Search - John Thing Doe :: Meet John Doe

A Truly Giant Album

Ken L. | Santa Monica, Ca United States | 11/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When this first solo recording came out in 1990, critics praised John Doe's huge songwriting, but not enough folks paid attention to their pigeon-holed ex-punk. After more than a decade, it still ranks in my top five all-time favorites. This album is the best reflection on the desire to live life well that I know."Meet John Doe" is so emotionally honest and piercingly true that even a hidden soul can't escape the hope, anger, and longing. "Matter of Degrees" takes you to a bar with John where you can shoot the bull with a good friend. "Let's Be Mad" vividly recalls the last time you and your lover decided to really have a blow-out argument. The John Hiatt cover of "Real One" is unabashedly earnest, and it is the best anthem to love I've ever heard. You'll take stock of your own life as "Knockin' Around" encapsulates the moment. And the long distance care package, "My Offering," will wilt anyone's heart. The great tunes and insightful lyrics are woven together perfectly making this a truly giant album.This record made me a big John Doe fan. I love his more recent stuff too, but this album speaks to me most. Too bad it is out of print, so thank goodness for used CDs."

Great Album!

Jilly Bean | San Francisco, CA | 08/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great album. I just recently got turned on to John Doe's solo work after nabbing a used cd off of this site. I've always been a fan of his voice with his work with X, but with his solo material, it's even better. The songs mix a bit of country, blues and punk and the lyrics are poetic and just lovely at times. This is one of the better solo cd's of his, having bought several recently. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys X or anything similar to Johnny Cash's later work.

"

I still can't believe this album is out of print

Ronald H. Pierce | 01/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I could not agree more stridently with Ken L.'s review. This Mississippi boy heard a friend play it over 10 years ago and the last time I tried to find a copy I couldn't. Definately a diamond find! I can't wait to receive my copy - I haven't heard it in 10 years, but still consider it to be in my top 10.



"a truly giant album."



"