|
Chingon
Mexican Spaghetti Western
(Rocket Racing Rebels Recording Co, 2004)
Produced by Robert Rodriguez and Carl Thiel
Recorded 2004
Robert Rodriguez - guitar, vocals; Mark Del Castillo - guitar; Rick Del Castillo - Guitar; Alex Ruiz - vocals; Rafael Gayol - Drums; Cecilo Ruiz - Drums; Carl Theil - computer, percussion, organ, whistle; Patricia Vonne - vocals; Robert Laroche - acoustic guitar; George Reiff - bass; Dony Wynn - Drums; Tito Larriva - vocals, guitar; Rick Holman - Percussion; Sunny Sauceda - bajo sexto; Gilbert Elorrega - trumpet; Salma Hayek - vocals; Michael Blake - acoustic guitar; Steve Hufsteter - electric guitar; Chris Maresh - bass; Diego Simmons - percussion; Dwight Baker - drums
It's really hard not to like Robert Rodriguez. Everything he does he pursues with such enthusiasm and whatever the Hispanic for an "aw shucks attitude" is. Chingon is the band he started to make music for his movies and as their name implies they kick ass. The core of the band are Rodriguez with the Austin group Del Castillo, with a multitude of guests, playing music primarily written by Rodriguez.
I thought I'd read a reference somewhere to this album being "mariachi metal", but I can't find the reference now, so maybe I made it up. In any case, it's an apt description for this music, though in fairness it falls more in line with traditional Mexican music with some rock elements added. Fans of groups like The Gypsy Kings won't be turned off by what's on on the disc which includes several excellent cover versions of Hispanic standards, including La Cucharacha. The originals add rock and Morricone to the mix - if you're a fan of the Mariachi trilogy (or Kill Bill 2) much of the music and style contained on the album will be familiar.
It's hard to single out highlights as the disc is jam packed with great musicianship and top notch song writing. "Severina" has a beautiful vocal by Patricia Vonne (Rodriguez's sister), the two Del Castillo's trade burning licks with Mr. R on "Cuka Rocka" and "Se me Paro" , and the terrific "Malaguena Salerosa" and "Fideo Del Oeste" boast great vocal performances from Alex Ruiz. The only suspect moment is the vocal by Salma Hayek on "Siente Mi Amor", which to be fair doesn't sound bad but is swarmed in reverb, which always makes me suspicious.
Music to sweat and drink tequila to. Tie a bandana around your head and buy it; you won't regret it.
BTW, you can see them kick ass live on the bonus material included with the KILL BILL VOL2 DVD.
Posted 4 January 2006.
|