Calexico is a band known for their unique blend of Americana, Tex-Mex, and indie rock. Formed in 1996 in Tucson, Arizona, the band consists of two core members, Joey Burns and John Convertino, who have been playing music together since the 1980s. Over the years, Calexico has released a string of critically acclaimed albums, cementing their place as one of the most influential and innovative bands in the alternative music scene.
In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 best Calexico songs of all time. From their early work on their debut album “Spoke” to their most recent release “Edge of the Sun,” we will be showcasing the band’s diverse range of musical styles and lyrical themes. Whether you’re a die-hard Calexico fan or just discovering their music for the first time, this article will provide a comprehensive guide to some of the band’s most memorable and impactful songs. So sit back, relax, and get ready to delve into the world of Calexico’s music.
1. Alone Again Or
“Alone Again Or” is a song originally written by the band Love and covered by Calexico on their 2003 album “Feast of Wire”. Calexico’s version infuses the song with their signature Tex-Mex style, adding accordion and trumpet to the mix. The song features a lively and upbeat rhythm, with Joey Burns’ smooth vocals delivering the melancholic lyrics. The track’s catchy melody and lively instrumental arrangement make it one of Calexico’s most popular songs, and it has become a fan favorite in their live performances. “Alone Again Or” is a testament to Calexico’s ability to blend genres and put their own spin on classic songs, resulting in a unique and captivating sound.
2. Harness the Wind
“Harness the Wind” is a track from Calexico’s 2008 album “Carried to Dust”. The song features a driving rhythm section with a catchy guitar riff, creating a sense of urgency and energy. Joey Burns’ vocals are emotive and powerful, delivering the song’s lyrics about perseverance and determination with conviction and passion. The track also features a lush instrumental arrangement, with horns, strings, and percussion adding to the song’s sense of drama and tension. “Harness the Wind” is a standout track on “Carried to Dust”, an album that explores themes of personal growth and reflection. The song showcases Calexico’s ability to create music that is both dynamic and emotionally resonant, with lyrics that inspire listeners to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles. “Harness the Wind” is a testament to the band’s unique musical identity and their ability to create powerful and uplifting music.
3. Goin’ to Acapulco
“Goin’ to Acapulco” is a song originally written by Bob Dylan and featured in the movie “I’m Not There”. Calexico’s version, released in 2007 on their album “I’m Not There” soundtrack, features a stripped-down arrangement with acoustic guitar, drums, and piano, creating a haunting and melancholic atmosphere. Joey Burns delivers the lyrics with a raw and emotive vocal performance, perfectly capturing the song’s sense of longing and restlessness. The song’s lyrics depict a journey to a faraway land, and Calexico’s interpretation brings this theme to life, creating a sense of escape and adventure. “Goin’ to Acapulco” showcases Calexico’s ability to take a classic song and make it their own, while staying true to its original spirit.
4. Follow the Water
“Follow the Water” is a track from Calexico’s 2012 album “Algiers”. The song features a slow and moody instrumental arrangement, with sparse guitar and piano chords creating a haunting atmosphere. Joey Burns’ vocals are introspective and contemplative, perfectly matching the song’s introspective lyrics about finding one’s way in life. As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, with horns and percussion adding to the sense of drama and tension. “Follow the Water” showcases Calexico’s ability to create a sense of atmosphere and mood through their music, while delivering powerful and emotionally resonant lyrics. The song is a standout track on “Algiers”, an album that is widely regarded as one of Calexico’s best works.
5. History of Lovers
“History of Lovers” is a track from Calexico’s 2006 album “Garden Ruin”. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody with acoustic guitar and a driving rhythm section, giving it a distinctly pop-influenced sound. Joey Burns’ vocals are bright and expressive, delivering the song’s romantic lyrics with sincerity and passion. The track also features a lush instrumental arrangement, with strings and horns adding to the song’s sense of grandeur and emotion. “History of Lovers” is a standout track on “Garden Ruin”, an album that represented a departure from Calexico’s more experimental sound and embraced a more straightforward, pop-oriented approach. The song is a testament to the band’s versatility and their ability to craft memorable, hook-filled melodies while retaining their distinctive musical identity.
6. Quattro – World Drifts in
“Quattro – World Drifts In” is a medley of two songs from Calexico’s 2000 album “Hot Rail”. The first half, “Quattro”, is a fast-paced instrumental track featuring a driving rhythm section and a prominent trumpet melody. The second half, “World Drifts In”, features Joey Burns’ vocals over a slower, more atmospheric instrumental arrangement. The song’s lyrics are introspective and poetic, exploring themes of isolation and alienation. The track showcases Calexico’s ability to seamlessly blend different genres and create complex, multi-layered compositions. “Quattro – World Drifts In” is a highlight of “Hot Rail”, an album that marked a major step forward for the band and established their reputation as one of the most innovative and adventurous groups in the alternative music scene.
7. Father Mountain
“Father Mountain” is a track from Calexico’s 2018 album “The Thread That Keeps Us”. The song features a driving rhythm section and a catchy guitar riff, creating a sense of urgency and energy. Joey Burns’ vocals are impassioned and emotive, delivering the song’s lyrics about the struggle for freedom and independence with power and conviction. The track also features a complex instrumental arrangement, with horns, strings, and percussion adding to the song’s sense of drama and tension. “Father Mountain” is a standout track on “The Thread That Keeps Us”, an album that explores themes of social and political upheaval in the contemporary world. The song showcases Calexico’s ability to create powerful and emotionally resonant music while staying true to their unique musical identity.
8. Moon Never Rises
“Moon Never Rises” is a track from Calexico’s 2003 album “Feast of Wire”. The song features a slow, dreamy instrumental arrangement with gentle acoustic guitar and atmospheric soundscapes, creating a sense of tranquility and introspection. Joey Burns’ vocals are subdued and contemplative, delivering the song’s melancholic lyrics with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The track also features a haunting trumpet solo that adds to the song’s sense of atmosphere and mood. “Moon Never Rises” is a standout track on “Feast of Wire”, an album that represents a high point in Calexico’s discography and a showcase of their ability to create music that is both introspective and emotionally powerful. The song is a testament to the band’s ability to create a sense of atmosphere and mood through their music, while delivering lyrics that are poetic and thought-provoking.
9. Flores y Tamales
“Flores y Tamales” is a track from Calexico’s 2011 album “Selections from Road Atlas 1998-2011”. The song features a lively and upbeat instrumental arrangement with a prominent accordion melody, creating a festive and celebratory mood. The track’s title refers to the traditional Mexican dish of tamales, and the song’s lyrics depict a scene of a street vendor selling tamales and flowers. The lyrics are sung in Spanish, adding to the song’s sense of cultural authenticity and homage to Calexico’s southwestern roots. “Flores y Tamales” is a standout track on “Selections from Road Atlas 1998-2011”, an album that features live recordings, rare tracks, and unreleased material from throughout the band’s career. The song is a testament to Calexico’s ability to blend different cultural influences and create music that is both festive and deeply rooted in tradition.
10. He Lays In The Reins
“He Lays In The Reins” is a collaboration between Calexico and Iron & Wine, released in 2005 on their EP of the same name. The song features a stripped-down instrumental arrangement with acoustic guitar and piano, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The vocals are shared between Joey Burns and Sam Beam, the lead singer of Iron & Wine, with their voices blending together in perfect harmony. The song’s lyrics explore themes of regret, redemption, and the human condition, and the performance is emotive and soulful. “He Lays In The Reins” is a highlight of the collaboration between Calexico and Iron & Wine, showcasing the two bands’ unique musical styles and their ability to complement each other in a powerful and emotionally resonant way.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
