Discography |
Pricing: $10.00
In these times of manufactured drama and shallow resolution, and of emotions that are cheapened and packaged for ready consumption, it is easy enough to talk casually of loss, longing, regret, and redemption. It is the truly rare artist, though, who can crawl inside of these themes, explore them intimately, boldly, and with an unflinching conviction to seek the roots of human truths, both good and bad. Alejandro Escovedo's new album, A Man Under The Influence, is such an exploration; a sweeping and masterful expression of all that makes us look within as well as to the horizon. Produced by Chris Stamey (former dBs) and performed by many of Alejandro's band of usual suspects, including Hector Munoz on drums & percussion, Brian Standefer on cello, Eric Heywood (Son Volt, Freakwater, Richard Buckner) on pedal steel guitar, Cornbread on bass, and back for a special appearance, longtime guitarist Joe Eddy Hines. Also sweetening its sounds is an array of accomplished musical friends like Mitch Easter, Mac McCaughan and Jon Wurster (Superchunk), Ryan Adams, Chip Robinson (The Backsliders), Caitlin Cary (Whiskeytown), Tonya Lamm (Hazeldine), and Lynn Blakey (Glory Fountain). The album's first two tracks "Wave" and "Rosalie" inspired Alejandro to (co-)write a play, "By The Hand of the Father," which has already premiered in LA and will make its Austin debut at SXSW 2001. The play is a moving chronicle of the lives and times of his family members move from Mexico to the US. Alejandro also plans an acoustic tour, backing author Larry Brown during readings from his new book, Billy Ray's Farm. A Man Under The Influence is Alejandro's first studio record in six years, and his third CD for Bloodshot Records. We think it's the album of his career. These eleven songs have the sweep of the orchestral and the swagger of glam; they rock like sex and will rip your heart out. This is, after all, an Alejandro Escovedo album. |
