Flashback Fridays
Going through my archives a few days ago, I noticed that I have covered a bunch of solo artists, but no bands. As I searched for something different I came across Los Angeles based Chicano-Rock band, Los Lobos. I took a listen and immediately took a liking to them. They are highly influenced by a number of differently musical styles ranging from Tex-Mex, Rock n Roll, Country, Folk, R&B, Norteños, boleros, cumbias, I could keep going but I have a word limit on my articles.
Los Lobos consists of five members, David Hidalgo, Louie Perez, Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, and Steve Berlin. Berlin being the only member that doesn’t contribute vocally. They have been playing together since 1973, releasing their first recording in 1978. Los Lobos are known for covering many classics like La Bamba, which is the version used in the biographical flick of the same name and probably the song they are best known for.
They also contributed to a number of other films like Bull Durham, Nacho Libre, and one of my favorites, Desperado in which you can hear their rendition of ‘Morena de Mi Corazon’ (with Antonio Banderas doing vocals) in the opening scene where Banderas and his band mates are performing in a bar. Some of them are also known to play in another band called the Latin Playboys as well as The Super Seven.
This week’s song is called La Pistola y El Corazon and is the title track for the album released by Los Lobos in 1988. It consists of original content as well as cover versions of old Mexican folk songs. I couldn’t find information on this particular song but still had to go ahead with it because I loved it! The lyrics tug at your heart strings, telling a story of a brokenhearted man that he can’t even bring himself to demonstrate his affection towards her because the pain is so intense. So all that remains is his pistol and his heart. Of course, this is my own interpretation, and like most songs is open to many others. I hope you enjoy this song as much as I did. Pour yourself a tequila and have yourself a good man cry! Hasta la proxima!
About Nelson O Figueroa
Came across that song in an El Mariachi inspired album “Mexico & Mariachis.”
Btw, believe that the song w/Antonio Banderas is “Cancion de mi morena.”
Actually the whole title is Cancion del Mariachi (Morena de Mi Corazon). I just cut it down due to space issues.
This music brings back wonderful memories of times when my father and I used to just sit around and listen to music. I’ve practically grown up listening to Los Lobos all my life. I love the style, I love the blends and most of all, the music being created!