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Calexico — Cruel
Album: Garden Ruin
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1189









Released: 2006
Length: 3:55
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Cruel, cruel grounds
Leak truths never found
Torturous ways
Whisper from the grave
A slow spun song of distortion

Bitter, bitter mouth
Spitin' out seeds of doubt
Rituals seek root
Razed before they're told
Stories break like branches in the cold

Seasons trial finds man's mistakes fair game

Careless hand
Lay and law of the land
Falls by the side
Silenced sentient cries
All within the lines of divine right

Better bury the tracks in an unclosed case
Weeds of discontent choke a broken ghost landscape

Cruel, heartless reign
Chasing short term gains
Right down to the warning signs

Birds refuse to fly
No longer trust the sky
Drifting out beyond the signals

Even the horizon is gone
Weather flees underground
Future's left to wallow in fortune's waste
Comments (81)add comment
Love this Calexico song... a fantastic live band!
Posted 1 year ago by sciadodendron    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
What a purdy song.
 

Baja here I come ~ surfs UP!
Posted 5 years ago by surfrider4life    [ Reply ]
 bindi wrote:
I hear a lot of people complain about this CD being a bit commercial for Calexico - and I kind of agree, but this, and Quattro are still my favorite songs they have ever done. 

They did a very nice video of Cruel as well - on youtube. 
 
Guess someone forgot to tell the commerce world that this was commercial. 
Posted 5 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
What a purdy song.
Posted 8 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]


               Zoltan leaves the garden ruin
               Zoltan is  in a crowded house
              Why yes, a network overloads,
                 So only feedback is a rave
                        Back to back
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

That's what the surviving members of the Donner Party said.

 
Please pass the fava beans.
Posted 9 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
very nice song!
Posted 9 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Saw them last night live in Eindhoven (NL, hoe ist?)
most excellent 
Posted 9 years ago by Lampje99    [ Reply ]
 zllama wrote:
Yes, those are members of Calexico as well as guest horns, probably from one of the Mariachi (spelling?!) bands that regularly play with Calexico.

2nd Calexico song of the day . . . most heavenly !! 

  Yes, they often do have "guest" mariachi bands....I have seen them 4 times...2 times with guest horn players.... But the point is... They are not CALEXICO. the band Calexico has 2 horn players, Jacob and Martin. The horn players pictured are neither. Just for clarification, not trying to be a dick. 

Posted 11 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
 underarmor wrote:
There is something about this song that I really dig. I'm not sure what it is, but it might be the hopeful, energetic sound of the horn juxtaposed with the sad sound of the voice.
 
The horns are all kinda sad, too...all minor chords and all...still it feels upbeat...cool arrangement.
Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
 squidish wrote:

It's a West Coast thing, you wouldn't understand...
 
That's what the surviving members of the Donner Party said.  Good tune, by the way.
Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Yes, those are members of Calexico as well as guest horns, probably from one of the Mariachi (spelling?!) bands that regularly play with Calexico.

2nd Calexico song of the day . . . most heavenly !! 
Posted 12 years ago by zllama    [ Reply ]
I don't know who these guys are, they don't look anything like the Calexico members that I have ever seen!  See the real band here.....https://www.casadecalexico.com/band
 calypsus_1 wrote:

Calexico - 03 by ~photo-grafitti
©2010 ~photo-grafitti

Calexico
Wiltern Theatre
Los Angeles, CA
12.20.2009
 


Posted 12 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
Meow meow, meow meow meow meow meow meow
Posted 12 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Yay! my FAVORITE Calexico song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Drummer}
Posted 13 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
Making my day much better...  {#Roflol}  Thanks!
Posted 14 years ago by Kaleka    [ Reply ]

Calexico - 03 by ~photo-grafitti
©2010 ~photo-grafitti

Calexico
Wiltern Theatre
Los Angeles, CA
12.20.2009


Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana} Love the horns!

Posted 15 years ago by Dancing_banana    [ Reply ]
I hear a lot of people complain about this CD being a bit commercial for Calexico - and I kind of agree, but this, and Quattro are still my favorite songs they have ever done. 

They did a very nice video of Cruel as well - on youtube. 
Posted 15 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
There's some interesting drumming going on in that one.
Posted 15 years ago by greyfin10    [ Reply ]
That's a James Jean album cover, ladies and gentlemen.
Posted 15 years ago by Fredrikson    [ Reply ]
These guys really paint a picture in my mind with their music, from the sometimes almost wisper vocals, to the wispy brushes on the drums, then the trumpets, blowing in like the dry winds of a desert storm.  They have such range.

Then, the lyrics. . . .

I have to turn them off sometimes, I almost start to cry.

I have become a huge fan of these guys.  While it amazes me that so many have not discovered them, I'm kind of glad.  Commercial success might taint the magic they have.
Posted 15 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
 underarmor wrote:
There is something about this song that I really dig. I'm not sure what it is, but it might be the hopeful, energetic sound of the horn juxtaposed with the sad sound of the voice.
 
i like it too.

