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Calexico — Roka
Album: Garden Ruin
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1555









Released: 2006
Length: 3:34
Plays (last 30 days): 0
sleeping in the valley, valley of ill fortune
waking cross the river, river of delusion
full moon lures the waves, waves of desperation
empty hearts and mouths wither away

so close your eyes
slow your breath
dream of northern lights
around this dance of death

no abandones, no llores, busca tu rio
no te sientas perdido
gira, vuelta y vuelta gira
danza de la muerte
que viene a verte
bailala

cup your hands to her parched heart, parched and
broken heart
no water here to drink way downstream
one goes where the water flows and water's running dry
so don't give up no don't cry, don't cry

just close our eyes
pretend we forget
north country dreams
twist this dance of death

danza de la muerte
si viene a verte
que bailando te encuentre
bailando, girando
danza de la muerte

spin round, spin round, spin round
vuelta, vuelta, muerte

bailala
Comments (150)add comment
The atmospherics on this track are mixed to perfection...just a swirl of music and feelings...so very good... 
Thought I heard a little bit of Leonard Cohen rip-off.
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Fantastic show the other night at the beautiful and sumptuous sounding new Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw, NC. Great sound from these guys and it was obvious they really love playing for their fans. Highly recommend this terrific group live.
 

Man... Remember live shows?

Feels like a dream
 Pilsenaaa wrote:
Not my cup of tee but surely popular with Latino community
 
? May I still like this despite not being Latino?
 drinkkali wrote:

Yup, it's her. Apparently Calexico's guitarist plays a lot with her. Both Spaniards
 
 
Amparo Sànchez has such a cool and recognisable voice. :-)

If you don't know her, check thisout, it's well worth it!
Not my cup of tee but surely popular with Latino community
 AndyJ wrote:
Almost 0130 here.. I'm dancing in th dark... sadly dancing alone this morning.

Nice grouping, thank you.

Good Morning/night ya'll—-
 
Are you still dancing 4 years later?🤣
 songofJoy wrote:
Sounds like the singer from amparanoia? nice tune

 
Yup, it's her. Apparently Calexico's guitarist plays a lot with her. Both Spaniards
 
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Fantastic show the other night at the beautiful and sumptuous sounding new Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw, NC. Great sound from these guys and it was obvious they really love playing for their fans. Highly recommend this terrific group live.

 
I saw them the night before in Atlanta. Great show. On their Instagram page, Calexico raved about that N.C. venue and said it was their best show of the tour.
Last sunday I enjoyed a perfect Calexico concert in Utrecht, the Netherlands! {#Dancingbanana_2}
{#Hearteyes}
Fantastic show the other night at the beautiful and sumptuous sounding new Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw, NC. Great sound from these guys and it was obvious they really love playing for their fans. Highly recommend this terrific group live.
Sounds like the singer from amparanoia? nice tune
  Crazy about Calexico's cool style  {#Kiss}
Almost 0130 here.. I'm dancing in th dark... sadly dancing alone this morning.

Nice grouping, thank you.

Good Morning/night ya'll—-
that one repetitive riff from the horns - 5 notes - v simple, the voice saying god know what, that clip clop sound - what is it, a woodblock? - i'm finding this a fairly hypnotic cocktail, in a good way.
Sorry, sounds dreadful to me, yet I usually enjoy Calexico material....
 JasonfromFrance wrote:
Radio Paradise has definite preference for Calexico.

 
.............. which is not a bad thing
Nice song!
Always such a pick-me-up... first few bars and I'm smiling. Happy :)
 Stingray wrote:

Explain, Helgilein - your English is a bit funny!
 
I know {#Doh}. I am very old, but funny!? {#Lol}
 Misterfixit wrote:

Thank Ghod it wasn't on a Chinese phone, then it would be a "wong" tone; or on porn star's phone — "Dong" tone; (or maybe "Long" tone .. but I digress.  Too much time on my hands with Momma off at Lake Tahoe.
 
Nice comment!
 helgigermany wrote:

If you not check your comment, after written, this can be funny for the other users. We can see here!

 
Thank Ghod it wasn't on a Chinese phone, then it would be a "wong" tone; or on porn star's phone — "Dong" tone; (or maybe "Long" tone .. but I digress.  Too much time on my hands with Momma off at Lake Tahoe.
Radio Paradise has definite preference for Calexico.
 oldsaxon wrote:

Well, aren't we sophisticated? 
 
