Customer Reviews

Stereo

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

 

 

Austin TX band Vallejo are first and foremost a live rock band. This comes through on Stereo very well. "Take A Ride" and "Downtown" have both elements of funk and blues in them. Frontman A.J. Vallejo is a fine lead guitarist and singer, providing a sultry feel to the group's latin rhythms. Basically, they are a pop band, but still capable of hard moments, as on "Devils"(which even quotes Sabbath, go figure.) Mellow, heartfelt songs like "Let's Talk About It" and "You Are" avoid being cliche and actaully sound sincere. This is a strong album that shows a band capable of doing many different kinds of music and doing them well.

it has the austin groove AND the world-wide commerciality. amazing beats that keep you moving matched up with harmonies that stop you in your tracks. the boys have evolved nicely. this offering is a beautiful resting place on the way to the summit for vallejo. a must hear! really a good solid release.

In fact, if you like rock, buy any Vallejo album. I would rate this slightly behind their best efforts: the self-titled Vallejo, and Beautiful Life. However, the songs are solid. From the opening hook of "Take a Ride", to the Latin cross-over "Rock Americano", to the high-energy cover of "Mexican Radio". I just hope they get national air play they deserve this time. I've been listening to Vallejo since the Nomad tour ('97). As good as their albums are, you must see them live. But that's hard to do if you're not in the Austin, TX area. If you can't make the pilgrimage to see one of the best local bands ever, at least buy the album and you'll see what you're missing.

This rockin', solid release from Vallejo continues to show their evolution and polished sound. They address more of their heritage in the lyrics and in the music. Almost every song has a Latin beat in it. "Take a Ride" is a hook-filled attention grabber. "Rock Americano" will catch in your head and leave you singing that you are "Half-American, half-chicano" even if you're a WASP like me. "Vices" is a "if it feels good do it" song, and it feels good. All the tracks are solid, but you must hear "So Damn Beautiful". By the time I got to the remake of "Mexican Radio" (Radio DJs take note, you should play this one), I was sorry the the album was over. I'm just hoping that A.J., Alejandro, Omar and the boys finally get the national air play they deserve this time. 5-star releases from Vallejo: Vallejo (self-titled), A Beautiful Life. 4-star releases: Into the New, Sins (1st album).