Vinyl Soul, "Dream"

Los Angeles-based Vinyl Soul won a nationally televised battle of the bands on Spanish-language TV last summer because its acoustic Latin/ soul grooves were miles above the derivative sounds of its competitors.

With strong melodies, lush bilingual vocals and finely produced repertoire that ranges from mellow (the bossa nova-influenced "Como Olvidar") to uptempo tropical complete with horns ("Mamacita"), the band's newest album, "Dream," bears its onstage confidence and potential.



Other highlights include the strong pop hook on the track "Wishes" and the classy old-school swing of "Cabaret." Vinyl Soul's musical and vocal instincts could stand to benefit from more distinctive lyrics, particularly on the ballads, but overall it's an impressive effort for an emerging act.