Back catalogue: International

Review: Conjunto Medialuna's latest album on Little Beat More is a direct trip to the heart of Bogota's rich cumbia scene. The record blends traditional rhythms with psychedelic influences driven by the Colombian accordion and ecstatic percussion that is so strongly associated with this style. These are two of the jams from it, but frankly you should also check out the full LP. It's a tribute to the guacharaca and the lively street parrandas where each song explores new interpretations of classic sounds. Featuring collaborations with N. Hardem, Mismo Perro, Son Rompe Pera, MC Hydro and Japanese-Latin percussionist Muupy, Noches de Medialuna, it transcends cultural boundaries and joins the dots between traditional and modern urban Latin music which is now so hugely popular around the world.

Review: The celebration of this series continues with a reissue of the second installment of the legendary Christmas salsa album. Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe returned here to bring the unique sounds that made Volume I a Latin music classic. For this one, Colon and Lavoe were joined by renowned cuatro player Yomo Toro and legendary percussionists Milton Cardona and Jose Mangual Jr. Together, they crafted salsa versions of beloved Puerto Rican Christmas songs while mixing traditional musica jibara with Cuban guaguanco, son montuno and African-American jazz. It delivers on all fronts with vibrant, festive blends that bring real Puerto Rican authenticity to salsa fans worldwide.

Review: The Pom Poko (Original Soundtrack), now available on vinyl, offers an excellent blend of Japanese traditional music, samba, mambo, and more. Composed by Shang Shang Typhoon, the soundtrack beautifully complements Isao Takahata's 1994 Studio Ghibli film, Pom Poko. The movie, which explores the story of tanuki (raccoon dogs) fighting against urban development, is a whimsical yet poignant reflection on environmental themes and Japanese folklore. 'Itsudemo Dareka ga' brilliantly shows an example of the album's rich and evocative soundscape, merging lively rhythms with the film's emotional core. The diverse use of instruments creates a vibrant atmosphere, reflecting the tanuki's playful and mischievous spirit while blending moments of melancholy with the encroaching destruction of their forest home. This reissue marks 30 years since the film's release and provides a perfect soundtrack for fans of both Ghibli and world music. Experience this soundtrack that will transport you back to the magical world of Pom Poko.