This “CaliMex” band, “featuring Kid Ramos,” is unlike most covered in this space. It’s not indie rock performed by shaggy-haired twentysomethings, for one. As you can see from the photo above, they’re not, you know, young. It’s also a lot more earnest than that kind of stuff, with straight-faced lyrics such as “Never went to college, never went to school, when it comes to lovin’, I’m an educated fool” residing in opener “Educated Fool.”
The fact that they’re not our usual thing is exactly why they should be discussed, to say nothing of any lingering guilt I may feel for being a quarter Spanish and growing up two hours north of the border but for some reason taking French in high school. But let’s look at Los Fabulocos for what they are, not what they aren’t: The band was formed by Anaheim’s Kid Ramos, who played guitar with California blues staple Jim Harman in the ’80s and was a member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds for seven years. Their eponymous debut record, released late last summer, picks up after “Educated Fool” (though “You Ain’t Nothin’ But Fine” is similarly nursery rhyme-y), showing their roots-rock leanings in such songs as “Crazy Baby.” As the title suggests, “Lonesome Tears In My Eyes” is a lovely and sad country song, and not only does Ramos provide colorful guitar, but it’s the only number on the record on which he sings lead vocals (earning the distinction of having his name displayed prominently on the album cover and all official materials).
Sat., Jan. 16, 9 p.m., 2010
