Big Station

Working once again with producer Tony Visconti and songwriter Chuck Prophet, Alejandro Escovedo continues to mine the territory between roots music and modest pop ambition. Visconti ensures the sound never dries out; it retains a bright punch even when Escovedo might be inclined to turn dark and serious. "Can't Make Me Run" adds a trumpet behind spaghetti western guitars and a bass line that insists on propping up the groove. "Man of the World" features determined electric guitars that, along with the insistent backing vocals, recall David Johansen's early solo work. The title track features a driving rhythm, plus electric and acoustic guitars that break into an indelible hook. However, it's the acoustics and night beat of "Sally Was a Cop" that bring out a sense of doom while Escovedo humanizes the tale of a drug war and its very real victims. Escovedo's punk roots ensure he never goes quietly. Tracks like "Common Mistake," "Headstrong Crazy Fools," and "Party People" pulse with purpose and a backbone that no amount of production can smooth over.