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 10/2010

    DE TEMPS ANTAN
    Les Habits De Papier

  • reviewed 08/2007

    B-SIDE PLAYERS
    Fire in the Youth

  • reviewed 03/2016

    American Babies
    An Epic Battle Between Light And Dark

  • reviewed 03/2009

    Mishka
    Above the Bones

  • reviewed 01/2007

    JOHANNES WELCH, DAVID HESS AND PAUL HINGER
    Stunderthorm

  • reviewed 04/2009

    ENTER THE HAGGIS
    Gutter Anthems

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.