Forever Hasn't Happened Yet

Amazon.com
Though punk rock rarely emphasizes a vocalist's emotional range and subtlety, John Doe distinguished himself during the glory days of X as arguably the finest singer that punk has ever spawned. His latest solo release gives him more room to stretch, showcasing a vocal expanse that is equal parts romantic hope, world-weary resignation, and hard-boiled desperation--sometimes all at once, as on "Mama Don't" (sung with his 16-year-old daughter Veronica Jane). While rarely sounding generic or nostalgic, the music draws from the same blues and country roadhouse roots that X did (and its side project, the Knitters, did even more). The acoustic "Worried Brow" and "Twin Brother" (in harmony with Grant Lee Phillips) spotlight Doe's voice at its most supple. X fans will find that band's spirit renewed in the propulsive "Heartless," powered by Dave Alvin's guitar; the narcotic rush of "Ready" (a cautionary tale); and the songwriting collaboration with former bandmate and wife Exene Cervenka "Hwy 5," with Neko Case serving as Doe's female vocal foil. "There's doom in my heart and blood in your eyes," sings Doe in "The Losing Kind," the noirish opener. His music may have gotten softer, but John Doe hasn't. --Don McLeese

Forever Hasn't Happened Yet,John Doe,Yep Roc Records,Alternative Country-Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Roots Rock,Singer/Songwriter,United States of America

Forever Hasn't Happened Yet

Average customer rating:

Breathtaking
Ashamed of myself
Once again, John Doe proves himself to be a truly exceptional singer and songwriter
Sing me songs forever...
Same old thing AGAIN

Forever Hasn't Happened Yet
John Doe
Manufacturer: Yep Roc Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Modern Sounds of the Knitters
For the Best of Us
Poor Little Critter on the Road
Dim Stars Bright Sky
Freedom Is...

ASIN: B0007KXVX6
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

The Losing Kind - with Dave Alvin & Grant Lee Phillips
Heartless - with Dave Alvin & Grant Lee Phillips
Mama Don't - with Veronica Jane & Dave Alvin
Twin Brother - with Grant Lee Phillips
Hwy 5 - with Neko Case
Worried Brow
Your Parade - with Cindy Lee Berryhill
There's a Black Horse - with Smokey Hormel
Ready - with Kristin Hersh
She's Not
Repeat Performance - with Cindy Lee Berryhill

Amazon.com

Though punk rock rarely emphasizes a vocalist's emotional range and subtlety, John Doe distinguished himself during the glory days of X as arguably the finest singer that punk has ever spawned. His latest solo release gives him more room to stretch, showcasing a vocal expanse that is equal parts romantic hope, world-weary resignation, and hard-boiled desperation--sometimes all at once, as on "Mama Don't" (sung with his 16-year-old daughter Veronica Jane). While rarely sounding generic or nostalgic, the music draws from the same blues and country roadhouse roots that X did (and its side project, the Knitters, did even more). The acoustic "Worried Brow" and "Twin Brother" (in harmony with Grant Lee Phillips) spotlight Doe's voice at its most supple. X fans will find that band's spirit renewed in the propulsive "Heartless," powered by Dave Alvin's guitar; the narcotic rush of "Ready" (a cautionary tale); and the songwriting collaboration with former bandmate and wife Exene Cervenka "Hwy 5," with Neko Case serving as Doe's female vocal foil. "There's doom in my heart and blood in your eyes," sings Doe in "The Losing Kind," the noirish opener. His music may have gotten softer, but John Doe hasn't. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Breathtaking.......2007-06-28

JD's solo work gets better with each new installment. Forever... is further confirmation of Doe's stunning ability to capture the breathtakingly beautiful sound of longing. Doe's voice paints the landscape of loss and heartache in poetry and music that is sparse but never simple. As with most of Doe's work, the powerful beauty of Forever becomes more apparent with each repeated listening.

Ashamed of myself.......2007-05-23

I've long time been a big fan of X and John Doe's gorgeous voice, but for some reason I hadn't picked up any of his solo records. I'm not exactly sure what I was thinking. When I heard he teamed up with Neko Case among others for this record, I had to give it a chance.

So here I am about six hours after my first listen, and I have yet to change the CD. This record is brilliant. I feel like I'm falling in love on a lonely stretch of highway.

John, I promise from here on out, you've got my ear.

Once again, John Doe proves himself to be a truly exceptional singer and songwriter.......2006-05-21

It has been ages since I've loved a CD like I love this one--

I am certain that in the years to come, music critics and fans alike will realize what an extraordinary contribution John Doe has made to the American Songbook.
Yes, folks, these are the future standards -- classically American, roots-inspired tunes, sung by the most haunting, fabulous set of male pipes out there. Doe is a "musicians' musician"...one of the best modern composers in the music business, in any genre. Only Jeff Buckley and Paul Westerberg come anywhere close to Doe.

Sing me songs forever..........2006-01-01

...I'll never get tired of them.

John Doe is a fairly new discovery for me and I can't get enough. This guy's voice is just awesome - listen to "Worried Brow" and let yourself get blown away. Listen, too, to all the lyrics, especially "Twin Brothers" for stories and emotions you can connect to. All the songs rock the blues with a unique edge only John Doe can provide, with "Losing Kind", "Worried Brow" & "Hwy. 5" my particular favorites. Praise is also well deserved by all the musicians/artists that contributed, but special mention has to be made of the vocals by Veronica Jane that complemented John's on "Mama Don't".

Same old thing AGAIN.......2005-12-20