Nearly 50 years after Fania Records' influential formation by bandleader Johnny Pacheco, the New York based Latin label is collaborating with Strut Records to release a two-disc retrospective showcasing 15 years of their prime releases. After the 'mambo kings' era fizzled out, Fania arrived as the forefront of Latin music in the late 60s, catering to the enormous Latin community that flourished in and around Spanish Harlem.
For the next two decades Fania focused the world's attention on the energetic salsa scene, serving as the epicenter for titans like Ray Barretto, Bobby Valentin, and Justo Betancourt. The double-disc set comes with a 32-page booklet filled with a complete label history and photos so you can sound really smart when the Dexter theme song comes on.
Fania Records 1964-1980: The Original Sound Of Latin New York will be released March 29 on Strut Records. They were kind enough to give us a sample track that's perfect for cooking dinner or whatever comes after. Wink, wink.
Fania Records 1964 – 1980: The Original Sound of Latin New York
CD 1
01 Johnny Pacheco – Dakar, Punto Final
02 Orchestra Harlow – La Juventud
03 Joe Bataan – Subway Joe
04 Ray Barretto – Mercy Mercy Baby
05 Bobby Valentin – Use It Before You Lose It
06 Willie Colon – The Hustler
07 Joe Bataan – Mambo De Bataan
08 Roberto Roena – Consolacion
09 Ismael Miranda con Orchestra Harlow – Abran Paso
10 Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz – Sonido Bestial
11 Willie Colon – Che Che Cole
12 Cheo Feliciano – Anacaona
13 The Fania All Stars – Quitate Tu (Live At The Cheetah)
14 Justo Betancourt – Pa’ Bravo Yo
15 Ismael Miranda – Asi Se Compone Un Son
CD 2
01 Ray Barretto – Indestructible
02 Willie Colon – Calle Luna, Calle Sol
03 Roberto Roena – Que Se Sepa
04 Bobby Valentin – Coco Seco
05 Celiz Cruz & Johnny Pacheco – Quimbara
06 Tommy Olivencia – Pa’Lante Otra Vez
07 Hector Lavoe – Mi Gente
08 Mongo Santamaria – O Mi Shango
09 Sonora Poncena – Bomba Carambomba
10 Ruben Blades & Willie Colon – Pablo Pueblo
11 Hector Lavoe – El Cantante
12 Ruben Blades & Willie Colon – Pedro Navaja
13 Celia Cruz Y Sonora Poncena – Sonaremos El Tambo
14 Fania All Stars & Celia Cruz – Cuando Despiertes
