Details
Track Listing
1. Dream in Blue
2. Wake up Dolores
3. Angels With Dirty Faces
4. That Train Don't Stop Here
5. Kiko and the Lavender Moon
6. Saint Behind the Glass
7. Reva's House
8. When the Circus Comes
9. Arizona Skies
10. Short Side of Nothing
11. Two Janes
12. Wicked Rain
13. Whiskey Trail
14. Just a Man
15. Peace
16. Rio de Tenampa
Album Notes
Los Lobos: David Hidalgo (vocals, guitar, banjo, violin, accordion, piano, percussion); Cesar Rosas (vocals, guitar); Louie Perez (vocals, drums, guitar, percussion); Conrad R. Lozano (guitarron, bass); Steve Berlin (flute, harmonica, soprano, tenor & baritone saxophones, piano, organ, melodica, synthesizer, percussion).
Additional personnel: Fermin Herrera (Veracruz harp); La Chilapena Brass Band (horns); Mitchell Froom (keyboards); Victor Bisetti (drums, percussion); Pete Thomas, Gary Mallaber (drums); Alex Acuna (percussion).
On their early albums, Los Lobos effectively combined their Hispanic roots with rock; on this exotic, percussive and experimental album, which is as much a triumph for co-producer Mitchell Froom as it is for the band, they have created a new, distinctive sound.
The brimming mix is complemented by strong lyrics, evocative vocals and memorable melodies. But it is the often eerie, sometimes industrial, rhythm-based production that gives KIKO its unique twist.
Accordions, melodicas, organs and guitarrons all contribute to KIKO's mysterious, spellbinding sound. "Kiko And The Lavender Moon" may be the zenith of Los Lobos' career--a children's lyric presented with moody vocals and an incredibly melodic, percussive track.
Most of the songs are still roots-influenced. "Saint Behind The Glass" and "Rio De Tenampa" retain the band's Hispanic tradition; "That Train Don't Stop Here" is powered by the blues; "Reva's House" and "Whiskey Trail" rock right out of a country jukebox; and "Peace" could have come out of a Grateful Dead songbook. KIKO blends, bends and reimagines all these styles into one of the most original albums in American rock.
Industry Reviews
Included in Q's list of the 50 Best Albums Of 1992.
Q (01/01/1993)
Included in Rolling Stone's Essential Recordings of the 90's.
Rolling Stone (05/13/1999)
Ranked #6 in the Village Voice's list of the 40 Best Albums Of 1992.
Village Voice (03/02/1993)
...there's plenty to savor on KIKO, another charming, imperfect Los Lobos album....they've thrown plenty of wild cards into the deck, concocting a mix that can be strange and thrilling...
Musician (07/01/1992)
4 Stars - Excellent - ...a wonderfully accessible album that retains their musical roots but embraces a huge range of contemporary sounds...
Q (06/01/1992)
...Much of KIKO is lovely and charming: it is imbued with a sense of dignity and pride in one's craft, and the band has never sounded better... - Rating: B
Entertainment Weekly (06/12/1992)
4 Stars - Excellent - ...a quirky yet emotionally gripping album...finds Los Lobos expanding their sound by finding new directions in familiar territory...
Rolling Stone (06/25/1992)
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