Customer Reviews

Adam's Apple

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Over a year and a half since The Man With No Shadow disappeared (along with its original label) just a few days before its release, John Wesley Harding finally releases it as Adam's Apple, the album officially awaited as the finest of his career. Those familiar with Wes's career know this is a tall order, but he delivers with the sharp songwriting we know to expect AND a healthy dose of pop craftsmanship that stakes a claim among the best pop song writers and presenters of this moment, folks like Joe Henry, Steve Wynn, Chuck Prophet, Steve Earle, Roddy Frame, Rufus Wainwright... It's a great follow up to The Confessions of St. Ace (2000) - the similar feel of a big, meaty pop album, but the band is a little tighter, the licks and chops more polished, the songs themselves somehow a little more earnest. There's also plenty of room for the kind of quirky, innovative lyrical and musical touches that highlited Awake (1996) on great songs like Sleeper, Awake! and Pull, and while this is definitely one of Wes' "pop" albums, there are still plenty of traces of his inner folkie (a la John Wesley Harding's New Deal and the Dynablob series) in songs like Monkey and His Cat and Sussex Ghost Story. With John Wesley Harding, sometimes the package is slick, other times homespun; sometimes you get rich pop concoctions while other times you get wise (and/or wise-ass) folk ruminations. But like all the best music out there, Wes's songs always have something truthful to say and a unique and cohesive presentation that makes you want to listen.

No rock-critic-speak here . . . The album is really quite good pop. It's got a fine mix and more "rockin'" numbers as well as some sweet ballads and a creepy murder tune! ooh, spooky! Seriously, though, there isn't a skipper on the album.

JWH's music is usually clever and fun and this album is one of his best. Check out http://www.johnwesleyharding.com/music.html for links to some "teasers". One of my favorite tunes from the album, "It Stays", is available as a sample, although it cuts off right before the chorus, which is really very good.

'Adams Apple' is a finely crafted, heartfelt pop gem that will have you singing and humming to these wonderful and memorable songs! The tight songwriting and musicianship is truly top notch, with shades of Elvis Costello and The Beatles, but yet very original in scope with Wes's distinct vocal signature. There are some uptempo tunes here, as well as some slower, more pensive songs of beauty like 'Sleeper Awake' and 'Sussex Ghost Story'. Wes is a masterful songwriter, and has perhaps released his best work yet with this one. To say John Wesley Harding is easily one of the best and most talented singer/songwriters out today is not an overstatement. My wife and I are looking forward to yet more great releases from Wes, as well as catching him live. Here's to you Wes!!!

John Wesley Harding has had a long and interesting career flying just under the pop radar. But on Adam's Apple he puts together both poignant and pithy words and lays them on top of some unforgettable melodies. Listen to "Nothing At All" or "Negative Love" and you'll hear instantly the pull of the music and melody against the bittersweet images in the lyrics. Only great songwriters get to execute this combination as well as it is done on this CD. Whether you have a few other things by JWH or have only heard of him (or never for that matter), you'll find John Wesley Harding on top of his game on this gem.

Was listening to my Nick Lowe station on Pandora. They played Negative Love, I immediately gave it the thumbs up and bought the album. On my MP3 player, this is a continuing favorite. Songs like Sluts and Hard, just ring home like truth. Nothing At All is another favorite. Pleasing to listen to. Kind of a shame to call it pop, I suppose if he were more popular it would be considered such. Personally I like Rock music. This is a great alternative when driving to work or contemplating life's quirks. Thoughtful, funny and ironic.

Singer-songwriter John Wesley Harding has picked up the musical mantle abandoned by Elvis Costello: that of poet laureate for the small sect of listeners who still crave a little wit, wisdom and originality in their straight-on rock and pop. He even sounds like Costello a bit, by way of Jakob Dylan. We love "Negative Love." Infectious beat, catchy melody, smart lyrics ("Negative Love, the radio's playing my request. Negative love, you lie before me unimpressed. Why say yes. When you know all the ways to say no best."). Harding is a tunesmith worthy of our adulation. He's like the clever friend who effortlessly tosses out the witty barb with perfect timing. His wry humor, paired with an uncanny sense of melody, make this disc a total pleasure.