2nd Birthday Extravaganza: Contest! Remixes! Mp3s! Reviews!

Has it been two years already? Damn! I could write an extensive post remeniscing the good ol' days, when this blog was written in Dutch and had about 20 daily visitors. Fact is, I still massively enjoy writing and designing La Onda, and I hope to spend much more hours looking for rare latin music and sweating over minuscule design details!

Of course we're doing another giveaway for the occasion! You can win one of these two sparkling new and super hot albums:

Calle 13 - Residente o Visitante
Even more impressive as their debut: Calle 13 have matured. Visitante confirms as a key innovator in latin urban music, Residente proves his splendid lyrical skill and sharp sense of humor. An essential album! (read full review)

Spanish Harlem Orchestra - United We Swing
This Grammy-winning all-star orchestra gives a new meaning to virtuosity. They prove old-school New York salsa is still hot, and will be hot forever. We'll review this album here soon!

Just send your name, address, and album of preference to laondatropical@gmail.com. Don't forget to mention "Birthday" in the subject. We'll announce the winners next week!

But what would an anniversary post be without a big load of mp3s? Here's a collection of remixes, covers, live versions and mash-ups, loosely related to artists and songs you first heard here at La Onda. (My bandwith limit has been exceeded - I'll re-upload the songs soon!)

Shakira ft. Alejandro Sanz - La Tortura (DJ Manish Arabanghra Remix) mp3
Shakira herself, of partly Lebanese descent, would certainly approve of this eclectic remix. The Middle Eastern violins play a prominent role while the banghra-influenced beat constantly switches and changes. PS: "La Tortura" was the first song ever posted on this blog! (original post)

Ojos de Brujo - Sultanas de Merkaillo (Novalima Remix) mp3
An exciting remix of a magnificent song. The flamenco clapping and fast guitar were already irresistible in Ojos de Brujo's original (found on Techarí, recently released in the US). Afro-Peruvian band Novalima added a thobbing beat and voice effects, with a tropical dance track as result. (original post)

Gustavo Cerati - Crimen (Live, ft. Ricardo Mollo) mp3
The most beautiful rock song of 2006 performed live in Buenos Aires by two legends of Argentinian rock. Cerati is as brilliant as in his Soda Stereo heydays, and ex-Sumo guitarist Ricardo Mollo joins in for an explosive solo and sober vocals. (original post)

Grupo Control - La Camisa Negra (Juanes Cover) mp3
"La Camisa Negra" has been remixed dozens of times. This norteño cumbia version by Grupo Control contrasts wonderfully with the light-headed, poppy original because of its melancholic, almost sad vocals. (original post)

Federico Aubele - En El Desierto (Live @ Stubb's) mp3 buy@iTunes
Although this live version lacks the sweaty atmosphere of the original song (found on his forthcoming sophomore album Panamericana), Aubele must be applauded for his effort to translate this mainly electronic track to an unplugged performance. (original post)

Chambao - Pokito A Poko (David Ferrero Housepark Remix) mp3
DJ David Ferrero takes flamenco-chill collective Chambao to the dancefloor. You probably did not hear them first here, but if I'm correct, Chambao is now ready to storm North and South America with Caminando, a rework of the previously released Pokito A Poko and some older tracks. (original post)

Bebe - Malo (Oskar Fuego Remix) mp3
Oskar Fuego spices up "Malo" with a heavier rhythm. "Malo", and even more "Siempre Me Quedara", became worldwide hits after they were featured here - could there be a connection? ;) (original post)

Mach & Daddy - Pasame La Botella (DJ Tranzas Batucada Remix) mp3
The anthem of last summer in most parts of Latin America. Also, the anthem of many dumped men who drunk away their sorrow. The remix adds carnival-style drums to the already cheerful carribean rhythm. (original post)

Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean - Hips Don't Lie (Sera Sera Spanish Version) mp3
The anthem of last summer in the rest of the world. This is the Spanish version, which is usually better than the English one. I guess Shakira's voice is just more suited for singing in Castellano... (original post)

Calle 13 - Atrévete-te (Rompe Mashup) mp3
"El reggaeton se te mete por los intestinos, por debajo de la falda como un submarino": even mashed up with a Daddy Yankee song, Calle 13 sound superior. The hit that catapulted them into latino fame still hasn't lost its appeal. (original post)

Daddy Yankee - Impacto (ft. Voltio, Jowell y Randy) mp3
This remix has the participation of the hot reggaeton duo of the moment, Jowell y Randy. I like the Fergie version more, but hey, you probably hear it enough already ;) (original post)

And our final treat: the long-awaited new Daddy Yankee album, El Cartel 3: The Big Boss, extensively reviewed below! To think I posted this only two weeks ago ;)