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Calexico — Alone Again Or
Album: Along Again Or (Single Import)
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1246









Released: 2003
Length: 3:20
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Yeah
Said it's alright
I won't forget
All the times I've waited patiently for you
and you'll do just what you used to do
And I will be alone again tonight, my dear.

Yeah
I heard a funny thing
Somebody said to me,
"You know that I could be in love with almost everyone,
and I think that people are the greatest fun."
and I will be alone again tonight, my dear.

And I will be alone again tonight, my dear.

Yeah
I heard a funny thing
Somebody said to me
"You know that I could be in love with almost everyone;
I think that people are the greatest fun."
and I will be alone again tonight, my dear.

And I will be alone again tonight, my dear.
Comments (198)add comment
 tm wrote:

the reason bands do covers in their own way - is to pay homage to the original artist. this is an excellent tribute to Arthur Lee and Love



it is. i adore the original, but i do love this. the flamenco aspect or whatever - love it. would like to hear the Damned version, too.
We never hear the version by The Damned on here?
Great cover of a wonderful song. Arthur Lee is smiling from above.
the reason bands do covers in their own way - is to pay homage to the original artist. this is an excellent tribute to Arthur Lee and Love
Not a bad attempt, but the original by Love is much better.  Moreover, I never really understand why bands record covers which are so close to the original; take the chords, melody and lyrics and do something different.
The way RP mixes the blend and style - they're playing to the whole world!!

The only 'shadey' time hits Europe about 3 in the afternoon ... gets veery low/slow ...

otherwise, everyone I have recommended likes too!

big love to all
 jeffreygoupil wrote:
THE CLAP CLAPS. So good.
 

That would be "Palmas" in flamenco lingo.
THE CLAP CLAPS. So good.
the more i listen the more i like



{#Music}
Their live version at SXSW is truly outstanding. 
I've rated this one a 9, which might be my highest rated tune featuring a (blistering ;-) handclap solo.
LLRP!!
Why do I keep hearing vestiges of The Moody Blues in the vocals? 
This is cool cover but I would still prefer to hear The Damned's version.
Goes hard!

Got an 8 then the trumpet solo made it a 9
 g3diego wrote:
Calexico does a damn nice job with this cover.  Just hard to improve on Arthur Lee.

 
I agree on both counts.  The vocals aren't as nice as in the original but the instrumentation is great.
Bumping on Sunset.
...throw in NICOLAI DUNGER and you have a hit record in some righteous parallel universe.
I like this "Mariachi" version!
certainly worthy of a 9 from me
 g3diego wrote:
Calexico does a damn nice job with this cover.  Just hard to improve on Arthur Lee.

 
so agree
 
MAY 2, 2015The Fierce and Seductive Men of FlamencoBY 

Stunning portraits from the Andalusian desert.



 misterbearbaby wrote:

I guess you had'da be there.

 
OH ... you HAD to be there ... but this is MOST excellent!
I like this version, but the urge to listen to the Damned's cover is strong now.
 mrmagoo wrote:
It's a very good cover of Love, but to this old hippy nothing could replace the original song or group or albums...but back in the it just blew you....................................

 
I guess you had'da be there.
Guess I've lived long enough to have heard EVERYTHING!


                                                 I've always been crazy about this song.....Calexico do it the best....{#Crown}
Calexico does a damn nice job with this cover.  Just hard to improve on Arthur Lee.
Always thought this was a UFO song.  this and that are nice, will have to track down the original.
It's a very good cover of Love, but to this old hippy nothing could replace the original song or group or albums...but back in the it just blew you....................................
Calexico at their finest, IMHO
{#Heartkiss}{#Heartkiss} Excellent cover 8 >>>>>>>>>>> 9
 Tippster wrote:
Still prefer the Damned version...

 
Excellent version by Calexico but also prefer The Damned cover.
Still prefer the Damned version...
The original version is great and so is this cover..awesome!
Almost as good as the Love-Version, but not quite...
Loving it 8>9 at least - hope to be seeing them in February..
 
neuticle wrote:

The Damned do a killer job on this one.

 
agree.
Ah one of those - I love this song but have never known who it was by.  Always cool.  Thanks as always to RP.
Great version. I love that Calexico have re-interpreted their own interpretation of this song.
Fun interpretation of a great under the radar song.

