Artist: Susana Baca

Album: Travesias

Country of Origin: Peru

Although described as Afro-Peruvian (a genre almost as sparse as Eskimo Death Metal) Susana's music is actually more reminiscent of dark Argentinean tangos that ooze and drip with a sultry quality that Madonna would sell her children to possess. Somewhere in a graveyard, the late Astor Piazzolla is sporting wood (a condition that coroners and morticians commonly refer to as "angel lust"). The songs are sung in Spanish, and as no translation was provided, we'll just have to assume that they're all about the sexy freshwater sharks of Lake Titicaca.

And the verdict is …

We the people of the United States should really do something special for Susana for getting us all laid this summer. Since Whitney Houston forever ruined the term "diva" in much the same manner that Law and Order: Special Victims Unit ruined the words "special," "victim" and "unit," we should strive to invent a new term for Susana Baca. "Goddess of the Andes" would be a decent start.

(r_anonymous@citypaper.net)