Hay Que Estar en Algo / Either You Have It Or You Don't!

From the bilingual title and the cover photo of a sweaty Charlie Palmieri snapping his fingers, it's clear Hay Que Estar en Algo (Either You Have It or You Don't!) is a crossover LP, including at least a couple of boogaloos and shingalings along with its whip sharp horns and fierce percussion. In fact, there are three — "Fat Papa," "Boogaloo-Mania," the title track — and they're the usual well-played, slightly funky, popcorn dance tunes. Palmieri's band really shines on the rest of the tracks, though, with an assortment of sections leading the way, from woodwind saxes and flutes to stinging brass to the three-man vocal section (unfortunately, all uncredited). "Duerme," "Sandstorm," and "Criollo" are excellent late-period charanga songs, with dark, Baroque shadings typical of the late '60s. Palmieri also gets the last word in the crossover battle, saving the closer "Fat Papa's Descarga" for a classic future-past swinger.