Kiko [Import]

I have nearly every legitimate Los Lobos recording and have to rate this particular one as quite possibly their best; at least in their top three. It is difficult to pick a fave disc because they all have individual qualities; it is like trying to pick your favorite child. This embodies the essence of the wolf boyz with elements of roots rock, tinged with strong rhythm and blues flavors, psychedelic experimental colorful tones intertwined with folkloric Mexican rhythms and all brought together by the smoky vocals of Cesar Rosas or David Hidalgo. If this were the Beatles this might be the "White Album" or "Sergeant Pepper." The music is a lush tapestry of Americana that features a sort of southwestern country music flare. The instrumental "Arizona Skies" pretty much captures that feeling of southwest country music complete with a mixing of Latin percussion sounds and banjo. This combination of instruments might seem at odds but on the contrary it sounds perfectly harmonious. The spectacular "Wicked Rain" is a biting piece of music that demonstrates the ease with which the wolf boyz can capture the gritty roots of rock 'n roll. When the guitars blend with the drums it is like thunder and lightning falling from the sky. There are many cool songs on this classic wolf boyz disc but of special note is the stripped down "Just a Man" that has a New Orleans joyful funeral march feeling with some guitar licks reminiscent of the best blues musicians. Other faves include "Saint Behind the Glass" that is a John Lennonesque tune that features a Veracruz harp that gives it a huapango meets the Beatles sound." Rio de Tenampa" is the only song in Spanish only and fits into the Mexican folkloric niche. My absolute fave has to be "Kiko and The Lavendar Moon." The song is a masterpiece of sublime beauty that has a haunting soulful strut in it's presentation. Overall this is one of the classic Los Lobos recordings where if you are unfamiliar(where you been ?) with much of their music it might be a good place to start. So go back to 1992 and check it out, it was a very good year for Los Lobos music .Highly recommended East LA roots music that is distinctly American .

Its hard to say that any album could be the quintessential Los Lobos Album. They have so many different aspects and nuances, it would be impossible to capture them in one album. Kiko comes pretty close to capturing the Lobos' essence though. Songs like Dream In Blue, Angels With Dirty Faces, & Peace showcase the basic Los Lobos "East LA Roots Rock" sound. One of my favorites, Saint Behind The Glass, is a nod to traditional Mexican Music while still maintaining approachability to the non-Latino listener. Rio de Tenampa showcases the band's ability to seamlessly meld Mexican and Country sounds together in one unique package. Every song on here is written and played with great depth and feeling, but none more than the melancholy When The Circus Comes, which I find so emotionally stirring. While this CD has a certain Hispanic flavor, it is a great introductory album to a band that appeals to lovers of all different genres of music including, Latin, Country, Blues, Rock and more!

In 1992 I had all the old 'lobos' stuff when KIKO came out: But hey I am Mexican American I am supposed to listen to them. But this CD changed my mind about the group in general this CD solidified that LOS LOBOS aren't a Latino only band, They are musicians equal to anyone one out there. So now when I get the chance I spread the word about these musicians because they are not our giant prized Latino band anymore they are for EVERYONE! BEST SELECTIONS:WAKE UP DOLORES, ARIZONA SKIES, SHORTSIDE OF NOTHING, WHISKEY TRAIL, REVA'S HOUSE, DREAM IN BLUE AND KIKO AND THE LAVENDOR MOON.