Customer Reviews

Palmhenge

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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

After several months of listening, this disc is still in my CD player. This isn't just for Cracker fans (this disc is better than the past couple of Cracker records), this is for fans of good rock music. Everyone I have invited to listen to this record has loved it - from pre-teen to middle age. Catchy hooks, witty/intelligent lyrics, and infused with different, but subtle, musical genres. Other singer/songwriter/musicians only dream about creating a record this good. I am on a mission to spread the word of Johnny Hickman.

This is a solid album very well crafted. It has an excellent blend of songs Mr. Hickman has proven himself to be a troubadour. This is a true album in sense that it is ejoyable straight through and at the end your ready to listen again. I love the blue grass feel of the song "Southern Cal" with the Banjo and harmonica and the wit of the song "Friends". "The great decline" and "Lucky" should be on the radio. There are so many other worthy songs on this album that I would end up listing them all. If you are into a Folk Rock style this album is for you.

Just got mine and am on my second go around. From start to finish very pleasing to the ear, a couple of rockers "The Great Decline" and "Harvest Queen" great solo on the latter. A potential single in "Lucky" if people were smart and played this on the airwaves. Any fan of Cracker or Camper this is a MUST! All in all I couldn't be happier for Johnny Hickman's first solo release!

This is very good, speaking as someone who hasn't followed every Cracker album. Somewhat like Cracker, but maybe a bit more bluesy, and somehow more approachable. I wanted to listen to the album a second time right away. Some songs are just plain catchy country-inspired ditties, which aren't ratcheted up like they might be on a cracker album. In fact, I just bought a bunch of the more recent "4-star" Rolling Stone reviewed albums, and I'm listening to this album much more than those, it's at least equal in quality.

A great new but old-fashioned album that both Cracker fans and people new to Hickman will love. Highly recommend!

I agree with all the others and especially Anne from Cambridge...Johnny has a definite knack for songwriting.
His voice is a haunting reminder of what good music really is. Many of todays artists do not elicit that. That word elicit; means to draw out the truth and he has shown how well he can~~solo. Aside from working with Cracker and D.L.-this is HIS opportunity to spread his wings and fill a desperate need for some damned good music.
"San Bernardino Boy" and "Lucky" are just some of my favorites from this album. His bluesy, country, earthy quality are in full capacity here. Good music is a hard thing to find these days. Hats off to you John Hickman--you have arrived. You need to realize you have many fans aside from Cracker...Shine on J.Hickman, shine on.

Johnny Hickman's solo project is a gem. Excellent songwriting and music ianship and great rockn'roll. It has slipped through the cracks undeservedly. A must have.