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 norteƱo 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

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 03/2007

    ANDY PALACIO AND THE GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE
    Watina

  • reviewed 04/2007

    Various
    20 WAYS TO FLOAT THROUGH WALLS

  • reviewed 04/2014

    PALO!
    Live

  • reviewed 07/2005

    Shooglenifty
    Live- Radical Mestizo

  • reviewed 04/2007

    NIBS VANDERSPUY
    Beautiful Feet

  • reviewed 04/2005

    Dierdre
    One

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.