Day 11: May 13, 2005

Cale, John, THE ISLAND YEARS - Because Cale is a theoretical musician, his work has always come across as more accomplished than his former bandmate and nemesis Lou Reed. Basically, Cale knows more chords on more instruments, so his music is leaps and bounds ahead of what Reed is capable of. But because he's never had a hit single, Cale still exists in relative obscurity. His three classic albums for Island are collected on this double cd.
unaired - FRAGMENTS OF A RAINY SEASON, WALKING ON LOCUSTS, HOBO-SAPIENS

Calexico, FEAST OF WIRE - Calexico usually sounds like the soundtrack to a film-noir western. This is their most recent album and probably most accessible, but there is still an experimental-ethno bent. There are times when you think you've suddenly found yourself in one of those dusty and dry Mexican border towns.
unaired - THE BLACK LIGHT

Cash, Johnny, THE MAN COMES AROUND - This has to be the creepiest album we own. As the album wears on, you feel as though you're in a funeral procession. Although Cash lived another year after this was released, I can't help but think this was his musical sign-off.
unaired - LIVE AT FOLSOM PRISON