Search - Various Artists :: All The Best From Mexico: 40 Mexican Favorites [2-CD SET]

From the accordion polkas of the Texas border to the dazzling harp of the Veracruz region, there's a huge range of folk music styles in Mexico. But this double-CD box is primarily aimed at lovers of mariachi who just can't get enough of the precision horn parts, swaying unison violins, and wildly joyful marimba. The unnamed ensemble on disc 1 brings impressive chops and unbridled enthusiasm that sweeps freshness even into standards like "La Cucaracha," "The Mexican Hat Dance" (disguised here as "El Jarabe Tapatio"), and the ditty that's become the American ballpark warhorse, "Las Chiapanecas" (you won't fail to recognize the middle section). Disc 2 adds a romantic bent with yearning Latin vocals and, of all things, an electronic keyboard that does little to detract from the nostalgic atmosphere. For a rootsy, rough-and-tumble version of mariachi, treat yourself to the CD Sones from Jalisco by Mariachi Reyes del Aserradero. --Bob Tarte