Best Of Lydia Mendoza, The

Mendoza, Lydia
Arhoolie Records
World | May 2008

Reviews

Decca
Reviewed 2008-06-01
The undisputed Queen of Tejano Music. Her career spanned more than 60 years, starting in 1928 and going until 1988 when she had a stroke. She died this past December. She has a warm, yet sharp, lyrical voice. Soaring at times, but with a passionate, untrained quality that makes her music just that much more powerful. Mostly just her and her 12-string guitar. Tracks range from early recordings to live performances from her later years. Everything play-worthy, especially:

1. The earliest recording, from 1934. Midtempo vox/guitar.
2. Upbeat toe-tapper, a happy, light sound.
3. Midtempo love song with a classic melody.
4. Upbeat, bouncy. Read the translated lyrics on this one. Twisted.
8. Relaxed, a more contemporary sound, lightly swaying & romantic.
9. Midtempo with a nice accordion accompaniment.
10. Upbeat polka-esque bounce. So good.
13. Slow and achingly passionate love-gone-wrong.
14. Midtempo story song with a great, classic sound.
16. Long, spoken intro in Spanish. Then passionate, mid, then applause

Recent airplay

Delgadina
Emphysema For EmphasisJul 30, 2008
Tu Diras
At the Cafe BohemianJul 29, 2008
Flores Negras
Enredaste Mi Vida
At the Cafe BohemianJul 15, 2008
Tu Diras
No Cover, No MinimumJul 11, 2008
Delgadina
Emphysema For EmphasisJul 09, 2008

Charting

2008-06-01 — 2008-08-03 Reggae/World
Week EndingAirplays
Aug 3 2
Jul 27 1
Jul 20 1
Jul 13 3
Jul 6 1
Jun 29 1
Jun 15 2
Jun 8 1

Track listing

1. Mal Hombre
2. Tu Diras
3. Adios Muchachos
4. Delgadina
5. Piensa En Mi
6. Se Murio La Cucaracha
7. Medalla De Dios
8. Contestacion A "Amor Que Malo Eres"
9. Aunque Me Odies
10. Enredaste Mi Vida
11. Si Fue Por Eso
12. No Es Culpa Mia
13. Besando La Cruz
14. Luis Pulido
15. Amor Bonito
16. Flores Negras
17. Pero Ay Que Triste