Norwalk, CT Advocate Review T&C
By Dave Ruden
Los Lobos has forged a reputation as one of the premier roots-rock bands
— and should be considered one of the best rock groups, period — for constantly taking its music in different directions. Each album serves as a collection of short stories, with similar structures etched around experimentation, territory few others would attempt.
On “The Town and The City,” Los Lobos comes closest to matching its masterpiece and critical favorite, “Kiko.” Methodical in pacing and with fewer straight-out rockers, there are layered, unorthodox sounds that spring from David Hidalgo’s guitar.
The album warms up slowly with a pair of slow numbers before taking a rare turn into high gear with the infectious “The Road to Gila Bend.”
On “Little Things,” one of the album’s many strong ballads, and the rhythmic “No Puedo Mas,” the group sounds like it has spent time listening to old Procol Harum songs.
Other highlights include “Luna,” which could have been lifted from the Kiko sessions, and “The Town,” the perfect edgy closer to this engaging 13-track collection.
As always, Cesar Rosas’ vocals are in fine form, and after a brief foray into working with some favorite artists, Los Lobos again proves it is one of the tightest bands around.
“The Town and The City” requires a few listens for its virtuosity to set in, but the time is well-spent and the result is one of the best recordings of the year.
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