Jamaican rhythms from Mexico? You bet! Here's another wonderfully obscure slice of Latin American music history, courtesy of Munster Records! ELY COMBO were among the first Mexican bands to embrace the infectious sounds of ska and reggae drifting across the border from neighbouring Belize in the early '70s, and their second album, originally released in 1974, is a fascinating reminder of just how far those irresistible Caribbean grooves travelled.

"Vol. II" is packed with Mexican interpretations of Jamaican favourites, drawing on the repertoires of Boris Gardiner, Eric Donaldson, Byron Lee & The Dragonaires and others. With tunes like "Cherry Oh Baby", "Hail The Man" and "My Ding A Lang" rubbing shoulders with unexpected selections such as "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", this is anything but your everyday reggae record. A wonderfully curious meeting of Caribbean rhythms and Mexican musical culture, recorded at a time when ska and reggae were still something of an exotic novelty south of the border.

Originally released in 1974 and now brought back to life by Munster Records, this rare little gem is a terrific discovery for collectors of vintage ska, early reggae and unusual Latin American sounds. Something a bit different for your record collection, and all the better for it!