Calexico is playing Headliners Sept. 22. In anticipation of the show, John Timmons dialed up Joey Burns of the band to chat about the new Edge of the Sun LP and some songs that Burns wants you to hear.
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Mexican Institute of Sound - Es-toy
"Camilo Lara is the s***. In his project Mexican Institute of Sound he combines samples, loops, instruments and delivers a potent party mix. This song comes from his 2012 album release Politico and his latest album is also badass made together with Toy Selectah called Compass. He is an inspiration on many levels. "
Ceci Bastida - Una Vez Mas
"One of my favorite writers and singers with a new album, a new solo career, a new child and a fresh take on life and all of its beauty and chaos. I like the contrast between electronic keyboard blips and brass section phrases. They provide a cool backdrop for the once punk rock singer from the band Tijuana No to build her vocals. By the chorus they converge in a glorious way. I keep returning to her work and look forward to hearing more from her."
SaintSeneca - Visions
"I heard this song on local Tucson radio KXCI and was immediately hooked. The first opening riffs reminded me of an acoustic chunky Sonic Youth motif which leads you into a series of dynamic shifts centered around a well written verse and celebrational chorus. Love the lines 'You're the ghost that I was born to know, and you're the throat from which the echo's thrown.' There is plenty of slow motion, stop time and catch breath before submerging into wondrous wash of color and enthusiasm."
Natalia Lafourcade - Hasta la Raíz
"Before traveling to Mexico City to start work on writing new material with Calexico, our keyboardist turned me on to this singer songwriter from Mexico. Her last album was a duets performing works from the great composer Augustin Lara. She keeps getting better and better. On her new album of original material which was partially recorded at Sonic Ranch in West Texas, she goes deep. Here is one of the first songs released from her album."
Sonido Gallo Negro - Chamula (Métete)
"This is a good example of an interstellar cumbia in overdrive with call and response-style farfisa organ blasts together with time-warp-tremolo electric guitar. I play this song in my kitchen and there is not a soul who does start swaying and getting out of their chair. How can you deny the charm from the guira which is a percussion instrument that sounds like someone is grating car parts into a large metal bucket. Hypnotic and psychedelic with a touch of sci-fi, makes for a good combination plate."
Lhasa de Sela - Con Toda Palabra
"One of my all time favorite singers and songwriters, Lhasa taps into the realm of classic singers such as Nina Simone and Portugal's queen of Fado Amália Rodrigues. Lhasa sang in at least three different languages and unfortunately passed away too soon. This is one of my favorite songs from her critically acclaimed album The Living Road and a great way to conclude this mix. Thanks so much for listening."