The Great Despiser

Joe Pug | Format: MP3 Music

Product Details

• Original Release Date: April 24, 2012
• Label: Lightning Rod Records
• Copyright: 2012 Lightning Rod Records
• Total Length: 38:49
• Genres:
  • Rock
• ASIN: B007IL0CVQ
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,517 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Words and Music - Poetry in Sound April 25, 2012

By C. Goggin

Format:Audio CD

I'll admit, I'm a huge fan of Joe Pug and therefore my review here may be a bit biased. That said, I do truly believe that this album is great and that if you are a fan of Joe or just a fan of that off-center version of folk music that he's so great at; you will love this album too.

1/ Hymn #76 - As an opening song, this one starts us off much different than on Joe's last effort. This song is somber, reflective, and powerful. The poetry weaved here astounded me as a fellow lyrics writer, and the sparse instrumentation is just as important to the overall sound of this one. Great song.

2/ Those Thankless Years - This song's narrator has been through some tough places and made it through to pass along his wisdom. Song's like this can be dangerous, especially when coming from someone as young as Joe Pug is. Somehow though, he manages to keep it honest. Another great one.

3/ The Great Despiser - This is the title track of the album, and it is also my personal favorite. This song is fun to listen to and interesting to think about. Anyone could find a bit of themselves in this song. Again, my favorite.

4/ A Gentle Few - This song is perfectly written. Beautiful. However, I previously heard a live version of this song with a mellow mood and less instrumentation, and the live version is far better than the album version. This one was sadly produced the wrong way for the song that it is. Still, a wonderful song.

5/ Ours - At fist glimpse, this song doesn't sound like a Joe Pug song. The very way that it starts is different from anything he's released before. But, once he starts singing, it becomes obvious who wrote this song. Personally, I like this song. However, I think the drawn out "Ouuuuuurrrrssss" lines will probably send some fingers to the skip button.

6/ Silver Harps and Violins - This song comes across as being rather autobiographical in nature. Like an artist who never quite made it. Strange, considering Joe is doing pretty well for himself and is still young. I really like this song as well, and it probably ranks up there with The Great Despiser on my list.

7/ Stronger Than The World - A few other reviews online mentioned this one as being the weakest of the album. I totally disagree with that notion. I've had this song stuck in my head since the fist listen, and I'm glad to have it there. This is definitely my second favorite of the entire album.

8/ One of Many - This song is all about the poetry. This song is simply beautiful to listen too. Every line sucks you in, and leaves you pondering your own life from top to bottom. A great song, all around.

9/ Neither Do I Need A Witness - This song is another one that suffers from weird production. The vocals are clouded far too much under overly loud guitars and drums that blare out the song. This is very unfortunate too, because if you do manage to listen to the words and melody, it's a remarkable song.

10/ The Servants Ace - This is the weakest song on the album, in my opinion. It's not a bad song, but it's troubles lie in it's heavy similarity to other songs by Joe that were actually much better than this one. The only weak song, really.

11/ Deep Dark Wells - Joe didn't write this one himself, but you would never know it. He takes a very well written poem/song and changes it to his own style here, and makes a great closing piece for the album.

"As long as you're not finished, you can start all over again."

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great one to enjoy! April 29, 2012

By kathy2crows

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Another fantastic offering from one of this generations finest song writers. There is so much here to enjoy. The lyrics are pure and true, with honest glimpses into our humanness. Musically not over complicated and jumbled so the message gets buried beneath alot of noise. A great price for so much! Unfortunately the CD length is only 37 or so min. Some of the songs are a sellout, being overly produced. I sure hope Joe stays with his roots and doesn't start to sound like everyone else. And for a woman of my age, I have heard too many whom have gone the way of commercialism and died a musical death because of that. Joe if you are reading this.....stay true ! The true you is the best you!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Album May 3, 2013

By Margaux

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

Joe Pug's music is folky and warm, but his lyrics are piercing. They'll stay with you. If a song grabs me, I have a habit of playing it on repeat until I know it by heart. Nearly this whole album gave me that experience.