Los Lobos: Kiko Live

Filmed in 2006, this concert presentation of all of the songs on Los Lobos' critically-praised 1992 album Kiko is a joyous and adventurous musical experience. Kiko, produced by Mitchell Froom (who excels at working with folk-based rock artists), is an intriguing work full of instrumental textures that give the material a sense of rising out of spontaneous creation, full of surprises and organic inspiration. Led by David Hidalgo on guitar and vocals, the band plays a 16-song set with interwoven interview sequences in which founding members talk about reacquainting themselves with the songs and the ideas behind them, several of which were driven by such brutal themes as homelessness, child suicide, and sexual assault. Highlights include “Angels with Dirty Faces,” with a shimmering, slow, feverish character; the rootsy delight and harp filigrees of “Saint Behind the Glass”; the blistering rock of “Reva's House”; and the gorgeous, soulful instrumental “Arizona Skies.” Bonus features include a three-song encore with, of course, the group's trademark acoustic version of “La Bamba,” plus bonus interview footage. Highly recommended. (T. Keogh)