In the 1940s and 1950s, the Mexican film industry was at its peak and with it rose the popularity of mariachi music. Movie soundtrack composers established the mariachi sound by smoothing the rough edges off a folk style originating in the western Mexican states. The new style emphasized the contrast between regal Spanish trumpets and rippling marimba rhythms drawn from West African parentage. A violin section unites the two in a sweeping blend of local and European melodies. On this well-played collection, romantic vocals take the lead and an electronic keyboard occasionally doubles for the marimba, but the end result is still a big-hearted dose of nostalgia. This release comprises the first disc of the two-CD set All the Best from Mexico: 40 Mexican Favorites, so look to that better-rounded budget-priced collection if 20 songs just aren"t enough. --Bob Tarte