Definitive songs for son montuno, charanga etc

[Sagitta]

Okay, so I've heard from many people that within the salsa genre there are many different types of music. When I go to the clubs sometimes I recognize that they are differences, but I do not know where to start in telling what is what. Are there any definitive songs of the various dances grouped under salsa that I could listen to so that I could train myself to recognize what the different types are. And if there are any advice on how they are danced differently would also be appreciated.

[borikensalsero]

I wish I knew more of musical aspects so I could tell you what to look for, but I don't. :( So, I'll tell you the simplest one, any salsa-sound-alike music that is missing the horns (not necessarily) and its melody or rhythm is being held together by the violins and flute is what is known as charanga. Johnny Pacheco, Orquesta Broadway, Charanga 76 are 3 quick examples of NY City style charanga, even if Pacheco's stuff is very close to tipical charangas (original charanga sound from Cuba)...

The others man, they just sound different but I couldn't tell you the slightest thing to look for. :( :(

If you can buy CDs from the 60s and 70s you'll eventually figure out what is what. Will still make mistakes once in a while but what the heck, some of these music is such a mix and in such a development stage that there is no clear way to categorize it. Some where never even categorized...