Search - Coco Montoya :: Can't Look Back

Can't Look Back
Coco Montoya
Can't Look Back
Genres: Blues, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1

Given his past work with starmaker John Mayall and Albert Collins, it's no surprise that Coco Montoya has turned out solid, consistent blues-rock since his debut in 1995. Can't Look Back is his second album since his move ...  more »

     
?

Larger Image

CD Details

All Artists: Coco Montoya
Title: Can't Look Back
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Alligator Records
Release Date: 6/4/2002
Genres: Blues, Pop
Styles: Electric Blues, Modern Blues
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 014551488521

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Given his past work with starmaker John Mayall and Albert Collins, it's no surprise that Coco Montoya has turned out solid, consistent blues-rock since his debut in 1995. Can't Look Back is his second album since his move to Alligator Records, and it's very similar to 2000's Suspicion in sound and structure. That means it's a collection of energetic, taut blues-rock with originals that hold their own with the covers, although Collins's "Same Old Thing" does stand out. Other highlights include the tightly wound "Running Away from Love," the strangely pyrotechnic "Can't See the Streets for My Tears," and the tension generated by the contrast between music and lyrics on the title track. Overall, Montoya is settling nicely into a classic blues-rock sound that generates its own momentum and showcases his considerable talent. --Genevieve Williams

Similarly Requested CDs

 

CD Reviews

Finally...
political idiot | california | 06/22/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Coco has not released a good album since his early blind pig days. When he jumped ship and went to alligator I all but wrote him off. When "Suspicion" was released my worst fears were realized. This talented former Collins/Mayall axeman morphed into a syrupy pseudo R&B artist. When "Can't Look Back" was recently released I held my breath and sampled a few tunes. Pleasantly surprised, I actually like most of the disc. Though not a total homerun, Coco did bring back some of the edgy blues I know he can crank out. It is a varied album and I do skip a few tunes, but overall a big improvement over suspicion. Coco is a masterful player with a great tenor voice. I just wish his recordings could capture the intesity of his live shows -especially those in the micro venues. I remember the days of old at max capacity 30 people CJ's in Pasadena, CA...whew Coco blew the doors off that place."
A New Direction!
deepbluereview | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA | 08/02/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)

"After several mediocre releases on Blind Pig, Coco Montoya switched labels a couple of years ago opting to try his luck with Alligator. This is Coco's second release on Alligator Records and probably his best outing in many years. Alligator has had a lot of success over the years, jump starting and breathing new fire into stalled careers, most notably, Johnny Winter, Hound Dog Taylor, Buddy Guy, Luther Allison and now, Coco Montoya. On this disc, Coco can be heard to play his solos in a manner that would make his mentor, Albert Collins smile from ear to ear. The songs themselves have a rockish/popish quality both in the rhythms and the lyrics. While this is somewhat refreshing and at times enjoyable, Coco's vocals don't always suit the bill. "I Won't Beg", "Can't See The Streets" and "Free" all have a familiar sound that will have you trying to pin point where you have heard it before. Best blues cut on the disc is probably, "Back In A Cadillac"."
Can't Look Back -- Coco Montoya
Jeffrey E. Summerton | Mullica Hill, NJ USA | 07/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Probably the best of all of his albums in terms of evenness and quality of songs, although I prefer the more bluesy first album Gotta Mind to Travel. A number of standouts, including the slow blues Can't See the Street for My Tears with an interesting chord progression/pattern and the funky and fun Women Have a Way with a Fool and Back in a Cadillac. The nicely textured cut Holding Out for You is on a par with Am I Losing You off the first album -- while both are poignant, Losing You is about anguish and doubt; Holding Out is about love realized. The final cut is a nice tune about beating a "jones" or addiction. Overall, the mixes are tight and smooth, with the exemplary guitar work CM cranks out -- this is a strong CD that serves up some hot Coco."