Convict Pool

Mostly acoustic, very-recognizably-Calexico mariachi rock -- horns, accordion, and smoky vocals. Highly varied. All songs are excellent. Three covers and three new/recent originals. Includes an English-language cover (previously released on the Japanese version of Feast of Wire) of a beautiful French song by chanteuse Françoiz Breut, who they've toured with. Joey Burns sang on her 2001 LP (btw, her new LP came out in March). Start with 1, 3, 5.

=> 1. Long, quiet beginning leading up to a surprisingly faithful version of a song from Love's 1967 Forever Changes LP. Wait. Did Love cover Calexico? Previously released on German CD.
2. Starts with spoken words 'Convict pool.' Quiet, downtempo, guitar, voice, & acoustic-percussion ballad leading to thunderous, angst-filled anthem.
=> 3. Hyper-romantic, soft ballad, Calexico style. A beautiful cover of a beautiful, us-against-the-world sort of song.
4. Starts with spoken word 'Corona.' Happy, bouncy, mariachi country. Lots of horns and accordion. Pass the guacamole and can I have another Corona? Festive, quick ending.
=> 5. Down-tempo, mariachi-cabaret instrumental. Starts with solo accordion, then gets a bit noisy and weird.
6. Dark, salsa rhythm. Upbeat pace but romantic, death-oriented lyrics.