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Carried to Dust

by: Calexico

September 09, 2008
Another great Calexico CD.....get it! I simply can't get enough of them, and if you like their recorded music, you should see them in person.....awesome!!!!

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In the Reins

by: Iron & Wine, Calexico

September 13, 2005
It really suprised me when I did a generic 'Iron & Wine' search and saw that this album has the same overall rating as most of his others (4.5 stars). I think this is misleading. I suppose it depends on why you like Iron & Wine, because this album is fun and enjoyable to listen to. And I love Calexico so I was excited for the pairing. I DO think they pull off nice melodies and that the album has good range. But what I love so much about Iron & Wine is Sam Beam's lyrics. There is an overload of good musicians these days, but few, if any, touch Beam when it comes to lyrics. I think he easily belongs in a category with Dylan and Cohen.

So, with that preface in mind, this album is very lyrically disappointing. The ... Read More:

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The Black Light

by: Calexico

May 19, 1998
I'm a fan of everything Calexico does. At times innovative. At times psychadelia meets sergio leonne. At times just mariachis strumming while you drink a shot of Mezcal at XXX Kentucky Bar in Nogales.

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Feast of Wire

by: Calexico

February 18, 2003
Listening to this comes as easy as a soft afternoon in the shade of maple tree. Each listen reveals more and does not tire. Recommended.

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Garden Ruin

by: Calexico

April 11, 2006
Wow, I can't believe all the harsh reviews of this album. I'm not a big Calexico fan by any stretch, but this was one of my favorite albums of 2006. It was one of those I had downloaded (legally) and kept listening to it so often that I bought a hard copy. Admittedly this does not sound anything like their previous work and it is a bit on the mellow country-rock tip, but anyone who likes say, Wilco, will have no trouble digging this.

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Collateral

by: Various Artists, Green Car Hotel, Calexico

August 03, 2004
Every time I listen to this CD I re-live the excitement and emotions that ran through me during the movie. Definitely work checking out!

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Sweetheart 2005: Love Songs

from: Live More Musically

January 01, 2005
There was alot of buzz about the Sweetheart 2005 Love Songs CD when it was first released at the end of 2004, partly because of the caliber of artists involved, and partly because of the songs they selected to cover. I'm not sure if and how the distributing changed later on. This was originally only available through Starbucks stores in the US, and I believe it was geared towards the adult contemporary/MOR demographic, but anybody that is a true music fan knew it was ALOT more than that. Every song covered here is a treasure; in fact there are actually few various artists/compilation albums I can even compare this to. After first playing it, I immediately went back and purchased 6 additional copies to give away as Christmas gifts, and everybody just loved it. You can ... Read More:

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Hot Rail

by: Calexico

May 09, 2000
The alternative Tex-Mex band usually can be relied upon for providing a nice sunny, margarita-drenched soundtrack to any Sunday afternoon with their warm, Mariachi-inspired compositions. Hot Rail is consistent in it's average presentation of the band's unique aesthetic, but few songs actually rise above the somewhat bland countrified-alternative that makes up the bulk of these tracks. Alternating between traditional Mariachi arrangements, eclectic improvs, and more standard pop rock fare, the album does not seem to be as engaging as a few of their other albums, but is by no means a complete dud. Seems like a fair enough place to become situated with the band's unique musicality, just do not expect that much of a bite.

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Convict Pool

by: Calexico

April 06, 2004
Like much of Calexico work, this album has a way of growing on you. The first time you play it, you may think, "Oh, this isn't half-bad. I'll just finish out listening to it this one time..." Then a dozen spins later you realize that you just can't stop listening. Every time around, you'll find a new inflection of the guitar, a new inspiring line. Gracefully, it will crawl into your heart and make a cozy home in there.

This album's production is not as refined as their better known albums, such as Black Light and Feast of Wire, but the rougher studio sound only makes this more charming and endearing. It adds that feeling that perhaps you are not listening to a CD, but are rather fortunate to catch Calexico in a small bar, and Joe Burns is playing his guitar ... Read More:

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Spoke

by: Calexico

August 12, 1997
I had the good fortune of seeing Calexico live recently, and they put on quite a good show. I've been a casual fan for a while but bought this CD after the Iron & Wine collaboration, which is really good.

Here, they've put together a lot of found sounds, different ideas, and a hodgepodge of what they're into. The root is a southwest sound, but they really manage to go all over the board.

After listening to it a few times, it gives you the sense of a band in search of something, maybe its own sound, but they don't quite get there on this album.

These guys are experienced and great songwriters, and put on a great live show, but I'm waiting for thier masterpiece, which is going to come one of these days.