Customer Reviews

Dose

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

not for everybody! DOSE is low tech (in effect at least) and rough around the edges. -Not through lack of attention, but that is what they want you to hear. Its like the interpretation of dreams or memories invoked with the help of sound effects, narration & sound quality that belongs to an earlier age. It works wonderfully well if you let it....

The music on this album has a fusion of different sounds masterfully combined to create a mindopening musical experience. It combines rock, funk, and latin grooves among other sounds. Unfortunately the Latin playboys along with Los Lobos probably will not be truly appreciated untill they are long gone. They are definately way ahead of the times. You would do yourself a favor to give this album a listen.

On first playing it, I immediately began evaluating my options for getting a refund. Very dischordant, very inconsistent. Not at all what I thought I was getting based on a cool NPR review. Then, a few days later, in a completely different mood, I put it on for a second try. This CD was clearly meant for an enlightened ear. I can't convince anyone else I live with to like it (although the dogs like lemon n' ice, they only tolerate the scratchier tunes, and they run around in a frenzy at the background sounds of sirens -- they're purists and more inclined to celtic, anyway); but I don't care -- I love it. If you bought it, hated it, and still have it, try it again. It's like ethiopian food -- some of it looks familiar, some of it is delicious, but not everyone is going to dare to try it (twice).

More experimental than their first offering, it may not have the
same appeal to all. However, if your looking for something a
little different to shake up your collection a bit, this could
be just what your looking for. Very low key head music. At first
listen you may not think too much of it (I didn't),but if you
give it a chance, say four to six listens, it starts to grow on
you. If you have the capability to shuffle this one along with
either their first, or LOS LOBOS' COLOSSAL HEAD, you will be in
for a very interesting and enjoyable experience. Doesn't quite
reach the heights their debut, but very good nonetheless.
Thanks,
Tom

Like a Pinata with bits of everything you've ever heard in your whole life. (And some that you've never.) Oye! Deme Dose!

This CD, which hasn't left my car audio system since I got it a few days ago, is a prime example of recording a feeling. The unusual mix of voices, sounds and the somewhat "fuzzy" tracks in many of the songs reminds me of hearing music - loud - from a passing car. A strange ambient sort of deal. I highly recommend Los Lobos' "Collosal Head" if you like this one. Also worked on by Froom and Blake, it has a similar groove to it, and it's interesting to note the Cesar Rosas influence on "Collosal Head" that is replaced with more sampled sounds on "Dose". Love them both.

i was shocked to read the (mostly) harsh reviews for this set. i had no idea lobos fans were so conservative. but i'll take this difficult-yet-rewarding work over, say. "this time", which is easily los lobos' most souless offering to date. "dose" recalls "colossal head" in its brave, funky experimentation; this sort of thing should be encouraged -- otherwise, we should all just listen to bryan adams, you know?

Man, I just can't get enough of this stuff. Saw 'em live at the Belly Up in 1999 and could only wish they'd tour more. Saw LOS LOBOS 2005 and it just wasn't the same. LATIN PLAYBOYS do more of the Mexican music with American flavor that I'm craving. SANTANA hit on a gorgeous mix. These guys do their own version and much less rootsy than LOS LOBOS. LATIN PLAYBOYS have a fresh sound to my ears that bring a dash or two of experimentation in a musical style that rarely gets that treatment.

This particular album I do not find to be as strong as the first one which I just stumbled on at the swap meet and purchased due to the name of the band and its being on the Slash label. Sure enough, I hit paydirt and the band graciously created a second album. If they did more albums I'd be in pig heaven. In fact, I'm always trying to find other bands that sound something like them but have yet to do so. Got any suggestions?

If you like the rootsy general flavor of most LOS LOBOS songs, this group isn't for you. If you want crisp Latin sounds from expert musicians who are obviously digging doing some experimentation, and succeeding at it, this is the album for you. chrisbct@hotmail.com

I admire the willingness of artists to experiment with modes and styles of music that risk alienating a dedicated fan base. While I didn't think the first Latin Playboys CD worked completely, I respected the vision and courage. Dose is a more complete, successful implementation of the ideas and approach of the first album. Its dissonant harmonies and stylistic range will alienate many Los Lobos fans who, like the aliens who confront Woody Allen in Stardust Memories, prefer their "earlier, funnier" stuff. But Los Lobos fans who appreciate more demanding works like Kiko and Colossal Head might find this is just what they're looking for. If you prefer the Los Lobos of "How Will the Wolf Survive" and songs like "La Bamba," I cannot recommend this album to you. This is a work that requires a listener open to a soundscape on the uncomfortable edge of music.

The Latin Playboys are a side project of two of the members of Los Lobos, one of the more seriously underappreciated rock bands of the last 20 years. Getting together with two buds, Perez and Hildago create some offbeat and atmospheric songs that are more interested in sounds than rocking. And this is just fine.

The album includes four instrumentals, one of which is very short, but the others are quite enjoyable. The balance of the songs are somewhat inconsequential in terms of lyrics, at least in relation to their best work, but a soundscape is created that is always interesting. I enjoy putting this disc into my changer as I drive around, and each time the changer picks one of these songs, my ears stand at attention. So that tells me the songs are sonically interesting.

Buy this album or not? If you like Los Lobos, definitely. If you like offbeat music that doesn't sound like much else, yes. If you like NSYNC, how did you even find this review in the first place?