Latin Seduction: The Best Of Cumbia CD

The Best of Cumbia edition of Madacy's Latin Seduction series follows the trend established by its brethren: cheesecake cover star and a few standout performances that add color to a fair to middling set. In this case, Tropicombo's "Amor Sin Fronteras" is dominated by an expressive vocal, traditional flutes, and blasts from a particularly exuberant horn section. Veterans la Sonora Dinamita stop by for "Yo Soy la Cumbia," which features an unstoppable, almost funky bassline, and closer "Cumbia de Mi Tierra," from Sonora Carruseles, is possessed of a bright, sunny melody. Best of Cumbia might not be very conservative in its cumbia style, but it will offer a few thrills to casual fans of the style. ~ Johnny Loftus