Roots of Chicha: Psychedelic Cumbias From Peru

In the 1960s, as bossa nova and tropicalia enchanted the musical intelligentsia of the world, Incan musicians were exploring an electric version of cumbia called chicha--a bottom-heavy, dance-worthy style that incorporated some traditional Peruvian sounds with farfisa organ, electric guitars, and other signifiers of the psychedelic generation. The sound never caught on in a big way even in Peru, but spawned many garage bands and local stars.
This groundbreaking compilation from Barbes Records gathers classic examples of the musical form into one party-making dance album. The cheesy moments are plenteous, but mostly it's a fun ride and a learning experience.