John Doe

Forever Hasn't Happened Yet

2005-03-22

John Doe is something of a renaissance man.
As a beat poet; actor in more than 25 films; former bassist for the punk band X; and singer/songwriter, Doe has remained a cult figure for more than 25 years.

He builds on this reputation with this, his 5th solo recording. Now, please don't lump John in as being Waits-ian just because he's an actor and has a dark, interesting personality. Rather, think of Bruce Cockburn. Smart as a whip, adventurous, genre-bending, and somehow equally optimistic and pessimistic. That must mean he's seen the world.

On the new disc, Doe paints a dusty American scene with help from the likes of Dave Alvin, Grant Lee Phillips, Neko Case and Kristin Hersh. Though these are somewhat Big Name artists, they make no attempt to re-write the songs in their image. Instead, they seem to be augmenting John's best batch of songs yet out of humble respect.

It'd be easy to say there's something here for everyone - rockers, acoustic performances, electronically-enhanced tunes... it's a winner.
Linus.

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 03/2007

    Thursday's Child
    I Know This Much Is True

  • reviewed 04/2009

    ZACHARY RICHARD
    LAST KISS

  • reviewed 09/2010

    ROBERT PLANT
    BAND OF JOY

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Handsome Ghost
    The Brilliant Glow

  • reviewed 05/2011

    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    Rave On Buddy Holly

  • reviewed 09/2011

    BLITZEN TRAPPER
    American Goldwing

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.