Mar Dulce

The accordion being the grandfather of the synthesizer, there's probably no easier way to dip your toe into the "sweet sea" (as the title translates) of electronic dance music than through the electrified tangos of such groups as the Gotan Project and Bajofondo.

Led by Gustavo Santaolalla, the Grammy-winning composer of "Brokeback Mountain," Bajofondo updates the music of Argentina and Uruguay with a lineup of instruments includ the “bandoneon” (a small-button accordion), guitar, violin, and sampler. Pop singer Nelly Furtado, Mexico's Julieta Venegas, and crooner Elvis Costello supply guest vocals to suavely chugging tracks that suggest either a sophisticated melancholy disco or a tango ballroom with a new lease on life.
- Richard Gehr (aarp.org)