Fri Mar 12 2021
4
When you listen to something like this you really get the feeling the Latin people are having way more fun than everybody else.
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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
Dance Mania
Tito Puente
1958
- Album Summary
Dance Mania is a studio album by American musician Tito Puente. The album was added to the National Recording Registry in 2002. It is also listed among the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
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Sat Feb 20 2021
4
“Dance Mania” by Tito Fuentes and his orchestra (1958) Never heard of this album or artist, but I could see that this was going to be fun immediately upon dropping the needle on the record. I can dream, can’t I? The album came out when I was three years old, and this was a musical world with which, in later years, I would become only marginally familiar. My sister and I would dance cha-cha-cha in pre-adolescence. I got bongos for Christmas one year, learning the difference between cha-cha-cha, mambo, samba, and rumba (and the difference between the two bongo drums, macho and hembra, the full significance of which would only become clear when adolescence was over). Musically, I was taken by the rich depth of the brass (exclusively trumpets, with the lower tones all carried by reeds. Interesting.) The rhythms are not the hard driving Latin beats of Santana. This is dance music. Mostly mambo (listen for the syncopation on beat four in each measure) and cha-cha-cha, in slightly varying tempos from song to song. Sensuous, undulating. For dancers, forget your feet. It’s all about oscillation between the chest and lower abdomen (euphemisms). I’d better stop. Skillful marimba and vibraphone by Fuentes. All musicians play with precision and professional self discipline. Excellent jazz piano by Raymond Concepción. Very well recorded (for 1958), with excellent use of the newly developed stereophonic technology (generally brass on the right and reeds on the left—cool). Can you believe we actually used to listen to music in mono? Lyrics: Well, I’m certainly limited here, but the lyrics are meaningfully prominent on two songs. This is enough for me to gain an appreciation of the fact that Latin dance is more than just ‘happy music’, regardless how much cowbell I hear. On “Cuando Te Vea”, we have: Mañana cuando yo te vea Permite, que pueda explicarte Los momentos de amargura Que pase por ti mujer Yo comprendo, soy un hombre Lo que quiero nena linda Es disculparte Por los momentos de amargura Que pase por ti mujer (Tomorrow when I see you Let me explain The moments of bitterness Let it pass for you woman I understand, I am a man What I want pretty baby Is to apologize For the moments of bitterness Let it pass for you woman) Cuando te vea Fuiste mala mala y embustera Cuando te vea Mañana por la mañana Cuando te vea Te fuiste de mi vida mujer bandolera Cuando te vea (When I see you You were bad bad and a liar When I see you Tomorrow morning When I see you You left my life, shoulder bag woman When I see you) Here is a message that conveys sympathy, regret, chastisement, and resentment all within the same musical mood. Wow. (Somebody please explain to me “mujer bandolera”) On “Agua Limpia Todo”, Water cleanses everything—even the tongue of the people. Something to remember in the age of Twitter. Very good music. Very gratifying listen. 4/5
Tue Dec 08 2020
4
What a fantastic, groovy, dancy album. I found myself swaying and jigglin' to the beat and tempo of the songs. What a great album that I'd have otherwise not listened to.
Tue Jan 19 2021
4
Never listened to a whole Tito Puente album. Really enjoyed listening to this, both by myself and with the family. Love the dance of the lead voices with the chorus and of course the layers of percussion is right up my alley. The "living stereo" mix sounds great and for its time is incredible. Favorite tracks: Llego Mijan and Mi Chiquita Quiere Bembe.
Fri Apr 23 2021
4
Havana great time 🕺🏻
Mon Nov 30 2020
5
Really hard not to smile while listening to Señor Tito and his orchestra. Perfect for cooking or, really, anything. Favorite tracks: "Complicación", "Llego Mijan"
Tue May 18 2021
5
First time listening: 12/12 songs liked Yooooooo. That's a groove. This is basically a more refined Perez Prado, with more grooves and more melody. I am all for big band, and definitely all for mambo. 4 songs saved
Thu Jun 23 2022
5
This ain’t my first time at the Tito Puente rodeo! I had several of his albums in the past. Not sure if this was one of them as I am always up for some mambo. Turns out this was just the way to get my day started with a big smile… I’m thrilled this is on the list! Anyone who doesn’t find their hips moving when they listen to this should be examined by a professional. I love this era and style of music and Tito Puente is the crème de la crème.
