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 02/2005

    Alpha Blondy
    Elohim

  • reviewed 12/2007

    YOUSSOU N'DOUR
    Rokka Mi Rokka (Give and Take)

  • reviewed 05/2007

    BALKAN BEATBOX
    NuMed

  • reviewed 05/2004

    Ozomatli
    Street Signs

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Stephin Merritt
    Showtunes

  • reviewed 09/2006

    SI SE
    More Shine

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.