|
Stereo
|
Vallejo Album Review:
Impressive at 2003-07-17
Austin TX band Vallejo are first and foremost a live rock band. This comes through on Stereo very well. Take A Ride and Downtown have both elements of funk and blues in them. Frontman A.J. Vallejo is a fine lead guitarist and singer, providing a sultry feel to the groups latin rhythms. Basically, they are a pop band, but still capable of hard moments, as on Devils(which even quotes Sabbath, go figure.) Mellow, heartfelt songs like Lets Talk About It and You Are avoid being cliche and actaully sound sincere. This is a strong album that shows a band capable of doing many different kinds of music and doing them well.
Vallejo Album Review:
a must hear at 2003-06-14
it has the austin groove AND the world-wide commerciality. amazing beats that keep you moving matched up with harmonies that stop you in your tracks. the boys have evolved nicely. this offering is a beautiful resting place on the way to the summit for vallejo. a must hear! really a good solid release.
Vallejo Album Review:
If you like rock, buy this album at 2002-12-18
In fact, if you like rock, buy any Vallejo album. I would rate this slightly behind their best efforts: the self-titled Vallejo, and Beautiful Life. However, the songs are solid. From the opening hook of Take a Ride, to the Latin cross-over Rock Americano, to the high-energy cover of Mexican Radio. I just hope they get national air play they deserve this time. Ive been listening to Vallejo since the Nomad tour (97). As good as their albums are, you must see them live. But thats hard to do if youre not in the Austin, TX area. If you cant make the pilgrimage to see one of the best local bands ever, at least buy the album and youll see what youre missing.
Vallejo Album Review:
Latin Roots Rock at 2002-12-17
This rockin, solid release from Vallejo continues to show their evolution and polished sound. They address more of their heritage in the lyrics and in the music. Almost every song has a Latin beat in it. Take a Ride is a hook-filled attention grabber. Rock Americano will catch in your head and leave you singing that you are Half-American, half-chicano even if youre a WASP like me. Vices is a if it feels good do it song, and it feels good. All the tracks are solid, but you must hear So Damn Beautiful. By the time I got to the remake of Mexican Radio (Radio DJs take note, you should play this one), I was sorry the the album was over. Im just hoping that A.J., Alejandro, Omar and the boys finally get the national air play they deserve this time. 5-star releases from Vallejo: Vallejo (self-titled), A Beautiful Life. 4-star releases: Into the New, Sins (1st album).
|
Into the New
|
Vallejo Album Review:
Vallejo - Into The New Without Forgetting The Old at 2000-10-02
In much the same manner as their first three discs ( Sins, Vallejo, Beautiful Life ) Vallejo has again managed to fuse much of their electifying stage presence with studio material. This is alternative without the B/S that usually goes with the genre ( no need for shock lyrics, these guys are real musicians! )and this disc blends in well with their previous efforts. If you like original music crafted by actual musicians ( not studio producers ) then GO BUY THIS RIGHT NOW!! Every track is diverse, which simply means that the core sound is there, no matter if the track is fast or slow, anthem or ballad. This a band that crosses any barrier, pleases every audience, and plays every song and gig with heart and soul. Buy the album and youll HAVE to catch them LIVE! DONT MISS THEM!!
Vallejo Album Review:
Pretty good.... at 2000-10-02
Before I brought this CD, I the only song I had heard of theirs was an mp3 of Into the New. Although the rest of the songs are very different from that one and cover a ton of genres, the whole thing flows pretty good and is basically high-energy pop rock along the lines of Matchbox 20, with some latin and rap influences thrown in for good measure. If you are looking for something fresh and different than what is being played on the radio these days, try Vallejo. Theyre pretty cool.
Vallejo Album Review:
Too Much Going On at 2003-07-25
Texas band Vallejo is usually adept at mixing rock,blues,funk and anything else with a southern feel. On Into The New they take their ideas a little too far. The title track puts their confident rock together with extra electronic production that just does not work. That theme repeats itself a lot, as even better numbers like the heavy Modern Day Slave are sabotaged by a techno-rap ending. The acoustic Back In The Day and the superfly-funk of Let It Slide show what theyre really capable of, without electronic hijinx. Their brand of earthy rock is good enough on its own without trying to update it.
Vallejo Album Review:
Vallejo puts together an incredible mix of musical styles! at 2001-05-22
Ive been a die-hard Vallejo fan since the beginning. But this band has matured with the release of each album. Into the New continues that trend. Its got something for everyone: a good rock base, a little rap and some Latin beats thrown in for good measure. Highlights of the album are the laidback Slide, the dark yet optimistic Dia de Muerto, and the hard workers anthem, Modern Day Slave. This CD NEVER leaves my CD player. Lead singer A.J. Vallejo has a smooth, powerful voice, and he makes an excellent frontman for six oustanding musicians. (Omar plays the trumpet beautifully on La Familia and El Matador!) I would find it hard to describe their sound or to compare them to other bands. But if it helps, I like groups like Fuel, Incubus, Better Than Ezra, Soundgarden, Dave Matthews Band...mostly alternative rock music--Vallejo fits into that category pretty well. As a journalist, I recently had the priveledge of interviewing singer, and suffice it to say that Vallejo is just as cool as the groups music. The music is amazing, but to see these guys live is a whole other story. They definitely live up to their title as one of the hottest live bands in Texas, and the U.S. for that matter!
