Calexico has decided to go a different direction on the latest album, Garden Ruin, and abandon the south of the border sound that they’ve made their name by. It must have to do with their collaborations with singer songwriters like Sam Bream (Iron & Wine) and Neko Case. And although the album is competent with several standouts like “Bisbee Blue,” “Letter To Bowie Knife,” and “Nom De Plume,” it missing that mariachi spicy Mexican element that made them different from other bands. However, “Rokka” with its Spanish chorus is a welcome throwback to the Calexico of old-for the first time there are no instrumental tracks. Thus we can no longer think of them as Sergio Leonne’s heir to a house band. In a sense they have replaced those horns and mariachi strumming for a steel guitar as the songs take on a more western flavor. All in all, something has been gained and something has been lost. I’m not sure it's a fair trade off, because they enter a crowded field of singer-songwriters, whereas before they were doing something completely original with no competitors. That being said, this is a worthy album and deserves a chance.
I gotta agree with you here. What I liked most about calexico was the crazy mariachi type stuff. Without it, they're still good, but not quite good enough for me to want to buy their album. Sounds too much like the other 200 discs in my collection that I never listen to.
Posted by: phatrick | May 13, 2006 at 03:15 PM
It is growing on me though, as we speak I'm listenig to it. I heard "Panic Open Sring" on shuffle and I decided that it deserved to be among my highest rated songs playlist.
Posted by: MC | May 13, 2006 at 03:37 PM