Wonderful full-length album from Joe Bataan, the “King of Latin Soul,” released by Fania in 1969. Yes, that is the same “Crystal Blue Persuasion” that was a hit for Tommy James and the Shondells.

“Young, Gifted, and Brown” is directly inspired by Nina Simone’s “Young, Gifted and Black” which debuted in 1969 as well.

This is the kind of album I wish Vinyl Me Please was still reissuing, and I’m glad Craft Records still is.

My copy—via Vinyl Me Please—is the 2025 reissue, limited edition, numbered, with lacquer cut by Ryan Smith and pressing by GZ Media. It was made by Craft Recordings, who also offer it directly.