Ride This – The Covers EP
Los Lobos · 2004
29 min · 7 tracks · rock music
A vibrant tapestry of influences, blending rock, roots, and Americana into heartfelt renditions of beloved tracks.
Top tracks — play these first
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Jockey Full of Bourbon Start here — This track stands out with its rhythmic groove and playful instrumentation, capturing the spirit of Tom Waits while infusing it with Los Lobos' unique flair.
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Uncomplicated — This rendition transforms John Hiatt's original into a lively celebration of simplicity in love, showcasing the band's signature harmonies and energetic performance style.
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Marie Marie — A staple in Los Lobos' live repertoire, this cover emphasizes the band’s roots in traditional Mexican music while blending it seamlessly with rock elements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP effectively showcases diverse interpretations but lacks the depth and cohesion of original material.
What we noticed
- Tracks like 'Jockey Full of Bourbon' incorporate a lively tempo and intricate guitar work, while 'Patria' shifts to a more reflective tone with layered instrumentation.
- The arrangement of the tracks varies significantly, with some maintaining the original structure while others introduce new elements or reinterpretations.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- eclectic reinterpretations of classics
- front-loaded energetic listening experience
- inviting sing-along moments
- steady rise to satisfying close
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive albums
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Showcases versatility but doesn't serve as a primary entry point for new listeners.
- Themes
- Chicano rock revival· roots music celebration· Tom Waits homage
- Career context
- In 2004, Los Lobos released 'Ride This – The Covers EP' following their acclaimed album 'The Ride' from 1999. At this point in their career, the band was exploring diverse musical landscapes while celebrating their influences through covers. This EP served as a bridge between their original works and the songs that shaped them.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Mavericks· Los Lonely Boys· Calexico
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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It'll Never Be Over for Me
The song shifts from a reflective tone to an urgent plea, embodying a sense of longing for connection.
This shift encapsulates a raw emotional intensity that elevates the personal stakes of the narrative, moving from introspection to an almost desperate yearning.
Tracklist
- 1 Jockey Full of Bourbon Start here 3:29
- 2 More Than I Can Stand 4:08
- 3 Uncomplicated 5:12
- 4 Patria 5:19
- 5 Shoot Out the Lights 4:55
- 6 It'll Never Be Over for Me 3:44
- 7 Marie Marie 2:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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