The new Alejandro Escovedo album

He used to tell a funny story about that one, about how a guy in the band kept trying to convince him that Mick Jagger had made a good solo record, and he would not have it, though he eventually came around to this one.

Newcomers and neophytes, I recommend "A Man Under the Influence" to get him at his best, or maybe "Thirteen Years" to get him at his deepest.

Amazing Mick Jagger cover.

Interesting interview about the issues he was dealing with and how he is now doing better with a new album coming soon

http://www.dallasobserver.com/music/austin-legend-alejandro-escovedo-finds-new-home-in-dallas-after-near-death-experience-8798255

The year behind him includes being completely cured after a 20-year battle with deadly hepatitis C; leaving Austin, his home of 35 years that claims him as its native son; and the couple surviving a hurricane on their honeymoon. Both of them were later diagnosed with with post-traumatic stress disorder. Escovedo also had to come to terms with blackouts and bizarre behavior as well as a canceled tour that threatened to put the brakes on his career.

...Escovedo’s band on the album includes guitarist Kurt Bloch of the Fastbacks, drummer John Moen of the Decemberists and vocalists Corin Tucker of Sleater-Kinney and Kelly Hogan of Neko Case’s band, as well as an appearance by Los Lobos saxophonist Steve Berlin.

And co-written/produced with Peter Buck, right?

I find it strange that such an esteemed, storied songwriter has been teaming up wth ringers, however much I like Buck and Chuck Prophet. I'd love to know why he needs their help, though perhaps that article answers the question.

article says in part:

After a few false starts and near misses, Burn Something Beautiful was recorded in Portland in April 2016.

“We rehearsed for maybe two or three days and went in and made the record,” Escovedo said. “And truly [it was] one of my favorite recording experiences I’ve ever had. And I think Scott and Pete did a job that took me to a place that was outside of my comfort zone, and yet was very much in the field that I love so much.”

In addition to the inspired songwriting partnership with McCaughey and Buck, collaborating with so many artists was a real turn-on for Escovedo and a signature of the best days of his career.

Yeah, I still don't quite get it. Escovedo's first several albums are brilliant, and beautifully written. When he came back from his illness and started writing with Chuck Prophet, the results were Ok but generic enough that I'm not sure why he needed the assist, especially from such a prominent singer/songwriter in his own right. Whatever works, I guess.

Actually, I should give the last couple another listen. At the time I was not a fan of "Real Animal."

I agree with you. But I chalk it up more to him just getting older. That creative songwriting spark musicians have when they are young, for whatever reason, is less powerful when they get older (for most musicians). Combine that with his health woes, the more recent PTSD, etc., and I understand why he is working with others on songwriting.

Haven't paid attention to him in years, had consigned him to the Talented Journeyman category I'm afraid. But just had an algorithm recommend a tune called "Anchor" that I kind of dug.

Really like the new one. Buck as producer keeps things really raw, which is cool, and enhances the echoes of Stones, Stooges, Dolls, Lou Reed, etc.

I haven't listened to "With These Hands" in ages, such a cracking album. He takes his roots rock approach and adds strings and other sounds to push the genre in interesting ways.

I should listen to that one again

«Five Hearts Breaking» is all I need tonight

I'm not usually too interested in albums of reinterpretations but I'm finding Echo Dancing pretty exciting and unpredictable. Got intrigued by the Allmusic review mentioning "Warm Leatherette," Suicide, and "long-lost new wave or synth-punk LP," all apt. Probably helped that I started with the closing version of "Wave," which I'd love in any form, esp. this one.

he's great and has made a bunch of music since but somehow i feel like his Perfectly Ideal Track is 'velvet guitar' and have therefore not paid sufficient attention since

but, i mean

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ1RazC02Eg

I used to love Al and listen to him and see him live all the time, but I admit I fell off. However, I did buy tickets to see him in a couple of months, because it's been too long and he has given me so much enjoyment. Plus, he's 73 years old and done a lot of hard-living, so ...

I haven't kept up with him and I too saw some extremely formative shows in the late 90s/early 00s

This new synth-punk record is sounding extremely great so far

lol this album is a pretty inspired novelty, though tbh for a collection of songs she mostly likes from an artist she definitely likes, I'm not sure how well my wife will tolerate it.

https://txmusic.com/how-cowpunk-hero-alejandro-escovedos-new-album-defies-expectations/?fbclid=IwAR0iFZSWfbZp1qlxAO37e3Rq0WKRzUEXHPunw4p8L2vZd2FZZFcE3KGEI88_aem_ASEMAdqzNzL6kznAZ9gMMtMhZwqSfkLE7_bwrd-r5xDCtX2Lu92nH7Odi9h0pwL6YDvYapluKRrRFpItYox06-Ad

Here's an interview with him about the new album. John Cale and Judy Nylon are mentioned as influences . Plus the Italian guy he collaborated with

Like Josh and Chris I used to keep up with Alejandro but then lost touch

He did Marc Maron's show last week, haven't heard it yet.