Mon Dec 06 2021
4
My soul is on fire with this slanderous mambo
Thu May 12 2022
4
This immediately transported me to years and years of Mexican markets, restaurants and taquerias, from adolescence through to my adulthood. I can vividly see, hear, smell, and taste the specific food, colors, decor, and ambiance that is associated with so many places like this. It's always a good sign when you can connect to the music on a level that transports you somewhere else! If you are splitting hairs, this is more "Cuban" than "Mexican", but that doesn't stop it from being perfect and timeless in any Latin setting. Classic mambo albums and artists like Tito Puente are staples in these settings, and for good reason. It's fun to listen to, it's joyful, it's passionate, and it's exciting while also still being perfectly accessible for relaxing (again, in my case, almost always dining or shopping -- these can be forms of relaxing!). A real joy to listen to!
Wed Aug 09 2023
4
I cannot imagine a record doing what this record does, but better. Reminded me of loaded club scenes in modernist classics - again, thinking of Antonioni here. Four stars
Sat Feb 11 2023
1
Didn’t listen
Mon Sep 13 2021
3
Over two hours of great Mambo music. The whole thing has me wanting to shake my hips. It showcases a fantastic display of afro-cuban style percussion and brass. No one song in particular really stands out above the rest for me, perhaps because of my limited exposure and knowledge of this kind of music, but its a definite album I would play while cooking or just enjoying life.
Sun Oct 03 2021
3
Just noticed that I rated the last five albums either a one or five. Such an extremist! Well this album will be neither. I quite like Cuban music. This is Cuban right? Wiki notes that Tito is an American musician. Who am I to question but let’s just say that when Gordon Gano sang “Do you like American music” I highly doubt he meant Mambo. This is soft Cuban music and during the first few songs it’s impossible not get the hips swerving. The Xylophone was also kinda neat and they respected the unwritten rule that says only one Xylophone song per album. This is quite good and well recorded for the 50s but I think some of the Cubans who followed the American had more to offer.
Sun Jun 13 2021
2
First song was enjoyable then it descended into 45mins of the exact same song!
Fri Apr 23 2021
2
I'm sure it was an awesome latin dance fest in the 70s, but before my time and hard to get into without that experience. Now bring on Scooter!!! Lol
Thu Apr 22 2021
2
Great as background party music but I can't remember anything at all from it. All the tracks blur into one. This isn't music to listen to, just to dance - which is fine, but I don't dance so that's no use to me, I'll take Samba Pa Ti instead, please. Mind you, it gave me a happy 5 minutes watching Jane dance to it in the kitchen.
Tue Dec 22 2020
5
Esta es fuego! Excelente!
Mon Mar 22 2021
5
hell yeah, man - that was just fantastic, and another super encapsulation of what that scene feels like it would've felt like...if you know what i mean.
Tue Feb 02 2021
5
awesome!
Mon Feb 01 2021
5
muy excellente
Sun Feb 14 2021
5
Laaaaaaila
Tue Apr 06 2021
5
Honestly a great album, full of life! very nice listen, would def get this record
Tue Apr 06 2021
5
It was indeed a dance mania moment. This album slaps.
Fri Jan 22 2021
5
A solid latin dance album. 10/10 will listen again.
Thu Mar 04 2021
5
Very upbeat
Sun Jan 31 2021
5
Great vibe, love this!
Thu Feb 25 2021
5
Loved it. Proper smooching down the road with headphones on music.
Mon Feb 15 2021
5
bop after bop after bop
Thu May 27 2021
5
Seré breve, aquí lo que tenemos es al Tito con sus colegas de New York poniendo las pelotas encima de la mesa a finales de los 50s para sacar, por fin, un disco de jazz latino en español y poner así la primera piedra de lo que será la invasión de Norteamérica por parte de la música latinoamericana. Mezclando jazz latino, mambo, cha cha chá y bembé, Tito Puente da forma a un disco angular en la historia, bailongo y divertido, preciosista en sus cadencias y plácido como la tarde de un sábado. Para él no era más que continuar en su trabajo con la música afrocubana pero lo que hizo fue sembrar la semilla que daría lugar en el futuro a, por ejemplo, la salsa, a la hegemonía de lo latino que hoy abanderan J Balvin o Bad Bunny. En New York. En el 58. Un percusionista loco y sus colegas. Subidón, pasote y desvergüenza, uno de los mejores discos que escucharéis en vuestra vida.
Fri Apr 23 2021
5
Salsa Legend
Thu Mar 25 2021
5
63 anni portati egregiamente
Fri May 21 2021
5
Fun as hell
Thu Aug 05 2021
5
I'm obliged to award this top-notch album record for both it's high quality and it's counter programming on this list dominated by 60's folk and pop-rock. A big part of that is because this reference is so light on music like this that only the best are able to be included. All that aside, this is wonderful music and from note one I had a smile on my face.
Sat Aug 14 2021
5
Great rhythms and parts to produce highly enjoyable songs
Fri Sep 10 2021
5
Manic. Can't stop the mania.
