Customer Reviews

Kiko

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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 .

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!

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.

Not to simply toss my name into the deluge of praise for this record, but this album truly deserves all the credit it gets. It was a total new direction for Los Lobos, with the encouragement of their producer/engineer team, Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake. This record is dense, soaked in overdubs, carefully arranged and on the whole much more impressionistic than the band's work previous to this. They wrote a terrific set of songs, mostly gems.

The layers of guitar, keyboards and synthesizers give this record a dreamy feel, compared to the band's earlier, tougher stuff. The strongest songs are truly helped by this new approach: Angels With Dirty Faces and Saint Behind the Glass for example. Other songs are marred by the production, however -- Wicked Rain and That Train Don't Stop Here (the grittier Rosas' only two contributions) could do with a stripping down, but even the straight-ahead rock songs triumph in this context.

Best tunes: Wake Up Delores / Angels With Dirty Faces / That Train Don't Stop Here / Saint Behind the Glass / When the Circus Comes / Arizona Skies / Two Janes / Whiskey Trail.

I've got a half dozen of these guys' albums, most of which are great in their own right, but this is hands down, their absolute best. It got all kinds of accolades when it came out back in 1992. Sometimes, critics go goo-goo-ga-ga over some record, and later you wonder why. That's not the case here. This album has stood the test of time.

They're doing this album live in its entirety in a few cities right now, but there's a chance they'll expand the tour. Not to be missed.

1. "Wake up Dolores"

2. "Kiko and the Lavender Moon"

3. "Saint Behind the Glass"

Not only are these three of the greatest Los Lobos songs ever, these are three of the greatest songs ever, period. And that is not to dismiss the rest of the album, which is strong as well. This is the most unique album that this great band made. Get it!

I really find this cd to be their best one, even though they are a consistently good band that has many good songs on all of their cds. I am in agreeance with other reviewers, and I add that if you only want one cd by Los Lobos, this is the best one to get (though you would be missing a large amount of good material by limiting yourself to it) thats all!!

This is one of those recordings that transcends top ten lists and sets prominently on my rankings of albums that truly matter. Not for the listener who wants quick answers, Los Lobos incorporates a surreal, yet understandable mix of America in each song. It's a masterpiece that requires listening to again and again. Don't worry, all of the thier pioneering East LA sound is in here. But they enhance and layer a whole new essence to KIKO. It shouts "american sound" in a way matched by few other recordings of the 1990's.

This is not only probably the best Los Lobos album, but is also one of the best rock albums ever. High praise, but well deserved. I don't know where to begin in praising this album.

Might as well start at the beginning. The album concept, while probably foggy and nebulous at first, just simply took the correct shape by the time they actually got done and started playing. The production and engineering is also simply excellently done. And then there are the songs....

A great album by one of the greatest of American bands.

I hate to write a review that simply echos what others have
already said, but here I sit doing it anyhow. This c.d. is great.
Layer upon layer of sound running through, over, and under each
other. It was my first encounter with this great band, and spured
me on to obtain all of thier work that was available. All very
good, most excellent. I'm amazed at how these guys keep evolving
their musical talents while continuing to stay at the top of
their game, experimenting with so many diverse styles. Always
fresh. Bottom line...This has become one of my all time favorite
c.d.s. I never go to bed without putting it on to fall asleep
by.
Thanks, and may you be well.
Tom