Search - Los Lobos :: La Pistola y El Corazon

Lovely

James Lopez | Los Angeles, CA USA | 07/03/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In all honesty (and with much regret), it seems that traditional Mexican music is dying out--it is with this in mind that I speak on behalf of this wonderful collection of traditional Mexican music. Los Lobos have certainly outdone themselves with La Pistola y El Corazon, which is an excellent introduction to the traditional sounds of Mexico. Quite a variety of styles are represented on this album, such as the lively "son jarocho" as well as the melancholic "huapango" and the beautifully melodic "vals," all of which are native to Mexico. The Spanish guitar seems to be the main instrument present in the majority of the songs, which is a lovely departure from the popular accordion-dominated "nortena" and "ranchera por accordeon" (little more than nortena with a slight folk influence), both of which are strongly associated with Mexico; interestingly enough, these are relatively new additions to the vast variety of music native to Mexico. The band's version of "Si Yo Quisiera" fits this fold quite nicely and will sound very familiar to perhaps the majority of listeners; I, on the other hand, am not a fan of polka, particularly Mexican polka, marking this song as my least favorite. Even then, there is still much beauty to be found on this release, particularly with the huapango "Amarillas," a very haunting number. The lively and joyful-sounding "Guacamaya" makes the perfect intro, as it invites the listener in to a world of beautiful music. "(Sonajas) Mananitas Michoacanas" bears a striking resembling to Cajun fiddling, and it is genuinely pleasing to listen to. Other than the songs "Si Yo Quisiera" and "Estoy Sentado Aqui" (not a particularly great track, really), every one of these compositions is a masterpiece. The Spanish-influenced guitar solos are also an asset to the album, proving that the members of Los Lobos are extremely talented musicians. To all who read this: this is true Mexican music. Please add this to your collection; you will not regret it."

I'm buying my fourth copy.....

James Lopez | 07/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As my children go off to college, they have all taken a copy of "La Pistola y El Corazon" with them, so now I am on my fourth purchase of this CD. This is a great introduction to traditional Mexican folk songs, with a kick. This is definitely not like Ricky Martin or Gloria Estevan, not Cuban or Caribbean, try it for a taste of traditional, yet rockin', Mejicano. If you can't get into it on the first listen, try it a few more times. Eventually it grows on you and it may become your favorite album of all time!"

Wonderful and refreshing !

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 10/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This terrific CD from 1988 is simply delectable ! It has many different types of songs in the traditional style (huapango/ranchera, etc.)played mostly on acoustic guitars, violin, and acordeón. It has an intimacy and freshness that will brighten the cloudiest day, and that they had fun recording this is evident when hearing it.The title song is great, as are the vals, "Que Nadie Sepa Mi Sufrir" and a huapango, "Las Amarillas"..but all 9 tracks are enjoyable and exuberant...my only wish is that there had been more of them...I want more !!!The booklet, with exquisite cover art by George Yepes, contains the lyrics in Spanish, as well as translated into English."