Vallejo Album Review:
You need to buy this. Now. at 2004-12-08
Vallejo is one of the most talented and underappreciated bands out there. Theyre fun and catchy, yet very eclectic and diverse. Theyre all excellent musicians, and A.J. has a really cool and distinctive voice.This album is full of diversity, from the punchy raprock of Over You, to the traditional Spanish acoustics of La Familia, to the straight-ahead hard rock of the title track. They blend many different musical styles, from rock, to rap, to blues, to funk, and fit them together perfectly with catchy and concise song structures. My pick of the bunch is Modern Day Slave, a catchy rocker with a slight funky groove. This song also features a guest appearance from the absolutely incredible MC Overlord, who contributes a jaw-dropping rap section toward the end. This guys just friggin amazing. Hes got such perfect flow, and amazing technique, and it fits together with the song so incredibly well. I wouldnt be surprised if he just came in and rapped something off the top of his head, without even having to do any previous writing. This guy is good.Anyway, this is an excellent, and criminally underappreciated album. These guys deserve to be much more popular than they are. Buy all their albums, and go see them live if you ever get the chance. Ive seen them twice, and they were amazing both times. Theyve got such powerful stage presence, especially A.J., whose wild and unpredictable antics are nothing short of entertaining. I even saw them do Modern Day Slave with MC Overlord, which was just amazing.Anyway, once again, buy this. They are one of the best bands you have never heard.
|
Cuba Y Sus Grandes Interpretes
|
|
Beautiful Life
|
Vallejo Album Review:
Austin at its Best! at 2000-03-18
Im one of the lucky ones blessed to live here in Austin, TX - a city that supports its local talent and from where this band originates. I see them live at local venues on a regular basis and these guys totally rock! Listen to this CD and youll understand what makes Austin the Live Music Capital of the World and Vallejo a local favorite!
Vallejo Album Review:
These Guys Rock at 1999-07-13
Coming from the music capitol of the world (Austin,TX) these guys represent Austin, TX like no other. If you want a good quality in your face record--buy this one now!!!!! You will not be disappointed.
Vallejo Album Review:
Vallejo Rocks! at 2002-12-06
Great CD! Get to see Vallejo all the time here in Austin and they are an excelletn live band. Also, check out their latest CD...STEREO!
Vallejo Album Review:
Unknowns That Should Be Known at 2003-07-25
Call them the new Santana or at least the modern version of the 70s band that blended rock, blues, funk and salsa. This album contains some damn cool rockin songs and melodic guitar solos that do not get old. Lead Singer/guitarist A.J. Vallejo and his brothers go from funky heavyness If I Was President, to the sunny sound of Immortal. The songs here, such as the title track are upbeat without being hokey or overly-sentimental. Vallejo are here to rock. Even a turn by DJ Hurricane on the dub sounding Snake In The Grass leaves you wanting more. An Irish folk song closes the record as the hidden track, showing indeed how broad this band can be.
Vallejo Album Review:
Best heard live at 2005-07-19
Saw this band in Memphis several years ago when they opened for Fuel. Fantastic live band! No doubt about that. Their tunes sound kick-butt live but a little flat on CD. Seen this before, too, with Todd Rundgrens The Individualist -- fantastic songs when played live, but absent that energy on CD.I recommend Vallejo as a live act without reservation or hesitation. Do whatever you have to do to catch them live. But for me at least the studio recordings are missing that spark.
|
Vallejo
|
Vallejo Album Review:
vallejo-vallejo at 2000-06-04
this cd rox!but then again anything by vallejo does. theyre even better live!-nicole
Vallejo Album Review:
VALLEJO - VALLEJO at 2000-05-22
AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME! This group ROCKS! One listen is all it takes to become a hooked on Vallejo fan. I first saw them in Austin (Im from San Antonio), I drive to Austin every chance I get to see them live. Lately they have finally started playing shows in San Antone! WhoooHOOO! I love my Vallejo Boys! AJ! Alex! Omar! Bruce! Diego! and Heath! You make a Beautiful Life out of Just Another Day! Your devoted fan...Deborah
Vallejo Album Review:
Outstanding original work at 1999-08-30
I first saw Vallejo opening for another band and I thought they should have been the headliner. I havent missed a show since. I can listen to every song on the CD over and over again. When Beautiful Life came out, I raced to the store to get it. Its just as good as the first. But, the only way to really listen to Vallejo is LIVE! They ROCK!
Vallejo Album Review:
Excellent all around sound at 1999-07-31
One of the members of this band, Bruce Castleberry, (plays the guitar) is my Uncles Wifes grandson. Ive just learned that he was in this band and listened to the music and have enjoyed it. I plan to buy their next album and see them live one day soon!
Vallejo Album Review:
I can say I saw them before they were famous at 2002-12-09
I first saw Vallejo at Franks Anchor Club just outside of Killeen, TX in March of 1997 just after the release of this album. The only song that was on the radio at the time was Just Another Day. It was receiving major local airplay. After the show (seen by approximately 300 people, tops) I immediately went to buy the CD. The recorded versions are great, but nothing compared to the live versions. The set started with Shining Sun and got everyone, literally, hopping. It was one big party. Boogie Man was all hard rock energy. Magnolia Tea Room was syncopated intensity. It was the Nomad tour, and Vallejo rocked the stage like travelling kings. The music is hard to fit into one category, it has latin/rap/rock/jazz roots. The blend is nothing short of amazing. Its music for audio adults. Sophisticated and emotional, it appeals to both sides of your brain at the same time. I highly recommend this album as well as their follow ups Beautiful Life and Into the New. Their self-financed first release Sins is also a good one, but this one is the best. I dont know why they havent made it into the nation-wide airplay column, because they should and will. When they do, Ill be able to say I say them when...
|
|
|
|
|
|
