Customer Reviews

Live at the Fillmore

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

 

 

There are several ways to approach a live album. One is to record an entire tour, cherry-pick the best performances and release them. Another is to record a single performance, or series of performances at a particular venue, and release it--warts and all.

Being the risk-takers they are, Los Lobos has opted for the latter (and tougher) approach. Which means 'Live At The Fillmore' is a mixed bag of sterling, and unfortunately, uninspired Los Lobos.

Coming on the heels of the two-album renaissance of 'Good Morning Aztlan' and 'The Ride', the time certainly seemed right for a live album. But the album's two opening tracks seem tossed-off, and while instrumentally strong, a weak vocal from Cesar Rojas sabotages "Charmed". And "Rita" just sounds tired.

On the plus side, "Tears Of God" sparkles, as do "How Much Can I Do?" and "Kiko And The Lavender Moon". The remainder of the album plateaus somewhere between good and pretty good.

Granted, 'pretty good' Los Lobos is pretty damn fine, indeed. But in contrast to many of the fiery shows I (or any longtime fan) have seen, 'Live At The Fillmore' can't help but be a disappointment.

But they remain a brave band that plays what they like, not what demographics tell them they should play. It is multi-cultural soul music, and for that alone they are a band to cherish. And I don't hesitate to say I do.

Los Lobos rebounded from the cover band status of THE RIDE with the DVD of this concert a couple of months back. Critics wailed why they hadn't done a live CD or DVD before. Well, amen, especially if you have ever caught any of their shows. It's actually a pity that this is the only such document, because while it is certainly a great performance, it is only a taste of the magic they command. I may go to a million more concerts before I hear a band essay Neil Young's "Cowgirl in the Sand" the way these wolves knocked it out at the Philly Folk Festival while Gene Shay swallowed his tongue because the boys simply would not end the song and get off so he could prattle his stupid stories and jokes. For that alone, they became my heroes. Point is, even Young, on his very best day, never delivered that song with the incendiary fire of Los Lobos.
But I digress, and this is a worthy addition to their incredible canon. The only foul ball for me is "The Viking," but that's quibbling, because they more than make up for it with the mini CD of 3 acoustic songs, and I won't tell you what they are, but one was such a delightful surprise!
So, I'd tell you to pick this up. Hidalgo, Peres and compadres have never, or actaully ALWAYS, sound this good live. So where's the box set? This is a band you should rush to go see and if they do release a box, swamp AMAZON with orders for it. How will the Wolf survive? Well, with performances like these, should be easy.

One star deducted for what's NOT here - the incendiary version of "Mas y Mas" (with pedal-steel hero Robert Randolph) which appears on the DVD version of this concert, and the "La Bamba"/"Good Lovin'" medley, a climactic live show staple. Only the toughest marker would quibble with what IS here - but it's a shame it's not a double or triple CD set.

i have come to think of Los Lobos as a sophisticated band with a long history of intricate songs, ballads and mexican influenced folk songs. Live at the Fillmore simply rocks. It makes me wonder why this band has not been featured on radio stations across the country, why they are not celibrated by young people who are trying desperately to find a band that can rock, why groups such as U2 and 70's rock dominate the airwaves, even though this band can rock their socks off?
The second cd is a throwaway of acoustic remakes of old Mexican stuff, and is way too short, but if you want to hear a greatest hits of hard guitar rock, take a listen to the first disc. And then answer the questions above.

I just picked up the new Los Lobos CD, LIVE AT THE FILLMORE. I'm not sure I'm listening to the same CD as the first two reviewers! This CD is outstanding. I'm a huge Los Lobos fan, so I may be a little biased, but I think even someone new to Los Lobos will enjoy this CD. The song selection is great, a mix of old and new material. As always, Los Lobos' playing is top notch. Although the sound quality is not outstanding, it is good. If you're a Los Lobos fan, you MUST add this to your collection. If you would like to try Los Lobos, I would recommend this as a good introduction to one of rock's best bands.

If you're in doubt whether to buy this album of delightful songs, doubt no more! I have been a long time fan and really dig these live recordings of the "Band From East LA". The simple and elegeant renditions of "Kiko" and "Saint Behind the Glass" make the entire alum worth the purchase. Don't miss this one if you're a Lobos fan at all.

I have loved Los Lobos from the beginning; I truly believe they are one of the great bands of all time, full of creative energy. This cd is sloppy, sounds terrible and the playing isn't very inspired. Only on "The Neighborhood" do things start to stretch out and heat up. It's a real shame. . . .