The Iguanas (I) - The Iguanas - Nuevo Boogaloo (1994)

The obvious point of comparison for this tasty combination of R&B, Tex-Mex, conjunto, and rockabilly is Los Lobos. However, the New Orleans-based Iguanas draws on Louisiana swamp pop to establish their own identity. The music doesn't sound as wild and intense as you might hope, and the vocals could be more forceful and distinctive, but Nuevo Boogaloo does sound looser and more spontaneous than their debut album. From the sprightly "Oye Isabel" to the rockin' "My Girlfriend Is a Waitress" to the soulful "Hey, Sweet Darling," this is a very appealing recording

Review by Todd Kristel