Kiko

Los Lobos

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 26, 1992)
• Original Release Date: May 26, 1992
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B000002LRZ
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,785 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #28 in	Music > Rock > Roots Rock
  #30 in	Music > Rock > Jam Bands > Rock Jam Bands
  #31 in	Music > Latin Music

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
After their hit remake of "La Bamba," Los Lobos could easily have settled into the lazy, provincial groove of hometown heroes. But with producer Mitchell Froom's encouragement, the pride of East L.A. exploded all conventions on their one true masterwork. Their Latin roots are obvious, and so is their encyclopedic knowledge of American blues, rock, and soul. But they don't stop there, tossing South African mbaqanga into the mix of "Wake Up Delores," and fearlessly experimenting every step along the way. The more you listen, the more you marvel that the band fit so many weird, wonderful sounds into songs with deep roots in the past but perfectly suited for the future. --Keith Moerer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Honky tonk con sabor(with flavor), June 7, 2004

By	Enrique Torres "Rico" (San Diegotitlan, Califas) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I have nearly every legitimate Los Lobos recording and have to rate this particular one as quite possibly their best; at least in their top three. It is difficult to pick a fave disc because they all have individual qualities; it is like trying to pick your favorite child. This embodies the essence of the wolf boyz with elements of roots rock, tinged with strong rhythm and blues flavors, psychedelic experimental colorful tones intertwined with folkloric Mexican rhythms and all brought together by the smoky vocals of Cesar Rosas or David Hidalgo. If this were the Beatles this might be the "White Album" or "Sergeant Pepper." The music is a lush tapestry of Americana that features a sort of southwestern country music flare. The instrumental "Arizona Skies" pretty much captures that feeling of southwest country music complete with a mixing of Latin percussion sounds and banjo. This combination of instruments might seem at odds but on the contrary it sounds perfectly harmonious. The spectacular "Wicked Rain" is a biting piece of music that demonstrates the ease with which the wolf boyz can capture the gritty roots of rock 'n roll. When the guitars blend with the drums it is like thunder and lightning falling from the sky. There are many cool songs on this classic wolf boyz disc but of special note is the stripped down "Just a Man" that has a New Orleans joyful funeral march feeling with some guitar licks reminiscent of the best blues musicians. Other faves include "Saint Behind the Glass" that is a John Lennonesque tune that features a Veracruz harp that gives it a huapango meets the Beatles sound." Rio de Tenampa" is the only song in Spanish only and fits into the Mexican folkloric niche. My absolute fave has to be "Kiko and The Lavendar Moon." The song is a masterpiece of sublime beauty that has a haunting soulful strut in it's presentation. Overall this is one of the classic Los Lobos recordings where if you are unfamiliar(where you been ?) with much of their music it might be a good place to start. So go back to 1992 and check it out, it was a very good year for Los Lobos music .Highly recommended East LA roots music that is distinctly American .

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS ONE!, February 18, 2006

By	G. Slape (NM USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Its hard to say that any album could be the quintessential Los Lobos Album. They have so many different aspects and nuances, it would be impossible to capture them in one album. Kiko comes pretty close to capturing the Lobos' essence though. Songs like Dream In Blue, Angels With Dirty Faces, & Peace showcase the basic Los Lobos "East LA Roots Rock" sound. One of my favorites, Saint Behind The Glass, is a nod to traditional Mexican Music while still maintaining approachability to the non-Latino listener. Rio de Tenampa showcases the band's ability to seamlessly meld Mexican and Country sounds together in one unique package. Every song on here is written and played with great depth and feeling, but none more than the melancholy When The Circus Comes, which I find so emotionally stirring. While this CD has a certain Hispanic flavor, it is a great introductory album to a band that appeals to lovers of all different genres of music including, Latin, Country, Blues, Rock and more!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An album that continues to sound new - years later, March 24, 1999

By	[e-mail] (ORANGE COUNTY CA USA) - See all my reviews

In 1992 I had all the old 'lobos' stuff when KIKO came out: But hey I am Mexican American I am supposed to listen to them. But this CD changed my mind about the group in general this CD solidified that LOS LOBOS aren't a Latino only band, They are musicians equal to anyone one out there. So now when I get the chance I spread the word about these musicians because they are not our giant prized Latino band anymore they are for EVERYONE! BEST SELECTIONS:WAKE UP DOLORES, ARIZONA SKIES, SHORTSIDE OF NOTHING, WHISKEY TRAIL, REVA'S HOUSE, DREAM IN BLUE AND KIKO AND THE LAVENDOR MOON.