Customer Reviews

Dim Stars Bright Sky

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Yes, X. Their front man John Doe delivers a beautiful thought provoking group of edgy poems set to his folk/blues style of music. John's original band X, is still one of my favorites to listen to, and this new album does not disappoint either. Hints of the earlier punk band are felt in the lyrics but the music is much softer. Any fan of X should give this a listen!

I'm on the way to the airport for business a few months ago, I pick up "Dim Starts Bright Sky" because John Doe is playing somewhere in Boston MA the next evening.

I'm a bit surprised by the first listen at the CD...where are the loud guitars and drums? After a quickly listen to the album, "Backroom" and "Closet of Dreams" begin to emerge as something to look for at the show.

I get off my flight and buy a ticket to the "Follies" show where John Doe performs some of the "Dim Stars" songs. The show is incredible because of the new music, it really was over the top!

Since that experience, I can't keep the CD out of my player. "Forever for You" is better than anything John has done with X including "Los Angeles" or "Poor Little Girl." The song is almost intoxicating! Far Away and "7 Holes" are some of my favor tunes of all time. John has found yet another new sound.

This is an album you need in the collection. Give it at least five spins...you will be pleasantly caught off guard.

Oh and John, thanks for 30 great years!

I've owned this cd for about a year now and it has definitely become one of my favorites. Every time I listen to 7 Holes, Always, This Far or Forever for You, I hear an emotional subtlety or sentiment in John Doe's voice I didn't hear before (with kudos to Jane Wiedlin doing harmony on Forever for You and Aimee Mann on This Far). It just never gets stale.

In addition to the quality of the melodies and lyrics, his voice is so evocative. It's the voice of a man who has a history; it's raw and honest and rich. When I listen to DimStars, Bright Sky, I'm listening to real music and not a formulaic, commercialized, branded rock-pop-music-type product. Thanks John

John Doe seems to just miss the mark on most of the songs as he does on his post-X output. The thing about Doe is when he does hit the mark, his work is so brilliant, it is well worth the cost of the cd. Forever for You is just a fantastic work of art with Wiedlin's harmony used perfectly. 7 Holes another fantastic song is like a segway from the previous Doe releases. The bonus track is a little gem. I wouldn't really rate this as five stars but would hate to lower the average rating. Buy the CD, like any of Doe's other work, it's a friend you'll visit year after year, marvel at it's brilliance and forgive any shortcomings.

I was a fan of X but John Doe is more than an ex-Xer.

He is fantastic as a solo singer-songwriter, delivering honest, simple music.

But don't think shallow -- his lyrics are powerful and deep. My wife doesn't like him but I suspect his is an album that will appeal across the gender line.

I'm going to deduct one star because Doe has a habit of hogging the mic in duets or with back up singers. (the other artists are very short or you can barely hear them.)

I'm not sure he does this -- he sounds great in duets and especially with women.

Oh, on the contrary, this is the best John Doe album to date, out of anything he's put out since X. Each of the songs is beautifully written (and sung) and it was one of those that I kept in my car CD changer for months. I am going to get it out and play it again now! See him live if you can too -- it's like seeing a live episode of that "Songwriters" show. Sometimes he tours with other singer-songwriters and those shows are among the best live shows I've ever seen (I've seen two of those, playing with Glenn Phillips, Steve Poltz, Kristen Hersh, among others).

There's a new Doe album coming soon with some other guest stars... sounds like another gem!

John Doe continues to amaze me his his ever changing harmonic exploration. Bought this CD two weeks ago and havn't taken out of the player since. Glad to hear John returning to the style of his early solo efforts. Alway's thought "Take 62" was one of his most brillient songs. This disk allows John to explore more styles and let his voice shine through. Nothing wrong with "X" or John's louder stuff, just great to hear him expand and explore his range. Still think Sheryl Crow should record a duet with John. Imagine how much more heartfelt, powerfull, and Ironic "Picture" would be if it was John rather than Kid Rock.

I love this album from beginning.I've had time to listen to this album for the last two months.i bought it as a promotional copy,and man i was not disapointed at all.just yesterday i had the privilage to see john doe at ameoba.and he played some of his new stuff.the whole album just comes alive and he brings you in and let's you feel him,but just when you think he says it all,he suprises you.it's a must for fans of his earlier work.please do not compare it to X.he has nothing to do with X.it's his solo stuff and he does good.a very classic album.

By the way i also bought the album there and got it signed.
Long live JOHN!