Original Soundtrack
Dance With Me (Epic/Sony Music Soundtrax 68905)

I haven't seen the movie, but from what I've heard, it seems on par with the soundtrack: enjoyable enough on the surface but nothing tremendous. I bought the soundtrack essentially for the Albita track ("Fiesta Pa'Los Rumberos") and was not disappointed by that, but too many of the remaining tracks were SO pop it nearly killed me.

Now, I love Latin pop as much as the next gringo, but a lot of this is just not my style. Favorite tracks include the Albita song, Black Machine's "Jazz Machine" (imagine They Might Be Giants Vs. Dark Latin Groove), the salsa version of "Refugio De Amor" by Vanessa L. Williams and Chayanne, and Ana Gabriel's beautiful "Eres Todo En Mi."

Two tracks by Gloria Estefan were surprisingly welcome, but unsurprisingly lightweight, the Ruben Bladés track was okay, and the Brazilian offering (represented by Sergio Mendes) was my least favorite track, much to my surprise.

I suppose I'm a traditionalist, as I didn't "get" the club-oriented stuff offered up by Elvis Crespo and Monica Naranjo, but now that I think of it, I don't think I "get" any club-oriented stuff regardless of what language it's in.

But there's so much Spanglish all over this CD that it's clear they were going for a huge crossover between the Latin and Pop charts. Oh well. It's a fine disc for a party, but I guarantee there won't be more than 100 people actively listening to this CD 5 years from now. I mean, it's all about longevity, right? People are still enjoying those Penthouse photos of Vanessa L. Williams … perhaps it's time to drop the "L" and bring back the dog collar.

Loud Bassoon rating scale

Review by Joan Bastard