Mystery Melodisc Afro-Cuban Collection

I can't tell you much about this complilation album as I can't find anything about it anywhere on the internet. I can tell you that I was in two minds about whether or not to buy it, the lack of information anywhere on the sleeve or labels made me suspect it might be '70s easy listening faux-latin stuff, luckily that's not the case and what we seem to be treated to is a lovely collection of groovy Cuban 78s. And very good some of these songs are too. I can tell you that the version of The Peanut Vendor included here is a 1930s recording of the Havana Casino Orchestra, and Romantica Mujer is performed by Sexteto Tipico Habanera. Not that those names mean anything to me. More info would be greatly appreciated.

Tracklist:

01 Peanut Vendor
02 Babalu'
03 Chili Sauce
04 El Aguacero
05 Baionga
06 Baiao
07 India Inglesa
08 Tico Tico
09 Mi Cafetal
10 Brazil
11 Romantica Mujer
12 Maria Cristina

Get it HERE.

Celina Gonzalez - Fiesta Guajira (1987)

Excellent album of Afro-Cuban music from the Queen of Cuban Country, of musica campesina or the songs of Cuba's rural population. The album was recorded in 1982 and Celina's gutsy voice shines throughout.

Here's a great clip of Celina singing 'Santa Barbara' with her son:

Also couldn't resist this homage to Fidel Castro:

Tracklist:

01 Yo Soy El Punto Cubano
02 Muero de Olvido
03 Santa Barbara
04 Oye Mi Le Lo Ley
05 Guajiro Guarachero
06 Paisajes Naturales
07 El Refran Se Te Olvido
08 Aguacero Aguacerito
09 Mi Tierra Es Asi

Get it HERE.