Palmhenge

Johnny Hickman | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 19, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Campstove Records
• ASIN: B00081U678
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #340,252 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, May 12, 2005

By 

Anne (Lafayette Hill, PA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Palmhenge (Audio CD)

As a semi-dedicated Cracker fan, I always wondered: How much of the songwriting mojo comes from David (Lowery), and how much from Johnny? Is there a synergy they have that must be there to create the more brilliant songs? Why does David sing most of the songs -- how much of a hand does Johnny play in songwriting?

Now I know: Johnny doesn't need David. As far as I know, all David added was that delightful cynical edge you see even more in the Camper songs. Don't get me wrong, I like Lowery too, in a certain mood, but Johnny has an earnest, down-to-earth quality, and this comes through beautifully in his songs. They are real and direct without being sappy or simple-minded. There's a huge variety on the album, from the lonely, aching "Little Tom" to rowdy "San Bernadino Boy" to "Beauregarde's Lament", which celebrates the joy of living and reminds you: "Don't let the daily news distract you from the light". The melodies are inventive and catchy, too; there's always a hook that keeps you coming back and wanting to hear a song again, whether it's a trademark Johnny guitar riff (a fantastic one in "Harvest Queen") or a perfect vocal touch (haunting vocals on "Little Tom").

You can tell from the album that he's a seasoned and gifted songwriter, and it's about time he really let that shine. Don't hesitate to buy this album, whether or not you're a Cracker fan.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Album, June 3, 2005

By 

J. Bahlman (richmond, va usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Palmhenge (Audio CD)

An excellent album that is for more than just the dedicated Cracker fans who've known all along that Johnny Hickman harboured such a wonderful talent for songcraft. How would I describe it to someone who hasn't heard it? ....a little bit Bob Dylan, a dose of Bruce Springsteen, with Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard thrown in, maybe even a pinch of the balladeering of Paul Simon a la "Duncan" and a whole lot of the Johnny we know from Cracker especially a lot of the vibe and craft from "The Golden Age" and "Forever". It is a MUST HAVE for all Cracker fans, and for anyone interested in the singer/songwriter/americana/alt-country/intelligent-adult-rock genres. Buy it and you will love it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite CD this year. Insightful, Wide-Ranging, Fun!, May 10, 2005

By 

J. D. Rogers (San Rafael, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Palmhenge (Audio CD)

Johnny Hickman, co-founder of Cracker, has come up with a gem. Elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, a bit of country, even the occasional cello can be heard. Well crafted songs. Insightful lyrics, much to do with the paving over of California, his home state. Well arranged. Great musicianship. Strong vocals. Very well recorded from the distant crows on the first track, to howling, intricate guitar work, crashing rhythms, and resounding bass, to the soft wail of the pedal steel. Hickman is an amazing guitarist both acoustically and with the old Les Paul and does a lot of both here. Backed by a wide variety of talented musicians from Davey Farragher to David Immergluck. Hasn't been out of my CD player since I got it - a solid effort from start to finish, displaying a breadth of talents and influences. You'll get "stuck" on track after track. One of the few CD's if run across in recent times that leaves you feeling that your $$ was well spent - every track is strong. I don't spend too much time writing reviews online, but this CD moved me to do so. Enjoy