Love the Love version of course but this is cool.
 coffee-eyes wrote:
I'm not sure if I like this or not.  I'll have to listen again.  It reminds me of an old 60s or 70s song but I can't think of which one.
 
Maybe the song that it's a cover of?

https://www.radioparadise.com/rp_2.php?#name=songinfo&song_id=30416
Absolutely love this.  Love Calexico.  Jacob Valenzuela rocks.
I'm not sure if I like this or not.  I'll have to listen again.  It reminds me of an old 60s or 70s song but I can't think of which one.
 JrzyTmata wrote:
I just heard this on the radio this morning and wondered why RP hasn't played it yet. and now here it is!!
it's a great version.
 
i love it!!
I just heard this for the first time on the radio this morning and wondered why RP hasn't played it yet. and now here it is!!
it's a great version.
 TJS wrote:
UFO's version of this is the best that I've ever heard
 
No way.
The Damned Love is the best. {#Cheesygrin} 

jeez, anybody hear of a band called Love?

Love the mix of the drums, horns and guitar during the chorus... like a well blended drink.. smooth and relaxing! 

Most excellent! Muei Beuno 
 TJS wrote:
UFO's version of this is the best that I've ever heard
 
I just listened to UFO's version (courtesy of Spotify). It's a tasty cover. I like the guitar solo that replaces the horn solo in the original.  I think I like it better than the Damned's cover — it has more energy, yet it still captures the spirit of the song.


 TJS wrote:
UFO's version of this is the best that I've ever heard
 
No way.
The Damned Love is the best. {#Cheesygrin}
RP should play the Chris Perez band (1999) version of this song. It does a really good cover as well.
 TJS wrote:
UFO's version of this is the best that I've ever heard
 
Didn't know that they covered this too. I'll have to check it out.
UFO's version of this is the best that I've ever heard
Sorry, but this is trivial muzak. A neverending sequence of doodledidoo.
I love this song, no matter who does it.  And I hadn't made the connection between that refrain and the one in "Blues For Baby And Me" but darned if they aren't REALLY similar!  You folks are so perceptive.  Kinda love hanging around this place. {#Mrgreen}
As difficult as it is to cover a previous hit, Calexico's version is every bit as good if not better than the original.
This band consistently impresses me.  The horns in other settings could be cheesy and reminiscent of spaghetti westerns.  However, they put it all together quite nicely. 
 nitorodz wrote:
Not to alienate out non-musicians with this comment, but If I'm thinking right, both songs have bass lines that go from the 5th down to the 1 (the root) for that figure:  5-4-5-4-5-4-5-4-3-2-1
 
I wish I understand that, because I'm completely fascinated and spellbound by this sound structure of this song....


 GuiltyFeat wrote:
One of those songs that I thought just didn't get covered. 
 
The Damned do a killer job on this one.

One of those songs that I thought just didn't get covered. 
 Ja300Mes wrote:
Anybody else hear Elton John "Blues For My Baby And Me" in this song?
 
My first RP post...

The similarity is in the three bars where the lyric is:

(And) I WILL BE ALONE AGAIN TONIGHT MY DEAR

If you can recall that section in your head, you'll notice how those strongly accented syllables are matched unison-like with the musical accompaniment.

The Elton John song, using the exact same rhythmic figure (similar to the Bo Diddley beat, but different) has that same type of syncopated marriage with the vocal and the musical backing:

(Your) OLD MAN GOT MAD WHEN I TOLD HIM WE WERE LEAV-ing

Not to alienate out non-musicians with this comment, but If I'm thinking right, both songs have bass lines that go from the 5th down to the 1 (the root) for that figure:  5-4-5-4-5-4-5-4-3-2-1



There's just something about this song that pulls me in each time I hear it. The original version of it doesn't do that to me.

Love those horns man!
 siandbeth wrote:

me too, I saw UFO in the 70s when I was in Jr. High and I've always loved their version of this song. Who opened for them? Judas Priest.
 
Yup Judas Priest opened when we saw them at the local county venue dubbed the "Echo Palace" for dubious reasons. . . 

. . . good times, good times. . .



Calexico - Alone again or, Live (2006)

Yeah, said it's all right
I won't forget
All the times I've waited patiently for you
And you'll do just what you choose to do
And I will be alone again tonight my dear

Yeah, I heard a funny thing
Somebody said to me

You know that I could be in love with almost everyone
I think that people are
The greatest fun

"Alone Again Or" is a song originally recorded in 1967 by Love, the psychedelic folk-rock baroque-pop band from Los Angeles, USA. It was written by band member Bryan MacLean. It was the opening track on the classic album Forever Changes, and was also released as a single in the USA, UK, Australia, France and Holland.

