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Calexico — Crystal Frontier (Widescreen)
Album: Crystal Frontier
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3231









Released: 2001
Length: 3:50
Plays (last 30 days): 2
Marco's shadow falls on the door to the 7 lost cities of gold
Finds a raven's head and rattler's tail
Dead in his tracks, this Godforsaken soul's
Unwanted here and his ghost lingers for years

Amalia's face hides behind the mask, sweating on the TV factory line
That smile on her face is starting to crack
While welding back the pieces of shattered heart
That's scattered out here with the ghosts of her peers

Searches for her lost child along the river of tears
The river of tears
The end of the working week when drunken worlds meet
both sides keeping a close eye for a break in the line here
On the crystal frontier, crystal frontier

Ramon tightens up his leather belt and slips on through a hole in the fence
He can get you anything you want
It might cost you a life
It might cost you the whole price of freedom here
On the crystal frontier

Searching for your lost love along the the river of tears
The river of tears
Blood spills out on the streets and bodies are missing for weeks
Both sides keeping a close eye watching the bullets fly here
On the crystal frontier, crystal frontier
Comments (223)add comment
 naturalman wrote:

I can't say I'm.well versed in Mexican music but boy did I love Vicente Fernandez (Ranchero music): the music, the theatrics, the emotion quotient. Listen to Aca Entre Nos as an example. Wonderful



I would echo your sentiment. I guess that I equate Mexican music to Mariachi bands (which are also excellent by the way) and thanks to RP my musical horizons have once more been widened. What a wonderful band this is!
I can't say I'm.well versed in Mexican music but boy did I love Vicente Fernandez (Ranchero music): the music, the theatrics, the emotion quotient. Listen to Aca Entre Nos as an example. Wonderful
 Andres-7 wrote:

Horrible. Hate mexican music. 3, being generous.



I guess you can also be racist rating music. How can you hate mexican music? There are so many different mexican bands, rhythms etc that making a generalization like this one seems to come from a racist place. BTW Calexico is not a mexican band...
Good Tune!
 SmackDaddy wrote:

This might help you to better understand why we're in such a state


https://www.cell.com/current-b... 
 

Whoa, way off topic of RP (thankfully), but what an interesting read/study.  I wasn't sure it wasn't parody at first.  I would love a follow up on the gray matter relationship to the aging brain. 
 lizardking wrote:

OMG...markybx might have just made the best topical politically tinged song comment I've seen on an RP song comment board since...well since Bush II.  Back in those days I was fond of saying something about "too much bush" and that our C*NTRY needed a Brazillian wax....and in general when referring to G.W. I simply called him "Shrub."

Of course for the current POTUS, I either refer to him as just "45", or my 'go-to' name for that person is the simple rhyme; "Chump."

I really don't try to comment on him that much....it frustrates me to no end when I think of all the dysfunction in our once proud republic.  I totally understand wanting to go away from the regular Washington types, but to go to a billionaire for our "change" in DC, one who seems driven to place his cronies in influential places (like sure, let's have the former CEO of the WORLD's 2nd largest company by our Secretary of State, a world famous surgeon can be our Housing & Urban development secretary, a climate change denier should  be our....ah screw it....too much of my energy wasted even thinking about this shit. 

PEACE and LONG LIVE RP!


 
This might help you to better understand why we're in such a state


https://www.cell.com/current-b... 
 michael.o.turner wrote:


I wish I had the time and energy to sympathise with you - but we in the UK are in the same deep shit as you, with our own mini-Chump and it takes all my energy to get from one day to the next.  All the best though,  cousin.
 
This may help you understand these situations.

https://www.cell.com/current-b... 
 lizardking wrote:

OMG...markybx might have just made the best topical politically tinged song comment I've seen on an RP song comment board since...well since Bush II.  Back in those days I was fond of saying something about "too much bush" and that our C*NTRY needed a Brazillian wax....and in general when referring to G.W. I simply called him "Shrub."

Of course for the current POTUS, I either refer to him as just "45", or my 'go-to' name for that person is the simple rhyme; "Chump."

I really don't try to comment on him that much....it frustrates me to no end when I think of all the dysfunction in our once proud republic.  I totally understand wanting to go away from the regular Washington types, but to go to a billionaire for our "change" in DC, one who seems driven to place his cronies in influential places (like sure, let's have the former CEO of the WORLD's 2nd largest company by our Secretary of State, a world famous surgeon can be our Housing & Urban development secretary, a climate change denier should  be our....ah screw it....too much of my energy wasted even thinking about this shit. 