Posted 16 years ago by rachlan    [ Reply ]
There is something about this song that I really dig. I'm not sure what it is, but it might be the hopeful, energetic sound of the horn juxtaposed with the sad sound of the voice.
Posted 16 years ago by underarmor    [ Reply ]
Bono is that you singing in the steel tank??
Posted 16 years ago by Kdubba    [ Reply ]
He's soundin' twangymumbly like the Donna the Buffalo guy here on vocals. Which isn't really here or there.
Posted 16 years ago by C57BL6    [ Reply ]
mefrombrazil wrote:
cover art to put up on the bedroom wall. amazing!
Crow=magic
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
cover art to put up on the bedroom wall. amazing!
Posted 16 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Saw them once in Germany, they were fantastic! One of my favourite bands, nowadays!
Posted 16 years ago by nukkes    [ Reply ]
Bitter, bitter mouth Spitin' out seeds of doubt Rituals seek root Razed before they're told Stories break like branches in the cold Goosebumps!
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
PurplePrincess wrote:
First heard them on RP, now I have all their CD's. They are fantastic. Thanks for playing them.
Here too! RP is the sure cure for blah radio. This album was fantastic for me. I love the latin touch throughout!
Posted 16 years ago by FluorideFreeMN    [ Reply ]
First heard them on RP, now I have all their CD's. They are fantastic. Thanks for playing them.
Posted 17 years ago by PurplePrincess    [ Reply ]
a_genuine_find wrote:
This is a perfect segue again....
Artist: Southern Culture on the Skids Song: The Wet Spot Album: Mojo Box Last Played: Nov 09, 2007 - 14:06
Posted 17 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
This is a perfect segue again....
Posted 17 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
too much herb heh...
Posted 17 years ago by poopypants    [ Reply ]
Somebody get BillG a cough drop! Hope you're feeling ok! ;-)
Posted 17 years ago by Egrey    [ Reply ]
Does anyone else hear "Thuuuhhh people will survive, in their environment" laced in this song? And ironically they cover that on another album. (*to spell it all out - the Minutemen song about beer that scorns society)
Posted 17 years ago by dogdokken    [ Reply ]
Hey, be careful with that broad brush Squid, I know a slew of Calexico fans back in Vermont. We're not all musical malcontents there in the Green Mts. Uh oh, feeling homesick, I could use a really good cheddar about now... squidish wrote:
It's a West Coast thing, you wouldn't understand...
Posted 17 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Liked their previous albums better, but this still worked heading south on 101 and watching the whales in Depoe Bay.
Posted 17 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
revsully wrote:
God, I hate this.
It's a West Coast thing, you wouldn't understand...
Posted 17 years ago by squidish    [ Reply ]
God, I hate this.
Posted 17 years ago by revsully    [ Reply ]
tinybubbles wrote:
this song is growing on me...
Mold grows too....but I'm guessing you mean you're liking it more as you listen to it. Me too.
Posted 17 years ago by heyjoe3577    [ Reply ]
westsound wrote:
First heard them on Radio Paradise and now collecting their cd`s. Waiting to see when they are due back here in the UK
Same here, except replae "UK" with "AZ"!
Posted 17 years ago by bullitt    [ Reply ]
electronicthroat wrote:
I don't care for the intro. It reminds me of Gomez's "How We Operate." I like that song, but I just don't think it fits in with this song.
yes, I agree on your Gomez intro satatement. But I end up liking this song
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
I don't care for the intro. It reminds me of Gomez's "How We Operate." I like that song, but I just don't think it fits in with this song.
Posted 17 years ago by electronicthroat    [ Reply ]
cool tune, thanks bill :/
Posted 17 years ago by kenjismokum    [ Reply ]
this song is growing on me...
Posted 17 years ago by tinybubbles    [ Reply ]
Calexico :). Best band of the moment, what should I say? Worst album so far, but still a 10 :)
Posted 17 years ago by s_k    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by cathenley    [ Reply ]
bigB_3 wrote:
Posted 17 years ago by cosinus    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by bigB_3    [ Reply ]
xkolibuul wrote:
Is it just me, or are the RP song commentaries dominated now by folks who insist on comparing every song and every vocal and every refrain and every chord with everything ever done before?
Ok, I must admit I'm guilty of this, but (in my defense), I am always curious whether others hear the same things in music as I do. I have actually breathed a sigh of release when, upon hearing a oh-my-gosh-so-familiar-but-I-can't-place-it bit on RP, I log on and see that someone has said "Oh, that sounds like the chorus of such-and-such song". Whew. It wasn't just me. ;-)
Posted 17 years ago by ginathelintqueen    [ Reply ]
Is it just me, or are the RP song commentaries dominated now by folks who insist on comparing every song and every vocal and every refrain and every chord with everything ever done before? jdorn1 wrote:
man...that reallyt sounded like Mike Scott from the Waterboys at the beginning!
