Search - Jeremy Gloff :: 1987

Not BAD

Bob Waskiewicz | Wintersville, Ohio United States | 01/25/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I listened to samples of "1987"and I really enjoyed it.(I LOVED that year)I think alot of the songs would have been hits in 1987.The record has a great club sound,sort of like Pet shop boys.I might even order this CD."

1987 (RIOTBOY - LOSSLESS RECORDS/2008)

prospero72 | Cox's Creek, Kentucky | 06/30/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"REVIEW: I actually bought this album quite a few months ago, but have put off reviewing it simply because I wasn't quite sure how to convey the enormity of what Gloff has accomplished here. Growing up in the 80's myself: I can appreciate the genuine love and affection for those early synth-laden dance tracks. After all this was the era of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner, Prince and the whole Minneapolis sound. But a singer/songwriter paying homage to those groundbreaking artists by recording an 80's-styled dance LP? Talk about a recipe for disaster (with plenty of cheesy kitsch to go around). And yet Gloff's risk taking is what makes "1987" so astonishing insomuch that he doesn't just pay tribute to the 80's (and the artists who influenced him): HE EMBODIES THAT ENTIRE ERA. From the authentic drum machine beats to the funky keyboard hooks: this is the sound of an artist in full bloom. And the songs! Although some are sexy with an air of risque fun ("Lights On", "Beautiful Boy"): he does one-up Prince in the sex-equals-spirituality department (the lyric "Our bedroom an alter/and your body is my shrine." from "Lights On") while copping a "1999" ode to "Armageddon Sex". But since it's Jeremy Gloff composing the songs you get more than just frivilous lyrics made to order for a "sexy party" (to quote Stewie on "FAMILY GUY"): you get several thoughtful, down-to-earth ruminations on the ins-and-outs of modern love. From the simple character sketches of "Boyfriend" and "1987" to the hilarious "Drama Panties" and the oh-so-beautiful ballad "Don't Forget Her": this is more than some tossed-off, hedonistic record that you can bump-and-grind to. And even though this is not a typical Gloff release: these dance tracks are enlivened all the more by those wonderful Gloff melodies filled with neat little touches here and there like the percolating hooks of "Good Feeling", the squishy synth-horns that dominate "Beautiful Boy", the tropical groove that highlights "Clap Yo Hands", the "Bye bye, baby, bye bye/Sayonara, sucker!" attitude of "Florida Rain", and the gorgeous vocal chorale at the end of "Love Alive". I could go on and on. But the last and most convincing triumph of "1987" is Jeremy's singing. In the past Gloff has been criticized for his sometimes wispy vocalizing which can hamper his songwriting skills (a problem that occured all too frequently on the "ORANGE SONGS"). With his previous release, "NOW'S THE RIGHT TIME TO FEEL GOOD", he turned in one of his strongest vocal performances yet. But with "1987" you could almost say he has reached full maturity as a singer. By making the most of his middle/lower range, and continuing to wring every bit of emotion (and humor) out of his songs: he comes across as warm, inviting, and totally in control of his vocal timbre. Definate kudos to him here. However, for those not familiar with Jeremy Gloff I would still recommend you buy the aforementioned "NOW'S THE RIGHT TIME" CD as it is more typical of his work. But if you're in the mood for some great dance music, grew up in the 80's, or want something fun and funky to listen to: then by all means get this album as quick as you can. It's a one-of-a-kind classic. Another BIG plus: cover art is killer! P.S. TO JEREMY: Why did you delete the reviews of your own albums on Amazon? It was your commentary on "NOW'S THE RIGHT TIME" that enticed me to purchase it. Please reconsider posting them again (at least on your own web site). God bless! HARSH LANGUAGE: only a couple of mild words. VIOLENCE: a couple of slight instances. SEXUAL REFERENCES: about a dozen or so instances detailing hetero and homosexual relationships. DRUG REFERENCES: 1 instance where Jeremy questions a stranger if he only likes to "go home with boys who throw things up their nose?"





HIGHEST BILLBOARD ALBUM CHART POSITION: None.



HIT SINGLES: None."

Best of Gloff

J. Ratliff | Tampa, Florida | 02/27/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although this album doesn't fully showcase Gloff's moody, personal and delightfully vivid lyrical writing abilities, his ability to combine fun beats, driving rhythms with dark places and deceptive irrelevance shines through in this album. Unlike another reviewer I did buy this album, and am glad I did so. I find it a compelling listen irrespective of the mood I'm in. If you liked the 80s, like dance music, or just like Gloff you've got to try it--you won't be disappointed."