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Special edition with mp3s! Just because I felt like it ;)

Many were surprised by the nomination of Colombian singer-songwriter Monica Giraldo for Best Newcomer in the upcoming Latin Grammys, but her soft, jazzy latin pop deserves everyone's attention. Listen to "Por Verte Llegar" and get carried away by the purity of her voice and the delicacy of her music.

Monica Giraldo - Por Verte Llegar mp3 buy@iTunes buy@Amazon

Mexican hipster netlabel Poni Republic embraced the acoustic indie pop duo Jóvenes y Sexys from Venezuela. "El Reloj" is a rhytmic pop song characterized by melancholic vocals and soft acoustic guitar, a little gem of a song that promises a lot for the future. Jóvenes y Sexys have only released one EP (Bruno) so far, but you can download it totally gratis at the Poni Republic blog!

Jóvenes y Sexys - El Reloj mp3 myspace

When three different promotors mention the same artist, you can bet something's buzzing. Alonso Brito is a Miami Cuban singer-songwriter with an instantly recognizable deep bass voice. His mixture of Caetano Veloso, salsa and sixties rock still has to grow on me, but it has potential. Check out "Bandolera" from the Santo Bueno EP.

Alonso Brito - Bandolera mp3 buy@iTunes myspace

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Rock: Zodiacs, Caramelos de Cianuro

Here are two rock songs, that fit into the category 'youth fun punk'. Both songs are bursting with an energy borrowed from late '70s punk bands like The Jam or The Clash.


"Chica Normal" by Zodiacs seems to aim for a commercial poprock audience, but then the chaotic chorus breaks loose, guitars and vocals all trying to grasp your attention. Keep an eye on this young Spanish band, 'cause with a sound like that they're about to go big.


Venezuelans Caramelos de Cianuro, on the other hand, have an extensive history going back to their forming in 1989. National fame came in 1996, the international breakthrough six years later in 2002, and last year they performed before 40,000 people, opening for Shakira on an airfield. But after all those years, they still manage to sound innovating and full of vitality. "No Eres Tu" is three minutes of compact power pop, instantly impacting thanks to an unusual voice and smooth bass play.

Zodiacs - Chica Normal mp3 buy@iTunes (Spain only)
Caramelos de Cianuro - No Eres Tu mp3

Zodiacs - Chica Normal

Caramelos de Cianuro - No Eres Tu

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Lo Mejor del 2006

(Don't forget to participate in our CD giveaway contest!)

It's been a great year for latin music. Well, at least for me: maintaining this blog allowed me to discover beautiful and special music I'd otherwise not even hear of. And nothing more pleasant than sharing those tracks with you, the faithful reader ;)
You'll notice a slight orientation towards rock music in my top lists, but I tried to include all the major genres covered here. There's about an hour of listening pleasure below, so have fun, and ¡feliz año nuevo!

Albums
Rock: Gustavo Cerati - Ahi Vamos



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2006 saw some heavily anticipated rock releases (Maná, Gustavo Cerati, Enanitos Verdes) and the discovery of many new South American favorites (Los Bunkers, Los Tipitos, Babasonicos), but Cerati all beats them effortlessly with this complicated but oh so powerful album.

Pop: Los Amigos Invisibles - Superpop Venezuela



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A disappointing year for pop music, if you're not into Paulina Rubio or RBD. Los Amigos Invisibles came as a breath of fresh air, in a music industry suffocated by overproduced commercialism.

Salsa: VA - Los Cocorocos



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Salsa is back! Dozens of radio stations converted from reggaeton to salsa this year, and not without reason: new efforts (like Los Cocorocos) gave salsa an image boost, a new energy, and a second youth.

Reggaeton: Tego Calderón - The Underdog/El Subestimado



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While the general vibe of reggaeton was turning negative (big egos, dissing, sexism, the lack of new talent, and heaps of money), Tego Calderón blew away all competition with honest, positive and socially conscious songs. On the same onda: the impressive debut of Calle 13. And while "big names" Daddy Yankee, Don Omar and Hector El Father were fighting (and delivering mediocre songs), Shakira made the reggaeton beat famous again with "Hips Don't Lie".

Other: Andrés Calamaro - Tinta Roja



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The Argentinian rock legend devoted himself to sensitive tango songs this year. Calamaro effortlessly captivated the atmosphere of the forties on Tinta Roja, not an easy album, but a rewarding one. Special mention: Ojos de Brujo, for their unique blend of flamenco and hiphop.

Singles
Rock:
1) Gustavo Cerati - Crimen (original post)

2) Los Tipitos - Campanas En La Noche (original post)

3) Fobia - Dos Corazones (original post)

4) Gustavo Cerati - La Excepción (original post)

5) Los Bunkers - Llueve Sobre La Ciudad (original post)

Just didn't make it: Pereza, Enanitos Verdes, Babasonicos.

Reggaeton:
1) Calle 13 - Atrevete-te (original post)

2) Paulo FG & Roldan - Te Boté (original post)

3) VA - Noche de Entierro (Nuestro Amor) (original post)

Special mention for spreading Latino vibes throughout the world:
Shakira & Wyclef Jean - Sera Sera (Hips Don't Lie Spanish Version) (original post)


Pop: Jarabe de Palo & Jorge Drexler - Que Bueno Que Bueno (original post)

Salsa: Bamboleo - El Zorreo (original post)

Merengue: Grupo Mania & Elvis Crespo - Echate Pa'ca (original post)

Cumbia: Bonka - El Problemón (original post)

Other: Chambao - Pokito a Poko (original post)


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