De Vuelta Al Barrio
Dominican singer-percussionist Chichi Peralta makesDe Vuelta al Barrioan international affair. Recorded in the Dominican Republic and England and partially mixed in the U.S., this album also reflects an understanding of world rhythms that allows Peralta to mix and match effortlessly and convincingly.De Vueltais most successful when Peralta takes the biggest chances: "El Beso de Judas" is a four-minute meld of psychedelic guitar effects, Brazilian percussion, sitar, and droning chant that would bring a smile toOs Mutantes' faces, while "Baila Venga Chichi" is handily and intensely rapped. A few tracks get bogged down in lite-radio clichés, but moments like the child's giggles at the end of "Hasta Que Lo Pierde" underscore the record's status as an intriguingly personal addition to the Latin-pop canon.--Rickey Wright