[Cover photo credit to Erik Undehn]
Singer/songwriter and guitarist José González has released the 20th Anniversary Deluxe version of his candid debut album (2003) Veneer. It features newly remastered audio of the album as well as a bonus disc, comprising 13 intimate recordings from his historic 2003 performance at Gothenburg Concert Hall.
The 20th Anniversary Deluxe Version of Veneer has been released on limited edition double clear vinyl and digitally via Mute. It features a hand-numbered gatefold and 24-page booklet filled with archival photos, essays, a song-by-song guide from José González, and more.
Veneer was an album recorded with the most basic equipment in a cramped Gothenburg flat that ended up going platinum, not only in Sweden but also the UK, selling well over 1 million copies worldwide.
Amidst a period of flux in his life José reflects on some of the meaning behind the album’s title:
The word ‘veneer’ describes the thin material used to make cheap wood look expensive, and it’s also used to indicate other superficially appealing exteriors for what might otherwise seem less attractive, whether that’s buildings or teeth. I chose it to refer to the feeling that things are not as they appear or are pretending to be something they aren’t. Partly I was thinking about other people and how they behaved, saying things as if they were in a game or in the theatre. Nonetheless, I was also thinking of myself and my music, like I was trying to be someone I wasn’t.
To further mark this milestone release, González has announced that he will return to North America in April 2024 to perform Veneer in its entirety (along with his other classics) for a select run of dates.
José also recently announced 2023 North American dates highlighting the film A Tiger In Paradise, directed by close collaborator Mikel Cee Karlsson. The creative documentary is described as “a visual journey into José González’s inner world of thoughts and shadows, an intimate look at the creative, sharp and fragile mind behind the music.” It was also recently announced that global streaming service, film distributor, and production company MUBI is set to release the film.
The hybrid events will consist of a film screening followed by a conversation between José González and director Mikel Cee Karlsson, where they explore the film’s themes, how it all connects to José’s music, lyrics and worldview, and tie it all together with a live solo performance by José.
“An Exclusive Evening With José González” A Tiger In Paradise film + talk + performance dates:
11/6/2023 – Los Angeles, CA – The Ace Hotel Downtown LA
11/7/2023 – San Francisco, CA – The Castro Theatre
11/8/2023 – Seattle, WA – The Moore Theatre
11/10/2023 – St. Paul, MN – The Fitzgerald Theater
11/11/2023 – Skokie, IL – North Shore Center
11/13/2023 – Washington DC – The Lincoln
11/14/2023 – New York, NY – Town Hall
11/15/2023 – Somerville, MA – Somerville Theatre
12/5/2023 – Stockholm, SE – Göta Lejon
12/6/2023 – Gothenburg, SE – Draken
1/22/2024 – Madrid, ES – Teatro Gran Via
1/23/2024 – Utrecht, NL– Tivoli Redenburg
1/24/2024 – Paris, FR – Alhambra
1/25/2024 – London, UK – Earth
VENEER LIVE DATES:
2/15/2024 – Berlin, DE – Theater des Westens
4/23/2024 – Vancouver, BC – The Orpheum
4/24/2024 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
4/26/2024 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
4/27/2024 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre
4/28/2024 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theater
4/29/2024 – Austin, TX – Paramount Theatre
5/1/2024 – Miami Beach, FL – Miami Beach Bandshell
