http://podcasts.whro.org/ootb/2022-04-11-06-36-36-calexico.mp3

The pandemic looms large as a muse for Calexico’s tenth release “El Mirador." It's a joyful celebration of all good things in life including the latin influences of their work. With brass-heavy arrangements the new songs range from desert music to full on cumbia, mariachi and Cuban rhythms.

Calexico’s Joey Burns and John Convertino return to their previous base, Tuscon, Arizona to record the new album with significant contributions from Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno on vocals. Pieta Brown co-wrote some of the songs and one of the most beautiful songs features backing vocals from Iron and Wine’s Sam Beam. 

The title of the album translates to “The Lighthouse” and Burns explains, “The pandemic highlighted all the ways we need each other, and music happens to be my way of building bridges and encouraging inclusiveness and positivity."

For a band that has been recording for over 25 years “El Mirado” sounds fresh with new ideas and Spanish bravado. Calexico has made many groundbreaking albums but this is one of their best.

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