Growing up in a mexican-american household and being exposed to latin music at an early age, I find myself going through phases where I want to hear some latin music that gets the ol' nostalgia going. Browsing folders in my favorite peer-2-peer program, Soulseek, I came across Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and after looking them up, I figured "let's check out some modern Salsa".
Across 110th Street is a pretty good album, with lots of energy and swinging sounds that will pretty much fill any want you might have if you are craving Salsa. (not the kind for your chips retard!) The album flows really well, and every song is really well produced; and that's where I ran into a snag. It's not that I don't like nicely produced music, but every so often, on this album, there were some production edits, to the vocals and mix, that seemed a little too clean. To me, part of the attraction to World music, and especially latin music, is the feel of, for a better lack of words, Earthiness. I like to have the music make me think of the musicians, in their own country, playing live or in a little club or something; I don't know, maybe I am a little overly critical, but that's all I got. The vocals, featuring Ruben Blades, are really good, the music is really good, overall the album is really good; but if you have ever heard any Ibrahim Ferrer, then you'll know what I mean when I talk about the over production. (Granted Ibrahim Ferrer isn't really a Salsa vocalist, the general latin style is what I am referencing in this.) With 13 tracks and a little over an hour of playtime, this album goes by pretty fast.
If you like Salsa music, you'll like this; or if you like latin music as a whole, you'll like this album. Across 110th Street is a great jumping off point for latin/salsa music, but you can find better if you dig around a little bit. Totally worth buying if you find it used or online for a free download.
Official score- 3.75/5
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