Los Lobos breaks out of the ordinary

In hindsight, it's perhaps quite unfortunate that Los Lobos' version of Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba" (recorded for the 1987 movie of the same name) was a No. 1 hit; for many casual listeners, it's probably the only way they've heard much of the band.\nQuite unfortunate indeed, because Los Lobos, over its three-decade career, has become arguably the greatest Latino band in history (profuse apologies to Mr. Santana, and no, Menudo doesn't count). The group's ability to blend traditional Latino musical traditions with more mainstream rock and pop styles has made them very durable and very dependable. The band has never really made a bad record.\nRecently, though, there's been a problem: while the band's releases have all been good, they also haven't really stood out as much as, say, the brilliant Will the Wolf Survive? from 1984. Los Lobos had, it seems, fallen into a rut.\nThe Ride could perhaps be seen as the group's effort at breaking out of that rut. With top-notch contributions from such luminaries as Bobby Womack, Dave Alvin, Garth Hudson, Mavis Staples, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits and Richard Thompson, The Ride definitely has a fresh sound and perhaps even crossover appeal. Will it be able to overcome the unfortunate shadow cast by "La Bamba?" Probably not. Does it mark an innovative and creative departure from the ordinary? Absolutely.