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.
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 13 October 2016 20:57 (seven years ago) link
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.
― curmudgeon, Friday, 14 October 2016 14:35 (seven years ago) link
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.
― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 14 October 2016 14:44 (seven years ago) link
Actually, I should give the last couple another listen. At the time I was not a fan of "Real Animal."
― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 14 October 2016 14:47 (seven years ago) link
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.
― curmudgeon, Friday, 14 October 2016 15:13 (seven years ago) link
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.
― Digable Planet Waves (James Redd and the Blecchs), Friday, 14 October 2016 16:44 (seven years ago) link
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.
― Josh in Chicago, Tuesday, 29 November 2016 23:33 (seven years ago) link
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.
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Tuesday, 14 September 2021 14:25 (two years ago) link
I should listen to that one again
― curmudgeon, Wednesday, 15 September 2021 04:01 (two years ago) link
«Five Hearts Breaking» is all I need tonight
― Mule, Wednesday, 12 July 2023 21:58 (eight months ago) link