PEACE and LONG LIVE RP!


 

I wish I had the time and energy to sympathise with you - but we in the UK are in the same deep shit as you, with our own mini-Chump and it takes all my energy to get from one day to the next.  All the best though,  cousin.
I love both versions of this song ("widescreen" & acoustic), completely different feel to the two of them.
 bruce_in_renfrew wrote:
I absolutely LOVE Radio Paradise....but please, Bill, I am begging you..please stop playing this song at least 6 times a week....I used to enjoy it....with an emphasis on 'used to'
 
that's what happen when clicking often on PSD, you get out of the mainstream and hear repeats. Don't blame Bill, just PSD once more or use the alternative channel.
 bruce_in_renfrew wrote:
I absolutely LOVE Radio Paradise....but please, Bill, I am begging you..please stop playing this song at least 6 times a week....I used to enjoy it....with an emphasis on 'used to'
 
Been played only twice in the last month.  Lighten up please.  
 bruce_in_renfrew wrote:
I absolutely LOVE Radio Paradise....but please, Bill, I am begging you..please stop playing this song at least 6 times a week....I used to enjoy it....with an emphasis on 'used to'
 
It's on the tape. It would take days to remove it.
I absolutely LOVE Radio Paradise....but please, Bill, I am begging you..please stop playing this song at least 6 times a week....I used to enjoy it....with an emphasis on 'used to'
Calexico ... thanks RP .. I never knew this wonderful band existed before
Calexico! {#Bananajam}
Enjoyed them on stage 2 weeks ago here in Germany. 
A solid 9 to me.
To me this is 7 - Quite Likeable  but just barely
 bruce_in_renfrew wrote:
I enjoyed this song the first time I heard it....but I swear I have heard it at least 5 times in the last week or so....please Bill...I LOVE your station....but we need some new material 
 
Suggestions: Hush, Quattro, Fronter/Trigger (live), He Lays In The Reins (with Sam), Señor (with Willie), Ghostwriter, No Te Vayas, Two Silver Trees.... so many!
I enjoyed this song the first time I heard it....but I swear I have heard it at least 5 times in the last week or so....please Bill...I LOVE your station....but we need some new material 
 Gegenschein wrote:

Thanks for your comment, lizardking. Looking from Europe to the US, it is hardly to bear at the moment. How could this thing be elected? Im German we have a funny word: Fremdscham....it means to be ashamed of someone else....in case of 'Chump' 😉 there only seems to be fremdscham, as this person seems to have no function of shame or guild in himself. I do hope, that next time more people are aware of what they vote for. The USA seems to be a funny farm at the moment. But listening to RP I am sure, that these people are not the majority. Good luck... 
 
fremdscham - thanks for the new German word....and boy am I sorry it applies to the president. 
 Andres-7 wrote:
Horrible. Hate mexican music. 3, being generous.

 
I'm not quite sure how this qualifies as "Mexican" music. He's singing en Ingles, and no mariachi, corrido, canción Ranchera, Yucatecan trova, etc. is within my earshot. Not sure what you're hearing. Are some tracks by Los Lobos "Mexican"? How about that Santana dude? He was BORN and learned to play en Mexico.  Perhaps you need a better musical education. 


 lizardking wrote:

OMG...markybx might have just made the best topical politically tinged song comment I've seen on an RP song comment board since...well since Bush II.  Back in those days I was fond of saying something about "too much bush" and that our C*NTRY needed a Brazillian wax....and in general when referring to G.W. I simply called him "Shrub."

Of course for the current POTUS, I either refer to him as just "45", or my 'go-to' name for that person is the simple rhyme; "Chump."

I really don't try to comment on him that much....it frustrates me to no end when I think of all the dysfunction in our once proud republic.  I totally understand wanting to go away from the regular Washington types, but to go to a billionaire for our "change" in DC, one who seems driven to place his cronies in influential places (like sure, let's have the former CEO of the WORLD's 2nd largest company by our Secretary of State, a world famous surgeon can be our Housing & Urban development secretary, a climate change denier should  be our....ah screw it....too much of my energy wasted even thinking about this shit. 

PEACE and LONG LIVE RP!

