Two Words, One Answer.
Calexico
 Carried to Dust $15.99 Calexico returns with their strongest effort since "The Black Light." Joey Burns and John Convertino have recruited the same players from that album and the new record is a pleasure to hear. Exploring musical genres on both sides of the border has always been one of Calexico's strengths. On the album opener, "Victor Jara's Hands" mariachi horns accompany the tribute to the fallen Chilean activist. Calexico also explores different elements of sound throughout the album. "House of Valparaiso" features Iron & Wine's Sam Beam singing backup in a Tex-Mex ballad. "Slowness" crosses the border to deliver a country duet. Mystery plays a key part to several of these tracks including, "Bend To The Road". "El Gatillo" sounds like it could be an Ennio Morricone outtake from some forgotten western. Considering the album's length, there is much to admire here from hushed pop songs to lush instrumentals. Bravo, Calexico!  Carried To Dust $9.99 Calexico returns with their strongest effort since "The Black Light." Joey Burns and John Convertino have recruited the same players from that album and the new record is a pleasure to hear. Exploring musical genres on both sides of the border has always been one of Calexico's strengths. On the album opener, "Victor Jara's Hands" mariachi horns accompany the tribute to the fallen Chilean activist. Calexico also explores different elements of sound throughout the album. "House of Valparaiso" features Iron & Wine's Sam Beam singing backup in a Tex-Mex ballad. "Slowness" crosses the border to deliver a country duet. Mystery plays a key part to several of these tracks including, "Bend To The Road". "El Gatillo" sounds like it could be an Ennio Morricone outtake from some forgotten western. Considering the album's length, there is much to admire here from hushed pop songs to lush instrumentals. Bravo, Calexico!  Convict Pool $9.98 3 1/2 Fine sampler for the quietly evolving border town band- not exclusively worthy for a first purchase, but a valued overview nonetheless.  Feast of Wire $15.98 As good a balance of familiar and fresh found, from one of the only relevant Tex-Mex sounds around. |
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