Customer Reviews

So Dark You See

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been waiting for John to just relax and not try to overdo it. This new CD is the best music of his career. The production is spot on. The suffocating base of Michael Manring is gone. The lyrics are typical John-thoughtful, reflective, hopeful,and well delivered. Most of the arrangements have a more relaxed feel than previous releases, a better flow and more enjoyable feel.
In a world of musical wasteland, this guy's a gem. If you're looking for a new artist to explore, give this a try.
If you're a fan already, you'll enjoy this.

I have all previous material that Mr. Gorka has put out and he is my favorite singer/songwriter. Lyrically, musically, and emotionally he is absolutely at the top of his game here. "Can't Get Over It" continues his always clever wordplay. "Mr. Chambers" brings a similar feel to the song "The Sentinel" from many albums ago. "Diminishing Winds" is simply beautiful. Top notch.

I am probably one of the lucky few who have every single John Gorka CD. I've even seen him perform live on a couple of occasions way back in the early 90's. To me, his music is like a good friend who's been there with me my whole adult life. And so I very much looked forward to his latest, So Dark You See. This album is yet another solid effort and shows a songwriter who is comfortable with what he does, but yet shows a songwriter who 20+ years into it, is still growing in his craft. I say the latter because this album has such a good sound to it and because of the two instrumentals included (Fret One is my favorite of these) and the song Trouble In Mind (which is John Gorka doing the blues better than ever). There are a bunch of other good songs here too: Whole Wide World, Can't Get Over It, Night Into Day, I Think Of You. There is also the song, Where No Monuments Stand, which continues a run of songs over John's career that make you reflect and think about the foolishness and cost of war regardless of whether it is just or not. I honestly think that in 10 years or so, people are going look at John Gorka's career and count him as one of our all-time folk music legends.

I like this cd. But compared with Land of the Bottom Line his second cd, or Jack's Crows I can only say that Gorka has done better things in his life. This is like side dishes, very good side dishes, when in the past he has delivered the real deal. The good thing with So Dark You See is that Gorka has given up on being a rocker, his more rocking songs in cd's since jack's crow were embarassing, he is better with ballads love songs and aching songs. He is still Gorka, one of the best songwriters in the business and still has great voice. So, if you are starting try two cd's above before going further, there are always one or two great songs in his cd's, and then go further. Maybe I would give 3.5* but not the fourth.

I own every one of his cds and this was the first I ever sampled which is usually a good way to introduce yourself to an artist but I actually contemplated buyin this for a couple mos as his music is not unlike Chris Rea.Its just doesnt translate well in 30 sec clips so def give this a listen!

John Gorka music ranges from adult rock to contemporary folk, and he does it all well. So Dark You See is on the quieter side, offering Gorka in a calm and contemplative mood, but addressing some common themes often revolving around love and hope in dark and troubled times: "That Was The Year" recounts being there for the little one growing up; "Trouble In Mind" finds him Keb' Mo' bluesy; "Where No Monuments Stand" addresses the high cost of war. Gorka's baritone voice remains effortless and settling all the while. This is a nice collection of songs from one of this generation's leading songwriters.

GENRES: Contemporary Folk.

BUY IF YOU LIKE: Bill Morrissey, Greg Brown, James Taylor.

MUST HEAR TRACKS: "I Think Of You," "Can't Get Over It," "The Dutchman," "Where No Monument Stands."

John took some risks on this recording and they certainly paid off. Another great listen from one of my favorite singer / songwriters. I drive long distances very often and I make sure to have this recording along each trip for those periods I spend traversing the "radio free" portions of the Old Dominion and the Mountain State; great company on the road.

Very good set of song's from America's most under-appreciated bard. None of the songs hit a bad note and my only complaint was that I kept getting interrupted when I was first listening to it. Good stuff and another very solid collection of songs.

Last summer, I was at a friends house for dinner and he had some music playing in the background. I did not recognize the artist but the moment I heard it, I knew it was good. I asked my friend who this was, "John Gorka" he responded. Several days later he gave me a CD full of Gorka tunes. I became an instant fan.

"So Dark You See" is a collection of mostly original tunes by Gorka. What really captures my imagination with this collection is the bare arrangements of most of the tracks. There is very little percussion on this record, bringing the lyrics and Gorkas vocal delivery to the foreground.

The listener is drawn in for a wonderful 45-minute ride. So Dark You See is highly recommend if you enjoy the simplicity of a songwriter and their song.

I have almost all of John's material and this one is definitely a keeper! My favorite tracks are "A Fond Kiss" and "Ignorance & Privilege".