I came to this show knowing almost nothing about Calexico.  They had been on my radar since their debut in the mid-90s, but I just hadn't managed to get around to checking them out.  I had only heard good things and this was a great chance to see them locally at the Belly Up.
 
After a mostly mellow set by the opening band they took the stage around 9:30 to a raucous welcome from the capacity crowd.  They're a much bigger band than I expected - eight members in all - and there were instruments and microphones set up all over the place.  The leader (who looks a little like Opie Taylor) greeted the crowd, appearing very comfortable and confident in the role.  He said something about how they were all warmed up and really in the mood to play, so "stop us if we go on too long".  That elicited a cheer.  And then they started playing, and...wow.  They sounded incredible.
 
The name Calexico, for those who don't know, is taken from a town on the California-Mexico border.  It's a fitting name, because their style of music does much the same thing.  They have an inventive and layered sound that draws influence from all across the musical spectrum.  Most noticeable is the use non-standard rock instruments like vibes, accordion and Mariachi-style trumpets.  They also sing in both English and Spanish and most of the members are proficient on a couple of instruments.
 
One thing that came as a real surprise was what an excellent voice the singer has.  It wasn't the most distinctive (this wasn't a Tom Waits kind of appeal) but it was damn good.  He had great tone and lots of range and he wasn't afraid to use it.  He also did the best Mexican wail you'll probably ever hear coming from a white guy.  Occasionally the lead guitarist took over on lead vocal, tending to sing in Spanish.  We later learned he was from Madrid, one of at least three European members of the band.  One of the others was from Berlin and he was probably the most talented musician I've seen in a long time.  This guy jumped around all night playing a half-dozen different instruments, all very well.  And he sang backup - in English and Spanish.  He was amazing, a true virtuoso. 
 
Even though I wasn't familiar with any of the music, this was an extremely fun show.  The energy level coming from the band was resonating through the crowd and everyone was having a great time.  Calexico may have never broken through to the mainstream but it's clear they have plenty of devoted fans, and well deserved.  They played a long set, followed by one long encore, took a bow and were done.  It was a very satisfying end to a long night of great music.  Filing out of the Belly Up, we were a bit surprised to see Calexico's frontman had made his way to the merchandise booth and was talking with fans and signing autographs.  He's a classy guy.  I picked up a CD.  They picked up a new fan.