A solid, unpretentious collection of Afro-Caribbean dance tunes that illustrate both the African roots of Cuban son and the tremendous impact that salsa has had all over the world. The genre’s kitsch glamour is beautifully exploited by the Portland, Oregon, ensemble Pepe & The Bottle Blondes, but the compilation’s strongest moments introduce lesser known fusions that incorporate ska (England’s Ska Cubano and its eccentric take on "Babalú") and French Caribbean styles (Ronald Rubinel’s Salsa Kolor project.)

-Ernesto Lechner