Aural Fixations

ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO
A Man Under the Influence
Austin's Alejandro Escovedo is the perfect critic's darling. His press kit has reams of favorable notices, he's well-respected by his peers and he's yet to make a bad record. Yet to the public at large he remains unknown, despite being a songwriting talent on a par with Neil Young, Van Morrison, even—dare it be said—Bob Dylan. Why? Who knows? Even if the public airwaves weren't inundated with plastic jingles masquerading as pop songs, it's doubtful Escovedo would find the success he so richly deserves. The poetry of emotion at which he is an acknowledged master is simply not easily digestible by the Great Wad. (more)

Tripping Through the Past

SHUGGIE OTIS
Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis was only 22 years old when he released Inspiration Information in 1974, but he'd already had many years in the music bidness. The son of R&B bandleader Johnny Otis ("Willie and the Hand Jive"), Shuggie was best known as a young blues guitar prodigy, but by the time of his third album he'd evolved considerably. At first listen this is a typical early 70s, slightly psychedelic soul record, with wah-wah guitars, shimmering Rhodes piano and languid grooves, but further listens reveal that it's a bit more distinct than that. (more)