Though Alejandro Escovedo has made his name as an alternative country singer-songwriter, the California native's roots are in the first wave of American punk, during which time he led San Francisco's legendary hardcore band the Nuns before joining alt-country pioneers Rank and File and the True Believers. As the title suggests, REAL ANIMAL is a return to Escovedo's punky roots, and is the most hard-rocking solo album he's ever released. Tony Visconti's stark production and co-writing credits from Chuck Prophet, a fellow California punk veteran, lend these songs both sonic detail and lyrical depth. Highlights include "Chelsea Hotel '78," a true-life story about Escovedo's run-in with Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen. REAL ANIMAL was released both as a CD and as a double vinyl LP.