Following three holiday tours with Nick Lowe, America’s foremost instrumental guitar combo Los Straitjackets couldn’t help but ask the question, “What would Nick Lowe’s songs sound like as instrumentals?” On May 19, the Grammy-nominated guitar heroes will answer that question with the release of What’s So Funny About Peace, Love And Los Straitjackets on Yep Roc Records.
The first single, “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding,” premiered today at all streaming services and the album is now available for pre-order. In support of the album, the band will embark on a 14-city co-headline tour with pop/rock icon Marshall Crenshaw beginning June 15. The shows will feature an instrumental set as well as collaborations. A full list of dates is below.
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Produced by Neil Brockbank, Nick Lowe’s producer and longtime collaborator, the band delves into 13 of Lowe’s most iconic songs from his illustrious career with original arrangements. The album also features longstanding Lowe band member Geraint Watkins on keyboards, the recording debut of Royston Lowe on percussion, and a vocal cameo by Lowe himself on an undisclosed track.
“Recording these songs reminded me what a great melodist Nick is,” observes guitarist and co-found Eddie Angel. “Everybody knows that he writes great lyrics, but he doesn’t always get credit for his amazing melodies. The fact that the songs stand up as instrumentals is proof of that. And I think that we managed to bring something new to the songs, which is what you hope to do when you’re covering other people’s material.”
Known for their audacious album concepts and star-crossed collaborations, when it comes to delivering high-energy rock and roll instrumental music, no one equals the finesse, power and perseverance of Los Straitjackets.
Over 20 years ago, the Nashville-bred band—Danny Amis (guitar), Eddie Angel (guitar), Greg Townson (guitar), Pete Curry (bass) and Chris Sprague (drums, percussion)—first donned their easily recognizable attire of lucha libre masks. Since then, the group has released 15 studio albums, two live albums, and toured the world with El Vez, Dave Alvin, The Reverend Horton Heat, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Big Sandy, and Nick Lowe.
LOS STRAITJACKETS TOUR DATES
June 15 – Cat’s Cradle Back Room – Carrboro, NC
June 16 – The Hamilton – Washington, DC
June 17 – Ram’s Head – Annapolis, MD
June 18 – Club Café – Pittsburgh, PA
June 20 – Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center – Harrisburg, PA
June 21 – Capital Ale House – Richmond, VA
June 22 – World Café Live – Philadelphia, PA
June 23 – Daryls’ House – Pawling, NY
June 24 – Boulton Center For The Performing Arts – Bay Shore, NY
June 25 – City Winery – New York, NY
June 27 – The Penthouse at One East Avenue – Rochester, NY
June 28 – Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH
June 29 – Southgate House Revival – Newport, KY
June 30 – The Ark – Ann Arbor, MI
w/Marshall Crenshaw
TRACKLISTING:
SIDE A
Shake And Pop
All Men Are Liars
Lately I’ve Let Things Slide
You Inspire Me
Rollers Show
(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding
SIDE B
I Read A Lot
Half A Boy And Half A Man
Checkout Time
I Live On A Battlefield
Raging Eyes
Cruel To Be Kind
Heart Of The City
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HC