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
TUNE-YARDS
Bird-Brains
LEE BAINES III & THE GLORY FIRES
There Is A Bomb In Gilead
TRUCKSTOP HONEYMOON
THE MADNESS OF HAPPINESS
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan
Michael Franti
Songs from the Front Porch
IVOR THOMAS
Nowhere Else To Go
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