Mentir Por Amor

Performer: Conjunto Primavera
Producer: Jesus Guillen; Jesús Guillén
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Audio Mixer: Tony Gonzalez. Liner Note Author: Felix Contreras. Recording information: GMP Music. Another fine addition to Conjunto Primavera's extensive discography, 2009's MENTIR POR AMOR finds the veteran regional Mexican ensemble presenting an accessible set of Norteno tunes. Highlights include the breezy title track, the passionate "Pobre De Mi Corazon," and the elegant "Mi Primavera Vez," all of which reinforce the band's remarkably wide appeal. Conjunto Primavera are hardly the only regional Mexican artists who have sold an abundance of CDs by offering a romantic norte�o-light/crossover norte�o approach. There are countless other Mexican groups vying for the attention of listeners who like their norte�o combined with large doses of sleek Latin pop. But Conjunto Primavera stand out in the crowd because they are much better at it than most of the competition, and one of their greatest assets is lead singer Tony Mel�ndez. A charismatic, expressive frontman, Mel�ndez handles himself predictably well throughout 2009's Mentir for Amor ("Lie for Love"). Mel�ndez, truth be told, is as much of a Latin pop singer as he is a regional Mexican singer -- and his romantic inclinations get the job done whether Conjunto Primavera are providing polkas ("Un Mal Paso," "Me Cans� de Extra�arte," "Flecha Envenenada"), waltzes ("Le Promet� a la Noche"), Mexican-style cumbia ("Muerto"), or Latin pop ballads ("Pobre de Mi Coraz�n," "Amor Perd�name"). It doesn't matter whether Conjunto Primavera are embracing a fast polka tempo or slowing things down considerably for a ballad -- Mentir for Amor is always a romantic album, and Latin pop is always part of the equation. This isn't norte�o that pretends to compete with los Tucanes de Tijuana's ballsy narcocorridos or los Tigres del Norte's biting sociopolitical commentary; this is norte�o for fans of romantic Latin pop singers like Juan Gabriel, Luis Miguel, Julio Iglesias and Marco Antonio Sol�s. Mentir for Amor doesn't offer many surprises or break any new ground for Conjunto Primavera; those who have been following them for a long time have heard it all before. But predictability has its place in music as long as the performances are inspired -- and with Mentir for Amor, Conjunto Primavera once again offer a predictably enjoyable dose of musical comfort food. ~ Alex Henderson

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