Comparsa Universitaria de la Laguna – Zoologico Negro (RCA Victor, Mexico)
Originally written by the Russ Faith Orchestra, “Black Zoo” was the theme song for the 1963 movie of the same name all about a crazy Zoo owner who controls his animals into attacking anyone attempting to get in his way. A pretty great track in its own right, something amazing happened when Comparsa Universitaria de la Laguna got their grubby young hands on it. Comparsa were a group of students from Central Mexico who came together and formed a band in 1960 that performed covers of popular American and European songs alongside their own regional hits. Their version of “Zoologico Negro” is a dark, moody thing dominated by a vicious horn line and savage surf guitar. It really takes on a life of its own as it swaps the up-beat, groovy popcorn style of the original version into a heavy Latin Jazz burner with an unintentionally psychedelic slant, bird-calls and all!
Thanks to Chad and Wilson for the opportunity to share some quality music on Rehash. Diggin’ the new design, fellas!
See more of Slim’s reviews at www.latinfunk.org
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