Chavez Ravine
by Ry Cooder
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Jun 14, 2005
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35

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  1. MattA
    Dec 9, 2005
    6
    I have to agree with David M, although I would also put Sleater-kinney in that severely overrated category as well. A decent enough listen but I think that it is getting alot of kudos just because the guy is somewhat of a legend in the world music scene. It was the same with "Smile." It was a good album, but not 97 on metacritic good, and even critics that initially gave it a really high I have to agree with David M, although I would also put Sleater-kinney in that severely overrated category as well. A decent enough listen but I think that it is getting alot of kudos just because the guy is somewhat of a legend in the world music scene. It was the same with "Smile." It was a good album, but not 97 on metacritic good, and even critics that initially gave it a really high score realized that in retrospect, as was evident by the fact that it only appeared on no more than half of the end of year lists and was number one on only a few.… Expand
  2. mikef
    Jun 20, 2005
    9
    Cooder is unique in being both a folklorist and a musician. Somehow he's crafted a concept album that features a story not unllike the Palestinians! Songs in Spanish and English, which even features Hawaiian musicians.
  3. ReneS
    Jun 25, 2005
    10
    Chavez Ravine a record by Ry Cooder Ry Cooder explores the sound of the Mexican-American post WWII Los Angeles bario referred to as Chavez Ravine. The disc plays out like a radically cool radio show similar to War of the Worlds as told through music and heartwrenching songs. Monumental. Ry Cooder has delivered his magnum opus. Bravo! Bravo!
  4. DavidE
    Jul 12, 2005
    10
    Cooder does it again.
  5. RyanF
    Jul 20, 2005
    7
    Blown away by the beginning of the album, particularly 'Living in a Poor Man's Shangra La" (or whatever it's called). Musical bliss. But the middle suffers -- too many bizarre soundbites about McCarthy-era communist witch hunts. Then the song at the end, with the haunting female vocals, redeems the experience. Worth a few listens, but be prepared to skip some tracks.
  6. JezH
    Sep 4, 2005
    10
    A masterpiece.
  7. TasoV
    Sep 5, 2005
    10
    One of the best albums of the past decade. Ry shows the all skills he's acquired from a lifetime in music. In one album he's created an indispensible record of Mexican migrant culture in the 1950's with a background of mainstream American fears, prejudices and style. Atomospheric, evocative and some of the tastiest guitar in quite a while.
  8. Hein
    May 2, 2006
    10
    Masterpiece great concept-album!
  9. BillW
    Feb 28, 2007
    10
    Cooder does not disappoint.....great music and a great story.....one of the best "unknown" guitar composer and picker going
  10. DavidM
    Nov 19, 2005
    6
    Right now only Lookaftering ranks ahead of it as most overrated album in Metacritic top 30... This album has been way overrated on account of it's well meaning political intentions, but as music...I am really unimpressed, and I've given it a solid 8 or 9 listens now. Only closing track is fantastic, and only one or two others (ie. Muy Fifi) memorable. Worst, all of the weakest Right now only Lookaftering ranks ahead of it as most overrated album in Metacritic top 30... This album has been way overrated on account of it's well meaning political intentions, but as music...I am really unimpressed, and I've given it a solid 8 or 9 listens now. Only closing track is fantastic, and only one or two others (ie. Muy Fifi) memorable. Worst, all of the weakest tracks are Cooders own compositions. Despite the unique ethnic and historical appeal, end result is Bland and undynamic.… Expand
  11. DavidP
    Jun 15, 2005
    9
    Perhaps the best concept album of the Oughties. Perhaps the best Ry Cooder album since Chicken Skin Music.
  12. HarryN
    Jun 19, 2005
    10
    What a hilarious experience. Without any doubts, one of the best albums in many many years. Getting better and better after every listening.
  13. TomK
    Jun 20, 2005
    10
    A moving story of people that transcends its time -- a work of art that speaks across generations, cultures and languages. HUAC / Patriot Act, bulldozing minority communities / banning Cuban artists. Chavez Ravine is an artistic bridge as well as great music.
  14. RagnarRock
    Jun 22, 2005
    9
    Superb I must say! Exciting and fresh, splendid lyrics to poignant music. A must have for anyone who likes the "Ryland" style!
  15. RichP
    Jul 5, 2005
    9
    I bought this on a bluesy whim. Fool. This is a wonderful album like nothing I normally listen to, and for the first time in five years, I feel like I have to spread the word. I normally go for miserebilia, heh, I think I have the cure,
  16. DanielG
    Apr 12, 2006
    4
    I'm interested to know what this sudden interest in Chavez Ravine (the place) came from, not that this story doesn't deserve the attention it's getting. First the photo book published by Chronicle Books, then the play by Culture Clash and now, the album by Ry Cooder. I was impressed with the collection of talent used for the production of this album, but hugely I'm interested to know what this sudden interest in Chavez Ravine (the place) came from, not that this story doesn't deserve the attention it's getting. First the photo book published by Chronicle Books, then the play by Culture Clash and now, the album by Ry Cooder. I was impressed with the collection of talent used for the production of this album, but hugely dissappointed when I bought it and took a listen, it's an overrated album and downright obnoxious sometimes. I agree with David M, the worst tracks are his compostions. Good intentions, bad music...… Expand
  17. ChrisO
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    Simply breathtaking
  18. ErlingO
    Sep 21, 2005
    9
    Not Rys best but good with the heart in right place. How about another one next year Ry????? We love you.
  19. ArmandoGF
    Mar 26, 2006
    10
    You got to acknowledge that Mr. Cooder came home to his roots of Los Angeles. Not just for himself, but for all of us growing up here in Los Angeles and in the latino community. The mixture of of styles in the music is what the average latino listened to. I was not born at the time of these political crimes till 1961, I did grow up here in Los Angeles in the middle of a city with You got to acknowledge that Mr. Cooder came home to his roots of Los Angeles. Not just for himself, but for all of us growing up here in Los Angeles and in the latino community. The mixture of of styles in the music is what the average latino listened to. I was not born at the time of these political crimes till 1961, I did grow up here in Los Angeles in the middle of a city with different nationalities listening to all different styles of music. Me especially because I was into music because on my mother and father. But I went further listening to Blues,Rock,Jazz,Swing,Classical,the different Latinos styles,acoustic and electric. Latinos in Los Angeles listened to all styles of music. So the mixture on the recordings for that time period is appropriate for the subject matter. I'm regular joe who grew up in Los Angeles at the end of the old and the beginning of the most ugly changes to our communities.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Amazon.com
    70
    The result is an CD that sounds like it's aspiring to be something far more ambitious: a DVD, a theatrical production, even a time machine.
    Read full review
  2. The Guardian
    80
    It's a very clever album, and at times easier to admire than to simply enjoy because there is so much going on.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    80
    With Chavez Ravine he has performed another ethnomusicological miracle, opening a can of worms while drawing us deep into the musical heart of a lost community. [Jul 2005, p.90]
See all critic reviews »