Customer Reviews

La Pistola y El Corazon

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In all honesty (and with much regret), it seems that traditional Mexican music is dying out--it is with this in mind that I speak on behalf of this wonderful collection of traditional Mexican music. Los Lobos have certainly outdone themselves with La Pistola y El Corazon, which is an excellent introduction to the traditional sounds of Mexico. Quite a variety of styles are represented on this album, such as the lively "son jarocho" as well as the melancholic "huapango" and the beautifully melodic "vals," all of which are native to Mexico. The Spanish guitar seems to be the main instrument present in the majority of the songs, which is a lovely departure from the popular accordion-dominated "nortena" and "ranchera por accordeon" (little more than nortena with a slight folk influence), both of which are strongly associated with Mexico; interestingly enough, these are relatively new additions to the vast variety of music native to Mexico. The band's version of "Si Yo Quisiera" fits this fold quite nicely and will sound very familiar to perhaps the majority of listeners; I, on the other hand, am not a fan of polka, particularly Mexican polka, marking this song as my least favorite. Even then, there is still much beauty to be found on this release, particularly with the huapango "Amarillas," a very haunting number. The lively and joyful-sounding "Guacamaya" makes the perfect intro, as it invites the listener in to a world of beautiful music. "(Sonajas) Mananitas Michoacanas" bears a striking resembling to Cajun fiddling, and it is genuinely pleasing to listen to. Other than the songs "Si Yo Quisiera" and "Estoy Sentado Aqui" (not a particularly great track, really), every one of these compositions is a masterpiece. The Spanish-influenced guitar solos are also an asset to the album, proving that the members of Los Lobos are extremely talented musicians. To all who read this: this is true Mexican music. Please add this to your collection; you will not regret it.

As my children go off to college, they have all taken a copy of "La Pistola y El Corazon" with them, so now I am on my fourth purchase of this CD. This is a great introduction to traditional Mexican folk songs, with a kick. This is definitely not like Ricky Martin or Gloria Estevan, not Cuban or Caribbean, try it for a taste of traditional, yet rockin', Mejicano. If you can't get into it on the first listen, try it a few more times. Eventually it grows on you and it may become your favorite album of all time!

This terrific CD from 1988 is simply delectable ! It has many different types of songs in the traditional style (huapango/ranchera, etc.)played mostly on acoustic guitars, violin, and acordeón. It has an intimacy and freshness that will brighten the cloudiest day, and that they had fun recording this is evident when hearing it.

The title song is great, as are the vals, "Que Nadie Sepa Mi Sufrir" and a huapango, "Las Amarillas"..but all 9 tracks are enjoyable and exuberant...my only wish is that there had been more of them...I want more !!!

The booklet, with exquisite cover art by George Yepes, contains the lyrics in Spanish, as well as translated into English.

LA PISTOLA Y EL CORAZON by LOS LOBOS is an album that allows the listener to see exactly where the band came from. The album is completly in Spanish as the band mixes 2 original songs when covers of traditional Spanish songs. They are able to pull this off and this album will be enjoyed by music fans of all kinds. I can say that I truly enjoy every song that is on this album, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the title track, followed closely by ESTOY SENTADO AQUI. If you are familiar with traditional Mexican music, then this album will take you back in time and take you down memory lane. If you arent, this might just a perfect introduction for you to open up your musicial taste.

In my opinion, La Pistola y El Corazon is a watershed album for Los Lobos. Their interpretations of these songs including their own compositions should have shown them that Spanish is the way to go. My favorite Los Lobos albums are the early ones. Their mastery of roots-rock with a judicious mix of songs in Spanish made them a pleasure to listen to. Who, Latino or gringo, could not like their fabulous rendition of Anselma? With this album, we're given a handful of gems and as one reviewer said, the only thing wrong with the album is that it is too short. If you like other songs Los Lobos have done in Spanish, then you should definitely own this one. There are a variety of styles on display. My favorites are La Guacamaya, Las Amarillas, El Gusto, and the incomparable Que Nadie Cepa Mi Sufrir. Though I did not care as much for them at first, the two compositions by the band grew on me with repeated listens which revealed the true depth of talent here. I wish that Los Lobos would return to its roots as I care little for its current direction. One can only hope that the band decides to take another stab at the music it does best and record another album like this. Legions of fans will thank them.

The first time i heard los lobos was "will the wolf survive" and i thought it was ok, but later i heard "la pistola y el corazon" and thought, "my damn, that is a fine album!" Los Lobos is the tightest band (like they've been together since birth) i've ever heard and this album exhibits their superb musicianship. There is absolutely no filler on this album, every song is beautiful and complements the other songs very well. It is a wonderful blend of up and slow tempo tunes and, personally, the best comes last. The track "la pistola y el corazon," tugs at my emotions everytime i hear it, and even though i don't have command of spanish, the vocals and instrumentation are so expressive that i can easily feel the despair of the singer. The band also did a great job of getting the listener involved in the music by creating an impromptu party experience in some of the songs like when one of the band members shouts "hoi!" in "el canaler" to keep the pace hot. One of the best albums you will ever hear!

This is a must have for any Los Lobos fan. You'll soon wish the band had recorded twice as many songs for this CD. After you've heard it a couple of times, you'll howl along in all the right places!

Everyone knows Los Lobos know how to rock, but this album shows their outstanding musicianship in the totally different context of traditional Mexican music. Using only acoustic instruments, they have produced an eminently listenable, smoothly produced and accessible entry point for the everyday listener to get into this rich musical tradition. Whether you are a serious or casual listener, or just want terrific background music for a dinner party, you can't go wrong with this album.

This is THE album that turned me on to listening to Latin music 12 years ago. I love every inch of it. The English translations of the lyrics, though, are unintentionally ironic, but who cares? Es musica emocionante, dinamica, fantastica.

I've had this cd for years and years and I need another copy.
I don't understand or speak Spanish but it doesn't matter I can hear Los Lobos loud and clear.
I wish they would do a follow up to this album.