I was gonna go 'pretentious', but sophisticated is good.
 helgigermany wrote:

If you not check your comment, after written, this can be funny for the other users. We can see here!

 
Explain, Helgilein - your English is a bit funny!
 hbs47 wrote:
I haven't found a Calexico record I don't like.

I don't have them all, but do have many.
 
Why you did not tell us, after finishing your search...?
I haven't found a Calexico record I don't like.

I don't have them all, but do have many.
 bam23 wrote:
 tyCynaera wrote:
This sounds like two completely different songs playing at the same time. I had to check to be sure I didn't have Mediaplayer AND Winamp running at the same time!  I can't like it - it messes with my head... {#Stupid}
 

I suggest that you avoid the album Twins by Ornette Coleman, which does indeed feature two (jazz) combos playing off each other simultaneously. This Calexico piece is only mildly disjointed in contrast. Of course, some of us appreciate the challenges that such an approach offers.
 
Well, aren't we sophisticated? 
 tyCynaera wrote:
This sounds like two completely different songs playing at the same time. I had to check to be sure I didn't have Mediaplayer AND Winamp running at the same time!  I can't like it - it messes with my head... {#Stupid}
 

I suggest that you avoid the album Twins by Ornette Coleman, which does indeed feature two (jazz) combos playing off each other simultaneously. This Calexico piece is only mildly disjointed in contrast. Of course, some of us appreciate the challenges that such an approach offers.
 Carl wrote:
One of my first introductions to Calexico on RP and still like it. Sounds like two different songs playing at once, which is a bit disquieting even when I know it's coming!
 
I wanted to read through the comments just to see if anyone noticed the same. It really is like two different songs playing at once and I loved it. Plus it's Calexico. Very difficult not to love them...
 BostonGameDev wrote:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0983189/

Great book (if not exactly a feel-good read).

 
Oh boy.  Marking my calendar.   I was serious, they should hire Calexico to produce the soundtrack.

No abandones, no llores, busca tu rio
No te sientas perdido
Gira, vuelta y vuelta gira
Danza de la muerte
Que viene a verte
Bailarás

...

Danza de la muerte
Si viene a verte
Que bailando te encuentre
Bailando, girando
Danza de la muerte

——

Don't give up, don't cry, find your river
Don't feel lost
Spin, round and round spin
The dance of death
That comes to see you
You will dance

...

The dance of death
If it comes to see you
May it find you dancing
Dancing, spinning
The dance of death


One of my first introductions to Calexico on RP and still like it. Sounds like two different songs playing at once, which is a bit disquieting even when I know it's coming!
This sounds like two completely different songs playing at the same time. I had to check to be sure I didn't have Mediaplayer AND Winamp running at the same time!  I can't like it - it messes with my head... {#Stupid}
understand nothing but its a good song.

arriba arriba tequila burrito!
 bindi wrote:

What if it's a rong number? {#Roflol}
 
If you not check your comment, after written, this can be funny for the other users. We can see here!

que rico, que hermoso
 bindi wrote:

What if it's a rong number? {#Roflol}
 
Hardy har har ;-)

Right you are.

 Jamunca wrote:
I used a program to edit the beginning of this song for my rongtone. Very cool. Always puts me a in good mood when people call me.
 
What if it's a rong number? {#Roflol}
I used a program to edit the beginning of this song for my ringtone. Very cool. Always puts me a in good mood when people call me.

CALEXICORNICATION!



Calexico - 01 by ~photo-grafitti
©2010 ~photo-grafitti

Calexico
Wiltern Theatre
Los Angeles, CA
12.20.2009

 xviti wrote:
que rico, Amparo Sánchez (Amparanoia) con Calexico o viceversa.


 
To me it sounded like Andrea Echeverri from Aterciopelados

Kewl beans!{#Cheers}
 rdo wrote:
I'm thinking if they ever made a film production of Blood Meridian, this would have to be on it somewhere.
 
This book should NOT be made into a movie. I would be permanently terrified The Judge would be coming to find me after seeing it. EEEK!

 John_ wrote:
I can't help myself - I like Calexico
 
You could move there...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calexico,_California.
I think the band is better than the town though.
I've been there... trust me.


 rdo wrote:
I'm thinking if they ever made a film production of Blood Meridian, this would have to be on it somewhere.
 
