Sacred by Los Lonely Boys (CD, Jul-2006, Epic USA)

It is very tough for me not to give this CD a 5/5 Excellent rating. I first came across Los Lonely Boys a few years back on Austin City Limits. I just remember I was lucky to be home alone as I was able to crank up the TV/Stereo and listen to these three young guys just rock the house down. It was then that I learned that their father (Enrique) had a big influence on the "Texican" music style. It was not long after we all heard (way too much) "Almost Heaven".

It is ironic that my wife bought the first "Los Lonely Boys" CD and I have yet to play it. I came across "Sacred" at a Kiosk in the Austin, TX., airport. I played each song for about a minute, as I moved from song to song I knew this was a great CD. I just did not want to pay the $19.99 airport price, thus I looked up the CD on ebay and got it for a more reasonable price.

It is very apparent from the start that the Garza brothers are influenced by the likes of Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Allman Brothers, to name a few. That is not a bad thing. These boys can rock with the best. If you are a metal head then don't buy this CD. If you want to hear mellow swan songs by Rod Stewart, don't buy this CD.

Henry on his Fender Strat is as tight as they come. JoJo on his six string bass has the scales as high and low as they can go...and it sounds great. Ringo on drums (no offense to Starr...and I'm 46...) pounds out a great beat...and completes what is as fine a hard core rock band out of Texas since...well...those ZZ guys..another favorite of mine!

What I love about this album is the Spiritual message that is somewhat hidden. Again, in many cases (old folks like me) you'll think some songs are vintage Santana and some guitar licks are Stevie Ray. Not everything is that original. But, the messages in the two concluding songs "Home" and "Living My Life" will tug at your heart. I have fought my own demons, these two songs are helping me with my own battles. So Henry, JoJo, Ringo...if you read this...thanks...and keep the Spirit alive in your songs!

The opening song "My Way" gets you pumping followed by a great song "Orale". "Diamonds" per my earlier comment has a bit too much Allman Brothers influence but is still a good song. The slower ballads such as "I Never Met a Woman" and "My Loneliness" are a testament to the Garza's ability to harmonize and switch gears. "Texican Style" is their (somewhat corney) chest pounding manhood song...it rocks!

If you have not figured it out by now I think this is a great CD and one you will play loud and long...especially if you are in your car as much as I am. Just make sure you have eight good speakers that can take the volume.

My only negative is the song "Outlaws". At first I thought Shooter Jennings was singing vocals but it turns out to be the Boy's dad, Enrique. He sounds great, sort of a Waylon sound (who we all miss). The song is good but the guest vocal by Willie Nelson seems like Willie mailed it in for the song. Or perhaps a fat boy was sampled before the session.

Put this CD on your holiday gift list for anyone who likes tight good old fashioned rock-n-roll.

Los Lonely Boys Rock!