Johnny J
"johnNY doe"
CDR
Wood
Records
Genres: experimental rock
Wood Records
1704 Central
Dodge City KS
67801
May 12 - 18 2003 |
Johnny
J is a crazy guy from Sweden who records really weird, often Zappa
and Beefheart-esque music, and creates fucked
up websites to publicize said music. But that's all in good
fun. One listen to johnNY doe will assure you that,
although he certainly has a penchant for the bizarre, Johnny J
also knows exactly what he's doing. Songs like the opener, "johnNY doe (It's Over?)" and
"The Day" see Johnny J mocking the whole rock star
attitude (Zappa, anyone?) with outbursts of electronics and
ego-trip vocals. "Hangover" is a goofy little tune
that is remarkably catchy, despite its hilarious simplicity.
Meanwhile, the three songs sung by guest vocalist AnneLee are
pure fem-fronted fun, taking cues from bands like Sleater-Kinney
and perhaps even Neko Case in The New Pornographers.
"Wild Snow," one of the album's best songs, is an
energetic power pop romp. Plus, I give bonus points for a
delicious cover of Phil Ochs' "Spaceman," a classic
in its own right.
If you're looking for a record filled with experimental rock and
absurd power pop, then johnNY doe will be the soundtrack to
your dysfunctionally funky summer. Rock on, Johnny J,
rock on!
84%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
12 songs, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |
