New songs from Calexico

Calexicos newest album Garden Ruin is a less instrumental effort. When I say less, I mean there are no instrumental tracks which is something very odd for a Calexico album. It seems like all the instrumental tracks went on their 17 track tour only release, the book and the canal. The intro guitar on the very first track had me very worried, but the rest of the song took off and as soon as the drums kicked in most of the worry went away. At times the album sound less like a Calexico album but more like a Joey Burns album. They still retain that southwestern flavor but it has been downplayed considerably compared to previous albums. Although I miss the marachi flavor this was an album that Calexico needed to make, they needed to change gears and see where they could go. After couple of listens I'm really starting to enjoy the album.

Calexico - Letter to Bowie Knife

Calexico - Smash

Also noteworthy is the cover art, everytime I see the an album cover from a Calexico release I cringe and think to myself "what were they thinking". I like this album cover a lot, its a complete change in style. The 11 track Garden Ruin Garden Ruin will be available in stores April 11 from Quarterstick.

Also on the Calexico front, from the Quarterstick website:

Calexico has taken home the prize for "Americana Album Of The Year" with Iron & Wine for their collaborative effort In The Reins at the Second Annual Plug Awards. The awards ceremony, which took place February 2 in New York, celebrates the best in independent music.