Sun Oct 03 2021
5
This is pleasant to start with. Of course, my history shows that I usually highly rate global albums, so there’s that. This was an enjoyable album and good background music for the other things I had going on.
Mon Oct 11 2021
5
I like to listen to all different kinds of music but if someone made it so I could only listen to Mambo from now on I wouldn't be upset.
Mon Nov 08 2021
5
Ahhh, that hit the spot. Some great latino-jazz here. It's sad that ten years ago people would have only thought of Tito Puente from the Simpsons, and now people don't even remember that. But wow, this band is tight. Definitely have to pick up both Volumes 1 AND 2.
Tue Nov 16 2021
5
What a great choice - I loved the funky upbeat tunes. I felt like Carmen Miranda boogieing along. Hard to pick a favourite, but my top pick is 'El Cayuco'. I also liked 'Mambo Gozon', 'Cuando Te Vea', and 'Varsity Drag' as an instrumental ¡Mambo!
Wed Dec 08 2021
5
Way to much fun to listen to
Sun Jan 30 2022
5
Felt like I was in a soundtrack for a movie about elevator music. 5 stars.
Wed Feb 23 2022
5
That was fun!
Thu Mar 03 2022
5
Perfection
Sun Apr 03 2022
5
10/10, amazing vibes
Wed Apr 27 2022
5
Fun stuff, reminds me to Tropico soundtrack :)
Wed May 04 2022
5
Was going to write a fancy, witty review using Tito Puente quotes from the Simpsons episodes he was in (Who Shot Mr. Burns pts 1 and 2 for anyone playing along at home) but it just ended up sounding wanky, unlike this album which must’ve sounded like a revelation in ’58, and sounds just as fresh and amazing and astonishing in ’22.
Tue Jun 14 2022
5
great album. Brilliantly upbeat
Thu Jun 23 2022
5
This was a great soundtrack to cleaning the bathroom today. Super fun.
Thu Jun 23 2022
5
Tito Puente!!! What a fun time today! Now, trying to keep my mind on my work while listening was quite a challenge. A better soundtrack for a party or a task that needs an energy boost, but no real mental focus.
Thu Jun 23 2022
5
Mambo! Hips moving uncontrollably! Yay!
Tue Jul 12 2022
5
I couldn't stop chair dancing.
Sat Jul 16 2022
5
Loved it...my new retirement album
Mon Aug 08 2022
5
Si bueno
Fri Aug 26 2022
5
Great albulm for jamming. Tito delivers on every track
Fri Aug 26 2022
5
ABSOLUTELY LOVED. I personally have not been exposed to música tropical that wasn't in a club and i throughly enjoyed how it brightened my mood immediately. My fav song was 3-D Mambo and Llego Mijan!
Sat Aug 27 2022
5
So fun! Made me want to dance the Mambo in Havana in the 20s. Even though it’s not my normal style of music, I enjoyed every song and would definitely listen again or even put this on during a dinner party.
Tue Sep 06 2022
5
If you're an afficiando of Latin music you have this album.
Wed Sep 07 2022
5
Astounding! Great stuff.
Thu Sep 08 2022
5
It’s incredible how fast it improved my mood. I didn’t read the title as Dance Mania, I just saw Tito and the top and realized it was a spanish man. I was uncontrollably dancing, I started the album cause I needed something to listen to while cooking. I ended up cleaning, cooking, and dancing. This shits a hellava drug. Might slowly finish throughout the day, currently on Guaririambo.
Fri Sep 23 2022
5
Fuck, I love this 5
Tue Oct 11 2022
5
totally for moving your literal feet or mental one, now i just have to figure out what the translation is 😅
Thu Oct 20 2022
5
Delicious Latin rhythms. Listenable and uplifting full sound.
Mon Oct 31 2022
5
Though it's not something I'd usually seek out, I found myself enjoying this one. It's just so fun and groovy.
Wed Nov 02 2022
5
BANGERS FOR DAYS
Mon Nov 07 2022
5
ohhhhh yeah baby let's go tito puente was doing so much cool shit as a band leader in the year 1958. lawrence welk wasn't doing this shit i'm sorry he just wasn't. there was not an american market for dance mania in the time it came out, and the american market is so so dumb for not wanting this record. there are very few albums that make me actually want to get up and move, but this album makes me want to put a rose in my mouth and woo a woman with the language of dance again, with some of these albums, i'm like, "did i really need to hear this?" yes, i needed to hear dance mania by tito puente. this was a blind spot, but it never will be again, as i will remember these sweet grooves and wonderful orchestral arrangements for the rest of my life puente was a percussionist by trade before becoming a band leader, and you can absolutely tell. every single one of these songs has a really tight and individualistic groove, the non-drum percussive instruments (marimba, etc) add so much to the bottom layer of this arrangement, and oh my GOD the horns are so good in every single song music is supposed to make you feel stuff. a lot of the stuff i love evokes a strong emotion in me - love, sadness, longing. i love dance mania, because it inspires a great joy in my heart that i just cannot shake. it's cutting through this overcast seattle day and shining the sun into my soul, man. i get the fuck down with tito puente and his orchestra.
