4 posts tagged “alejandro escovedo”
I now own his entire catalog, including the albums that led to this one, so I have some perspective on it. It's my favorite of his studio album. The arrangements are stunning, and T.S. Brunton's production captures the sort of atmospheric sounds that Daniel Lanois, The Velvet Underground, and Peter Gabriel have used so well, without losing Alejandro's rough rock 'n' roll edge. It's a stunning album.
"Put You Down" has been playing in my head for a couple of weeks now. It's rougher live, but I love the texture of this version. "Tugboat" is another favorite of mine, and an oddity in the Escovedo catalog. The Velvet Underground were a huge influence on Alejandro, and it's obvious here. When i last interviewed Alejandro, he mentioned that he's never played this song live. That was about four year ago, but I don't think he's added it to his set, though he slips a few of the lyrics into suite of songs. Unintentionally, I'm giving you bookends here — the first and last songs.
Audio: Share your favorite track from a live album.
Submitted by -Lisa.
When it comes to music, I'm kind of spoiled. Having written about music and art for a dozen years now, I've been plied with free CDs and concert tickets numbering in the thousands. I actually have to give away or sell about 500 CDs a year jut to keep my apartment livable. Is it a home? Maybe it's more like a library of music, movies, and books, with a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom added on. There's plenty of listen to, if you can find a place to sit. Seriously, you can ask Patty, who stepped foot in here (once) to borrow a book.
So, that said, I'll add this: If there ever was a fire and I could only grab on CD, I know which one it would be: Alejandro Escovedo's More Miles than Money: Live 1994-96. Escovedo is a one-of-a-kind musician. Basically, you've either never seen him live or you never miss a chance to see him. A former punk rocker -- who opened for the Sex Pistol's "final" show with his former band the Nuns -- Alejandro has since dug into his Mexican roots and the alt. country thing.
The thing about Alejandro is his heart. You hear it in every note. I'm not one for tears, but I cry every time I see him perform. There's a vulnerability and honesty there that's just unmatched. Sometimes he plays with a rock band, other times with a string quartet. He's a man who can perform Iggy Pop's "I Wanna Be Your Dog" with an acoustic guitar, violin, and cello arrangement, and still have it be every bit as ferocious as the original.
I've written a lot about Alejandro, and always feel like I fall short. This is a guy who can play a loud rock club, unplug his instruments, move his band to the center of the floor, and play unmiked to a crowd so quiet, you could hear a glass clink (not that any did).
You should own this album, especially since it's on the ultra-cool Chicago indie Bloodshot Records, and you can buy it straight from them.
Some sound clips are worth a million words, so ...