 
Thanks for your comment, lizardking. Looking from Europe to the US, it is hardly to bear at the moment. How could this thing be elected? Im German we have a funny word: Fremdscham....it means to be ashamed of someone else....in case of 'Chump' 😉 there only seems to be fremdscham, as this person seems to have no function of shame or guild in himself. I do hope, that next time more people are aware of what they vote for. The USA seems to be a funny farm at the moment. But listening to RP I am sure, that these people are not the majority. Good luck... 
 Andres-7 wrote:
Horrible. Hate mexican music. 3, being generous.
markybx wrote:

Well, you could build a wall to keep it out {#Cheesygrin}

 
OMG...markybx might have just made the best topical politically tinged song comment I've seen on an RP song comment board since...well since Bush II.  Back in those days I was fond of saying something about "too much bush" and that our C*NTRY needed a Brazillian wax....and in general when referring to G.W. I simply called him "Shrub."

Of course for the current POTUS, I either refer to him as just "45", or my 'go-to' name for that person is the simple rhyme; "Chump."

I really don't try to comment on him that much....it frustrates me to no end when I think of all the dysfunction in our once proud republic.  I totally understand wanting to go away from the regular Washington types, but to go to a billionaire for our "change" in DC, one who seems driven to place his cronies in influential places (like sure, let's have the former CEO of the WORLD's 2nd largest company by our Secretary of State, a world famous surgeon can be our Housing & Urban development secretary, a climate change denier should  be our....ah screw it....too much of my energy wasted even thinking about this shit. 

PEACE and LONG LIVE RP!


 Andres-7 wrote:
Horrible. Hate mexican music. 3, being generous.

 
Well, you could build a wall to keep it out {#Cheesygrin}
Horrible. Hate mexican music. 3, being generous.
That got me dancing in the office....sure glad I work alone....LOL
 tupicetti wrote:
What a segue! first Fanfare for the Common Man (Copland) and then this (Calexico) with the brasses and all... Just WOW!
 

 
Another good segue just now: this  —>  Shearwater "Backchannels."
Nice Bill, A run of Mexican ting.....
The vocals sound like Cake for sure....much better tho
Have to agree on seque choice!  Very nice!
What a segue! first Fanfare for the Common Man (Copland) and then this (Calexico) with the brasses and all... Just WOW!
 
I loves me some Calexico! {#Daisy}
        In for front a frond tree, it's  tearing me apart,  and  breaking my heart in two
Behind the scenes, and over tiers&pews some  people and some  day-glow holy trinities
 eroz wrote:
Very cool band. I can only imagine what they're like live!

 
FANTASTIC that's how.
 eroz wrote:
Very cool band. I can only imagine what they're like live!

 
Rather like this.
 eroz wrote:
Very cool band. I can only imagine what they're like live!

 
I have seen them live twice and recommend them a lot.
 FourFortyEight wrote:

Actually yes.  Yes it does.  Sound stupid.  

 
And then ... Bill queues Calexico-like Cake song. For lulz. {#Laughing}
Very cool band. I can only imagine what they're like live!
                
                        Calexico - always such a cool sound
 ziakut wrote:
 asilbuch wrote:
sounds like Cake

  No...this doesn't sound stupid...so...no not like Cake.

 
Actually yes.  Yes it does.  Sound stupid.  
nice transition from Aaron Copland — Fanfare for the Common Man
BTW.: also nice to be released from Aaron Copland!
Sorry to all you Brass lovers out there.
Great concert in a small Sacramento club a few years back.....
 oldsaxon wrote:
 sounds like Cake? The band Cake? I can't hear that?

 
I think it's the half-singing/half-speaking "vocals" and the single trumpet accompaniment which may remind some people of Cake's sound. 
nice sound; a dancy Rodriguez rip-off without the angst. a modern sugarman version.
The intro. sounds like some great "scene changing" music from "Dexter".
 asilbuch wrote:
sounds like Cake

 
{#Naughty}  No, sounds like Calexico
 oldsaxon wrote:
 sounds like Cake? The band Cake? I can't hear that? 



 
I can hear it, the two singers have a similar tone, and the cadence here is similar to a lot of Cake material.
I don't know if I ever heard a Calexico song I didn't like.
 asilbuch wrote:
sounds like Cake

 



No...this doesn't sound stupid...so...no not like Cake.
Just saw their last show of the Algiers tour this past Sunday, and saw one of the first shows of the tour a year ago in the same place. Once again a fantastic show. But unfortunately, they don't play this anymore.
Am I the only one hearing the lyrics?

I lived many years in S. America and I can confirm that the horrible situation the song describes is an ongoing thing in 9 barrios out of 10.

It doesn't have to be a maquila town at all.

Very sad.



 harrycrase wrote:

I don't hear Cake at all.  
 

 
i do a bit, but that's because I've heard too much Cake on RP in the last few days, and too much of this song...constantly.
 oldsaxon wrote:
 sounds like Cake? The band Cake? I can't hear that? 



