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 12/2006

    FORRO IN THE DARK
    Bonfires of Sao Joao

  • reviewed 03/2008

    Vinicius Cantuaria
    Cymbals

  • reviewed 10/2006

    ATERCIOPELADOS
    Oye

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Miriam Makeba
    Reflections

  • reviewed 07/2007

    KARLEX
    Ghetto Fabulous

  • reviewed 02/2007

    VIEUX FARKA TOURE
    Vieux Farka Toure

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.