Escovedo gets ‘Real’

INTERVIEW. For his ninth album, the high-charged “Real Animal,” Alejandro Escovedo enlisted some interesting friends. However, the 57-year-old Texas-based rootsy rock singer didn’t look further than his own past, performing in The Nuns in the 1970s and Rank & File in the ’80s, for inspiration.
 
Director Jonathan Demme wrote the record’s liner notes, is he a friend?
He’s a pal. He’s a very beautiful man who’s taken an interest in our music. We’re eventually going to make a movie together. Sort of a biopic on my musical life.

The great Tony Visconti produced. Have you worked with him before?
No, this was the first time. But I’ve loved him since I was a kid listening to Bowie and T. Rex records.

Chuck Prophet co-wrote the record with you ...
I’ve known him since the ‘80s. ... I just called Chuck up and told him about my idea for this record; about the stories. He came out to Texas and we just started writing. ... Everyone needs an editor at certain points, especially when you’re trying to frame your life.

The fiery title track is a tribute to Iggy Pop. Why Iggy?
He personifies  everything I loved about rock ’n’ roll. Especially that late ’60s, early ’70s era. He created this style: so wild and out there and abandoned.
 
Alejandro Escovedo
with Tulsa
Tonight, 9
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