saoco! the bomba and plena explosion in puerto rico 1954-1966  (3 LP set, £29.50)

A comprehensive look at the rich and fascinating music of Puerto Rico during the 50s and 60s, which led the way for the subsequent salsa scene worldwide. Vampisoul’s selection focuses on the rhythms of bomba and plena; island traditions that enjoyed tremendous popularity, enriching the field of tropical music with a distinctive Puerto Rican character.