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CD
Review: "This Time" by Los Lobos
(This review
appeared in the Desert Sun newspaper, a Gannett
publication, in Palm Springs, California on Sunday,
December 10, 2000.)
CD
SPIN
Reviewer: Mark Guerrero, leader of local band
Hot Rox
Artist: Los Lobos
Title: “This Time”
Label: Hollywood Records
List Price: $16.98
 Review: People who haven’t listened to
a Los Lobos album, or traced their development as
recording artists, tend to think of them as a Tex Mex
band, or the group that scored a hit with a remake of
“La Bamba.” Similarly, many think of James Taylor as a
mellow folk singer, when in fact he’s also recorded
great rock & roll, rhythm & blues, and
Latin-flavored
songs. Los Lobos also do much more than their stereotype
would suggest. For example, their latest album, “This
Time,” has a cha cha, a cumbia, eight songs that I would
describe as bluesy or rhythm and blues-styled songs, and
a song that defies description. All the songs are
written by Los Lobos members David Hidalgo or Cesar
Rosas in collaboration with Louie Perez, with the
exception of the cumbia, which was written by Cesar on
his own. Lead vocals are excellently handled, as usual,
by David and Cesar.
My favorite song on the album is the cha cha called “Corazón,” but I also particularly like the
cumbia, entitled “Cumbia Raza.” “La Playa” is in
Spanish, but it’s not musically quite Latin or blues,
but kind of a punky hybrid. Other standout songs are
“Turn Around,” which has a catchy, Claptonesque melody,
and “Why We Wish,” a ferocious up tempo blues song, both
sung by David Hidalgo. Also noteworthy are “Oh Yeah” and
“Some Say, Some Do,” both sung by Cesar Rosas, which are
bluesy tracks that’ll take you to the Southside of
Chicago.
With 23 years of recording experience, they know how
to make records. Aside from the excellent musicianship,
many of the songs have interesting sounds and effects
that give them color and create an atmosphere, without
being gimmicky. Do yourself a favor and check out this
album. You’ll understand why they’ve been recording on
major labels since 1983 and are still going strong.
Contact me at: info@markguerrero.net
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