Fri Nov 18 2022
5
Very good, felt slightly formulaic based on other stuff I’ve listened too but based on historical context it’s clear that this album helped establish the formula. Will definitely listen to again and I may grab some Latin music for the vinyl collection.
Tue Nov 22 2022
5
Salsaaaaaaaaaa
Tue Nov 29 2022
5
Now we're talking! Mambo from this time period always evokes cool dudes in white linen suits driving around Miami in their convertibles, before taking on some sort of "Oceans 11" type caper. You don't get better than Tito - still as danceable today as it was 60 years ago...
Sat Dec 03 2022
5
It was a fuckin’ party in my car this morning at 6am with this playing, let me tell you. I have been digging this style of music lately and it’s like the algorithm read my mind.
Thu Dec 22 2022
5
Que bendición este álbum!!!
Thu Dec 22 2022
5
Tito Puente. Wow! If this doesn’t get it going for you, you are dead . Mercy
Fri Dec 23 2022
5
Well now I'm likely going to go on a Tito Puente kick. I'm sure my husband will appreciate it.
Mon Dec 26 2022
5
LOVE Dancing in the kitchen vibes
Tue Jan 10 2023
5
i mean, what else could you want? this is excellent.
Tue Jan 10 2023
5
Of course I love it. Usually with world music I’m willing to be lenient with some production weirdness, but this whole album is super tight. The percussion is especially wonderful.
Mon Jan 23 2023
5
Not a lot of variety track to track but groove density is off the charts.
Wed Jan 25 2023
5
I’m a sucker for Latin Jazz/Mambo/Samba stuff. This record really scratches that itch. It’s fun and gratifying to listen to. Cool record, literally no complaints. 5/5.
Sat Jan 28 2023
5
Impossible to dislike. Putting this album on here is like cheating. Absolutely fantastic mambo music. What else is there to say? This is amazing no matter what mood you're in.
Sun Feb 05 2023
5
basic brunch music in a good way
Mon Feb 13 2023
5
If I had to pick one genre of music to listen to for the rest of my life it would be something like this. I could rant about the under-representation of Latin music on this list compared 70s rock but we're only 2.8% of the way in so happy to give the benefit of the doubt!!
Sat Feb 25 2023
5
Not my thing but undeniably great.
Tue Mar 14 2023
5
Love that vibes
Wed Mar 15 2023
5
Really enjoyable; infectious even.
Thu Mar 30 2023
5
I want to put on a white dinner jacket & salsa all day, listening to Tito! What great rhythm, you can hear his influence on Santana here This album started my day on a positive note
Wed Apr 05 2023
5
Beautiful album, I listened to it again when I got home, and it sounded even better.
Wed Apr 19 2023
5
Wow. The best use for a trumpet. I could listen to this on repeat all day.
Wed Apr 19 2023
5
Hell yeah so great, this has gotta be the tightest band in the world. I love the arrangements and I love the warmth on all of the horns, such an amazing sounding record.
Wed Apr 19 2023
5
The music is so good. Santitos Colon has such a great voice . I loved the marimba solo on Hong Kong Mambo.
Wed Apr 19 2023
5
Easy five stars. Amazing Salsa. Love it.
Tue May 09 2023
5
This is exception in every way I care to think about. Excellent performances, superb composition, great recording and, as then name would suggest, highly danceable.
Fri May 26 2023
5
Just an album of masterful musicianship. Superb and unique vocals with a complete command of the instrumentation. Super fun album and high energy from start to finish. 10/10.
Wed Jun 07 2023
5
If I ever want just like mario music in the background - this is the album.
Sat Jun 10 2023
5
amazing
Fri Jul 21 2023
5
Maybe todays weather biased me, but I’m giving this a five. This was awesome. It was so evocative of a particular place in both space and time (at least for someone who was never in NYC in the 50s) and feels perfectly executed. The horns were wonderful and the piano sounded great throughout. Would be fun to go out dancing to this.
Sun Aug 20 2023
5
Tropico! Listened to when running a few days as well
Sun Aug 27 2023
5
Loved this.
Fri Sep 22 2023
5
YES yes yes, love this!
Fri Nov 10 2023
5
Nothing better than a cha-cha
Thu Nov 16 2023
5
5/5 First time I listened to a mambo album, really appreciated the instrumental tracks.