Achy Obejas

Fabulosos Calavera (BMG) (star) These guys may have had their 15 minutes of crossover fame when the video of their big hit, "Matador," was censored because it featured a few...

Andrew Patner, co-host of "Metropolis," WBEZ-FM's popular Saturday afternoon talk fest and other shows, was discharged Friday morning by station director Torey Malatia. "There just isn't the need or place...

Various artists The Story of Flamenco (Hemisphere) (star) (star) (star) Very much a primer, "The Story of Flamenco" can't touch other recent collections, such as Ellipsis Arts' "Duende," in sheer...

`Hmmm . . . do you take plastic?" I ask the wait person, a young, willowy thing with pink streaks in her hair. A huge strand of it bobs in...

1. "Silencio = Muerte," Red + Hot + Latin: Various artists (Red Hot Organization) 2. "Aqui," Julieta Venegas (BMG) 3. "Cuando Tu No Estas," El Tri (WEA/Latina) 4. "Pasiones, Torturas...

1. "A Toda Cuba Le Gusta," Afro-Cuban All-Stars (Nonesuch). 2. "Contra La Corriente," Marc Anthony (RMM). 3. "Buena Vista Social Club," Buena Vista Social Club (Nonesuch) 4. "Susana Baca," Susana...

Contra La Corriente (RMM) (star) (star) (star) 1/2 "Contra La Corriente" is the best album yet from salsa's biggest-selling artist, in large measure because it sounds like he's been listening...

`Does your mama know?" The question's insistent. C.C. Carter, the cocky young woman to whom it's directed, tries to toss it off. "Does your mama know?" Patricia Mickey, a sweet-faced...

Bryn Magnus is talking movies. "I just saw `Flubber' and it was very disappointing," says Magnus. "Robin Williams was sleepwalking in that movie. Now `Boogie Nights,' I really liked that,...

Mana Suenos Liquidos (WEA/Latina) (star) (star) (star) Mana, Mexico's top pop ensemble, takes a leap with "Suenos Liquidos." Although not the creative cauldron that Cafe Tacuba released last year with...