 
I don't hear Cake at all.  
 
Loving this band more and more. {#Heartkiss}
This is what I'm talking about!{#Bananajumprope}
 asilbuch wrote:
sounds like Cake
  sounds like Cake? The band Cake? I can't hear that? 


 toomanyollys wrote:
Finally bought this (buying up Calexico albums in reverse chronological order) and listened to it on some big 'phones... 9 -> 10 :)
 

Hm... the amazon link to this says it costs $75.  I don't think I'll be paying that.
What's the difference between the widescreen version and the regular song?  Anyone know?

 
only 6 more days til 'the concert {#Bananapiano}
Just not a big fan of these people. Can't say why. Just the "sound" doesn't grab me. 
sounds like Cake
Finally bought this (buying up Calexico albums in reverse chronological order) and listened to it on some big 'phones... 9 -> 10 :)
Wow -  Spooky -  straight after my comment Bill plays some Glass
 ThePoose wrote:
Not all glass is crystal on the frontier
I thought this was Phillip Glass at first.

Koy...aan...isss...scottt...sii.....
 
I'd love to hear Bill play that Glass track  :-)
 


Not all glass is crystal on the frontier
I thought this was Phillip Glass at first.

Koy...aan...isss...scottt...sii.....
 


Great song, funny to dance in a kind of salsa!!!This morning I need music like that. {#Dancingbanana}
 photolew wrote:
If this doesn't get your toes tapping nothing will....LOVE IT!!!
 
Then I guess nothing will. I guess I'm without hope. I had such high expectations for my life.  
Really like this!
 Pilgrim301 wrote:
I hear this song too often. Funny, I think it's a good song but now I groan when I hear it. Can't please everyone all the time, I guess. :)
 
Ha! This is exactly what I thought just now and came to this website to make this comment.


I hear this song too often. Funny, I think it's a good song but now I groan when I hear it. Can't please everyone all the time, I guess. :)
Nice!
Closed with this at the Prescott Day of the Dead Festival last weekend. Spooky show!



Calexico - Inspiracion, Live

Calexico performing Inspiracion with guest vocalist Amparo Sanchez from the new LIVE Calexico tour CD Ancienne Belgique - Live In Brussels 2008, recorded on October 13, 2008 at Ancienne Belgique, Brussels, Belgium.

is that Comrade BARRY on the cover??  {#Whisper}
Artist website link only takes you to wikipedia....go here to learn more about this awesome band~> www.casadecalexico.com


An oldie but a goodie!
I thought this was Phillip Glass at first.

Koy...aan...isss...scottt...sii.....
 UncleChig wrote:
Sorry this song really does suck ! El Sucko badoooo

... and in my grey day, filled with tons of BS , the horns sear through the clouds .. and suddenly my day is just a little bit better. Thanks RP and Calexico

 
 


If this doesn't get your toes tapping nothing will....LOVE IT!!!

John Convertino and Joey Burns  by mikerizzi
Mike Rizzi
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rizzi/

Calexico soundcheck at the Fillmore.

Copyright All rights reserved

 rbschader wrote:
Great Show @ the Belly Up last night!  I counted 13 musicans on the stage for a few songs.  Gotta love a band that travels with a xylophone.

 
It was an awesome show!  They still put on a great show with just Joey and John.  Very versatile collection of artists.

Great Show @ the Belly Up last night!  I counted 13 musicans on the stage for a few songs.  Gotta love a band that travels with a xylophone.

These guys did this song on the beach at our festival this summer......perfect night, mountains sharp against the setting sun and the horns punctuating the surprisingly strong vocals.
Only perfect.
 tutakea wrote:
this song sucks!
 

... and in my grey day, filled with tons of BS , the horns sear through the clouds .. and suddenly my day is just a little bit better. Thanks RP and Calexico

 
This song always sticks with me after hearing it. 6-7...
this song sucks!
 FluorideFreeMN wrote:
Bill gets credit for introducing me to so many awesome bands, and Calexico is one of them.

I've always like the Latin salsa twist in their music...just cool enough for me to enjoy but not quite poppy enough for Top 40 stations!

Perfect balance! 
 
my thoughts exactly!  Bill Rocks!

For some reason, this song always make me think of the River Styx.

Calexico at the Corner No. 6 by ~sunken-waltz
©2007-2010 ~sunken-waltz

Martin Wenk and Jacob Valenzuela from Calexico.

