The Boxing Mirror, Alejandro Escovedo
Alejandro Escovedo has been lauded by critics (No Depression named him artist of the decade in the 1990’s) and heralded by his peers (on 2004’s Por Vida). After a nearly fatal bout with hepatitis C, Escovedo returns with his first album of original material since 2002’s By the Hand of the Father. Produced by John Cale of the Velvet Underground, this album showcases Escovedo’s ability to write everything from folk to full-on rock with lyrics that document the journey from sickness to health.
Songs from the Year of our Demise, Jon Auer
One half of the Posies and a member of the reformed Big Star, Jon Auer is no stranger to power pop. On this, his latest solo record, he mines familiar territory albeit in a quieter format.
You probably recall World Party from their 1990 classic Goodbye Jumbo. This album, actually several years old, gets a proper US release which will be accompanied by an anticipated US tour. Expect a collection of complex yet catchy pop tunes from a man who previously deconstructed and re-recorded the Beatles “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” in his home studio.
I don’t recall how I stumbled across the young Boston rocker, but he unleashes his debut release this week. This is straight-forward rock and roll that will fit quite comfortably on Top 40 radio.
Also releasing albums this week: Pearl Jam, Wolfmother, Gomez, Glen Phillips, Jewel and Willie Nelson.
June 3rd, 2006 at 7:19 pm
Glad to see that others have discovered Previti as well. I bought the disc and caught their live record release show on the same week — amazing (they’re even better on stage than the disc would have you think, if you can imagine that). Seeing Previti live actually kickstarted my old Oasis habit… check out my site for details.
June 21st, 2006 at 8:19 am
I too love the Mike Previti CD. My favorite track of the disc is “In Again”. I also have the Jon Auer CD Songs from the Year of our Demise. I saw both these artist play in one weekend back in MAY in New York. Awesome!
July 17th, 2006 at 7:46 pm
Mike Previti ROCKS! I actually heard about him through some other blogs I’m on and people were talking about him. Really glad they were because his disc is awesome!!!!
Boom boom and a zoom zoom!