Various Artists: Blow Your Head Vol. 2: Dave Nada Presents Moombahton

For those that don't know, the bouncy, EDM sub-genre known as "moombahton" was born when DJ Dave Nada slowed down "Moombah" (a song by Chuckie and Silvio Ecomo) in front of some drunken high-school kids who were craving reggaetón (the Panama/Puerto Rico mix of dancehall, reggae, hip-hop, and Afro-Cuban). "Moombah" was itself a sped up derivative of reggaetón mixed with Dutch house elements called "bubblin." In other words, Blow Your Head Vol. 2 is a curious showcase of an already distinct, well-defined sub-genre having been ever-so-slightly changed by international travel. That said, this is a fun little club record that doesn't require a discriminating ear. Nada brings the variety often lacking on genre volumes while maintaining moombahton's beat that drunk-stumbles with swagger. Highlights include the dancehall-flavored "Dem Bow" by Shabba Ranks, the militant stomper "Renegade Rasta" by South Rakkas Crew, the drum-and-bass-laced "Firepower" by Datsik, and the downtempo breather "Hope" by Munchi. Everything culminates in closer "Releaserpm" by Win Win and Lizzie Bougatsos, which finds reggaetón's beat in harmony with the airy euphoria of classic house.

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