Customer Reviews

After Yesterday

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been a fan of John Gorka's since the first time I heard him sing in the summer of 1985 and his music continues to touch me with each new release.

I bought this CD when it was first released in 1998 and I listened to it. I enjoyed it just because I could listen to John sing anything and be happy. The songs sort of blended together at first but as I listened more, they grew on me. Now, this is my single *FAVORITE* John Gorka recording to date.

Especially beautiful and haunting is ``Thorny Patch,'' which reflects back on a difficult time in life after the healing has begun. The imagry and the voices are beyond description but Lucy Kaplansky does magnficent background vocals on this one.

Another favorite of mine is ``Cypress Trees,'' which reflects John's new experience as a husband and soon-to-be father.

``Wisdom'' also stays with me long after I hear it and has so much to say. It's both amusing and profound at the same time.

A guaranteed winner for fans of folk and fans of John's.

John Gorka just keeps getting better. He has always brought the goods to the table, and he welcomes your intelligence as a listener. Don't be surprised by his humor, wit and charm. After Yesterday is the best CD I have heard in a very long time.

Some people have criticised this album for being less dark and edgy than Gorka's previous records. Well, good, I say: John has always been scrupulously honest about reflecting his life in his songs, and who could deny him a little happiness -- particularly when the focus of this album, on a lasting love and the joys of new fatherhood, are rarely tackled in music. I have to admit, this is probably my favourite Gorka album. I love the understated production, the closeness and intimacy of it. John's singing better than ever, and the songs are superb, whether cryptic excursions into mythology (Zulee), odes to the Common Guy (Silvertown), or reflections from his own life experience (Thorny Patch). The song After Yesterday made this new father smile in recognition of the confusion, chaos and, yep, new beginnings a baby brings. There's two splendid lighter tracks, When He Cries (about a screaming baby), which manages to be tender and hysterical at the same time (no mean feat), and the ode to coffee Saint Caffeine. The presence of Lucy Kaplansky on vocals on about half the album is icing on the cake. This is the kind of disc you just want to play again and again. Buy it.

Just received this from amazon.com. It hasn't left my CD player yet and it probably won't for a while. This is just plain GOOD MUSIC! John Gorka's songs grow on you so quickly, you find yourself humming them all day. I've been a John Gorka fan for a long time. This CD may become my favorite. "Thorny Patch" and "Cypress Trees" are songs that will grab you the first time through. John can sure paint a picture with a song. If you don't laugh at "When He Cries", you obviously have never seen a baby cry! The banjo on "St Caffeine" was a nice touch. My toes are still tapping.

Bought this CD so I could have Saint Caffeine, and I didn't preview the other songs on the CD. They are OK, but aren't particularly memorable. I should have just bought the MP3 of the one song I wanted.

Some real gems on this cd. Such a talented songwriter with a wonderful voice. Clever lyrics keep you intrigued.

John sings of Wisdom, Cypress Trees, and Thorny Patches in this work of love. What a transitional album for John. He moved away from his pure acoustic efforts and inserted some tasteful instrumentation. Great lyrics especially Thorny Patch, Saint Caffeine, and Cypress Trees. Listen closely to these tunes and let them do their magic. Gorka is the medicine that can cure your ills moving you from melancholy to merriment with the strum of his guitar.

This is my favorite Gorka album to date. Should appeal to those of us who appreciate Mr. Gorka's warm, funny side (which really comes out when you see him live) more than those who like the moody, sad songs from the older stuff. Fave tracks: Cypress Trees, Silvertown, St. Caffeine.

I only love this album more after having seen John Gorka in concert. From the humorous songs on the album to the touching, this is a must have addition to any folk collection.

Every 2 years I wait for the next JG disc. If you are familiar with John, this one is similar to his others with a twist - he is hooked on his 'new' family status. Too much family and baby for me... His voice is still great, guitar playing is fantastic, his first banjo playing on a disc is great BUT, I'll stick with the previous disc's and wait 2 more years for the next one...