He was named No Depression's Artist of the Decade, he's had people like Steve Earle, John Cale, Bruce Springsteen and Tony Visconti either work with him, sing with him or cover his songs AND he has enough great song to fill a double Best of record (which happens to be out now!)

So why the hell does Alejandro Escovedo still struggle with a lack of confidence, even despite the fact that he was on George W Bush's personal playlist? Well, strike the last one and read on as Americana UK speaks to one of alt.country's biggest stars about famous friends, the Presidential iPod and ripping off Mott The Hoople. Enjoy

Interview by Soren McGuire