bamboleo - yo no me parezco a nadie (ahi nama)   Cost $28.95

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bamboleo - yo no me parezco a nadie

Bamboleo’s flagwaver was released in 1998 so it’s hardly latest news but it is the release that brought Cuban timba to international attention. What is timba? Well, to me it’s really just Cuban salsa on steroids with elements of funk, rap and jazz firming the confection. Featuring two ladies, Haila and Vannia with voices of steel and a punch-drunk brass section Bamboleo are pretty hard to ignore. The excitement of the instrumental opener Opening Estudio 10 is undeniable and two of Bamboleo’s best songs, the title song, a virtual timba anthem and Con Un Canto En El Pecho are here.

I like all the stuff although one or two of the ballads teeter dangerously close to the edge of kitsch. It’s unlikely that Bamboleo’s music will span the decades in the way that classic Cuban rhythms and melodies have, but this one still sounds very good six years on. For those wanting to delve further, check out the early 90’s records by NG La Banda. A funky precursor to timba without the pomposity. When you hear these guys fly, you’ll know why they were called “los metales de terror”, the horns of terror.