Album Review - Los Lonely Boys: Sacred

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/76267/review_los_lonely_boys_selftitled_debut.html

Some time ago I reviewed here on AC Los Lonely Boys self-titled debut album. It was a fine musical outing, and I think it surprised some people. With their tuneful blend of guitars and vocals, LLB created quite a stir in a stagnant music scene on the strength of such tunes as "Heaven".

In the summer of 2006, LLB released their long-awaited follow-up Sacred. Many fans hoped that the band would not suffer the sophomore-album-blues, so to speak. First off, the band has expanded their sound with a beefier production that includes more horns, harmonized guitars, more organ and vocals. The three Garza brothers - Henry on guitar, JoJo on bass and piano, and Ringo (yes that's his real name!) on drums - all sing wonderfully in three part harmony that is so effortless.

Again, as with their debut, their strength lies in A) the catchiness of their songs and vocals B) the toughness and swing of their grooves and C) the diversity of their songs. One can easily hear Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hendrix, Ritchie Valens, Beatles, Santana, country, rock, blues and Gospel influences. However, this is truly a blend not just a sum of parts.

"My Way" kicks off the record. It is a nice looping shuffle with some nice horn punctuation.

"Orale" is next and definitely bears a heavy Tex-Mex influence. I hear shades of Los Lobos here in particular

"Diamonds" is the lead single from Sacred and picks up where "Heaven" left off. The harmonized guitar lead is a particularly nice touch.

"Oye Mamacita" is a heavy groove song, equal parts Hendrix and Santana. This one will get your feet tapping.

"I Never Met A Woman" - this tune is a very nicely understated blues tune. Think of it as a Tex-Mex version of BB King's "Thrill Is Gone": it's got a slightly similar riff.

"Roses" - is a nice blend of R&B and Tex-Mex. It sounds a little like something Indigenous might do, actually. Nice tune.

"Texican Style" is kind of a statement for LLB. Has that looping groove like Freddy Fender, The Mavericks, The Texas Tornados or the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

"One More Day" - is a nice blues-shuffle in a swing tempo. Nice wah-wah guitar licks too.

"Memories" is one of the more adventurous tunes on the record. It has riff that seems like an update of a mid-period Beatles riff (think Revolver or something...), but played Texican style! The tune is anchored by a really strong, tuneful hook in the chorus.

"My Loneliness" - has a retro pop/blues groove to it. This also has kind of a Beatles feel to it - almost like if Ritchie Valens played a hybrid version of "Penny Lane" and "My Guitar Gently Weeps".

"Outlaws" - features the brothers' father Enrique Garza and Willie Nelson. The song talks about some of the great old outlaws - Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, etc.

"Home" is another rootsy shuffle. Big SRV influence here.

"Living My Life" - is a mid-paced ballad, very atmospheric in texture. The song deals with the pain, questions and uncertainty of living life when others question your faith, your intentions, and motives.

Bottom line: don't expect a repeat of "Heaven". Sacred is a step up a continuation if you will. Los Lonely Boys is a refreshing change from what mainstream pop has become. They aren't afraid to write good songs, and still show their roots. Maybe not what everyone was expecting, and certainly not me. But this one has grown on me and I think it will you as well.

Rating: 3 ½ stars out of 4