I'm currently trying to expand my tango music collection, and I'm really looking for DRAMATIC tango songs that go well with ballroom tango (not Argentine.)

I've read one of the most recent forums about tango music, but they're too soft or the instrumentation is too inconsistent (the tango tracks from Moulin Rouge or Chicago doesn't work for me either.)

Can anyone out there help me out?

Try dancevision.com. You can listen to clips from their dance music CDs. There are a few all tango CDs, but there are also tangos on the smooth and standard albums.

If you can find it, listen to "Guitar Tango" by the Shadows.

Unfortunately iTunes US store only has the version from "The Final Tour" album, which is not as good as the original (from around 1962) or the version they re-recorded for the "At Their Very Best" album.

For me this is the best ballroom tango ever recorded.

try www.danceshopper.com

I really like Libertango and the ballroom version of La Cumparsita (sp?)

La Cumparsita is the right spelling, just as you have it. But I've never heard a strict tempo version of Libertango - I always associate it with Tango Nuevo and the Argentine style.

Have you heard of the GoTan Project? They are a group who perform what I've heard called Neo Tango. Do a web search or iTunes search and I think you'll be surprised at what you find. Another group who performs the same type of tango music is called Zum. The music uses all the "normal" instruments you're used to hearing such as accordians but it is very modern with a strong tango beat. Some of it can also be used for Hustle, if you like. Give it a try...I know I was pleasantly surprised when I first heard some of this music. It's wonderful!

http://www.thedancestoreonline.com/ballroom-dance-instruction/tango-music.htm