The Austin singer-songwriter reaches deep once again, adding triple violins, harp, and cello to his palette of movingly introspective material. Overall, the expanded lineup provides for plenty of tonal space. Before the mood ever gets maudlin,
Escovedo cranks up the volume with guest guitarist
Charlie Sexton for "Losing Your Touch," and a playful rocker that could have come from
The Replacements/
Paul Westerberg camp. With the exception of this track, "Mountain of Mud," and the
John Cougar-ish "The End,"
Thirteen Years keeps to fragile, graceful interiors.