Putumayo Presents: Latin Reggae

The music label Putumayo World Music has recently released Latin Reggae, an album that combines reggae music and elements of regional music styles from Spain and Latin America with socially-conscious lyrics sung primarily in Spanish. According to the official Web site for Putumayo World Music, the company's motto is, "Guaranteed to make you feel good!" Despite not understanding the Spanish lyrics, or perhaps because of it, I did feel good listening to the rhythmic songs on Latin Reggae. The CD combines the music of different cultures into one "worldly" album...the Latin Reggae Web page lists countries next to the tracks, including Spain, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and on the last track alone, Ecuador, Canada, and Algeria...that should please fans of reggae and international music alike. Artists include Macaco, Radio Malanga, and the interestingly named Black Ghandi. And just in case you or the recipient of the CD does not like the music, Putumayo will let you send the CD to them for a full refund as part of their "Feel Good Guarantee."