Los Lobos: Greatest American Band?

Quick: Name another American band that's had the same lineup for 37 years. Seriously, though? Greatest American band? I think the argument can be made. Ok, hear me out.

First, though I'd like to take credit, this is not my original idea. I've seen it posted in various places around the 'net recently, but the question is asked: "If your criteria for greatest American band is consistency, superior quality, and longevity, who else stacks up?"

As for longevity, Los Lobos have been creating their unique blend of rock and roll, 50s soul, blues, country, folk, and traditional Spanish and Mexican music for 38 years, and have been releasing records since 1978.

And those records have been of consistently high quality, are extremely enjoyable, and in some cases are groundbreaking and essential to your music collection.

The band self released Los Lobos Del Este De Los Angeles in 1978, but it was their 1983 album, ...And a Time To Dance, that gained them national attention. They followed that album with How Will the Wolf Survive and By the Light of The Moon, and while they had garnered critical success, the hit single proved elusive.

That is, until their contributions to a soundtrack to a film called La Bamba. Los Lobos recorded six of Richie Valens' songs for the album including the title track which gave them a number one single in the US.

"La Bamba," while notable, and undoubtedly influential in the development of their career may also be a bit of an obstacle for reaching new audiences. When my appreciation of the band  comes up in conversation, the reply is almost invariably, and with a note of derision, "You mean the "La Bamba" guys?"

For a band that's never gotten commercial airplay, I can sort of understand the sentiment, though I believe it to be very misinformed. Most people may not even be aware that the band is still around, much less that their best work was after the soundtrack to the movie.

With Kiko in 1992, the band may have produced their masterpiece. It's an experimental album that takes a different approach to production and to the instrumentation. And it consistently delivers. It is commonly regarded as their crowning achievement and is considered by some as the most rewarding album in their catalog.

For sheer thrills and inspiring musicianship, Live at the Fillmore never fails to deliver.

And just last year, they released Tin Can Trust, an amazing record that finds Los Lobos in familiar territory, documenting the stories of those just trying to get by on determination or luck, and finding themselves occasionally coming up short or finding room to celebrate and be joyous.


The opening track, "Burn it Down," is the perfect kick off for the rest of the disc. It defines the mood, it's one of those rockers the band is known for, and it's delivered with an easy confidence of guys who have seen this before.

"Yo Canto" is one of the more traditional songs by Los Lobos. Sung in Spanish, it still grabs attention (for those of us who don't speak the language) through the song structure and vocal delivery.

"Jupiter or the Moon" was a surprise for me recalling Low Spark of High Heeled Boys era Traffic.

There's even a cover of a Grateful Dead tune, "West L.A. Fadeaway."

Over almost 40 years, Los Lobos have seemingly done it all. They've toured the world, have inspired countless bands, performed for presidents and for children, contributed to more soundtracks, collected three Grammys, and continue to cut great records.

Who else could you count in the category of greatest American band? Sound off in the comments below.