The Silos Cuba (35th Anniversary Special Edition) 2LP

The Silos, the still-kicking band Walter Salas-Humara co-founded in New York's post-punk '80s scene played alt-rock, alt-country, and Americana before any critics coined those terms. They were named Best New Artist in the Rolling Stone magazine critics' poll in 1987 after the release of Cuba. The album has since been considered a stone-cold classic, being hugely influential in the so-called Americana or alternative country scene that followed in its wake. "Cuba is one of those albums that has become a kind of talisman among true music fans. Because you know that Cuba exists inside everyone, and this extraordinary album can take you there. It's a journey filled with longing and loss, warmth and wonder." (Anthony DeCurtis)

This gatefold double LP 35th anniversary special edition includes the additional album The Bird Album Live on KCRW. Recorded on April 18, 1990, shortly after the release of their self-titled third album for RCA Records, The Silos performed about 75 minutes of music for the SNAP alternative music radio program. Broadcast on KCRW in Santa Monica, California, near Los Angeles, it features versions of all but one song from that third album. Both of the singer-songwriter-guitarists from the band's early days, Walter Salas-Humara and Bob Rupe, were in the lineup for this broadcast which also included Graham Maby on bass, Brian Doherty on drums, and Kenny Margolis on keyboards.

Salas-Humara's legacy would seem secure; his name is on 24 albums, his horse paintings hang in homes and galleries around the world, and his WaltersDogs portraits even appeared in the film Get Him to the Greek (Nicholas Stoller, 2010).