If you listened to AM Radio back in the early ’70s, there is little doubt you do NOT remember the infectious Latin Rock of Malo with their unforgettable “Sauvecito” tune, both the single edit, and the longer LP track. Both could be listened to forever without tiring. In fact, I listen to the debut Malo album from 1972 to this day.
They released new albums until about 1998 but none had the attention that “Sauvecito” (AKA The Chicano National Anthem) gave the band. Of course, that does NOT mean that Malo didn’t have the ability to revisit such exquisite territory. They did often, releasing three more charting albums (Dos – 1972, Evolution – 1973, Ascención – 1974). All of those albums were gold musically. Plus, they enjoyed a strength (in addition to the already strong talents in the band), in Jorge Santana, who happened to be a brother of Carlos Santana. Needless to say, all iterations of Malo albums and singles were hypnotic and candy to listen to.
On May 25, Omnivore Records will release a collection of fourteen A and B sides from Malo in a newly remastered set. All songs are single edit releases from Warner Brothers, with no extended LP tracks (sigh…but understandable). The set is being called Latin Bugaloo – The Warner Bros. Singles.
The CD will contain a booklet with new notes from Jorge Santana, who recognized that “Malo was pretty much a jam.” A beautiful and timeless jam at that!
To me, this is a highly anticipated collection, one that I have on my buy list! And in case you’ve forgotten “Sauvecito”, listen to the single edit below (but seek out the extended 6-min+ LP track :
Latin Bugaloo – The Warner Bros. Singles – Malo
01. Suavecito
02. Nena
03. Cafe
04. Peace
05. Just Say Goodbye
06. Pana
07. I’m For Real
08. Oye Mamá
09. Latin Bugaloo
10. Midnight Thoughts
11. I Don’t Know
12. Merengue
13. Love Will Survive
14. Think About Love