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
LAURA LOVE & ORVILLE JOHNSON
The Sweeter the Juice
DIANE FRENCH
This Trick
Longboat
D-(Minus)
AUDREY AULD MEZERA
LOST MEN AND ANGRY GIRLS
Ben Harper
Diamonds on the Inside
Various Artists
Por Vida: A Tribute to the Songs of Alejandro Escovedo
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