Houndog

I just discovered this recording ten years after the fact and am enjoying it. Pretty interesting to read the old reviews, I guess this is a real love it or hate it type release for Los Lobos fans.The vibe of this music puts one in the mind of a 50's Chess Records session only its 4 AM, the lights are off except for a lamp in the corner with a scarf draped over it. The session is long over and everybody's gone home except for a couple of die-hards who forgot to turn the tape recorder off. There's a bottle of Rye that's only half empty. No ice so if you want to cut it a little water you have to use the sink in the bathroom where the water comes out rusty. The bathroom hasn't been cleaned since sometime last year and they are drinking out of dirty glasses. Pretty cool.David Hidalgo has created a quiet but intense late-night musical atmosphere and Mike Halby's voice reminds me a little of John Lee Hookers in his most mumbly moments.This music sounds like it was made by guys who wear hats and prefer their suits rumpled.

Imagine if you combined the low-down, gritty, soulfullness of Tom Waits, the electric fiddle of Papa John Creech, some excellent bottleneck and slide guitar with some dark-alley, 2AM lyrics? The answer: Mike Halby and David Hidalgo's homage to weltanschmerz, Houndog. Houndog really is bare-bones blues, as unpretentious and honest as it gets. Again, like Waits, the musicians sound as if they are on the tail end of a three day heavy binge, but can muster just enough strength for one more song. This will definitely not appeal to all Hidalgo fans (not your daddy's Los Lobos fare here). With Waits afficianadoes, however, it is can't miss. It is definitely the type music listened to late at night. In fact, the later the better. Will probably move to five stars after I give it a few more listens.

It is an OK record. Half of the songs are very good and the rest is medioker. I am half pleased.

I love this album. Tom Waits does too (it's no 18 in his all time favourite album list). By the way his favourite album is In The Wee Small Hours.

wow. this cd is amazing.

This will take you on a ride for your life. Just put it in your CD player and do whatever you like, write, draw, paint or feel your own pain. It will get some weird looks from other people, but then, you were getting those anyway....Give them something to feel about, and enjoy these blues from Mars! Ric

This is a great and often overlooked record. A minimal blues with a sort of "outsider" tinge. I love it.

This is the first music in many years where I just stopped and went "Wow! What the hell is that?" It's unlike anything I've ever heard. A great, slow rolling feel to the whole thing. I can't stop playing it. Always interesting to see where the Los Lobos members travel. A+++

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