1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die - #15. Tito Puente - Dance Mania (1958)

Tito Puente - Dance Mania (1958)

Track Listing (standout tracks in bold)

1. El Cayuco
2. Complicación
3. 3-D Mambo
4. Llego Mijan
5. Cuando Te Vea
6. Hong Kong Mambo
7. Mambo Gozón
8. Mi Chiquita Quiere Bembe
9. Varsity Drag {Mambo)
10. Estoy Siempre Junto a Ti
11. Agua Limpia Todo
12. Saca Tu Mujer

Dance Mania as I read is probably Tito Puente's best-known album. This reminded me a lot of the Machito album I just listened to. Another collection of mambo, congo cha cha cha tracks. It’s fun enough, and I didn’t hate… but again – this kind of music is just not my thing and I found myself really glad when it ended. If you like conga, cha cha cha music – it would be recommended – if not – pass on this one.

ABSOLUTE ROCK BIRTHDAYS FOR ROCKTOBER 10:
Midge Ure is 55; David Lee Roth is 54; Mike Malinin from the Goo Goo Dolls is 41;

1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die - #13. Machito - Kenya (1957)

MACHITO - KENYA

Track Listing (standout tracks listed in bold

1. Wild Jungle
2. Congo Mulence
3. Kenya
4. Oyeme
5. Holiday
6. Cannonology
7. Frenzy
8. Blues A La Machito
9. Conversation
10. Tin Tin Deo
11. Minor Rama
12. Tururato

This would be the first time I have ever listened to a Afro-Cuban jazz album. While not something I see myself hurrying back to listen to – I did actually kinda enjoy it. The music on here reminds me of every dance/bar scenes in every 50’s movie I have ever seen. Not that that’s a bad thing – but is a nice analogy – as this is music that seems to fit nicely in the background. Not too flashy, solid beats and rhythms and you could dance to it if you are so inclined.
The arrangements are tight, full of percussion and horns, yet they are kinda cookie cutter music. One song does not really distinguish itself apart from another. Still – a ‘pleasant’ album to listen to so I would recommend it.