2013-02-19
One can hear hints of lead singer Luz Elena Mendoza's Mexican roots on Y La Bamba's second release, Oh February. Whether it's the castanets, the handclaps, or the liberal use of the accordion, Oh February has a mexi-folk feel. Ms. Mendoza's tremolo vocals, often fronting male vocal harmonies, are striking. The rest of this Portland band is skilled, but I'm blown away by Scott Magee's dextrous percussion. All in all this is a fine indie-folk disc that has been expertly produced by The Decemberist's Chris Funk. Rebecca Ruth
Brooke Annibale
The Simple Fear
KATHY MATTEA
Coal
Ralston
Carwreck Conversations
BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN
Back to Love
M. Ward
Transistor Radio
RAY WYLIE HUBBARD
A. ENLIGHTENMENT, B. ENDARKENMENT (HINT: THERE IS NO C)
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