How damn fine are Calexico?

[Leica]

I saw them last night. As well as Iron and Wine, they had an amazing Mexican singer called Salvador Durran. They didn't play Always On My Mind, but the final song was a sweet version of All Tomorrow's Parties (where's Sunspots? ). I was standing next to the playlist of the guy who did the visuals unfortunately so I knew from the start that AOMM was not on there.

 

[Dubversion]

weird gig last night. I loved the structure of the show - Iron and Wine, then Calexico with Iron & Wine, then Salvador, then Calexico, then everyone on at the end.

the problem is that the new Calexico stuff is fucking awful. They must have done, what, 5 or 6 songs from thre new album and all but one were dire. I know they don't want to get typecase or whatever, but Fleetwood Mac-style soft rock is going too far..

That caveat aside, the rest was fucking fantastic. The German guy who played harmonica, cornet, keyboards, vibes, percussion, accordion and guitar is a show-off motherfucker who should give me at least one of his talents...

And the last couple of of shows with everybody onstage were amazing, even if Iron & Wine had done some SERIOUS drinking while they were waiting.

and how cool was Salvador Duran?

 

[Dubversion]

some pics

http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c...Calexico/?action=view&current=CalexicoEtc.jpg

 

[Pieface]

You forgot the sticks - the German guy played the sticks too (I can play the sticks - I share in his talent )

 

[Dubversion]

You forgot the sticks - the German guy played the sticks too (I can play the sticks - I share in his talent )

so 'sticks' aren't 'percussion' then?

 

[ChrisFilter]

I like the song from the Adidas advert, Pepita.. not because of the advert, worry not. makes a very good alarm mp3 on my phone as well.

 

[Pieface]

so 'sticks' aren't 'percussion' then?

they are beyond percussion

 

[tangerinedream]

I didn't go to see them for reasons too complex (dull ) to go into here but I have just discovered that Crooked Fingers, (the one and only Eric Bachman's post Archers of Loaf project) are support the 'lexico on three date in the US/Canada in June. This is like a dream gig, and it is real. I would like to start my own registered charity so I could go to one of these gigs. Maybe I could get a lottery grant or something. Or write and ask them both if they will play 'The North Euston Hotel and Restaraunt' in Fleetwood.

As for the new album. I'm a bit disapointed by it. I would'nt go as far as Dub in dismissing it completely, but I am not captivated by much of it - I do like Roka and Panic Open String a lot though. Couple of corking good tracks but a lot of nothingy 'rocky' stuff. It's like they have tried to ditch the country and the latin and try to record a simple record or something. Anyway - ho hum - I got the 'book and canal' album they were selling on tour from, ahem.... sources... and I much prefer that to the proper new record.

However, after 'In the Reins' which is probably my favourite thing I've bought for two years at least, anything would be disapointing. I love that record so, so much. I would like them to do a covers ep.. Normally I think they are a shit idea, but I think they could do a brilliant one.

So, Urban... I have very probably bored you enough. Carry on...

 

[la ressistance]

a guy i know just leant me "hot rail" and i was very very impressed.i'd never even heard of them before,but i've now got all there albums.

 

[tangerinedream]

a guy i know just leant me "hot rail" and i was very very impressed.i'd never even heard of them before,but i've now got all there albums.

Go to archive.org and get the live stuff (the stuff with the 5 star rating is CD quality)

 

[la ressistance]

Go to archive.org and get the live stuff (the stuff with the 5 star rating is CD quality)

will do.

 

[moonsi til]

listened to the new album for 1st time last night, i love it ...no complaints here.