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 RuthKATIE MELUA
Pictures
JOE SWANK & THE ZEN PIRATES
HANK WILLIAMS DIED FOR MY SINS
CATHERINE MACLELLAN
Water in the Ground
JENNIFER KIMBALL
Oh Hear Us
TOM WAITS
Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers, and Bastards
Sally Dworsky
Boxes
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