The Boxing Mirror ends a four year recording drought (the longest of his career) for singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo (a Latin-style Bruce Springsteen for those less familiar), but the reason it took him four years to finally make a new album is a lot more serious than Escovedo just taking an extended vacation. In 2003, following a show in Pheonix, Escovedo collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. His diagnosis ended up being a very serious case of Hepatitis C. In 2004, benefit concerts and a benefit album were put together to help pay for Escovedo's mounting medical expenses. Thanks to his friends in high places, Escovedo was able to get his Hepatitis under control and finally return to the musical fold.

The Boxing Mirror doesn't pull any punches. At times it's very intense and no more so than on the harrowing "Arizona." "Arizona" brings Escovedo face to face with his ordeal over three years ago and the lyrics are gut wrenching. When Escovedo croons "I've been straight, so straight since Arizona. You say I've lost my way, but it's all a dream" you really do feel for him. "Deer Head On the Wall" with its violin strings leading the way along a downtrodden path is also pathos-filled powerhouse. But not all of The Boxing Mirror wallows in sorrow.

"Sacramento & Polk" is one of the best Rock songs you'll hear all year, reminding us all that Escovedo hasn't lost his Punk-Rock roots. The only time this album slips a bit is in the music production. Former Velvet Underground man John Cale for the most part does a good job in the Producer chair, but there are moments where this album just sounds a little too thin musically. But this is a minor quibble. The Boxing Mirror is a very fine, straight-ahead Rock album from an artist who's been blessed with a second chance to grace us with his powerfully distinctive voice and style once again.