Versions have subsequently been recorded by an eclectic variety of bands and singers including The Damned (1986), The Oblivians (1993), UFO (1977), Sarah Brightman (1990), The Boo Radleys (1991), Chris Pérez Band (1999), Calexico (2004), Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs (2006), Les Fradkin (2007). Two demo versions by MacLean himself were released in 1997 on his album Ifyoubelievein.     wikipedia

Very good interpretation of The Damned version: thank you.
Not bad, but I still like The Damned's cover the best.
 Ja300Mes wrote:
Anybody else hear Elton John "Blues For My Baby And Me" in this song?
 

I'm trying — because I want to imagine that Elton was listening to Love when he wrote Don't Shoot Me....but I don't hear it
 vandal wrote:
I like all three versions mentioned (Love, UFO, and Calexico) but, I must admit that the UFO version was the first one I heard and became a major party staple while in HS during the 70's. . .

{#Cool}

 
me too, I saw UFO in the 70s when I was in Jr. High and I've always loved their version of this song. Who opened for them? Judas Priest.

I like all three versions mentioned (Love, UFO, and Calexico) but, I must admit that the UFO version was the first one I heard and became a major party staple while in HS during the 70's. . .

{#Cool}

 Tippster wrote:

The Damned takes your UFO and makes it look like a little tiny squirmy thing.  Song is originally by Love, btw.
 
I like UFO's the best too. Schenker had some great guitar work in it.
 Peace_tode wrote:

Ilike UFO's version better too and don't hate to admit it.
 
The Damned takes your UFO and makes it look like a little tiny squirmy thing.  Song is originally by Love, btw.

At the risk of being flamed from here to eternity, I quote romeotuma, "We be dancing..."
 Ja300Mes wrote:
Anybody else hear Elton John "Blues For My Baby And Me" in this song?
 
No, but I did hear that Calexico, Devacthka, and WILCO are playing in Aspen soon, and the tix for their Friday night show were available for the paltry sum of $450.00 US for a single gourmet seat.  Too bad I'll miss it.

Pretty good cover of a terrific song.
Anybody else hear Elton John "Blues For My Baby And Me" in this song?
WOW i feel like i'd underrated calexico.. oh shit wait he didn't write it. ok back to relegating calexico to "bar band" status.


Calexico - 07 by ~photo-grafitti
©2010 ~photo-grafitti

Calexico
Wiltern Theatre
Los Angeles, CA
12.20.2009


 oldman wrote:
I hate to admit it, But I like the UFO version of this song{#Whistle}
 
Ilike UFO's version better too and don't hate to admit it.
what's w/ this song?  never heard it before up until a few years ago, but now it seems on constant play here as well as a local station.  Not bad, but it's one of those songs that gets under your skin, and you catch yourself singing it whether you like it or not...and I'm getting to not like it, thank you very much. 
 RadioDoc wrote:
Don't apologize.  It's a great tune.  The Damned's version is my fave.  This one seems phoned-in, and I usually like Calexico.

 
The Damned's version is my 2nd fav after the original. I think for me UFO's version ties with this one playing now...



Calexico - "Alone again or" Live (2006)
"  "Alone Again Or" is a song originally recorded in 1967 by Love, the psychedelic folk-rock baroque-pop band from Los Angeles, USA. It was written by band member Bryan MacLean. It was the opening track on the classic album Forever Changes, and was also released as a single in the USA, UK, Australia, France and Holland. "



This blows slightly less than the original.
 jadewahoo wrote:
Pathetic passionless rendition of a great song.
 
Great song, great band.  Did someone do this previously?

Just kidding.  I know it's a cover, but I've never heard the original, so I can't say anything other than 'great song, great band'.

 westslope wrote:

Good way to put it.  So Love did this in 1966?   Did the Moody Blues 'borrow' the sound for one of their songs?
 
they wrote it in 65 released in 68 it says on wiki
 laroue wrote:

{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananajam}{#Bananasplit}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajumprope}
 
"that would be awesome man"
Pathetic passionless rendition of a great song.
In the opinion of one who heard this cover before ever hearing the original, I think it makes the original sound flat and emotionless by contrast.

