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 01/2008
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Ilembe - Honoring Shaka Zulu
reviewed 03/2008
Toumast
Ishumar
reviewed 04/2016
Former Belle
Foreign Bed
reviewed 12/2005
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Africa Calling: Live 8 at Eden
reviewed 08/2011
VARIOUS
David Lynch Foundation Music That Changes The World
reviewed 11/2009
LOS CENZONTLES WITH DAVID HIDALGO & TAJ MAHAL
American Horizon

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.