Los Lobos

Live at the Fillmore

BY Michael BarclayPublished Dec 1, 2004

There are many remarkable things about the 30-year career of Los Lobos, but high on the list is the fact that they've never managed to put out a live album. Better late than never, and here we're treated to a 21-song, two-hour tromp through their repertoire. It would have been nice to have a more representative set than one that focuses more on their recent career, including five songs from their 2002 treading-water album Good Morning Aztlan. But for a bunch of old guys who barely move on stage, this is still a gripping performance. The decision to permanently switch Louie Perez to guitar from drums has paid off immensely; the two touring percussionists are amazing, and Perez only gets behind the kit for the Mexican polkas he can handle. What's remarkable is how he holds his own on guitar with Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo, who continue to be the most underrated guitarists in America. The only big surprise is the disappointing cameo by pedal steel whiz Robert Randolph, whose attempt at instant fireworks on set-closer "Mas Y Mas" makes you respect the taste and restraint of his elders even more. (Hollywood/Universal)

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