| 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
Click
here to go to the Los Lobos store at amazon.com
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