Bourbonitis Blues

Alejandro Escovedo

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 4, 1999)
• Original Release Date: April 20, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Bloodshot Records
• ASIN: B00000IAGJ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,794 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
When No Depression magazine declared Alejandro Escovedo "The Artist of the Decade," the decision must have baffled everyone except the handful of people who had actually listened to his records. On his three studio albums and 1998's triumphant live album, he blended violin, cello, and buzz-saw guitar to fashion an utterly distinctive chamber-punk sound. He needed such a sound to accommodate songs about the stillness and terror of those early morning hours when you can't hide from the "what's it all for?" questions. Bourbonitis Blues isn't as epochal as its predecessors because it has been cobbled together from three different sessions and offers only three new originals. But Escovedo's one-of-a-kind arrangements are as haunting as ever; his remakes of songs by Lou Reed, John Cale, Gun Club, Jimmie Rodgers, and Ian Hunter are revealing, and the three new numbers are very good indeed. Contributions are made by past and current members of the Mekons, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Jody Grind, and dB's. --Geoffrey Himes

Product Description
Bourbonitis Blues was recorded straight up, no chaser, (in Chicago, Austin, and Chapel Hill) in down home style -- this is Alejandro and his "classical glam" Orchestra at their finest: off the cuff, loose and tight, and reflective of their incredible live shows. The covers range from the achingly languid "Pale Blue Eyes", featuring Kelly Hogan (ex-Jody Grind, ex-Rock*A*Teens) on vocals, to the chugging cover of Jimmie Rodgers' "California Blues", with Jon Langford (Mekons, Waco Brothers, Pine Valley Cosmonauts) guesting on guitar and vocals, to the spooked up version of the Gun Club's "Sex Beat" (featuring Trailer Bride's Melissa Swingle)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars it must be fun being alejandro escovedo..., November 25, 2000

By	m_noland "m_noland" (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

...you get to record the mott the hoople song you loved when you were 17 and actually make money doing it. ok, maybe not a lot of money, but nevertheless...

this is a collection of covers and originals, with the now trademark buzzsaw electric guitar meets the cello ensemble. the "live in the studio" sound means that the this version of "guilty" is pretty similar to the one on the live album. the john cale and lou reed covers work pretty well. escovedo's voice probably isn't up to the jimmie rodgers cover ("california blues").

the standout cut, cover of the year, is the extraordinary cover of "sex beat" by the gun club. i don't know if it was inspired by jeffrey lee pierce's death or what, but here it is performed as a dirge: the tempo is slowed way down, and the buzzsaw guitar is replaced by a spare slide, a harmonica, and some minimalist backing vocals, and some fine drumming. it is absolutely arresting. i must of listened to it six straight times the first time a played the cd.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb variety of a music from a legendary performer. . ., April 21, 1999

By A Customer

Alejandro Escovedo's new CD, "Bourbonitis Blues," is nothing more than one would expect from America's most eclectic and multi-faceted performer. A lot of covers on this CD- more than one would hope for from this gifted songwriter. It would be tough to top "More Miles Than Money," but I find these songs enchanting and interesting. However, I must admit, and most people who have seen Alejandro live will admit, it is impossible to transfer the live gig to CD. I have seen Al in concert multiple times and it is a truly spiritual experience. A performer, entertainer, music, shaman. This CD is definately worth the money, but see him live for the real experience. He is on tour all summer so keep your eye out. "Bourbonitis Blues" will satisfy the current Alejandro fans and is sure to pull in some more. The sheer variety of music available here is sure to please any music-lover in one fashion or another. By the way, blast "I Was Drunk" from your stereo if you want to get the point of it. Cheers.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another fine release...., May 2, 1999

By	[e-mail] (the Oregon Coast) - See all my reviews

...from Alejandro Escovedo. This time out he continues down his "baroque" singer-songwriter-meets- the-Rolling Stones path he's been cultivating most of this decade. Although this is no substitute for his live shows (do see him if you can!), it's a decent album showcasing his songwriting ability, as well as his excellent selection of cover tunes. Oh, yeah....long live Buick McKane!!!!!!!!!