Los Lobos: Kiko

Los Lobos' "Kiko": MOFI's Faithful Pressing of a Mexican-American Rock Masterpiece

"Kiko," the sixth studio album from Mexican-American rock pioneers Los Lobos, stands as their most commercially successful full-length release. While the band achieved greater mainstream recognition with individual tracks like their cover of Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba," "Kiko" represents their most complete and cohesive artistic statement, delivering one compelling track after another without a weak moment.

The Album's Standout Tracks
The album brims with exceptional material, including the dreamy, atmospheric "Dream In Blue," the hauntingly beautiful title track "Kiko and the Lavender Moon," the driving "That Train Don't Stop Here," and the bluesy powerhouse "Wicked Rain." Each song showcases the band's remarkable versatility and musical prowess.

"Kiko" stands as a flawlessly executed musical performance that demonstrates the true artistic depth of the band and its individual members. The album effortlessly blends rock, Tex-Mex, folk, blues, and traditional Mexican influences into a distinctive sonic tapestry that remains uniquely Los Lobos.

Critical Legacy
Upon its original release, "Kiko" received widespread critical acclaim, and that appreciation has only deepened with time. Today, the album is still regarded as a pinnacle achievement not just for Los Lobos but as an exemplary demonstration of what a tight, culturally rich Mexican-American band can create when operating at the height of their powers.

Mobile Fidelity's Pressing
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's reissue of "Kiko" delivers a very satisfying vinyl presentation. The soundstage is solid and well-defined, allowing the album's intricate arrangements room to breathe. The bass response is impressively strong and articulate, while the overall detail retrieval strikes a perfect balance—present and clear without the excessive emphasis on high frequencies that sometimes characterizes MOFI's more recent releases.

The Vinyl Verdict
This pressing represents a very good release that deserves consideration from vinyl enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate Los Lobos or hold a special affection for this remarkable album. MOFI's treatment serves the material well, bringing out the nuances of the band's performance while maintaining the warm, organic sound that characterized the original recording.

For collectors seeking a high-quality pressing of this landmark album in Mexican-American rock, MOFI's "Kiko" offers a rewarding listening experience that honors both the musical content and the sonic vision of the original production. 💰

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