Search - Joe King Carrasco :: Bandido Rock

Too many throw aways

bpiecuch@worldnet.att.net | Greenville, SC | 07/21/1998

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The album contains some excellent cuts. Best are "Bandido Rock", "Juarez and Zapata" and "Arriba Sandino". The Tex-Mex style remains as fun as ever. However, from a partyman like Joe who brought us such great, light hearted numbers as "Party Weekend" and "Yabba Ding Dang" it is a little hard to take the political overtones too seriously.Also, the album contains some real clunkers. We could have skipped completely "Banana", "Chicano Town" and "Pacuco Hop". And Joe, could you please sing lyrics clearly?!"

Tex Mex grows up

Miko | New York | 12/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bandito Rock is a superb effort wherein Joe King Carrasco eschews his farfisa laden "Party Doll" image in favor of something more substantial. This is a bracing blend of politics, freedom, culture, tex-mex and high-energy latino rock. High-energy being the operable words - each song is delivered with an urgency and passion quite rare in most popular music. Each song has its own character and feel, and all are strong on their own merits. "Kry Tuff" is one of those great 6/8 blues ballads that sound like they've been around forever. "Juarez and Zapata" and "Fuera Yanqui" are the cornerstones of the album and will have you singing along the first time you hear them. And "Banana".....I suppose it's one of those love it or hate it kind of songs, but it's great in a Brave Combo sort of way. And both it and "Pachuco Hop" are key to the pacing of the album as well as links to Joe KC's past. Each of Joe KC's albums merit attention, however this one stands alone, both in its scope and availability. If you ever run into his older stuff at a used vinyl sale by all means check it out. But don't pass up this opportunity to hear something really special."