In no particular order:

"Space Cumbia" - Poncho Kingz (Sonidero Nacional re-mix)
A good song by the "so-so" Poncho Kingz gets a makeover. Best thing Sonidero Nacional has done since Celso Pina’s “Cumbia Sobre El Rio”

"Afrobeatnik?"- Gecko Turner
Like a modern day "Soul Makossa" without completely biting the original.

"Mi Sonsito"-Ticklah
This little known song is better and lots more fun than Lily Allen’s “Smile”

"Scared Money" - Saul Williams
One of the less bombastic songs of his Internet-only release. A simple roots-reggae loop behind his potent lyrics and it works well.

"Cumbia De Los Aburridos" - Calle 13
Nastier and almost as good as 2005’s “Atrévete."

"Arenita Playita" – 4to Poder
I must have listened to this song a million times over the summer. I’m looking forward to a full-length release by this Venezuelan band one day.

"Be Easy" - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
We have Sharon Jones to thank for giving us the best lesson on pursuing love.

"Heater" - Samim
German techno meets Colombian Cumbia. XLR8R magazine put it best, “It was the only way the Germans would get introduced to Cumbia.”

"Café Con Sangre" - Jose Conde Y Ola Fresca
My personal favorite song of the year. Freshest Salsa tune I’ve heard in years.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN ANTONIO (AP)

Lydia Mendoza, a Tejano music pioneer known as the Lark of the Border, died here on Thursday. She was 91. She had lived in the nursing home portion of the Chandler Estate, a retirement community. Her death was confirmed by her daughter Yolanda Hernandez.

Ms. Mendoza, who scored her first big hit, "Mal Hombre," in the 1930s, became one of the first Mexican-American superstars by singing to the poor and downtrodden. Her memorable musical style earned her a National Medal of Arts and a National Heritage Award fellowship. She was also asked to sing at Jimmy
Carter's inauguration in 1977.

Ms. Mendoza recorded more than 200 songs on more than 50 albums, including boleros, rancheras, cumbias and tangos, for labels including RCA, Columbia, Azteca, Peerless, El Zarape and Discos Falcon. In addition to pursuing a solo career, she also enjoyed performing with her family.

"Mal Hombre" (Evil Man), released in 1934 on the Bluebird label, became a hit on both sides of the border and was her signature song. Other hits included "La Valentina" and "Angel de Mis Anhelos."

She set the trend for others: Las Hermanas Cantu, Chelo Silva, Las Rancheritas and other women who followed Mendoza's lead in the world of Spanish music, said Lupe Saenz, executive director of the South Texas Conjunto Association. Mendoza will be remembered for her unique style of the 12-string guitar
and unique voice and style of singing.

Coolest Guitar Solo of 2007:

Hands down, Nels Cline's guitar solo on Wilco’s “Impossible Germany.” I heard the song several times before I knew who the band was, but I recognized Nels’ sound instantly. The solo ranks up there with Richard Thompson’s solo on “The Border” and Television’s “Marquee Moon.”

Favorite Amoeba Hollywood Instore Performances:

Vieux Farka Toure: Best son of a famous father to perform at Amoeba this year.

Paul McCartney: For the sheer madness of it all.

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings: The best instore of the year.

Ollin: The Chicano and Irish group performed Pogues covers for St. Patrick’s Day. They were so good The Pogues took them on tour.

Money Mark: Money Mark’s back-up singers that night were Petra Haden and Cava. Are you kidding me?  It made all his sweet pop songs sweeter.

Veterans Sounding Like New
Caetano Veloso- Cê
Bad Brains- Build a Nation
Os Mutantes- Live at the Barbican Theatre 2006



Dios Mio! Finally a New Release By These Artists!
Café Tacvba-Si
Manu Chao-La Radiolina
Tinariwen- Aman Iman: Water is Life



Hip Hop From Around The World
Calle 13- Residente o Visitante (Puerto Rico)
Mala Rodriguez –Malamarismo (Spain)
Tego Calderon –Contraataca (Puerto Rico)
Orishas –Antidiotico (Cuba)
Mokobe -Mon Afrique (France/Senegal)
Marcelo D2-Perfil (Brazil)
Bocafloja- El Manual De La Otredad (Mexico)




Best of the Re-Issues
Johnny Ray (Johnny Zamot) -Las Estrellas De Nueva York: Camino De Fama (Walk Of Fame)
Héctor Lavoe -A Man And His Music - La Voz
Orlando Julius -Super Afro Soul
Bobby Valentin- Soy Boricua
Fania All-Stars- Latin Soul Rock
Tipica 73- Orquesta
Bembeya Jazz National -The Syliphone Years
Jorge Ben - Força Bruta