Release Date: 1981
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Weirdly, Yes

Impressions: Unbelievable. I love these guys. I think they are one of the most-criminally underrated bands in rock and roll history. Completely stylistically diverse, both experimental and crowd-pleasing, with tons of chops and heart. They hold on to their Chicano roots but allow for anything else to enter the mix. Possibly one of the top 5 American bands of all time. Unfairly pigeonholed as merely the “La Bamba” band. YET SOMEHOW, I’ve never listened to this album. Unbelievable. I’m a moron. Let’s put it on….”Don’t Worry, Baby” is a straightforward bluesy/swing barnburner that you would expect from a group that honed its craft in front of bars, weddings and tons of other gigs. But, just like that, they slow down on the ballad “A Matter of Time” for a showcase for the aching tenor of David Hildago. Then, boom, back into a stomping accordion-driven number “Corrido #1.” There’s nothing these guys can’t handle: R&B, rock, blues, ballads, Tex-Mex, just plain Mex, country, whatever. Other highlights include the gorgeous title track (which offers a not-too-preachy look at illegal immigrants in America,) the swinging “Evangeline,” featuring Hildago’s fluid guitar work, and the mandolin instrumental waltz “Lil King of Everything.” I don’t know why they are perpetually underrated– possibly cause their consistency is taken for granted, or the La Bamba thing, or they’re not worried about being “cool” or that, like their shy leader Hildago, they are just unassuming types who let the music speak for them.

Starred Songs: “Will The Wolf Survive,” “I Got Loaded”
Sneaky Track: “Our Last Night,” “Lil King of Everything”
Should this album be on the list? Yes. I like this album a lot, but I would rank their 1991 masterpiece Kiko higher than this. It’s more dynamic, experimental, and features their best batch of songs. Maybe, I’d swap those two if I had my druthers. Or maybe I’ll bump off another album for Kiko. I mean, this album is good. But mark my words, Kiko is getting on this list.

Will you listen to this again? Yes
Verdict: Impressive command of a variety of American music by a Chicano/rock band expanding beyond their roots without leaving them behind.

Rating:  ★★★★