Though not well-known outside of Central America,
Tropicalisimo Apache have been performing cumbia music almost as long as the genre, in its current form, has existed. A collection of their better works,
20 Anniversario honors their long years as a favorite of their fiercely loyal audience. The music ranges in age, but the majority was generated from their time with Universal Latino, over the last five years. For those unfamiliar with the style, cumbia, and particularly the brand performed by
Apache, is enough of an acquired taste that it has not tickled the fancy of the world music market the way that Cuban, Brazilian, or Argentinean music has.
Tropicalisimo Apache fans are born, not made. The low-budget production value and repetition typical of the style both limit the appeal and contribute to the group's charm. Lighthearted tracks like "Mi Primer Millón" and "La Burlona" are sure to please.
20 Anniversario is a fine tribute to one of regional Latin music's unsung heroes. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez