Alejandro Escovedo - Thirteen Years (1994) [mp3] [320 kpbs] TEXAS

The Austin singer-songwriter reaches deep once again, adding triple violins, harp, and cello to his palette of movingly introspective material. Overall, the expanded lineup provides for plenty of tonal space. Before the mood ever gets maudlin, Escovedo cranks up the volume with guest guitarist Charlie Sexton for "Losing Your Touch," and a playful rocker that could have come from The Replacements/Paul Westerberg camp. With the exception of this track, "Mountain of Mud," and the John Cougar-ish "The End," Thirteen Years keeps to fragile, graceful interiors.


Tracklist:

"Thirteen Years Theme" – 0:49
"Ballad of the Sun and the Moon" – 4:33
"Try, Try, Try" – 4:35
"Way It Goes" – 4:54
"Losing Your Touch" – 3:56
"Thirteen Years" – 4:03
"Thirteen Years Theme" – 1:10
"Helpless" – 4:37
"Mountain of Mud" – 3:48
"Tell Me Why" – 3:47
"Thirteen Years Theme" – 1:25
"She Towers Above" – 4:50
"Baby's Got New Plans" – 4:51
"The End" – 3:41
"Thirteen Years Theme" – 1:03

Personnel:

Alejandro Escovedo - guitar, vocals
Dave McNair - guitar, percussion
Turner Stephen Bruton - electric guitar
Charlie Sexton - electric guitar
Cid Sanchez - electric guitar
Marty Muse - pedal steel guitar
Terry Wilson - bass
Barry "Frosty" Smith - drums, percussion
David Bender - drums
Megan Levin - harp
Susan Voelz - violin
Danny Levin - violin
David Perales - violin
Frank Kammerdiener - cello
Tom Canning - piano, keyboards
Jon Blondell - trombone section
Mickey Raphael - harmonica
Malford Milligan - vocal extraordinaire, harmony vocal
Bobby Neuwirth - harmony vocal