Like their instro-rock forefathers the Ventures, Nashville’s Los Straitjackets have never shied away from a good gimmick. The guys wear luchador masks, after all. But where lesser bands might use album-long themes or unlikely collaborations as a crutch, Los Straitjackets use them as a springboard for their renowned instrumental prowess. After three tours serving as the backing band for Nick Lowe, Los Straitjackets’ latest offers up a baker’s dozen interpretations of the British songwriter’s works. The immediate red flag is that Lowe’s songs are defined by his witty and heartfelt lyrics, but Los Straitjackets are no strangers to imbuing character into their wordless compositions and covers. In fact, with Lowe’s approval, they reshape many of the selections into captivating new arrangements. “All Men Are Liars” becomes a Rubber Soul-esque shuffle, and “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding” gets a jangly treatment that evokes Lowe’s original “aging hippie” idea for the song. The takes on these classics appear alongside renditions of more recent Lowe tunes in a thoroughly enjoyable and loving tribute.
—Eric Schuman
