THE live album is a great leveller. Rich or poor, famous or unknown, the odds are long that the venture will be a success.
Raul Malo's popular ensemble give it their best shot in an energetic greatest hits show in their home town, recorded in pristine sound. After a disappointing last album, the band must have reckoned their formidable live reputation would regain the momentum. Yet the desired atmosphere is almost absent from the disc. Some songs are good: the honky-tonk Think Of Me (When You're Lonely).
Others are great: Dance The Night Away is irresistible - a super blend of pop, country and Mexicali voodoo.
Most of it, however, sounds like last night's carnival, a smarmy brand of entertainment, too self satisfied to show real soul.
Updated: 09:09 Thursday, October 21, 2004
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