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 03/2008
Various Artist
Spirits In The Material World
reviewed 05/2007
ZAMAN 8 AND HAFEZ MODIR
Suryghati ep
reviewed 05/2009
The Sway Machinery
Hidden Melodies Revealed
reviewed 01/2008
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Ilembe - Honoring Shaka Zulu
reviewed 01/2006
PATRICE LAROSE AND JULIA SARR
Set Luna
reviewed 05/2004
Ozomatli
Street Signs

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.