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 08/2016
Guy Pearce
Broken Bones
reviewed 08/2007
TINKERS TEA
The Mummer's Jig
reviewed 05/2008
Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich + Fussible
Tijuana Sound Machine
reviewed 06/2006
BANCO DE GAIA
Farewell Ferengistan
reviewed 10/2011
NATACHA ATLAS
Mounqaliba-Rising: The Remixes
reviewed 11/2010
MYSTIC ROOTS BAND
CALI-HI

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.