ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO

Real Animal

2008-06-01

Escovedo's ninth release and the second since he made a triumphant comeback from death's door (due to hepatitis C), is a joy-filled reflection on his musical career, with buddy Chuck Prophet on board as co-songwriter and band mate helping A.E. tell his rock 'n roll story. The record starts with a bang, as the first four cuts rock out with an early Los Lobos feel. A.E. settles into some slower reminiscences after that, with two exceptions -- a punk-style tribute to one of his rock idols, Iggy Pop ("Real as an Animal") and a rock-beat reminder of his early rock days ("Chip 'n' Tony"). "Chelsea" refers to his time hanging out with infamous punksters Sid and Nancy. This guy's been around! After thinking of A.E. as a brooding but brilliant musician, I liked hearing this side of him -- enjoying the music and the musicians he's met along the way. Standout tracks: "Always a Friend," "Sister Lost Soul" and "Swallows of San Juan." 06/08 MJVD F-Rock

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 10/2004

    Kaki King
    Legs to Make Us Longer

  • reviewed 12/2015

    The Paperboys
    At Peace With Ones Ghosts

  • reviewed 12/1969

    JACKSON BROWNE
    Time The Conqueror

  • reviewed 06/2005

    Devil in a Woodpile
    In Your Lonesome Town

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Willy Mason
    Where Humans Eat

  • reviewed 05/2010

    AJ Downing and The Buick 6
    Way Back Home

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.