During its 30+ year career, Los Lobos has proven that it's more than just another band from East L.A. Tin Can Trust, the group's first album in four years, finds the group returning to its blues-inspired roots rock.
The band entered the studio without any firm compositions, but the collaborative spirit that has developed during the decades, yields a solid outing. From the leadoff track, "Burn It Down," featuring backup vocals from Susan Tedeschi to the invigorating instrumental "Do The Murray," the band adds another vital chapter to its storied history.
Had the privilege of seeing Cyril Neville and Eric Lindell at the Pittsburgh Blues Festival over the weekend. And while they both turned in excellent sets, the band that elevated my soul above the green covered mountains at Hartwood Acres was Los Lobos. Fittingly, the only other time I've seen them was in 1987 opening up for U2 at Three Rivers Stadium (Little Steven was the other opener, as John Matthews reminded me today- he was there too!).
Let me put it to you this way: why they are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I just don't know (it's been 30 years since their debut record- 25 to be Hall eligible). David Hidalgo is one of the most underrated guitarist ever; his blistering solos and gentle voice are heavenly.
Guitarist Cesar Rosas's growl and unchanged look with the the well-manicured goatee and stylish shades proves a worthy foil for the warmth of Hidgalgo and chief lyricist Louie Perez adds even more guitar punch- plus he even plays drums if the song calls for it. And I haven't even mentioned the keyboard and sax-maestro Steve Berlin, who gives the band that impressionistic California-noir sound on masterpieces like Kiko and The Town and the City and steady bassist Conrad Lozano who brings a smiling assurance to the stage.
They pay homage to their Mexican-American heritage with plenty of danceable accordian-laced Spanish language songs and add to that their Dead cred, and what you've got is one of the most loved festival acts around.
Los Lobos is the tightest band I've ever seen live, an American classic that I want to experience many more times. Hopefully, I won't wait twenty-two years for the next time and this time, I'll stay a little closer to home.
Enjoy this performance of my favorite Los Lobos tune, "One Day One Night." Just listen to David's sweet guitar on this one and watch what the band creates withouth theatrics and hystrionics.
I call this my War and Peace mix. It's about having your own mind and not letting others rule your thoughts, and being open-minded and seeking a peaceful solution to things instead of trying to get your own way.
"Zor and Zam," by The Monkees
"They," by Jem
"Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong," by Michael Franti & Spearhead
"Philosophia," by Guggenheim Grotto
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World," by Tears for Fears
7 a.m. Brandon Hurley
These songs make me think of the financial crisis. We started with the flood of consumerism and high expectations, which have all come crashing down.
We all try to escape through different ways. Some react with medication, some pine for "good old days," others just try to deal with life and try to hang on to hope of a better place. But, at these times we all need to rally around each other.
"First Day," by The Futurehead
"Interesting Drug," by Morrissey
"Compositions for the Young and Old," by Bob Mould
It's a mix of great tunes, a couple of which WTMD has turned me onto in recent years, and it's a mix of some trippy grooves interspersed by rockin' tunes from great bands. Just great music that fits my alma mater's station's style!
"Rebellion (Lies)," by Arcade Fire
"Eple," by Royskopp
"Have You Once Recalled the Days?" by Warren Zanes
"What Are You Afraid Of," by West Indian Girl
"Valerie," by The Zutons
1 p.m. Kristin Symes
These are pretty much my top five favorite songs right now. I picked them because they are a great mix from a variety of different genres, with a progression from upbeat to soft and chill.
"If She Wants Me," by Belle and Sebastian
"Something to Talk About," by Bonnie Raitt
"Staple It Together," by Jack Johnson
"Give It Away," by Zero 7
"Day Dreaming," by Lupe Fiasco and Jill Scott
2 p.m. Keith Pozanek
The "x" files + god & the devil. Most of these excellent songs received little or no airplay. I am a closet DJ.
The theme may be obvious: all women! I think this lineup would go over well, and I love Ms. Sara's tune for local flavor.
"9 to 5," by Ms. Sara and The Help
"Lonely Love," by Juliana Hatfield
"Hurt So Bad," by Susan Tedeschi
"Rehab," by Amy Winehouse
4 p.m. Mary Thomas
Representative of the darker side of love and relationships.
"We Both Go Down Together," by The Decemberists
"Fly," by Moxy Fruvous
"Cold Kisses," by Richard Thompson
"Break Your Heart," by Barenaked Ladies
5 p.m. Amanda Krotki
These are all songs from Cameron Crowe movies and we're overdue for a really great new film from him.
"I Can't Get Next to You," by The Temptations, Elizabethtown
"Vanilla Sky," by Paul McCartney, Vanilla Sky
"Tiny Dancer," by Elton John, Almost Famous
"Dyslexic Heart," by Paul Westerberg, Singles
"In Your Eyes," by Peter Gabriel, Say Anything
6 p.m. Laura McGuire
These are all artists I've seen live in the past year, courtesy of WTMD: emerging artist concerts, First Thursdays, member concerts, Baltimore Unsigned tapings, in-studio performances.
You guys bring great music to Baltimore!
"Stop and Think It Over," by Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles
"Good Day," by Jukebox the Ghost
"Emancipated Minor," by Ani Difranco
"Frera," by Fools & Horses
"A Little Bit of Riddim," by Michael Franti and Spearhead
Saw John Mayer tonight in D.C. and it was great. The man is a great musician and has a great band to back him up. Played a lot of hits and the show was pretty low key. Finished up by covering Cream's version of Crossroads. John mentioned just before, that he would be playing the Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago this weekend. This festival also features guitar gods of the past and present including Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, Derek Trucks, and Robert Randolph. WTMD favorites like Los Lobos and Alison Krauss & Union Station will be there too. Can anybody say All-Star jam?
Got some not so great news as well.
Looks like the Cold War Kid's won't be gracing us with their excellence at Virgin Festival. Aiden won the hard fought out battle between groups including Mute Math, Say Anything and The Higher and CWK. See you at the Patriot Center everybody.
, the group's first album in four years, finds the group returning to its blues-inspired roots rock.
," featuring backup vocals from Susan Tedeschi to the invigorating instrumental "Do The Murray
," the band adds another vital chapter to its storied history.
