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 10/2011
JORGE CALDERON
Blue City & on Mardi Gras Day
reviewed 01/2008
Various Artists
Kalamazoo Community Rhythm Project
reviewed 04/2010
RAZIA SAID
Zebu Nation
reviewed 11/2009
LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS
El Arte De La Elegancia De LFC
reviewed 01/2006
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Long Walk to Freedom
reviewed 08/2008
NIYAZ
Nine Heavens

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.