Album of the Day

The LA BAMBA soundtrack might have given Los Lobos a huge hit, but KIKO showed this band from East L.A. had no desire to join the oldies circuit. While it includes the requisite taut roots rockers (“That Train Don't Stop Here,” “Whiskey Trail”), the set is most impressive for its ambition, adding art rock and South African influences to an already-broad musical palette. Producer Mitchell Froom's dream-like soundscapes prove a perfect complement to the group's masterful singing and playing, and the 1993 collection is frequently cited as the band's best. All but a couple of the 16 inventive originals on KIKO were co-written by Louie Pérez, and we'll wish the drummer a happy birthday by cueing up one of Los Lobos' most popular albums.