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A distinct and abrupt shift from the gloomy country-rock of, "Season In Hell," or the menacing stomp of, "Widows," "Pacoima," is Fernando's Spanish-language masterpiece: Rock en Espanol. A collaboration with fellow Cravedog artist Luther Russell (also of the Geffen band Federale), "Pacoima," crackles with images of neighborhood life from the home-grown American barrio of Pacoima, Ca. Working on themes of love, loyalty, friendship and family, the notion of, "Pacoima," started out as a simple songwriting session between Viciconte and Russell. Deciding to try out one of the new tunes in Spanish, the effect felt so natural and right the two decided to churn out an entire disc's worth of material. With the exception of some bright and brassy mariachi trumpet work by noted Portland sideman Paul Brainard, all sounds on, "Pacoima," are made solely by Fernando and Luther. Paying homage to the gritty tradition of border rock and Mexican R n' B, "Paicoma," rips out of the gates with the John Lennon-esque rager, "Oye Mamasita," before sliding delicately into the heartfelt ode to good times, friendship and loyalty on, "Mi Amigo." From the breathy crooning of, "Como Sueno," the bounce and Tex-Mex of, "Chanchos Sucios," to the CD's single cover and sole Anglo-track, "Ooh My Head" (By the fellow chicano rocker and Pacoima homeboy Ritchie Valens) or the gentle lullaby, "Para Ti," that puts Pacoima to bed, the disc snaps with electricity and grace. Keeping the arrangements striaght and simple and the harmonies sweet, "Pacoima," recalls the low-rider vibe of classic War, and the snapping pulse of James Brown at his most decisive and funky- Make no mistake: this is a groundbreaking record. Press quotes for- "Pacoima" "Fernando has indeed broken ground here, pulling soulful aesthetics from the heart of the cultural void."- No Depression "One of [1998's] most fun and inspired offerings. Pacoima is one of the freshest, most exciting records to come out of Portland in years."- Portland Oregonian "Pacoima struck me as the best rock en espanol I've heard yet." -Option "Fernando's new record is, as they say, the shit...Portland's local quality meter just spiked big time." -Anodyne "May very well be one of the top albums albums of the year....a stellar achievement." -Two Louies "Portland's first significant spanish-rock album....resounds with detail and gutsy musicality. Even for listeners who don't understand Spanish, Fernando's expressive voice is enough to let you in on his secrets." -Willamete Week "Recaptures the the glory of Mexican rock n' roll...his lyrics are sparse, perfect poetry."- The Rocket "Fernando and Luther Russell have made one of the best albums to come out of Portland in this or any other year." -PDXS "Hot...somewhat dangerous, slouching and magnificent. Like singing to the most beautiful woman in town, while standing in the gutter."- El Hispanic News "Finally we have a band who plays beautiful songs in our own language...Fernando's live shows vibrate with energy." -Latin News "Hard rocking, honest and compelling, Pacoima is a powerful, awestriking cross-cultural work." -The Stranger Check out the artist's website: http://www.cravedog.com/cravedoglabel9-29-03/index.html Track List: 1. Oye Mamasita 2. Mi Amigo 3. Alameda 4. Como Sueno 5. Peligro Del Brujo 6. Wisemen 7. Pacoima 8. Chanchos Sucios 9. Ay, Mi Amor 10. El Curda De Buenos Aires 11. Ooh, My Head 12. Para Ti Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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