The Velvet Touch of Los Straitjackets

Los Straitjackets' third album The Velvet Touch of Los Straitjackets contains more witty, knowing guitar instrumentals that appropriate the best of surf, jangly pop, rockabilly, and spaghetti western soundtracks with aplomb. Driving surf numbers like Tempest and Hornet's Nest are mixed with sweeter sounds like Close To Champaign and a cover of My Heart Will Go On that places the song closer to the Pacific shoreline than Atlantic icebergs. Klezmer and Mexican elements flavor songs like Tabouli and Tijuana Boots, and while the group's inherent cleverness and kitsch occasionally veer into self-parody, Velvet Touch is another solid effort from an always entertaining band. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide