Quitate La Mascara

DomingoSiete - Quitate la Mascara (Basiclabs)
Reviewed by Sadie O., 5/13/06
Eclectic Latin sound from L.A. raza musicians. Cuban Son, Cumbia, Norteno, a touch of Rock, nice combo of stuff, very well played.. This is just some really good shit, straight up. I could have honestly put a couple more stars by everything – if you like any Latin music even a little, you should give this a whirl.
No FCCs – essentially all in Spanish. I think track 2 is killer, but all are really excellent.
1. 1.43 *solo trumpet intro, slow horn and hand drum instrumental, langorous and slinky, very Cuban. Too short!
2. 3:43 ***acoustic guitar intro, electric guitar cumbia, midtempo with a bit of Link Wrayishness. Fun, 60’s sound.
3. 5:08 **midtempo bolero with horns – great dance number; shake that salsa!
4. 4:52 **midtempo cumbia with horns and accordion.
5. 5:42 **uptempo cumbia, great swing, very danceable. Builds a bit in tempo and intensity, esp. at end. Wheee!
6. 2:46 *sweet pretty, slow romantic groove with acoustic guitar and organ. Makes me sad!
7. 0:20 short spoken rant in English (word up!)
8. 5:08 *midtempo salsa/Son with horns and great hand drumming.
9. 4:08 **midtempo Cuban-tinged salsa – no horns this time, but awesome hand drums. Very rootsy. Bring me a lime for my rum.
10. 3:39 *downtempo, sensuous bolero with acoustic guitar and more great hand drums.
11. 4:16 **uptempo, complex syncopation, a definite booty-wiggler.
12. 3:58 **slow and sexy instrumental, almost a tango.
13. 0:49 (bonus track) slow, sounds like toy instruments.