All Songs Considered

Alt.Latino: What We Missed In 2025

December 17, 2025

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  • The hosts of *All Songs Considered*'s *Alt.Latino* episode, "What We Missed In 2025," dedicated the show to resurfacing remarkable Spanish-language albums they overlooked during the year, highlighting the sheer volume of music released. 
  • The featured music showcased a deep dive into Afro-Caribbean rhythms, exemplified by Alex Cuba's rhythmically focused album 'Índole' and Enyel C's reggae-influenced 'Nuevo Caribe,' which addresses local political issues in Puerto Rico. 
  • The episode also celebrated Berta Rojas's ambitious, history-spanning classical strings project, 'La Huella de las Cuerdas,' and the return of experimental Argentine artist Juana Molina with her album 'Doga,' underscoring the diverse sonic explorations within Latin music. 

Segments

Podcast Introduction and Theme
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(00:00:46)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts introduce the episode’s theme: reviewing music missed during the year.
  • Summary: Felix Contreras and Ana Maria-Sayer introduce the episode of Alt.Latino, explaining that they will be covering music they missed from the year, which Ana Maria-Sayer finds thrilling.
Catching Up with Alex Cuba
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(00:01:47)
  • Key Takeaway: Alex Cuba’s new album ‘Indole’ leans heavily into Afro-Latino rhythms, featuring percussionist Roberto Viscaino Jr.
  • Summary: Ana Maria-Sayer plays a track from Alex Cuba’s 11th album, ‘Indole,’ noting its focus on rhythm and heritage, and discusses the contribution of percussionist Roberto Viscaino Jr.
Eniel Say’s Caribbean Sound
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(00:06:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Eniel Say’s ‘Nuevo Caribe’ explores Puerto Rican identity through reggae and dancehall influences, including political commentary.
  • Summary: Felix plays Eniel Say’s ‘Nuevo Caribe,’ which Felix connects to reggae roots. They discuss the track ‘Palo del Limor’ for its clear political statement regarding development in Puerto Rico.
Berta Rojas’s String History Project
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(00:11:32)
  • Key Takeaway: Classical guitarist Berta Rojas documented the history of stringed instruments in the New World in her project ‘La Huella de las Cuerdas’.
  • Summary: Ana Maria-Sayer highlights Berta Rojas’s ambitious, multi-platform project detailing 500 years of stringed instrument history in Latin America, praising its immersive quality.
Kazu’s Genre Pivot
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(00:18:05)
  • Key Takeaway: Argentine artist Kazu pivots from urban music to explore cumbia, funk, and corridos tumbados on her album ‘Latinaje’.
  • Summary: Ana Maria-Sayer introduces Kazu’s album ‘Latinaje,’ noting her sharp pivot from rapping to incorporating diverse traditional sounds, including an Afro-Cuban beat.
Tribute to Eddie Palmieri
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(00:22:22)
  • Key Takeaway: Conrad Herwig’s album ‘Reflections Facing South’ serves as a poignant musical tribute to the recently deceased Eddie Palmieri.
  • Summary: Felix plays the title track from Conrad Herwig’s trio album featuring Eddie Palmieri. Felix shares an emotional story about Palmieri’s band performing a tribute after his passing.
Closing with Juana Molina
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(00:26:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Juana Molina’s new album ‘Doga’ showcases her continued role as a boundary-pushing artist essential to Argentina’s alternative scene.
  • Summary: Ana Maria-Sayer plays music from Juana Molina’s first new album in eight years, ‘Doga,’ expressing embarrassment for missing it and discussing her historical importance in Argentine music.
Episode Wrap-up and Sign-off
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(00:32:07)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts conclude the final show of the year, acknowledging the volume of music released.
  • Summary: The hosts wrap up the episode, confirm they are taking a holiday break, and thank the listeners and production staff.