2013-02-19
One can hear hints of lead singer Luz Elena Mendoza's Mexican roots on Y La Bamba's second release, Oh February. Whether it's the castanets, the handclaps, or the liberal use of the accordion, Oh February has a mexi-folk feel. Ms. Mendoza's tremolo vocals, often fronting male vocal harmonies, are striking. The rest of this Portland band is skilled, but I'm blown away by Scott Magee's dextrous percussion. All in all this is a fine indie-folk disc that has been expertly produced by The Decemberist's Chris Funk. Rebecca Ruth
JOE SWANK & THE ZEN PIRATES
HANK WILLIAMS DIED FOR MY SINS
CHRISTINE LAVIN
Happydance of the Xenophobe
THE ZOSO SISTERS
Adieu False Heart
CARRIE NEWCOMER
The Geography of Light
BEN HARPER
Lifeline
Leonard Cohen
Songs of Leonard Cohen
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