Loudes 68, a branch of Universal Latino, has found its niche in creating collections and compilations in Latino genres, including Latin hip-hop, Afro-Cuban music, and salsa. Perhaps unaware of the overly abundant supply of Oscar d'Leon collections, the label offered up Loudes 68 Presents Oscar d'Leon. With a scant eight tracks, four of them from one album, this 2005 release makes for a strange collection. Though perhaps useful to the consumer unfamiliar with the style or artists, the pervasive trend of collecting and ...
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Loudes 68, a branch of Universal Latino, has found its niche in creating collections and compilations in Latino genres, including Latin hip-hop, Afro-Cuban music, and salsa. Perhaps unaware of the overly abundant supply of Oscar d'Leon collections, the label offered up Loudes 68 Presents Oscar d'Leon. With a scant eight tracks, four of them from one album, this 2005 release makes for a strange collection. Though perhaps useful to the consumer unfamiliar with the style or artists, the pervasive trend of collecting and repackaging Latin musician's material can prove frustrating and confusing to loyal listeners. D'Leon seems to be particularly plagued by this idiosyncratic facet of his genre. Granted, he's a fine artist to present in a best-of context, seeing as his entire catalog is of impeccable quality. One does wonder, though, does this trend exist and persist to present salsa artists to a variety of otherwise untouched markets, or because they think that no one's paying much attention. Though often available at a slightly discounted price in comparison to 1999's La Formula Original, from which half the play list originates, in the interest of quality and consistency, one would be better off buying the original. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi
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