Vasos Vacíos

Released

This Argentinian ska-punk-Latin-funk band’s biggest hit, “Matador,” was one of the few new tracks on this 1993 album, which mostly consisted of tracks from their six previous full-lengths, some re-recorded or remixed. But “Matador,” with its thunderous samba-inspired drums, punchy horns, and football-stadium chants, as well as its lyrics decrying the suppression of dissent by military dictatorships in Argentina and Chile, is a cri de coeur disguised as a fist-pumping anthem. “Quinto Centenario,” the other new song, blends twitchy ska with an interpolation of “America,” from West Side Story, then launches into a hardcore punk sprint. Meanwhile, older songs like “El Satánico Dr. Cadillac,” “Vasos Vacíos” (featuring guest vocals from salsa legend Celia Cruz), and their cover of “Revolution Rock” (a cover of a reggae song by Danny Ray that the Clash also covered, on London Calling) throw elements of funk and even Hawaiian guitar into the mix.

Phil Freeman

Suggestions
Engine 54 cover

Engine 54

The Ethiopians
Anthem cover

Anthem

Black Uhuru
Rhythm Killers cover

Rhythm Killers

Sly & Robbie
Glory to God cover

Glory to God

Ras Michael
The Singles cover

The Singles

Pretenders
Wailing cover

Wailing

The Wailing Souls
Rasta Revolution cover

Rasta Revolution

Bob Marley & the Wailers
Princess Lady cover

Princess Lady

Lacksley Castell