May 1, 2009 2:39 PM, By Sarah Benzuly

When you bring numerous producers together on a compilation album, there is often a lack of cohesiveness from track to track—each brings a personal style and sound that doesn’t necessarily mesh with the other contributors’ sensibilities. But that’s not the case with Revolution, a Cuban music “revival” of sorts that finds six producers—Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim; Guy Sigsworth (Madonna, Alanis Morrissette), Marius De Vries (The Sugarcubes); Cameron McVey and Jan “Stan” Kybert (Massive Attack, Neneh Cherry); Rich File (James Lavelle); and Poet Name Life (Black Eyed Peas)—bringing a Latin beat and tone to these hepped-up hip-hop tracks. In addition, they brought in stellar Cuban players—including Moloko singer Roisin Murphy, emerging talent Janet G and expat Cuban hip-hop act Orishas—to add another level of authenticity. While not drenched in classic Cuban time signatures, the album takes that groove and embellishes it with R&B and electronica elements, resulting in a sexy and danceable offering that is sure to find its place on the Billboard charts.

Must Plays: “Cuba Boom” and “Black Dollar”

Mix Books

Modern Recording and Mixing

This 2-DVD set will show you how the best in the music industry set up a studio to make world-class records. Regardless of what gear you are using, the information you'll find here will allow you to take advantage of decades of expert knowledge. Order now $39.95

Mastering Cubase 4

Electronic Musician magazine and Thomson Course Technology PTR have joined forces again to create the second volume in their Personal Studio Series, Mastering Steinberg's Cubase(tm). Edited and produced by the staff of Electronic Musician, this special issue is not only a must-read for users of Cubase(tm) software, but it also delivers essential information for anyone recording/producing music in a personal-studio. Order now $12.95

Newsletters

MixLine

Delivered straight to your inbox every other week, MixLine takes you straight into the studio, with new product announcements, industry news, upcoming events, recent recording/post projects and much more. Click here to read the latest edition; sign up here.

MixLine Live

Delivered straight to your inbox every other week, MixLine Live takes you on the road with today's hottest tours, new sound reinforcement professional products, recent installs, industry news and much more. Click here to read the latest edition; sign up here.