Customer Reviews
It ain't what ya think..... - By: K. N. Tole, 10 Oct 2007 
....it's going to be. That is ....it isn't Buena Vista Social Club, it isn't Ibrahim Ferrer, it isn't Ali Farka Toure, it isn't Flaco Jimenez. But then again it's all of these & more. In particular it's more of Ry &in a bigger sense its more altogether. A commanding view with all Ry Cooder's talents of bringing together disparate elements into a musical whole. Every play pays off & the record gets better & better with each hearing. In some ways it reminds me of early spring backs to folk melodies on "Into the Purple Valley" but with everything that he has done since coming together over a long & fruitful career & adding to the disc. Quite possibly the best thing that he has out together for a long time & worth persisting with
A colourful addition to a varied career - By: jayhikkss, 09 Jun 2007 In 2005, Cooder released Chavez Ravine, his first solo album since 1987's Get Rhythm.
Although Ryland Cooder has made a career of bringing bygone days back to life on a global scale, Chavez Ravine is a high-water mark for him.
Part history, part fantasy, the CD tells the story of Los Angeles' Chavez Ravine--an old Mexican barrio (slum) torn down by the city, allegedly to make room for a low-income housing project butin fact to build Dodger Stadium on.
The record is sungin Spanish & English & Cooder has sought out musicians from the era & the place. It is the last recording (and a great one at that) for both "the father of Chicano music," Lalo Guerrero, & Pachuco legend Don Tosti.
On this concept album, one is musically transported to the days of the Pachucos (Zoot-Suiters) & hears the voices of residents, bulldozer drivers, city thugs who tried to paint caring people as commies, & folks nostalgically looking back at the place they called home.
Ry Cooder never ceases to amaze by the quality of his work & vision.
A good one - By: G. V. Cherian, 05 Mar 2007 Mention 'concept album' & rock'n roll & you'd be forgiven for running a mile. Being a Cooder fan, there was no way I'd not buy it, especially as I like the cojunto texmex sound (Flaco Jimenez etc), but I admit I was apprehensive. And you know what, right from the first track (Poor man's Shangri-La)Ry & co , put me right at ease. As concepts go, this sought to illuminate a place & an era & the music that emanated from it, before a whole community was cleared away by greedy property developers (a breed that has growmin rapacity since then). Ry reminds you of a simple fact that too often is forgotten sometimes-in musical terms, a place can often create the genre. All great music was local once. Amazingly Ry was able to colloborate with many of the musicians that were once on the scene, 50 years ago, when Chavez Ravine was cleared away to make way for a stadium! And by the way, its all great fun to listen to, & immensely enjoyable & variable too! So get over your 'concept album' prejudice right now. I did, & I want to testify!
Historical documnt - By: S. Holt, 16 Aug 2006 
I loved the opening track & as I have listened to the album more it grows on me. There are a few echoes of Bueno Vista Social Club where elderly singers croak through their songs. Take the time to read the translations of the Spanish songs & it will become more meaningful, likewise the sleeve notes.
It is haunting & would make a great soundtrack to a short film about the building of Chavez avine some day?
You can't dance to it. - By: Peter A. Woodford, 23 Jul 2006 
I am disappointed at having bought this cd, & finding an album that is unlike any other of Ry's works. For me, it is hard going & quirky. I can understand the artist's motives for making it, & I have got most of his previous stuff, but this cd will gather dustin my collection.
