Search - Los Cardenales de Nuevo Leon, Cardenales De Nuevo Leon :: Se Quitan El Sombrero

Cool, fluid accordion ripples sweep along the 11 polkas, rancheras, and cumbias by this traditional norteño fivesome led by singer-bajo sexto player Cesario Sanchez Chavez. Heat generators include "Mi Ultima Serenata," an unsavory tale of love conducted in the interest of money with pretty frank lyrics. Noted songwriter Teodoro Bello contributes "Corazon de Hielo," another rancorous tale of unrequited love. But despite the bitter themes both tunes impact with melodic accordion hooks and snappy percussion. And despite its seeming simplicity, the cumbia "Dame" is instantly hummable and radio-ready with its sing-along chorus and bouncy bass lines. Minor housekeeping complaints: Why is there no lyric sheet or band roster? The credits list producers, engineers, and even art directors but to leave out the band seems ludicrous. --Ramiro Burr