Known to approach 4 digits in the used vinyl market, Aposento Alto's Goodby Old Friends is a private press gem. Released in 1978, this document of west coast latin religious funk is bursting with character. Firstly, if you were justified to buy a record just because of a singular break, "Te Amo" is the most compelling reason out there. This is the dream scenario diggers always envision: 7 minute quality latin funk track. At the midpoint, weird spacey breakdown. Epic cymbal solo. Then out of the heavens a thunderous breakbeat (5:57) that doesn't let up. Ungggh. There's more to the record, so check out the uptempo opener "El Vendra," the low grooving title track, and upbeat "What A Happy Life" (but the Jesus references still throw me off). The vocals are a bit amateurish (existing a notch above your Headless Heroes), but gives this album that indelible time stamp character. Official repress in original packaging.

• music label: Windeco Productions 1978 / 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 11/2013