Posted 17 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
man...that reallyt sounded like Mike Scott from the Waterboys at the beginning!
Posted 17 years ago by jdorn1    [ Reply ]
First heard them on Radio Paradise and now collecting their cd`s. Waiting to see when they are due back here in the UK
Posted 17 years ago by westsound    [ Reply ]
I've seen 'em in London twice -- the first was an incredible barn-burner. They blew the Brits away. This album is incredibly depressing, actually, if excellent. What a great band.
Posted 17 years ago by onomasticator    [ Reply ]
xkolibuul wrote:
Just had to up my rating for those groovin' horns. Though I might hafta lower it again for the little a capella silliness at the end.
Yeah, that ending bugged me, too. Liked the rest of it, though.
Posted 17 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
Ooo! I know someone who's getting this disc for Christmas!! I just gotta be patient and wait.
Posted 17 years ago by MrSpaz    [ Reply ]
Thank you RP! My favorite from what is a very solid release. And I had the pleasure to hear it performed live just last night in Albuquerque NM. If you enjoy Calexico please treat yourself to one of the best live performances you'll ever see. And give consideration to www.humaneborders.org
Posted 17 years ago by jcttune    [ Reply ]
Great song, great band ... hope someday they come to Florida
Posted 17 years ago by oscar_driver    [ Reply ]
See this band live if you ever get the chance!
Posted 18 years ago by losthiker    [ Reply ]
Just had to up my rating for those groovin' horns. Though I might hafta lower it again for the little a capella silliness at the end.
Posted 18 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
I just saw them last Friday in Iowa City. They were outstanding. bluematrix wrote:
yea, i just saw them a few days ago and it was a really good show.
Posted 18 years ago by scubadave    [ Reply ]
Krispian wrote:
These guys are great live.
yea, i just saw them a few days ago and it was a really good show.
Posted 18 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
These guys are great live.
Posted 18 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
lixy wrote:
The whole album is just delectable!
picked it up yesterday :)
Posted 18 years ago by stinkycheese    [ Reply ]
The whole album is just delectable!
Posted 18 years ago by lixy    [ Reply ]
Great tune, I'm diggin it
Posted 18 years ago by Johnny_Wave    [ Reply ]
Saw these guys in Pittsburgh last weekend - unbelievable! Especially this song.. Very happy about their new turn. Also, is it possible to hate on an accordion live? Yes, but not if it's Calexico.
Posted 18 years ago by BradAl    [ Reply ]
Kind of a new sound for Calexico - it's really growing on me. Time for another Amazon order, me thinks. . . .
Posted 18 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
This album is really growing on me. Some of the other songs are imho lots better than Cruel, such as Deep Down, Roka and All Systems Red.
Posted 18 years ago by Maaike    [ Reply ]
where's the dustbowl?.. different..but think i'll come around
Posted 18 years ago by henryadams    [ Reply ]
ahoylola wrote:
me as well. i hope everyone who does is donating to the cause!
Donate, did someone say don... ...OK, I suppose, though Support is a better word and I can do that! Can't I? ...... Yea!
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Jacksonstat wrote:
I noticed that as well ploafmaster. Tuning into RP is the first thing I do after logging on to my computer at work. Non-stop listening for 8 solid hours, RP is my saving grace!
hippiechick wrote:
Me too! Listen everyday, 9 to 5. Thanks for the new Calexico Bill. Just bought it yesterday but haven't really listened through.
me as well. i hope everyone who does is donating to the cause!
Posted 18 years ago by ahoylola    [ Reply ]
Jacksonstat wrote:
I noticed that as well ploafmaster. Tuning into RP is the first thing I do after logging on to my computer at work. Non-stop listening for 8 solid hours, RP is my saving grace!
Me too! Listen everyday, 9 to 5. Thanks for the new Calexico Bill. Just bought it yesterday but haven't really listened through.
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
ploafmaster wrote:
Wow, this is a day to hear two+ tunes each from several artists. Of course, since I pretty much listen non-stop from 8 - 4:30 EST, I'm probably one of the few to notice :-) Don't mind this, though - the new Calexico sounds really amazing!
I noticed that as well ploafmaster. Tuning into RP is the first thing I do after logging on to my computer at work. Non-stop listening for 8 solid hours, RP is my saving grace!
Posted 18 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
Wow! That's some of the best lyric writing I've seen in a long time, and great music too. More please!
Posted 18 years ago by Johnny_Vector    [ Reply ]
Wow, this is a day to hear two+ tunes each from several artists. Of course, since I pretty much listen non-stop from 8 - 4:30 EST, I'm probably one of the few to notice :-) Don't mind this, though - the new Calexico sounds really amazing!
Posted 18 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]
sweet!!! new calexico! love this band and can't wait to get a glimpse of them live.
Posted 18 years ago by ChicoCyclist    [ Reply ]