These 14 tracks are the only album (from 1969) and four-track 7” (1971) that Rabbits & Carrots ever recorded. So in one CD you’ve got an instant collection of the band hailed at the time as the Mexican Meters! Not only that, these much sought-after tunes come with the seal of approval from 60s soul ‘n’ funk experts Keb Darge and Mr. Fine Wine.

So it’s time to get down to the authentic sound of Salvador “Rabito” Agüero’s band. After spending most of the sixties in New York with his brothers Luis and Felix on the jazz circuit, on their return to Mexico in 1968, disillusioned with the local studio scene, they got together with nephews and friends to form Rabbits & Carrots.

The idea was simple. The band did instrumental cover versions of the popular soul songs of the day. And boy do they work well, particularly ‘Jerabe’, ‘Pais Tropical’ and ‘Ciudad Hippie’.

And you know you’re in the sixties with ‘Oh Calcutta!’ but they save the best until last on the album with ‘Los Pelos Tiesos’ (check that bongo show!)

‘La Gente Del Diario’ (Everyday People) is lame by comparison to the original but by the end, you’ll love this version’s charm. ‘Romeo y Julieta’ is TV theme stuff and one for the lounge crowd.

With expensive studio time a factor, they managed to record the album in a matter of a few hours. It was a shame then that first time around it was poorly promoted and quickly fell into the cut-out bins.

The single features the addition to the group of a singer, Max. He only lasted a few months with the band so these 4-tracks are the only recordings of what could have been. Rabbits & Carrots finally froze in the headlights of time in the mid-seventies so praise to the crate diggers who keep on finding these dusty grooves. With due respect to the Godfather, Rabbits & Carrots had fields full of soul!

Vampi Soul are best knowm for releasing such rare recordings from stars like Joe ‘Mr New York’ Bataan, Erma Franklin, Cal Tjader and lost gems from Opa, Banda União Black and Sexteto Electrónico Moderno.

This is another in the weird but true category like Luiz Eça Y La Familia Sagrada album La Nueva Onda De Brasil and Che’s Sexy 70 so you know this is must for the collection. Hip cityville baby!

Hectic Mix nominations: ‘Los Pelos Tiesos’, ‘We Got More Soul’, ‘Maquina de Amor’, ‘Expresate’ (Express Yourself), ‘Pais Tropical’, ‘Ciudad Hippie’

Salvador “Rabito” Agüero — percussion
Luis Agüero — guitar
Felix Agüero — drums
Roberto Agüero — bass
Sergio Herrera Agüero — sax
Ramon Flores — trumpet
Enrique Orozco — organ
Ramon Negrete — sax

Reviewed: Rabbits & Carrots — Soul Latino (Vampi Soul) Cat No: VAMPICD 088 Release date: 11 June, 2007
Tracklisting
1. Jorge Ben — “Pais Tropical” (3:15)
2. Dewalt — Jollis — Ciudad Happie — “Hip City” (5:08)
3. N Rota — “Romeo Y Julieta” (4:12)
4. Rufus Thomas — Eli Baile De La Gallina “Funky Chicken” (3:10)
5. Unknown — “Jarabe” (2:37)
6. Hnos Aguero — “Las 4 Culturas” (3:13)
7. Silvester Stewart — La Gente Del Diario — “Everyday People” (3:58)
8. Walden — “Oh Calcuta!” (2:32)
9. Kool & The Gang — “Los Pelos Tiesos” (4:30)
10. Sedaka Atkins — Trabajando En Algo Sabroso — “Workin’ On A Groovy Thing” (4:30)
11. Burdon R Abbits & Carrot’s — Destruye El Vino “Spill The Wine” (3:27)
12. Arlester Christian — “We Got More Soul” (2:51)
13. Brown Byes — R’s & C’s — “Sex Machine” (2:25)
14. Burton — R’s & C’s — “Express Yourself” (4:10)

Links:
www.vampisoul.com
Keb Darge www.myspace.com/kebdarge
Mr. Fine Wine on WFMU with the playlists and archives of the ever brilliant Downtown Soulville show.
Grooovy Sounds Unlimited & Mr Fine Wine Present Vital Organs