Calexico are nothing if not diverse. There's so much diversity embedded in Hot Rail that Calexico seems to be taunting the listener, saying "categorize me if you can". One minute theres a lap steel guitar playing an old country tune on the dusty trail; the next there's an accordion, and a sultry woman singing in French.

Now, with all these different elements in place, one might believe that there's nothing cohesive about the CD -- but this is untrue. Throughout Hot Rail's musical plot twists, there is always something to blend each song into the next.

Maybe it's the desert's dry heat that blends these songs together so well. The two gentlemen who make up Calexico -- John Convertino and Joey Burns -- call Tucson, Arizona home. Hot Rail is laced with desert themes -- references to fire tail bats, scorpions and sonic winds about. Not only is there a Southwest feel; several of the tracks have a very South-of-the-Border mood. Here, diversity comes in again, as Calexico not only captures the mariachi sounds of Mexico, but travels closer to the equator and stir up references to Samba great Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Convertino and Burns have worked with the likes of Lisa Germano, as well as the highly under-appreciated Barbara Manning. While we are on the topic of indie music, let's note Burns' uncanny vocal resemblance to Pavement frontman Steve Malkmus -- songs like "Service and Repair" would fit right in on Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain.

Calexico are no amateurs at the art of making fine music, as the extensive array of instruments on Hot Rail proves. Although the distinction between "musicians" and "people who happen to be in a band" is sometimes difficult to draw, Calexico help to make it more obvious. Burns and Convertino have talent, creativity and most importantly, a particular sound all their own. That's something the average music listener doesn't often encounter -- and something the average band has decided not to try at home.