weren't you going to list some salsa for me?
Oh shit! I'm so sorry. I started collecting songs to upload for you, so you could just download them.
Here, I'll list some quick recommendations...
Ray Baretto - One of the first pioneers of Salsa music. Check out Rhythm of Life, Prestame Tu Mujer, Oye la Noticia and Soul Drummer from him.
Eddie Palmieri - Again, one of the first pioneers. (These guys started salsa music for the States pretty much). Check out Traguito, You're Gonna Hear From Me and Melao Para El Sapo.
You said, you checked out Colon already, so I'll leave him out.
Ruben Blades was influential as hell throughout the 70's and 80's. Check out Maleta, Cabeza de Hacha, Ojos and Tu Me Accostumbraste.
Some people like the shift towards melody and romantic lyrics made in the 80's, if you do, check out the whole Noches Calientes album by Jose Alberto.
Also from the 80's anything by Grupo Gran Combo (the video I showed you the other night). '
I think salsa peaked in the 80's After that, it became way too influenced by hip hop and pop. And then you had "salsa" by marc anthony and the like. Ugh.