It's an expectedly festive mix, from the opening strains of Cana Brava's galloping "Eres Mentirosa" through Milly Quezada's throaty, often thrilling, reading of "Caro" and on to Los Tupamaros' "La Negra Quiere Bailar," a sterling salsa/merengue hybrid. The pace falters a bit with Victor Roque y La Gran Manzana's "Ven Junto a Mi," but it's due more to poor sound quality than anything else. Oro Solido's frenetic "Verano Solido" is a rousing party-starter, and Los Ocho de Colombia offers "El Mamboleo," a modern, soul-infused take on the genre. The collection's glaring lack of female performers, however, is surprising. Aside from Quezada, women are relegated to backing vocals. Olga Tanon, Miriam Cruz and Las Chicas Del Can would likely have something to say about that. --Joey Guerra
Album Description
A fast-paced Latin dance synonymous with the Dominican Republic, merengue is hugely popular throughout Latin America. Originally played in trios, the urban sound that is today's merengue is played on the saxophone, the electric guitar, the two-headed tambora drum and marimba. Filling dancefloors across the Spanish-speaking world, this album features some of the best contemporary merengue artists around, including Chichi Peralta, Caña Brava and La Mákina. Artists include - Chichi Peralta Y Son Familia, Rikarena, Milly Quezada, La Mákina, Victor Roque Y La Gran Manzana, Los Toros Band, Los Tupamaros, Caña Brava, Eddy Herrera feat. Danny Boy, Oro Sólido, Los Ocho De Colombia, Azucarado and Agapito Pascual
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