Some regional Mexican singers have been able to record solo albums and remain a part of a group at the same time; others have decided to become full-time solo artists and sever all ties to the group they once belonged to.
Fidel Rueda opted for the latter when he made a permanent departure from
Los Buitres de Culiacan, and inspired solo albums like 2007's
Paz en Este Amor ("Peace in This Love") and 2008's No Puedo Perdonarte ("I Can't Forgive You") indicated that he made the right decision.
Pero No Puedo ("But I Can't") offers additional evidence that going permanently solo was a wise move for
Rueda. Like previous solo efforts, this 2009 release has a norteño orientation but has been influenced by other types of regional Mexican music. A chugging tuba (one of banda's trademarks) interacts with the accordion (the instrument most closely identified with norteño) on enjoyable performances such as "Caprichosa," "Fijate," and "Eso Me Pasa," and it is an appealing combination. That accordion/tuba combination works well for
Rueda on rancheras, waltzes, and polkas, and it works just as well for him on a corrido like "El Corrido de la Federal de Caminos." There are no weak tracks on
Pero No Puedo; everything on this 29-minute CD is worthwhile. That said,
Pero No Puedo and No Puedo Perdonarte are both slightly less essential than
Paz en Este Amor; someone who is exploring
Rueda's solo output for the first time would be better off starting out with that release. But an album doesn't have to be essential to be solid, and
Pero No Puedo is clearly another solid solo outing from the former
Buitres de Culiacan member. ~ Alex Henderson