Alejandro Escovedo Preview

05/12/2008
. The following story was part of the Day in Rock Report for 5/12/08 - (PR) Alejandro Escovedo will release his ninth studio album, 'Real Animal,' online and in stores on June 24 via Manhattan/Back Porch Records. Produced by Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T. Rex, Thin Lizzy), 'Real Animal' is a thrilling ride through Escovedo's genre-defying career as a punk rocker, an alt-country pioneer and an artist beloved by fans and critics alike.

'Real Animal,' Escovedo's follow up to 2006's acclaimed 'The Boxing Mirror,' features 13 original tracks that provide a kaleidoscopic history of his 30 years as a prolific and influential musician. The album is charged with fist-pumping guitar anthems like lead-off track "Always A Friend" and ode to Iggy Pop "Real As An Animal," balanced with the orchestral "Swallows Of San Juan" and dreamy pop of "Sensitive Boys." A limited vinyl edition, also available on release day, will include two bonus tracks, "In Love Again" and a cover of the Stooges' "I Got A Right."

Alejandro has poured the experiences of a tumultuous lifetime into this intensely autobiographical album. From his time as a member of early San Francisco punk band The Nuns, to living in the Hotel Chelsea during the Sid and Nancy era, to overcoming a near-death bout with hepatitis C in 2003, 'Real Animal' is an intensely dynamic and personal work dedicated to the music, events and characters that inspired him and ultimately helped him survive. - Listen to "Always A Friend"