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0983189/

Great book (if not exactly a feel-good read).

excellente! Close your eyes, slow your breath, dream of northern lights . . .
I can't help myself - I like Calexico
I'm thinking if they ever made a film production of Blood Meridian, this would have to be on it somewhere.
 xkolibuul wrote:
Calexico is Border music, through and through. Its a big world out there. Suck it up and deal, muchacho.
 

Jajaja bravo!
 kindermanltd wrote:
What's so ridiculously original about them? I need it in English at least half the time, man.
 
So very very very sad....

—muy sabroso chamaquita!!
Very enjoyable!
Another fine example of a song I would likely not ever have known about if it weren't for RP.
 zipper wrote:

How do I determine which one I studied for three years in high school?

 
There's a clue in my last post.
xviti wrote:

And... it's not good for you?
In Spain (España) people speak Castilian, Catalan, Vasco, Valenciano and Gallego.
Spanish is called the person who lives or has Spanish passport, it's not a language.


How do I determine which one I studied for three years in high school?

 xviti wrote:

In Spain (España) people speak Castilian, Catalan, Vasco, Valenciano and Gallego.
Spanish is called the person who lives or has Spanish passport, it's not a language.

 
Really good point, X! Keep at it, it's going to take a lot of explaining to undo chauvinist attitudes toward languages all over the world. In support of your efforts, I'm posting a link to the Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights (Barcelona, 1996).

