Pop these discs in your car for a long road trip or turn up the volume on your MP3 player — here are our annual music selections.
1. Pat Thomas and Kwashibu Area Band by Pat Thomas
2. From Kinshasa by Mbongwana Star
3. Lost and Found by Buena Vista Social Club
1. Healer by Alex Cuba
2. What Pan Did for Me by Rudy Smith
3. Amanecer by Bomba Estéreo
Pat Thomas and Kwashibu Area Band by Pat Thomas
A perfect introduction to the sounds of highlife, which is a little like Afrobeat, but a little mellower.
From Kinshasa by Mbongwana Star
This album has been in constant rotation in Marco's car and house. Last month he spoke to Mbongwana Star's producer, Irish-born Liam Farrell.
Lost and Found by Buena Vista Social Club
This is kind-of like the "Basement Tapes" of the Buena Vista Social Club. It's a mix of live concert recordings, some experiemental stuff and music left on the cutting room floor.
Healer by Alex Cuba
A very pleasing record that's light and breezy, and I mean that in a good way.
What Pan Did for Me by Rudy Smith
A greatest hits package highlighting Rudy Smith's 60+ year career. My favorite track is "Sugar Daddy" recorded in 1971 by Smith's then-band Modern Sound Quintet
Amanecer by Bomba Estéreo
An overall great album and the kind of music you'll want to hear at a beach party!
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