Search - Jeremy Gloff :: Now's the Right Time to Feel Good

NOW'S THE RIGHT TIME TO FEEL GOOD (RIOTBOY RECORDS/2006)

prospero72 | Cox's Creek, Kentucky | 11/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"REVIEW: I became aware of Gloff's music mainly because of the delightful video reviews he posts quite frequently here on AMAZON. Since I haven't seen too many pictorial critiques: I really enjoyed watching a real live person talk about the artists he loves and sharing it with all the world. Much to my surprise (when I read Mr. Gloff's profile) I found out he has actually written and recorded fifteen or so of his own albums. Naturally, I became intrigued; and decided to purchase one. I chose "RIGHT TIME" because on his posted review he talked about how it was his best produced album, and how it signaled the end of an era to his life (plus the fact that he declares it to be his own personal "epic" of sorts: and I love epic albums). To be honest: I didn't expect much from this recording. I figured, "Okay, an independent artist who puts out his own records, probably a local star; but...well...maybe he's good for a couple of decent songs." Boy, was I wrong. It has been a long time since I've heard lyrics that express such depth and brutal honesty as this. For a guy to sing about his personal and emotional (even sexual) trauma is difficult enough: but to do so within the framework of an exquisitely crafted, highly melodic, intoxicating swirl of a pop/rock/indie release is worthy of every accolade you can name. And even though his voice takes a little getting used to (as it tends to be a little wispy in tone): he uses it to such great effect and with such passion that it really doesn't matter all that much (especially when Lea McCarthy and the rest of his background vocalist are there to lend him firm support). "NOW'S THE RIGHT TIME TO FEEL GOOD" is an extraordinary personal and musical statement. From the piano-led opener "The Needing" to the charming all-grown-up closer "Be Careful Darrell" (in which Jeremy gives advice to a younger version of himself while saying goodbye to the past - all in one heartbreaking soliloquy): every single track shines with purpose, clarity, and a musical ingenuity that is (in every sense of the word) breathtaking. I personally couldn't get "Dancing In Your Blue", "Vagabond Cadence", and "Til I Grow Up For A Change" out of my head for a week. And whether or not you agree or disagree with the gay lifestyle: Gloff's writing is so personal, so intense, and so real that it commands respect. As a result the record hits the listener on such an emotional level that it draws you into Jeremy's world, and expresses a universal need for love and self-love and forgiveness of one's own faults. If there is anyone who can sit through songs like "Flight #7", "My Silencer", or the trenchant and overwhelming culture commentary of "No Longer Enough" (where he talks about being "complimented most when I dress like my friends" and not to "accept this life" as "it's all routine/it's all vice") and not be changed or moved as a human being: then they must have something seriously wrong with their spiritual makeup. However, if you are a fan of John Lennon's "PLASTIC ONO BAND" LP or Liz Phair's equally brutal confessional "EXILE ON GUYVILLE": then "NOW'S THE RIGHT TIME TO FEEL GOOD" will certainly be a welcomed addition to your collection. It's definately on my top ten "desert island" discs. God bless you, Jeremy! And may you continue to shine like a "satellite" so bright! HARSH LANGUAGE: about 4 words (including 1 f-word that's edited out at the end of "Forgive Myself". VIOLENCE: only a couple of instances. SEXUAL REFERENCES: about 10 discreet instances dealing with homosexual relationships. DRUG REFERENCES: only a couple of instances (including the "pretty much drunk" bit of conversation at the end of "Forgive Myself").





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