25 years ago today (5/9/00), Calexico released their third album, Hot Rail. Characterized by its cinematic quality, blending instrumental ballads with elements of jazz, mariachi, and post-rock, the album was a strong statement from a band that at this point was still paving its way nationally towards a bigger following. Years later, they worked with Iron & Wine and earned spots at larger festivals, including Bonnaroo, which earned Calexico theater headlining status shortly thereafter.