In Mexico we have 365 languages, officially: Castilian plus 364 native tongues. Many are endangered. Check out the catalog that was published early this year in the Diario Oficial.
no comment  -  8.
Danza de la muerte
Awesome... Love them, they just get better and better.
Wow this band is diverse! Nice
esotericderek wrote:
The Spanish language just sounds so....demonic. This is a perfect example.
And... it's not good for you? In Spain (España) people speak Castilian, Catalan, Vasco, Valenciano and Gallego. Spanish is called the person who lives or has Spanish passport, it's not a language.
The Spanish language just sounds so....demonic. This is a perfect example.
Great cut....but it always sounds like there's 2 songs playing at once...overlapping each other
Nice cover illustration.
smehan55 wrote:
Excellent song. Thanks to RP for turning me on to Calexico - and so many other great bands I wouldn't have heard & appreciated, otherwise! Great set: Calexico - Roka Los Lobos - Malaque James McMurtry - Safe Side The Wailin' Jennys - Starlight
Ditto, completely ditto!
great song!!!!!!!!! saludos a México desde Alemania! ;)
Calexico is Border music, through and through. Its a big world out there. Suck it up and deal, muchacho. kindermanltd wrote:
What's so ridiculously original about them? I need it in English at least half the time, man.
I have become a huge fan of their music and thats thanks to RP playing them.
reminds me of Leonard Cohen....
que rico, Amparo Sánchez (Amparanoia) con Calexico o viceversa.
Contaminator wrote:
One of the best songs from their latest album...
Sadly, it's the only good song from this album. Great song, but I wish I hadn't bought Garden Ruin...
What's so ridiculously original about them? I need it in English at least half the time, man.
Excellent song. Thanks to RP for turning me on to Calexico - and so many other great bands I wouldn't have heard & appreciated, otherwise! Great set: Calexico - Roka Los Lobos - Malaque James McMurtry - Safe Side The Wailin' Jennys - Starlight
I am becoming a HUGE Calexico fan ...and I LIKE it!
Calexico has their unique, interesting sound yet their songs don't all sound alike. Great band!
RongoTBurg wrote:
Everybody's got something to hide ('cept for me and my macacque).
Yeah but that doesn't mean you can just go around whipping out your macaque anytime you like!
craig35 wrote:
I like the wandering brass section and the seemingly aimless piano, it's a bit like a lazy stroll or something. Very different, I like it.
It is the lazy piano that gets me.
Just got bumped from 7 to an 9. Farking love this tune.
C57BL6 wrote:
from me and my wife's macacques: domo!
Everybody's got something to hide ('cept for me and my macacque).
Contaminator wrote:
One of the best songs from their latest album...
Agreed! I love their cool, clasy style.
One of the best songs from their latest album...
C57BL6 wrote:
oh sorry, true. the wife works with the rhesus, and yep, i work with the C57BL/6 inbred "wild-type" mice. just trying to appeal to your circus monkeys...
I guess, as a scientist, I suggest we no longer use animals as research tools. the/my interest in circus monks was really just an absurd joke.
They borrowed a Leonard Cohen riff. It might be lifted from Who by Fire.
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
But that's a transgenic mouse strain; we have them in our barrier facility ?
oh sorry, true. the wife works with the rhesus, and yep, i work with the C57BL/6 inbred "wild-type" mice. just trying to appeal to your circus monkeys...
I like the wandering brass section and the seemingly aimless piano, it's a bit like a lazy stroll or something. Very different, I like it.
Don't know, I started digging this way back, but now it feels overplayed and a tad pretentious. 7 -> 5 =/
C57BL6 wrote:
from me and my wife's macaques: domo!
but that's a transgenic mouse strain ?
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
C57BL6 (the facility)......LOL, Maus
from me and my wife's macacques: domo!
C57BL6 wrote:
they rocked Osaka last week with the Beams... when this song hits the espanolismo after the refrain, the whole room spins round..
C57BL6 (the facility)......LOL, Maus
check out the unofficial radioparadise chat room irc server: irc.efnet.net channel: #radioparadise
eastcoast wrote:
This line of music from RP is really getting me depressed...anything more upbeat please...I feel like getting really drunk...really
I don't get depressed from this. Maybe it's not just the music?
Lo siento. Mi gusto mucho!
This line of music from RP is really getting me depressed...anything more upbeat please...I feel like getting really drunk...really
not sure about this one...
they rocked Osaka last week with the Beams... when this song hits the espanolismo after the refrain, the whole room spins round..
If the crow is ignored and just seen as a black hole in the painting, its like a big drooling mouth or something....? This isnt as skillfully rendered as a Kahlo painting, but its got that dreamy symbolism feel to it.
The chorus is agonizingly beautiful. Calexico rules!
Danza de la muerte?
Eduardo: To win, we will need a very special dance. La Tango de la Muerte! Lisabella: Only one man has ever been foolish enough to attempt that dance, and he is dead! Eduardo: My twin brother, Freduardo. But where he died, I shall live - in his apartment. (They dance La Tango de la Muerte and survive) Eduardo: You are now carrying my child. Lisabella: But how? Eduardo: It is the mystery of the dance.
pannaramma wrote:
A black crow with sticks poking out of him. What do you see?
A crow who stayed still too long.
bigtwistee wrote:
If I guess right what do I win?
a trip back to mexico
To me, this sounds like Leonard Cohen meets Tom Petty. Not sure whether I like that or not?
Hannio wrote:
Kind of a blurry looking crow, and wait, I think there's some sort of cauliflower behind it.
A black crow with sticks poking out of him. What do you see?
iTuner wrote:
Blur your eyes, look at the cover and what do you see?
Kind of a blurry looking crow, and wait, I think there's some sort of cauliflower behind it.
RP im loving the multicultural evening, keep up the good work :D
After listening to Lila a lot the past month, I agree. Similar, but Amparo is decidedly more ethereal. I like them both. Lila's voice shares more with Neko Case, who is singing now. Vogelfrei wrote:
Scroll down. As tro_73 pointed out, the singer is Barcelona-based Amparo Sanchez (of Amparanoia). Personally, I don't think she sounds that much like Lila Downs. I can see the similarity, but Downs' voice is huskier.
Anyone else detect the chorus to Leonard Cohen's "Who By Fire" in the chorus to this one? Or is it just me? That happens a lot...
Allentown why must you hurt my soul so much?
Wow, what a sequence of songs that reflect the multi-culturality of this beautiful country called USA!! OScar
I saw them there too! Wow! What a great show! I hadn't really heard them except for that album they did with Iron & Wine. It was quite a treat:)
Loved them at Lollapalooza. They put on a great show, and they did this song.
xkolibuul wrote:
So is it Lila?
Scroll down. As tro_73 pointed out, the singer is Barcelona-based Amparo Sanchez (of Amparanoia). Personally, I don't think she sounds that much like Lila Downs. I can see the similarity, but Downs' voice is huskier.
iTuner wrote:
Blur your eyes, look at the cover and what do you see?
This album cover brought to you by the artist of Transatlanticism's cover art.
The more I hear from this group, the more I like them. Keep it coming!
so excited to see these guys at lollapalooza this weekend!!
iTuner wrote:
Blur your eyes, look at the cover and what do you see?
A crow in a world of hurt.
So is it Lila? coloradojohn wrote:
Sounds a bit like Lila Downs singing there with them... makes me want to put on her Una Sangre CD... ANYway these guys jam in all the good ways...
I saw them on Friday night - freakin great! :)