Algiers

I've owned this album since it was released 4+ months ago, and it has grown on me quite a bit. I've become a huge Calexico fan the past 5 or so years, and in general this album won't disappoint those that are happy with where Calexico is at.For those that wish Calexico would go somewhere different, they show hints at it. I think it begins with recording this album in New Orleans and titling it after the studio they used. There are subtle hints at that move, but probably not enough to call this album a departure for the band. In general, Calexico is still Calexico here. It is a solid album, and it starts off beautifully. The first 3 tracks are fantastic tracks reminiscent of the finest on any of the previous Calexico albums. They continue with their Southwestern sound, but it is the slight variations like Sinner in the Sea that end up as highlights on this album.I point out that song because it is where the use of organs as an instrument (the most obvious New Orleans influence) shows up, and it adds a tension that really makes the song shine. I also like the somewhat obvious reference to the Doors that comes through in the track at its tensest moment. It makes the song a 5 star track. If the rest of the album had showcased such performances and the organ more, it would be a 5 star album. Instead, after the track (starting at the song Para), you get Calexico moving into its comfort zone, which isn't all bad. The songs are beautiful in their own right. The album just unfortunately feels like a tease with the initial 3 tracks, and I wish the momentum and organ influence would have continued.I don't mind the evolution of a band, and Calexico does hint at it. I see some critics panning the album because of a lack of change, but it isn't that bad. Taken alone, the album is good. It's definitely 4 stars. It isn't an album I'd reference to my friends who want to listen to the band I've been bragging about for the last few years and has become one of my favorites. I'd still steer them towards Carried to Dust or The Black Light (5 star albums for sure). Never-the-less, this album is not something I'd discourage anyone from. 4-stars is not bad.

Joey Burns and John Covertino founded Calexico in Tucson in 1996, and they continue to explore territory on the border between Southwestern rock and Mexican music. Longtime fans will be very satisfied by this new release, their seventh, and it should attract even more followers with its seamless blend of atmospheric guitars and vocals with lush horns and violins. Recorded in New Orleans, it bears none of the sounds of that city, but it does capture some of its mournful pathos."Algiers" opens with two sweeping anthems, "Epic" and "Splitter," followed by the songs "Sinner in the Sea" and "Para," both of which have a feeling of low-key, minor-key menace that builds to a shattering climax. A Latin rock instrumental entitled "Algiers" precedes a powerful song of lost love, "Maybe on Monday," and two others with a south-of-the-border style (think acoustic guitar and mariachi trumpets), "Puerto" and "No Te Vayas," the latter sung in Spanish. The album closes with two intimate, heartfelt songs. The first, "Hush," is much simpler than second, "The Vanishing Mind," which features a layered sound with acoustic piano and strings.Not all of the tracks on this CD are quite as effective as the ones I've mentioned. The confessional "Fortune Teller" is a lovely composition that brings to mind Paul Simon, and while that's very good company to be in, I feel the song lacks distinctiveness. "Better and Better" is just too fragile and pathetic for me. Overall, however, the album is a beautiful, brooding work that perfectly matches my mood on those cloudy days when I want to wallow in my blues.A two-CD import edition is also available. It contains "Spiritoso," a second 12-track disc with an excellent live concert performance that includes several of the songs on "Algiers":1. Frontera / Trigger (5:25)2. Epic (4:24)3. The News About William (3:44)4. Black Heart (4:54)5. Minas De Cobre (3:02)6. Inspiracion (3:29)7. Two Silver Trees (4:39)8. Para (4:39)9. Quattro (5:02)10. Crystal Frontier (7:43)11. The Vanishing Mind (4:13)12. Fortune Teller (4:19)

Calexico are pretty much my favourite band and their last studio album 'Carried to Dust' is a truly great album. It would feature in my 'all time great top ten albums list'. So I was wondering how on earth they would follow it.Maybe it was my inflated expectations, but I must admit that on first hearing I was a little disappointed with 'Algiers'. If you experience something similar my advice is 'stick with it'! After playing it two three times I can't wait to hear it again. For me the album gets stronger and stronger the more I hear it. It's right up there with Calexico's best work. No doubt the song 'Fortune Teller' will be mentioned by many - and rightfully so, it's a song of spine tingling beauty that is worthy of Dylan at his absolute peak. But the other songs come creeping up behind it gaining strength the more they are heard. Joey Burns appears to be gaining in confidence. His vocal performance on the album is stunning.Just one addition. In my haste to hear the album I almost downloaded the MP3. I'm glad I didn't because the Cd version contains a bonus CD 'Spiritoso'. All Calexico fans must have this! It is a live performance with the band augmented by what sounds like a huge orchestra and brass section. The string arrangements are exquisite and the performances are inspired. Again, Joey Burn's vocal performance in front of such a massive band is powerful and mesmerising. Incredible.

I have kept an eye on Calexico for some time as they have produced some brilliant tracks ('the crooked rose and the briar', 'ballad of cable hogue', 'the ride', 'minas de cobre', 'stray', 'all the pretty horses') amongst a lot of dross. In my opinion I don't think they have created a truly great album, so I listened to this not really expecting much and I have to say it is quite brilliant and beautiful. I liked it so much I actually bought it!! The standout tracks for me are 'Epic', 'Fortune Teller', 'Para', 'Maybe on Monday', 'Better and Better', 'Hush, 'The Vanishing Mind'. It bypasses the brain and goes straight to your soul.

Been meaning to review this for years...it was my first experience of Calexico, after a recommendation from a friend, and I still love listening to it several years on, and counting... pure class.

This an excellent album from Calexico and to my ears is the best they have done since Feast of Wire. The songs are all well crafted and are a mixture of genres which is what you get with Calexico. My favourites are Epic,Splitter,Fortune Teller and Para. If you going to buy i would recommend the version with the additional live CD which is excellent. I can vouch for how good they are live after seeing them last night.

This album gets better every time I listen to it - the live version of the album sounds even better. Had to complete a long overnight journey recently - listening to this almost made it seem I was in New Mexico rather than driving to the north of England!