Squeeze Box King

Product Review

Flaco Jimenez is best known for his energetic pop conjunto accordion style as a member of the Texas Tornadoes (with Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender, and Augie Meyers) and for his impressive session work with the likes of Bob Dylan, Dwight Yoakam, Ry Cooder, the Clash, Willie Nelson, and many others. On Squeeze Box King, Jimenez drops the pop sheen and steps out into more traditional grassroots territory with a selection of polkas, boleros, and rancheras, all done with a sparse and genuine conjunto swing. The album opens with a well- known party polka, "En El Cielo No Hay Cerveza" ("In Heaven There Is No Beer"), but the version here is truly unique, with verses sung in English, Spanish, and Dutch, making it undoubtedly the first tri-lingual polka ever attempted. The Cumbia beats on "Ojitos Negros" mark it as a highlight, and the Afro/Cuban boleros are striking, as well, particularly the haunting "Tan Sola." The heart of the album, though, is Jimenez's Tex-Mex approach to the four rancheras ("De Donde Has Sacado," "Tumbo Sin Flores," "La Rosa Negra," and the album's closer, "La Tormenta"). Rancheras are nostalgic songs of loss and betrayal (and strong romantic nationalism), sort of Mexico's version of straight country & western music. The rancheras presented here are lovingly done, and are obviously close to the heart of this fine musician. ~ Steve Leggett, Rovi

Title Tracks for Squeeze Box King

1. En El Cielo No Hay Cerveza (In Heaven There Is No Beer)
2. Tan Solo
3. De Donde Has Sacado
4. Ojitos Negros
5. Cuando Te Quiero, Te Vas
6. Prenda Del Alma
7. La Rosa Negra
8. Soy Romantico
9. Tumba Sin Flores
10. Un Viejo Amor
11. La Tormenta

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review

(1 customer review)

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

Flaco Jimenez holds his place as the "Squeeze Box King", September 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Squeeze Box King (Audio CD)

Flaco Jimenez has always been a pioneer in the world of Conjunto and Tejano music with his incredible musicianship and unique stylings .He is famous for blending the traditional Tex-Mex and Tejano style music by adding flavors of country and Rock and Roll guitar. This, together with his talking accordion, creates a new sound of music. Flaco's newest album "Squeeze Box King" , which he produced himself, is no different. There are very traditional sounding songs such as "En El Cielo No Hay Cervaza" which has a polka-like beat and a very strong accordion sound. Other tracks such as "La Rosa Negra" and "Soy Romantico" mix in more of a country flavored guitar sound with Flaco's traditional accordion sound. With such ingenious musical stylings it is no wonder that Flaco Jimenez has established himself as an icon in the world of Tex-Mex and Tejano music. I highly recommend this album to any Flaco fans or any one who is a fan of Tex-Mex and Tejano music.