SONG OF THE DAY: “MALDITO BENDITO” Y LA BAMBA REMIX BY TECHNICOLOR CATERPILLAR

Bilingual six-piece Latin folk band Y La Bamba is back in New York this week, playing two shows in support of their latest album, Court the Storm (Tender Loving Empire, February 2012). The follow-up to their 2010 debut, Lupon, the new record, produced by Los Lobos wiz Steve Berlin, features such songs as “Squawk,” “Moral Panic,” “Idaho’s Genius,” and “Michoacan” and includes an appearance by Neko Case on the title track. In addition, “Bendito” has been remixed as “Maldito Bendito” by fellow Portland group Technicolor Caterpillar. Y La Bamba is led by the unique voice of Luz Elena Mendoza, which wafts over Latin-inspired rhythms and harmonies, with lyrics that reveal her religious upbringing. “I can’t save my own life if I could / I can only save my dreams,” she sings on “Hughson Boys,” continuing, “Blessings to the world / Blessings to the dark places I give room to / Be free for so long / So long.” Y La Bamba will be at the Knitting Factory tonight and Mercury Lounge tomorrow, with Chris Pureka opening both shows.