Calexico — Live From Austin TX

Live From Austin TX

New West/Fontana North

Kate Harper (CHARTattack)

02/05/2009 11:46am

Calexico appeared on the Austin City Limits television show after the release of 2006's Garden Ruin. While there's very little that's remarkable in terms of this DVD's production, Calexico's performance is what stands out, and it proves to the viewer that there's little to no studio trickery on the band's albums. Joey Burns, John Convertino and company truly stand out live, from the spaghetti western and Mexican songs like "El Picador" and "Guero Canelo" to the fantastic (and much more rock 'n' roll) version of "Not Even Stevie Nicks." Mexican singer Salvador Duran adds his incredible voice on great renditions of "Roka" and "Guero Canelo," along with "He Lays In The Reins," on which Iron And Wine's Sam and Sarah Beam also join in. No song disappoints and, while the DVD may be nothing spectacular to watch, it should easily show you why Calexico are the quintessential southwestern American band.