7 for this song and a 6 for the original.
Don't apologize.  It's a great tune.  The Damned's version is my fave.  This one seems phoned-in, and I usually like Calexico.

I hate to admit it, But I like the UFO version of this song{#Whistle}
 DaveInVA wrote:
The original is magic but its nice to see others doing covers though.
 

Very nice version by Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs on their first "Under the Covers" record too.
bachbeet wrote:
Falls way short of the original.


Yeah.

Anthony: Which part of Mexico are you from?
Inez: Paraguay.


 jktravl wrote:
would LOVE to hear all versions in a row
 
{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananajam}{#Bananasplit}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajumprope}
 Peace_tode wrote:
Very Nice. Now how about UFO's version.
 
I'll second that. Especially since UFO is coming to town soon, thirty six years after I saw them the first time!

 ick wrote:
Interesting take on this song.  I think I prefer The Damned's remake of it though.
 
Same here, both counts.

{#Mrgreen}    In this case, there is room for both!  {#Arrowd}
 coyote620 wrote:
I thought this was the Moody Blues.
 
That's OK, the Moody Blues thought they were Love.

And now Calexico has the same affliction.

The original is magic but its nice to see others doing covers though.
continuing a handclap percussion theme from that kasabian tune?  {#Cowboy}
Falls way short of the original.
 wrangler wrote:
great cover of a great song
 
{#High-five} Yes, gr8 cover, of a great song, by a great band.

kurtster wrote:
Love the original. This just isn't doing it for me. Lifeless mariachi cover. And I usually love a good cover.
Shame you don't like it: it's a terrific song, and it's nice that Calexico have covered it, thus revitalising its life in the community. (people who buy Calexico are unlikely to look at CDs called "The Best of the Summer of Love"). (Younger people that is: I buy Calexico, thanks to RP!)

Love the original.  This just isn't doing it for me.  Lifeless mariachi cover.  And I usually love a good cover. 
great cover of a great song
I thought this was the Moody Blues.
{#Dancingbanana} Love the horns

 ick wrote:
Interesting take on this song.  I think I prefer The Damned's remake of it though.
 

I agree.  Not enough Damned on RP, now that you mention it.
Interesting take on this song.  I think I prefer The Damned's remake of it though.
I can think of no other band that could do this classic this kind of justice. Sublime.
Goodness graciousness.  I "LOVE" THIS SONG by Arthur Lee and Co.  Great cover!!!
Wow. Very nice. {#Daisy}
 MrDill wrote:
this is good, would be cool to hear the damned's version
 
Ditto.
 catsoup wrote:
I usually like Calexico, but something is wrong here. Maybe the person who wrote this fell asleep when their MP3 player failed and started playing the Moody Blues and ELO at the same time.

 
Good way to put it.  So Love did this in 1966?   Did the Moody Blues 'borrow' the sound for one of their songs?

Very Nice. Now how about UFO's version.
A video of their live performance of this number can be seen here: https://www.fabchannel.com/calexico_concert/2008-10-15

 bindi wrote:
I am a big fan of Calexico - We went to see them in a rare appearance in these parts (Carrboro, NC) last week.  I prepared myself  for kind of a letdown. . .. I mean really, they cannot be that good live, right?

I was blown away.  How can a band like this, with such amazing diverse and original material (and an excellent cover, like this one) not fill auditoriums?  No complaints here - we were a row back, instead of row R. . . My wife came as someone that liked what she heard before, but left as a big fan.

If you can, see these guys. 
 

Crap I can't believe I missed that...
 holborne wrote:
Ok, so how does this group pronounce its name? Is it ka-LECKS-i-koh, or ka-LEH-hee-koh, as in the Spanish way of pronouncing "Mexico"?
 
Calexico is a town just north of the border of Mexico in California. Right across the border in Mexico is Mexicali.
It's a combo of the two words.
Just don't say it like Arnold would.

I am a big fan of Calexico - We went to see them in a rare appearance in these parts (Carrboro, NC) last week.  I prepared myself  for kind of a letdown. . .. I mean really, they cannot be that good live, right?

I was blown away.  How can a band like this, with such amazing diverse and original material (and an excellent cover, like this one) not fill auditoriums?  No complaints here - we were a row back, instead of row R. . . My wife came as someone that liked what she heard before, but left as a big fan.

If you can, see these guys. 

 

was not wrong when this band impressed me some years ago  -   ** 8 **


Impressive, as always.