Top Ten Venezuelan Albums.

Venezuela is Latin Music's best kept secret. On top its rich tapestry of Afro-Caribbean influences, Venezuela was a mecca to immigrants from all over the world and, as opposed to Cuba, the influence of American pop helped to bring different flows into the mix and made the music some of the most diverse in the Americas. Home to both a party loving public and some of the world's best musicians, the country is still a top reference for musicians, producing some of the best music in Latin America, even throughout the current financial crisis. From Guaco and Oscar D'Leon to Los Amigos Invisibles and Desorden Publico; from Salsa and Funk to Ska and Punk, here are some of our favourite Venezuelan albums of the pre-reggaeton era.

by DJ Jose Luis

1. GUACO - Cómo Era y Cómo Es

It was supposed to be the album that would make the legendary Venezuelan band international stars. For many reasons it didn't...still a fantastic album with newer versions of old classics and new material.

2. OSCAR DE LEON - En Vivo en Copacabana

The most charismatic salsa singer and performer only can be judged by the high standards of his shows and this is the first album that ever captured that. Live in the world famous Copacabana club (New York) with his full venezuelan band.

3. AMIGOS INVISIBLES - Venezuela Singazón Vol 1.

Produced by "Little" Louie Vega, it was the album that gave Los Amigos a global sound and put them on the road to international recognition.

4.GRUPO MANGO - Puro Mango

A salsa band from the late 70s and early 80s, it was considered the creme of the creme at his peak. Tihs is a best of and the only material that can be found on CD.

5.SAXOMANIA. Marejada Feliz: A tribute to Roberto Roena

A fantastic achievement. This album should be in any true salsero’s collection

6. DESORDEN PUBLICO - Canto Popular de la Vida y Muerte

Put simply...Ska Cubano with cojones. a 20-year-old ska/rock band that sounds better today than ever. This was their 4th album and their best in my opinion.