Customer Reviews

Best of Dance Mania

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I grew up in The Bronx where the party didn't begin until the Tito Puente Dance Mania was heard. This CD still holds up as one of the best Salsa recording around. The live performances I was able to attend watching Tito Puente; Tito Rodriguez and Machito are priceless memoriesI will never forget and this CD brings back those memories.

Note to collectors: contrary to the Allmusic website review, this compilation does not feature all the master tracks from both "Dance Mania" Lps, though it features 2/3 of them, plus a few alternate takes. Specifically, 9 of the 12 tracks on "Dance Mania" (rec. 1957) are here, and 8 of the 14 from the follow-up, "Dance Mania Vol. 2" (rec. 1960).
But you have probably already figured that out, as the CD is titled "Best of..." Not being a Puente expert, I don't know if it's a good tradeoff or not, having six alternate takes instead of the 9 original Lp tracks that are missing. But it's great music, remastered well, and can be had for a bargain from marketplace sellers.

I was searching for just the right party music for a small gathering. Dancemania was so popular with my guests that after five minutes the furniture was moved and the dance began! Lets Mombo!!
No collection of Latin music is complete without Tito Puente, any album, any song-they're all golden.

On July 17, 2005 I purchase Tito Puente's The Best Dance Mania & Dancemania 99, Live at Birdland If you're a Salsa/Mambo ON1or ON2 you are going to love these two CD's. The music back in the day has that perfect tempo to get your boogie on, so Mambo lover these are 2 hot CD's. Eddie from JC