The Town and the City

Los Lobos’ plaintive, genre-spanning The Town and the City testifies that both Latin folklore and Anglo rock run in their DNA. While they skillfully straddle regional styles and rock ’n’ roll’s grandeur, gems like the vivacious tropical jam “Chuco’s Cumbia” overflow with barrio-style flavor. Conversely, the hazy “The Valley” illuminates with dreamy electric leads that border on psych-tinged Americana. And then there’s the languorous lowrider funk of “No Puedo Más,” which seals their cool Chicano swagger into one brilliant release.