Disco de The Mavericks: “From Hell to Paradise”

First of all, whoever heard of a country band from Miami? At least that's what I thought when I first read about The Mavericks, but after listening to this, their debut album, I quickly forgot about that transgression. Mixing a pop sensibility with the twang of classic country, The Mavericks unfortunately found themselves categorized as "new country," and as a result, found themselves fighting for attention with dreck like Garth Brooks, The Judds, and Faith Hill. What they ultimately bring to the table, however, is the bravado and attitude of a rock and roll band, as evidenced by "Mr. Jones," the title track, and their cover of "Hey Good Lookin'". And Raul Malo's voice? Don't get me started. A keeper...

The Mavericks recorded some material that they circulated to record companies when they were looking for a deal (and those recordings were eventually released as an album) but this album marks the official start to their career. On its own merits, this is an impressive debut although their subsequent albums (What a crying shame, Music for all occasions, Trampoline) are even more impressive.

The set opens with a very sad song (Mr Jones) about a man returning to a former home after many years, only to find it in a state of semi-dereliction. An even sadder song (Children) closes the set. In between, there are some other sad songs (This broken heart, The end of the line, Forever blue) as well as a Buck Owens cover (Excuse me I think I've got a heartache) but its not all doom and gloom.

The title track is about a Cuban man who finally makes it to America I got you is about a man who puts up with a lot of things, knowing that his partner makes it all worthwhile. A better way is about a man scorning a former partner who cheated on him, having found a new and better partner. Most upbeat of all is the second and last cover here (Hey good looking, the old Hank Williams classic).

If you enjoy listening to the Mavericks and you've already got some of their other albums, you should give this one a listen.

I first came across this album on a broken cassette at a thrift store. I went ahead and bought the cassette and repaired it to find this is one of the best albums I have ever listened to! After a few years of frequent listening to an already worn out cassette, I HAD to find another copy! So, I turned to a CD this time. The music on here is great country from the early 90's it has upbeat songs that make you want to crank it, to some slower and sadder songs. I really like the spin they put on the Hank Williams classic "Hey Good Lookin'."

Having only heard this Group once before, I was particularly pleased with their performance especially the track Children. Hope to hear more of the Group.