Useful Music

Josh Joplin Group | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 23, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Artemis Records
• ASIN: B000056T6C
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,726 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Josh Joplin Group coast the vertical horizon of adult alternative on their debut album. Backed by a full rhythm section, singer and storyteller Josh Joplin weaves words with a wistful whine that invokes the Counting Crows' Adam Duritz, Michael Penn, and a less shiny happy Michael Stipe. Joplin looks at life through gray-colored glasses, unloading the burdens of existence one moment and forgiving others for the weights they carry the next. Whether the topic is the two-tiered emotional facade of Tinseltown on "Camera One," the homesick melancholy of "Who's Afraid of Thomas Wolfe," or the admission that life will always have its pitfalls on "Gravity," Joplin unveils a somber, introspective worldview against a jangly pop that keeps the musical vibe light even as the emotions get heavy. --Jennifer Maerz

Product Description

Ori Release '99.Their debut album mostly produced by Shawn Mullins. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Better R.E.M. Album Than We've Heard In Years, February 12, 2001

By 

John D. Pride (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Useful Music (Audio CD)

My sister is a huge R.E.M. fan. A few weeks ago she called me up and, in a near breathless voice said, "Have you heard the new R.E.M.? It's amazing!" Well, she was right on one count. This album is great, with terrific songs and terrific hooks. But it's not R.E.M., it just sounds that way. In fact, at times it's nearly impossible to hear the difference between the two Georgia bands when listening to these new recordings. Whether acoustically, as on the near-perfect carbon copy of "Swan Swan H" entitled "Sofa King" that provides one of the two B-sides of the rather un-R.E.M.-ish CD single "Camera One", or on the very R.E.M.-ish second single "Matter", this band has recorded a dead ringer Stipe vocal and R.E.M. band sound that could probably pass a DNA test. Still, it hardly matters because the songs are so good, and production must have had something to do with the "familiar" sound because Josh Joplin is far less R.E.M.-like live. Josh is a riveting performer with a loyal following who will surely find a recorded sound that the Josh Joplin Group can solely lay claim to on the next record. As things exist right now, this CD is definitely worth picking up, despite it's obvious influences.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best new artist in years, February 20, 2001

By 

DrewFromNY "drewfromny" (New York, New York USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Useful Music (Audio CD)

I saw Josh Joplin live at Kendall Cafe in Boston after hearing a demo of this album. He and his band are as good in person as they are on the CD, which is a rare feat these days. In addition, Joplin is a credible artist and a very witty person (evidenced by his between-song banter at the live show). Joplin's intelligent and introspective lyrics, memorable music and unique (yes, Michael Stipe-ish) voice all combine for an incredible listening experience. Having worked for years in the music business, I can honestly say that Joplin is the freshest most "listenable" new artist in years. The entire CD is great, not just a song or two. Needless to say, I highly recommend it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's Time for the World to Know about Josh Joplin Group, January 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Useful Music (Audio CD)

Mark my words - if you are even remotely intrigued by anything you've heard or read about this truly special artist and songwriter, you will not be disappointed with Useful Music. It's a wonderful collection of heartfelt, thoughful stories set to an eclectic, rhythmic adventure. It's folk songs with a punk rock energy if you ask me, but don't get too caught up in the description, because there are lots of other flavors to be enjoyed on the album. Josh is truly one of the most special songwriters of the present day, and tells it as only a select few can. I get the feeling I'll be writing reviews of his next 20 albums here and enjoying every twist and turn in Josh's career. Guaranteed to be on your top albums of 2001 list, and quite possibly, your all-time favorites list as well.