Buenos Aires, Argentina

Pulled from the underground scene of west Buenos Aires by famed Latin rock producer Gustavo Santaolalla, Arbol combined edgy talent with the polish that can be bought with a major-label contract. Santaolalla, who had also produced Cafe Tacuba and Puya, worked with sound engineer Joe Chiccarelli to help produce Arbol's self-titled debut album, which was released on Sataolalla's Surco record label (distributed by Universal Music). The professional package helped smooth out Arbol's crazy collection of musicians, which included two vocalists, a horn section, percussion, harmonica, charango, erque, flute and violin. Their sound, which included elements of rock, rap, reggae and American country, also helped broaden their appeal beyond the South American Latin community. ~ Stacia Proefrock