Those who follow me on Facebook know I have The Mavericks on heavy rotation with my YouTube reposts, so, it is known that the anticipation of the arrival of The Mavericks’ In Time was wearing me out. A quick trip to Target at 9AM this morning and there it was! Already on replay #5, I can honestly say that I don’t foresee any future boredom–it is that good!
Back in July, I reviewed their extended play CD, so we know how good that one was and the five tracks from the EP are included on In Time, but the nine newer tracks are just as amazing. Kudos to Valory Music Company for supporting The Mavericks–good choice!
One track that has been the band’s 2nd song at concerts lately is the rockabilly-tinged Lies, which with some excellent guitars and a strong, soaring beat, will be a favorite. Lead vocalist Raul Malo wastes no time in showing off his range in the ballad In Another’s Arms. It’s haunting drum beats and piano are complimented by a break that highlights a beautiful string arrangement. Fall Apart is a fun and danceable break-up song, if you can believe that. The soaring chorus, horn section, and acordeon solo from San Antonio’s Michael Guerra will keep you humming–even after the first five listens.
All Over Again offers a recognizable Mavericks rhythm, but now with a very noticeable acordeon. There’s no doubt, as the LA Times keeps pointing out, that the Cuban crooner and the band cross genres and even add a dash of Tex-Mex. Malo belts out the ballad, Please Heart Forgive Me, in fine fashion, but As Long As There’s Loving Tonight and Dance In The Moonlight will rev you right back up.
And as the LA Times points out, the 8-minute epic that is (Call Me) When You Get to Heaven is powerful and displays all of the musicians talents, but it is the background vocals of the McCrary Sisters which adds a level of gospel to the tune that is much appreciated. As the tune ends, and even though it is lengthy, you still want more.
One of the tunes off of the EP is re-done in Español, Ven Hacia Mi (Come Unto Me). The tune just reminds me of how Malo pokes fun at some of the folks who are mesmerized by his Spanish-language songs. “I don’t know what he’s saying, but it sounds so romantic.” Thankfully, this tune delivers the right message.
The reunion was a long time in coming, but In Time is definitely a celebration of 20 years of flawless music. One test of recorded material is a bands ability to reproduce it live. I’ve seen Raul, Eddie, Paul, Roberto, Jerry Dale, Michael, Elio and the various horn players perform some of these tunes live and they definitely deliver just as good live than in the studio. Now it’s your turn to deliver for them and purchase this CD!
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I like to boast that a Onda Chicana legend is a friend of mine–I actually met Johnny Hernandez a couple of years ago and we like to chat about music and politics on Facebook. Well, the legendary crooner is back with a new production, Aventurero. Released on his own Stronghold Records, the full-length CD satisfies all types of musical tastes, but, ultimately, it’s Hernandez’s unique voice that delivers for music lovers.
That was my initial reaction to the intro to the first track, Nos Falto Hablar. With its obvious rock influences throughout the track, its soaring vocals and harmonies, it became obvious that Intocable had come up with something special for their new CD, En Peligro de Extincion (Universal Music).
