 |  | A wonderful introduction to Mexican traditional music |  |
Everyone knows Los Lobos know how to rock, but this album shows their outstanding musicianship in the totally different context of traditional Mexican music. Using only acoustic instruments, they have produced an eminently listenable, smoothly produced and accessible entry point for the everyday listener to get into this rich musical tradition. Whether you are a serious or casual listener, or just want terrific background music for a dinner party, you can't go wrong with this album.
April 9, 2007| | | Los Lobos gone traditional and it rocks! | |
Buy it! Listen to it and love it! Orale!
January 19, 2007| | | one of five recordings i would take to a desert isle | |
The first time i heard los lobos was "will the wolf survive" and i thought it was ok, but later i heard "la pistola y el corazon" and thought, "my damn, that is a fine album!" Los Lobos is the tightest band (like they've been together since birth) i've ever heard and this album exhibits their superb musicianship. There is absolutely no filler on this album, every song is beautiful and complements the other songs very well. It is a wonderful blend of up and slow tempo tunes and, personally, the best comes last. The track "la pistola y el corazon," tugs at my emotions everytime i hear it, and even though i don't have command of spanish, the vocals and instrumentation are so expressive that i can easily feel the despair of the singer. The band also did a great job of getting the listener involved in the music by creating an impromptu party experience in some of the songs like when one of the band members shouts "hoi!" in "el canaler" to keep the pace hot. One of the best albums you will ever hear!
April 9, 2006In all honesty (and with much regret), it seems that traditional Mexican music is dying out--it is with this in mind that I speak on behalf of this wonderful collection of traditional Mexican music. Los Lobos have certainly outdone themselves with La Pistola y El Corazon, which is an excellent introduction to the traditional sounds of Mexico. Quite a variety of styles are represented on this album, such as the lively "son jarocho" as well as the melancholic "huapango" and the beautifully melodic "vals," all of which are native to Mexico. The Spanish guitar seems to be the main instrument present in the majority of the songs, which is a lovely departure from the popular accordion-dominated "nortena" and "ranchera por accordeon" (little more than nortena with a slight folk influence), both of which are strongly associated with Mexico; interestingly enough, these are relatively new additions to the vast variety of music native to Mexico. The band's version of "Si Yo Quisiera" fits this fold quite nicely and will sound very familiar to perhaps the majority of listeners; I, on the other hand, am not a fan of polka, particularly Mexican polka, marking this song as my least favorite. Even then, there is still much beauty to be found on this release, particularly with the huapango "Amarillas," a very haunting number. The lively and joyful-sounding "Guacamaya" makes the perfect intro, as it invites the listener in to a world of beautiful music. "(Sonajas) Mananitas Michoacanas" bears a striking resembling to Cajun fiddling, and it is genuinely pleasing to listen to. Other than the songs "Si Yo Quisiera" and "Estoy Sentado Aqui" (not a particularly great track, really), every one of these compositions is a masterpiece. The Spanish-influenced guitar solos are also an asset to the album, proving that the members of Los Lobos are extremely talented musicians. To all who read this: this is true Mexican music. Please add this to your collection; you will not regret it.
July 3, 2003This album is a must have for the Los Lobos fan. Wonderfully produced and arranged with music from various regions of mexico. Strongly recommended.
February 8, 2003More reviews at Amazon.com ...
