Los Speakers

Colombia was not exactly a fertile breeding ground for '60s rock groups, but los Speakers are one of the few from that country -- indeed, one of the few from anywhere in South America -- to have been discovered by intense '60s collectors. Singing mostly in Spanish, they released a fair album in 1966 with an odd but appealingly crude, echo-laden production and arrangements. Amidst the Byrds and Beatles covers are more interesting original tunes with sad, sentimental melodies and strange touches of weepy brass. ~ Richie Unterberger