Garden Ruin
by Calexico
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 2 out of 26

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  1. SotirisT
    Feb 2, 2007
    8
    A very good album. Not what Calexico fans were expecting but this album marks the exploring of new music horizons by Calexico.
  2. daxr
    Apr 11, 2006
    9
    it's not quite as masterful as 'feast of wire' only because 'garden ruin' covers less sonic ground. this is the first time we've seen calexico go instrumental-free. it suits them well, but i can't help but miss the all out weirdness of a piece like 'attack el robot attack' or the mariachi of 'minas de cobre' that added a lot of flavor it's not quite as masterful as 'feast of wire' only because 'garden ruin' covers less sonic ground. this is the first time we've seen calexico go instrumental-free. it suits them well, but i can't help but miss the all out weirdness of a piece like 'attack el robot attack' or the mariachi of 'minas de cobre' that added a lot of flavor to feast of wire and the black light. while that's largely gone from this album, the covers are virtually ripped right off of other sensibilities that had really only been shown in limited form on past albums. all of a sudden, calexico is a great pop band. it really shines through on 'garden ruin,' especially on the song 'bisbee blue,' and it chugs along like never before on 'letter to bowie knife.' at some moments the sound hearkens back to territory the band hasn't really approached since the debut album 'spoke' almost ten years ago, and while it's easy to miss some of the majestic swells of 'feast of wire' in those moments, the sparseness of the instrumentation in some spots on 'garden ruin' is extremely effective. this album has its share of majesty too, though. closer 'all systems red' builds to a grand climax that hints at post rock with a lot of noise and loud chiming guitars and still holds hints of the band's southwest sound. the real winner for me here is the song 'deep down,' especially if you can find a live version of it… Expand
  3. FlinchBot
    Apr 26, 2006
    5
    Much less interesting than their previous albums.
  4. Hein
    Apr 30, 2006
    9
    What a creative and talented band. Every album is different and high quality!
  5. Jules
    May 2, 2006
    10
    It is a great pity if the carnival of diverse cinematic sounds that thrilled on Feast of Wire is seen as the only interesting and songworthy thing about Calexico. A pity because Garden Ruin is a feast of intensely emotional and delicately crafted songs that continue to grow their twisted way into my heart. In fact, this album has a sincere angry beauty that I had always hoped lay beneath It is a great pity if the carnival of diverse cinematic sounds that thrilled on Feast of Wire is seen as the only interesting and songworthy thing about Calexico. A pity because Garden Ruin is a feast of intensely emotional and delicately crafted songs that continue to grow their twisted way into my heart. In fact, this album has a sincere angry beauty that I had always hoped lay beneath all the haunting southwestern soundscapes and studio trickery. The iron/wine collaboration didn't impress me that much but this is an altogether different beast and is certainly far from a generic alt-country effort. In short, I don't give a damn where this fits into broader musical history or that of the band - these songs are seductive angry laments that are a joy to experience.… Expand
  6. klassv
    Jun 4, 2006
    8
    maybe not exactly as great as previous albums, but still a gem shining silently and majestically.
  7. KevinR
    Jul 7, 2006
    8
    Another great effort by one of the best bands of today.
  8. AaronQ
    Apr 28, 2006
    8
    Lots of different sounds on this record. Top notch production, great drumming, catchy songs. Very good.
  9. ChadS
    Jun 6, 2006
    9
    Did The Judybats reunite? "Cruel", in particular, would feel right at home on "Down in the Shacks Where the Satellite Dishes Grow". Other obvious winners are "Bisbee Blue" and "Deep Down". "Garden Ruin" has the sort of cohesion that is rare in most contemporary albums that hit the marketplace. They don't sound anything like The Go-Betweens, but they satisfy me the same way. Calexico Did The Judybats reunite? "Cruel", in particular, would feel right at home on "Down in the Shacks Where the Satellite Dishes Grow". Other obvious winners are "Bisbee Blue" and "Deep Down". "Garden Ruin" has the sort of cohesion that is rare in most contemporary albums that hit the marketplace. They don't sound anything like The Go-Betweens, but they satisfy me the same way. Calexico knows when to quit.… Expand
  10. adric
    Jul 13, 2006
    5
    boring
  11. Jon
    Aug 17, 2006
    9
    It's the songs, people. Try to get "Yours and Mine" or "Bisbee Blue" out of your head. And the arrangements: less "cinematic," more economical...the horn section in "Cruel" lifts the sadness and tension of the song with a welcome kiss. Solid, solid stuff.
  12. TristramC
    Apr 25, 2006
    3
    I sold it. I very rarely sell cds. They are maybe the only asset more depreciable that your car but I was disappointed enough in this purchase that the 4 bucks I got back was more valuable than this disc. I have enjoyed and own 3 other Calexico albums, Feast of Wife, the Black Light and Even My Sure Things Fall Though and it isn't the abandonment of the Southeast flavor that is I sold it. I very rarely sell cds. They are maybe the only asset more depreciable that your car but I was disappointed enough in this purchase that the 4 bucks I got back was more valuable than this disc. I have enjoyed and own 3 other Calexico albums, Feast of Wife, the Black Light and Even My Sure Things Fall Though and it isn't the abandonment of the Southeast flavor that is disappointing. I can understand a bands desire to change and evolve but the songs here are just boring. I tried, honest. I really wanted to like this album but I kept waiting for something worthwhile to happen and it never did. Joey and John, you collabo with Iron & Wine was boring too. Its as if you've made the mistake of taking the Sam Beam road on your own and it wasn't interesting even when you did it with Sam Beam. Stick to what you do best please or write more inspiring material. Thanks.… Expand
  13. DDB
    May 12, 2006
    3
    Really dull. I love the band, but this CD is not good. Do not understand all the positive reviews. It goes from boring to just plain annoying. A disappointment for many fans I would guess.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Urb
    50
    Painfully unexciting. [Mar 2006, p.122]
  2. Amazon.com
    90
    It's what Sigur Ros might sound like if they came from Arizona, and it's truly excellent.
    Read full review
  3. BBC collective
    80
    The best thing about Garden Ruin is the way they look beyond country borders to engage with the wider world, both culturally and musically.
    Read full review
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