I recently wrote that there were two current albums taking up most of my available listening time. One is 'Darling Arithmetic' by Villagers and the other is 'Edge of the Sun', the eighth album from Tucson based band, Calexico.
In the twenty years since Joey Burns and John Convertino departed from Howe Gelb's Giant Sand, they have been pretty consistent with their brand of dusty, southern alt-country Americana. As the band name suggests, their music is rooted somewhere between California and Mexico and besides great songs, past albums have featured a healthy dose of mariachi trumpets, guitars and percussion. In some respects, 'Edge of the Sun' is no different, yet it also delivers more, taking us farther afield into previously unexplored territory, blurring the lines between the musical genres as they go.
To deliver this they have hooked up with a host of singers to ably support Burns in the performance of these fine songs. Those of you who recall the great EP 'In The Reins' featuring Calexico and Iron & Wine, will love 'Bullets and Rocks' which features the voice and guitar of Sam Beam. Elsewhere Amparo Sánchez shares the vocal spotlight with Burns on 'Cumbia de Donde' and Neko Case harmonises on 'Tapping on the Line'.
For me one of the finest vocal performances on the album comes from Mexican singer Carla Morrison on 'Moon Never Rises' one of a number of really strong songs. Another highlight is the brooding 'Miles From the Sea' in which the central character dreams of swimming in the ocean despite living in the hot desert many miles away from the coast. Another guest vocalist, Guatemalan Gaby Moreno lends her own soulful voice to this particular track.
Some critics may claim that with this record, Calexico have veered too far from their roots but personally I feel that despite the diversity of the songs, the whole thing hangs together remarkably well. It is certainly one of the finest albums I have heard this year and I currently rate it along with the best that Calexico have offered to date. And that's high praise indeed.
I notice that there are a few new albums on the horizon which have caused a wee flutter of anticipation here in the White Room.
In April there will be a new offering from Calexico. Called 'Edge of the Sun' it will be their first release since 'Algiers' in 2012. You can listen to the track 'Cumbia de Donde' by clicking here.
On the same date, Villagers will release the follow up to the brilliant '{Awayland}'. The track 'Hot Scary Summer' is also currently streaming and can be heard on this link.
I see that both bands also happen to be touring to promote the albums but the bad news for me is that they will not be appearing in my area. Which means I either travel or miss them altogether. Decisions, decisions!
Pretty much imminent is an album 'New York Before the War' from Jesse Malin. It will be his first new album in five years so it will be interesting to see what he comes up with. In my view he is a very underrated artist. I note that he is touring also though the date he hits my area, I have other plans so I will have to miss out. I've seen him on several occasions previously and he never fails to deliver a first class show. Unfortunately on the eve of my 59th birthday he was playing in Newcastle but I was otherwise engaged. My son was able to attend and as he happened to be carrying his birthday card to me, he was cheeky enough to get Malin to sign it for me. A nice little memento for me to keep.
No doubt I will have more to say about Jesse's album in due course.
Also in April I see a new album is due from the Alabama Shakes. I wonder whether 'Sound & Color' will match their debut 'Boys & Girls'. Have a listen to 'Future People' by clicking here and see what you think.
Yet another anticipated release in April comes from Bill Fay. We waited 41 years for his last album, 'Life is People' but thankfully only three years for his latest which will be called 'Who is the Sender?' A track called 'War Machine' is currently available to stream if you click here.
Finally I am looking forward to summer for the release of another album by Sun Kil Moon. It will be called 'Universal Themes' but the exact release date has not yet been announced.
It looks as though 2015 could be another great year for new music.
