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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2008 > June > 30 > Entry
CD review: Los Lonely Boys - ‘Forgiven’
Alex Jones FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Los Lonely Boys
‘Forgiven’
(Sony)
There’s no question mark after the title of Los Lonely Boys’ third album, “Forgiven,” but it sure couldn’t hurt. The last time we heard from the brothers Garza, bassist JoJo and drummer Ringo were still dogged by assorted drug and assault charges. “Sacred,” the album they were promoting at the time, was rising up the charts, yeah, thanks to the carry-over popularity of the song “Heaven” from their self-titled debut, but it was hard not to feel disgusted by the air of moral decline.
Enter big brother Henry, who pleads their case on the new album’s title track. “Can you take it away, Lord?” he sings, “Help me change my ways of living.” He seems sincere (hey, we’ve all known a little moral decline), and the brothers are in rare form.
Indeed, Los Lonelys’ voices are glued together on harmonies honed under the tutelage of an exacting father. And Henry and JoJo’s lyrics preach virtue without being pedantic: their themes include self-affirmation, introspection and perseverance. The best yet is Henry’s shredding in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughan, which is in full effect on “Heart Won’t Tell a Lie;” you can feel the song’s gigantic guitar intro percolating under Ringo’s congas from a mile away, but it still gets you every time.
“Forgiven” was recorded at East Side Stages in Austin, and includes Dr. John on three tracks, among them the funky “You Can’t See the Light.” Instead of a traditional studio environment, Los Lonelys re-created their live setup. That’s an approach that screams, “We just wanna forget everything else and play for the sake of playing.” And that’s exactly what “Forgiven” sounds like — done-good Texas boys playing their smooth “Texican” blend of rock ‘n’ roll, pop and the blues because they don’t know what else to do.
So, are they — forgiven, that is? Well, it’s not really a “yes” or “no” question.
Recommended tracks: “Staying With Me,” “I’m a Man.”
Los Lonely Boys play a free KGSR Blues on the Green show with Shawn Sahm and the Tex Mex Experience July 9 at Zilker Park.
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By bordertejana
June 30, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Four Stars! Great! I can’t wait to get this CD! Los Lonely Boys Rock! Can’t wait for the Blues on the Green show next week!
By jwintx
June 30, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Exactly right, Mr. Hoinski, there is no question mark after Forgiven, but maybe there should be an exclamation point! Forgiven! The new CD from our favorite brothers out of west Texas! Available TOMORROW July 1st 2008! We could talk about the double standard or how people love to build up and tear down. We could mention the Amy Winehouses (who’s 2008 Record of the Year was entitled Rehab.) and other problems that plague those who (by celebrity) are forced to live in fishbowls. The Boys give back, to their friends and families, to charities (Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Music for Literacy among others), but also to their musical roots, and especially to the fans who come out to hear the music every night all across the country. Henry, Jojo and Ringo are ALWAYS in rare form. Is this a music review or a social commentary? Over the past several years, I’ve been fortunate to see Los Lonely Boys in concert dozens of times. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…Los Lonely Boys, at their very least put on a far superior show than most bands do at their very best! It’s the simple truth. Like StratFan, I think everyone in the Lonely organization knew what they wanted from this CD and focused on what makes Los Lonely Boys musically unique. Personally, I can’t wait to get my hands on Forgiven on Tuesday. I’ll see y’all at Zilker Park! Wouldn’t miss it!
By Crissy Irizarry
July 3, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this
l.l.b. u guys rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By llbsister
July 3, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
I love all their music, but this one is my favorite….they words are inspiring and im really speechless i love them and thank you every one for your support…..love llb sis
By Marco
July 8, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
I am really trying to like this album. I am listening to it now for the 4th or 5th time through. It seems workmanlike. Henry’s riff are awesome as usual, and the bro’s are rocking away, but it just doesn’t seem urgent, or fresh. It seems to be missing something….more later.
By pinballio
July 10, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
5 stars for me…