Various Artists

Peru Bravo: Funk, Soul & Psych From Peru’s Radical Decade

Tiger’s Milk Records

Street: 10.06

Peru Bravo = Jimi Hendrix + Los Shain’s + Steppenwolf + The Meters

Peru Bravo is a perfect compilation demonstrating the raw reflection of the beat, garage and rock n’ roll influence from the United States and Great Britain on South American culture. The clear effect of western hegemony is beautifully reproduced through covers from classic tunes like Los Holy’s’ “Cissy Strut” (The Meters) and Jeriko’s version of “Hey Joe” (Jimi Hendrix).

Unfortunately, the wonders produced from Peru’s underground scene were short-lived, after another Junta led by General Juan Velasco Alvarado— who took power in 1967—truncated this burst of Western-influenced creativity. This collection of essential artifacts from the underground funk, soul and psych sound from Peru’s “radical decade” is a must-own for any hip weirdo out there. Now, go dig this. –Nick Kuzmack