Prototype Issue
Tunes to Take Out on the Town
By Phat X. Chiem
(page 1 of 2)RTLA has the soundtrack for your summer covered.
CéU
CéU
Six Degrees
[Afro-Brazilian]
The breakout album from this Brazilian chanteuse quickly gained international attention, including a 2006 Latin Grammy nom for best new artist. Smoothly fusing samba, reggae, electronica and soul, her sun-dappled songs arrive on a breeze from sultry São Paulo.
Los Straitjackets
Rock en Español
Yep Roc
[Indie rock]
Groove to classic rock songs en español with this infectious new collection by the quirky, Lucha Libre-masked quartet from, um, Nashville, Tenn. The normally instrumental group goes vocal with a little help from its friends, including Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos and Little Willie G. of legendary East LA soul-rockers Thee Midniters.
Wu-Tang Clan
8 Diagram
SRC Records
[Hip-hop]
The brilliant hip-hop collective releases its first group effort since Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s 2004 demise. Sure to satisfy longtime listeners with Wu-Tang’s inventive rhymes, the new compilation includes unreleased material from the deceased rapper and a tribute track.
Poncho Sanchez
Raise Your Hand
Concord Picante
[Latin jazz]
The perpetually touring conguero settles down just long enough to put together his first album in two years. The new release reveals Sanchez’s love of old-school soul as legends Eddie Floyd, Booker T. Jones and Steve Cropper add their funky flavor.
Angélique Kidjo
Djin Djin
Razor & Tie
[Afro-funk]
Inspired by the sounds and soul of her native Benin, the African diva brings together an A-list roster of guest vocalists for this jam-packed release, including Peter Gabriel, Alicia Keys, Joss Stone, Josh Groban, Ziggy Marley, Carlos Santana and Branford Marsalis. Whew!
Manu Chao
Nacional Records
[Latin alternative]
The multilingual, multiethnic punk rocker’s first album since 2004 coincides with his most extensive North American tour ever, including a stop at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Expect the usual raucous mix of languages, musical styles and fist-raising anthems.
Blonde Redhead
23
4AD
[Indie rock]
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