Algiers

Calexico - Algiers
Critic Score
Based on 18 reviews
2012 Ratings: #548 / 1118
User Score
Based on 21 ratings
Liked by 3 people
September 11, 2012 / Release Date
LP / Format
Anti- / Label
Alt-Country / Genre
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CRITIC REVIEWS

91
A.V. Club

What New Orleans does seem to have inspired in Calexico, though, is some of its best songwriting. 

80
musicOMH

Endlessly listenable and beautifully performed, Algiers is another fine entry into this dependably excellent band’s catalogue.

80
No Ripcord

The whole album feels more self-assured, and Joey Burns and John Convertino have never sounded better. 

76
Beats Per Minute

This continuous give and take between tension and beauty is what gives Algiers a lot of charm.

75
Under the Radar

Algiers is the kind of unassumingly perfect low-key record that gets lost in the fray too easily amongst its more audacious peers.

73
Pitchfork

The result is an album that never sounds settled or still, defined not by one or another place but by the tumultuous spaces in between.

70
Paste

While there are some fine moments on the recording, one is often left wishing that the duo had chosen to delve deeper into the acoustic soundscapes that they excel at rather than exploring the edges of confessional pop music as they do here.

60
NME

‘Algiers’, their seventh album, is far less surface-level appealing, but the sad twang of a pedal steel and Joey Burns’ rich lyrical imagery draw you in, and depth and craftsmanship is slowly revealed.

60
The 405

Algiers too often lacks the focus and zip of Calexico's early work and is uncharacteristically muted, self-conscious and uncertain.

50
Consequence of Sound

Aside from a few brief, shimmering moments, Algiers is sort of like the Grand Canyon: it may have some enjoyable attractions, but in the end, you’re just staring at a giant hole.

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Track List

  1. Epic
  2. Splitter
  3. Sinner in the Sea
  4. Fortune Teller
  5. Para
  6. Algiers
  7. Maybe on Monday
  8. Puerto
  9. Better and Better
  10. No Te Vayas
  11. Hush
  12. The Vanishing Mind

Year End Lists

#63/Uncut
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Added on: September 3, 2012