For many gringos, Uruguayan singer/songwriter Jorge Drexler’s arrival was announced by his quietly strummed performance of "Al Otro Lado Del Rio" during the closing credits of The Motorcycle Diaries. The song wound up winning an Oscar for Best Original Song, but this kind of acclaim is nothing new for talented Drexler: he's already a major pop star in Latin America. Using South American roots styles for subtle flavor, Drexler's music combines a sophisticated blend of modern production, acoustic guitar-based songs and a myriad of different slightly electronic touches. Longtime fans will consider 12 Segundos de Oscuridad, his eigth album overall, up to his high standards, but this is a real eye opener for those who are just coming to the table. –Tad Hendrickson

Ely Guerra - Sweet & Sour, Hot y Spicy (1 CD) 76 Mb.
Genre: Rock/alternative/electronica | RIP (mp3@192) / CD audio (14 Sept 2004)
Label EMI/Capitol

Ely Guerra has been compared to PJ Harvey and Joni Mitchell, not to mention fellow Mexican music diva Lila Downs. But whereas Downs's music looks back as it looks forward–-some of her influences are traditions that go back centuries–-Guerra has always been firmly entrenched in modern day styles on both sides of the border. Her fourth album opens with "Te Amo, I Love You," which is a Spanish language rocker that ferociously roars. Soon she turns to touch on percolating electronic pop, subdued ballads and organic urban grooves that recalls songwriter Joe Henry. Amidst these different music flavors, Guerra's voice grandly soars overhead, coos to a lover, whispers and cajoles, proving she is as versatile as her backing. It's no surprise that the album is called Sweet and Sour, Hot Y Spicy; Guerra shares a lot of different sides of herself on it. Indeed, Guerra's decade-long career is an illustrious one, but this is an album is a real bright spot. –Tad Hendrickson (amazon.com)

The former lead singer of Mexico's popular alternative-pop act La Dosis steps forward with a captivating solo album in which she's joined by Marc Ribot (Elvis Costello, Tom Waits) and Melvin Gibbs (Rollins Band, Marisa Monte). Sara's rich vocals and eclectic melodies shine on "Lado Este" ("East Side"), which was produced by Dougie Bowne (Iggy Pop, Cibo Matto, Arto Lindsay) and co-produced by Francois Lardeau (Marc Ribot, Quark, Depeche Mode). Listeners need not speak Spanish to enjoy it.