Taken on their second performance in Melbourne at the Corner Hotel - 4/3/07

I always feel like dancing when I hear this (and I don't even dance)

See them live - you'll see what I mean. . .
Viva Calexico! 
 MissIncendium wrote:
Strange....I have a version of this song that is very different
 

This one?
Strange....I have a version of this song that is very different

Calexico - "Crystal Frontier" Live in London (2004)

Calexico with Mariachi Luz de Luna - Crystal Frontier. dvd World Drifts In, Live at the Barbican, London. 2004.

"Art Is Resistance"



 alux wrote:

Que onda?  That is a Continental tunnel-vision Spanish perspective.  Mexican spanish is full of aspirated x's (Oaxaca anyone?).  And with 100 million Spanish speakers, guess who wins?  Adios Espana.

 
I collect Oaxacan wood carvings ;-)

please!!, no more of this song. There are better Calexico songs.
Bill gets credit for introducing me to so many awesome bands, and Calexico is one of them.

I've always like the Latin salsa twist in their music...just cool enough for me to enjoy but not quite poppy enough for Top 40 stations!

Perfect balance! 
The riff on the trumpets was copied from this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMIQVuy9DNw
i have a serious urge to dance like this{#Dancingbanana}, but i don't think my clients would like it.

Cracking stuff!
Bill, you are really making me miss Tucson. Some random facts . . . the dem. congress woman from S.E. Arizona, Gabby Giffords requested this song at a recent rally for her plus recently the space shuttle astronauts could be heard on on of their broadcasts blasting this from the shuttle. 
 FallOutOfWindow wrote:
Crystal....
 
.... Frontier

Crystal....
 physastro2050 wrote:
I think Mexico its the only Spanish word with x, that is pronounced like that, also ME-HI-CO. All the other words with x are pronounced normal, like CALE-XI-CO {#Yes}
 
I've heard rumours about a place called "Tejas".

 physastro2050 wrote:
I think Mexico its the only Spanish word with x, that is pronounced like that, also ME-HI-CO. All the other words with x are pronounced normal, like CALE-XI-CO {#Yes}
 
Que onda?  That is a Continental tunnel-vision Spanish perspective.  Mexican spanish is full of aspirated x's (Oaxaca anyone?).  And with 100 million Spanish speakers, guess who wins?  Adios Espana.

Yes, lets dance!!!
Who are these guys? Very nice! {#Dance}
I think Mexico its the only Spanish word with x, that is pronounced like that, also ME-HI-CO. All the other words with x are pronounced normal, like CALE-XI-CO {#Yes}
 fredriley wrote:
It's the mean blarting horns that really make Calexico a fine band, and makes them stand out. Nice to hear trumpets being used in modern music, as so few other bands use them (though plenty use saxes). Thanks to RP for introducing me to them, and I must get around to getting a CD or two of them. 7 from the Nottingham jury. Oh, and should "Calexico" be pronounced "Cale-hic-co" in the Spanish way?
 


Perhaps, but Ca-LEX-ih-co is how everyone pronounces the town that they named themselves after. It's a Spanglish thang...
Bouncy brilliance. Superb!

It's the mean blarting horns that really make Calexico a fine band, and makes them stand out. Nice to hear trumpets being used in modern music, as so few other bands use them (though plenty use saxes). Thanks to RP for introducing me to them, and I must get around to getting a CD or two of them. 7 from the Nottingham jury. Oh, and should "Calexico" be pronounced "Cale-hic-co" in the Spanish way?
{#War}phlattop wrote:

I'm not big on Calexico but I'd never rate them as low as Cake. Cake is the same bad joke told over and over. Calexico shows a great range of styles and is quite creative.

Sorry that you don't GET CAKE...{#Stupid} - they are UNIQUE...{#Cowboy} - as is Calexico....{#War}


This song is dying to be followed up by "Switch and the Spur" by the Raconteurs.
 Stefen wrote:
What is "widescreen" in the song title?
 
Maybe there's also a 4:3 version of this song?

I suddenly realized that I need to add some Calexico to my collection.
Even the album cover looks kinda Cakey.
I like this band well enough thanks to RP turning me onto them but I sometimes feel like RP Radio is "Calexico Radio"...over-played
 phlattop wrote:

I'm not big on Calexico but I'd never rate them as low as Cake. Cake is the same bad joke told over and over. Calexico shows a great range of styles and is quite creative.
 
{#Clap}

 cathenley wrote:
Kind of like CAKE
 
I'm not big on Calexico but I'd never rate them as low as Cake. Cake is the same bad joke told over and over. Calexico shows a great range of styles and is quite creative.
What is "widescreen" in the song title?
Comment - this song is a solid 8.
no comment  -   8.