Album Reviews

Lila Downs

La Cantina

2006-04-05

The rhythm loops and subtle electronic effects weave in and out of the traditional instrumentation over which Lila sings this wonderful program of Mexican ranchera songs. Downs' dark, smoky voice is the perfect vehicle for these songs, which juxtapose the deep emotion of fado and mariachi music with norteño and tejano influences. Everywhere you turn there are deeper complexities lurking beneath the already complicated surfaces of the songs: the quietly wailing clarinet that follows the distorted guitar solo on "Agua de Rosas" or the ska-funk inflections that are constantly hovering around the edges of "Tu Recuerdo y Yo". -AMG

all reviews | all world reviews

More reviews tagged #World

reviewed 01/2007
JOHANNES WELCH, DAVID HESS AND PAUL HINGER
Stunderthorm
reviewed 11/2016
Her
Tape #1
reviewed 12/2006
RAHIM ALHAJ
When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq
reviewed 03/2016
The Codgers
Lichfield
reviewed 06/2010
ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING FELA!
FELA! – ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING
reviewed 11/2004
Rokia Traore
Bowmboi

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.