Search - David J :: Guitar Man

Another Step Forward for David J

Jackson Landers | Charlottesville, VA United States | 01/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't tend to expect much from an EP. These days, it's usually just a radio single with a few cheap remixes and a second rate b-side tossed together onto a cd. Which is why it is so refreshing to listen to David J's 'The Guitar Man' and find that it has the quality and consistency of a mini-album.Since his first solo foray with 1983's 'The Etiquette of Violence,' David J has been refining his work with every new release and constantly raising his fans' expectations. Like Tom Waits or Leonard Cohen, David J and his music only become more like themselves with time, slowly distilled into something that is unmistakable in even the smallest drop.'The Guitar Man' has main ingredients recognizable from his last 2 solo albums in particular. The country sensiblity of 'Songs from another Season' with a bit of the darkness of 'Urban Urbane.' His signature dry wit is evident in the (surprisingly well-arranged) cover of Marilyn Manson's 'The Dope Show.' 'Mickey Rourke Blues' is both funny and a testament to David J's abilities to weave clever character study into good songwriting (a la 'Bouquets, Wreathes and Laurels').The title track features lead guitar work by occasional co-consiprator Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc.). It's a fun cover, but Navarro's guitar sound seems a little out of touch with the rest of the arrangement.Altogether, this is a 'must buy' for any David J or Love and Rockets fans. David's work in general (but not necessarily this release) would be likely to interest fans of Nick Drake, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen or John Cale. Look out for his forthcoming full-length album, which promises to be a favorite for anyone who has ever put Beck's 'Sea Change' on repeat."

David J

Jackson Landers | 07/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The talent of David J shines again in this great EP, from his blistering arrangement of "Guitar Man" to the lush melancholia of "The Auteur". A body of work that includes the brilliant albums Etiquette of Violence('83) Crocodile Tears And The Velvet Cosh '85), Songs From Another Season('89)and Urban Urban('92) will soon be joined by a new album, Estranged. Get hold of them all, for David is a very special songwriter and an awesome lyricist. His work is to be cherished."