Appetizer combo is also the special

Various Artists

“Sounds Eclectico” (KCRW/Nacional Records)

* * * *

THIS disc of Latino-themed sessions from the “Morning Becomes Eclectic” show on KCRW-FM (89.9) could serve as a cool primer to Latin Alternative music and its many permutations -- from the lounge-rock of Los Amigos Invisibles and the haunting acoustic pop of Jorge Drexler to L.A. favorites Los Lobos and Ozomatli.

But the collection is simply indispensable for serious Latin rock fans. Because they were taped on two-track digital tape with no overdubs, the recordings reveal a vulnerable and deliciously raw side to some of the movement’s stars.

We learn, for instance, that Julieta Venegas’ drummer is not a very reliable time keeper and that El Gran Silencio can border on incompetence when it ventures on an acoustic “Sound System Municipal.”

When the performances are peerless (a raucous “Clandestino” by Manu Chao, a smoky bolero with Omara Portuondo -- one of the record’s few nonrock tracks) the feeling is particularly moving, since you know these gems were captured in just one take.

From the purring vocals of Aterciopelados’ Andrea Echeverri to Cafe Tacuba’s solemn “La Muerte Chiquita,” there are so many precious little details here that the album’s depth can be appreciated only after repeated listening.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). Albums reviewed are in stores except as indicated.