Customer Reviews

Useful Music

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I heard Camera One and instantly ran out and got this CD. The music is beautiful, the lyrics are clever and interesting, and the vocals soothing. I would recomend this album to anyone who likes Barenaked Ladies, REM, or Dave Matthews Band. Josh Joplin is a little bit like each, but unique in it's own right.

Ah, we live in a world of Aerosmith, Limp Bizket, and Brittney Spears...Some of us in this world do not, however. Some of us like songs with depth and meaning, and real musicianship. Take for instance, Josh Joplin Group. This band, almost unheard of by the general public, is hitting the adult alternative radio high with "Camera One", an absolutely amazing song.... helped me out with the rest of the album, and I was stunned at how incredible the songs were. Punchy, playful, and meaningful, a more-less folky sound thats hard to categorize. They sound like a cross between Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Semisonic. The songs are catchy, but with just enough "Matter" to be noteworthy. "I've changed" is probably my favorite, but "Trailways", "Human", and "Undone" are great too. In fact, I can listen without skipping a single track, a feat hard to accomplish these days. Check out some of their other stuff, outside of this cd, like "Parade", "Better days", and "Far away". This band is not making fluke albums, they are making quality music for real music lovers!!

I first heard "Camera One" on my local radio station and I immediately fell in love with the song. If it came on the radio while I was driving, I would make another trip around the block just to listen to the song. I was a bit scared before I bought this album though. I was afraid that it would be like many other albums--one song is amazing but the rest of the album is horrible. I was very pleased to find this wasn't the case. I bought this album almost 4 years ago and I still listen to it nearly every day. It's the kind of album that you can listen to over and over again without it getting old--it just seems to get better! Many people complain that Joplin's voice sounds exactly like Michael Stipe's from REM. Even so, this is still a most amazing album...

"Matter"--Great opening song. Exciting and fast. One that you just have to crank up and roll down the windows for.

"Gravity"--A perfect example of JJG's outstanding lyrics! Great music and amazing writing.

"Here I Am"--My favorite song by this band. Starts out simply and just builds. The lyrics, again, are great. I know that I say that a lot, but I can't stress it enough.

"Undone"--Didn't exactly like this song on the first listen. However, it began to grow on me and I really do like it now.

"Camera One"--The reason that I feel in love with this band. I don't know how to explain it. It's another one of those songs that you just have to crank all the way up!

"I've Changed"--A song that really makes you think (which is rare in music these days). It's a nice mellow sound for the middle of this album. Definately one of my favorite songs on this album.

"Trailways"--A great "roadtrip" song. Just a gernerally fun song.

"Who's Afraid Of Thomas Wolfe?"--Witty lyrics, JJG's sense of humor comes out in this song a bit. Not laugh out loud funny, but you'll definately listen to this one with a bit of a smirk on your face. "I sold my soul and I never got paid..."

"Phil Ochs"--Good song. Didn't know exactly who Phil Ochs was when I first heard this. From what I've found out, he was a percussionist for several different bands. Something that a friend and I noticed about this song: no percussion is used for it. Kind of a fitting tribute. It really is a good song. It captures the way that the pop stars of today cannot even compete with the ways that the artists from (for lack of a better term) "back in the day" influenced music and truly made music instead of being prepackaged teenie boppers.

"Superstart"--A fun song. You'll definately be bobbing your head to this one.

"Human"--A very haunting melody. Makes me think about growing up and realizing that we're all just "human."

"Dutch Wonderland"--Another song that has become one of the theme songs to growing up. "Where the gym teacher was always mad..." This song is just one of those that can be put on and nostalgia seems to grip anyone who listens. The first time I heard it, I literally cried thinking about my childhood. It'll definately make anyone think.

"I've Changed (Alternate Version"--An electric version of "I've Changed." Because of the subject matter of the song, I think I like the first one a little better, but this one is still great. There is an added verse in it which seems to add a bit more though.

In my life, I've only found a few albums that I like as much as this one. It is truly one that I can put in on a two hour drive and just keep on repeat. "Useful Music" seems to be a bit modest from this band. "Necessary Music" seems to be more like it.

I was hoping, after hearing "Camera One" on the radio a couple times, that lines like "You're playing you now" were indicative of sharp, intimate songwriting, and upon purchasing this CD last week, I was justly rewarded. Joplin's songwriting is solid, assured, and quite beautiful. His voice flows, edges, and creeps around his words--and yes, the Josh Joplin Group will be compared to R.E.M. and Dave Matthews, but I also hear a little bit of Train and Ben Folds in there, and on the mellower tunes, Joplin's voice goes very near a young James Taylor. There are some real gems on this CD, but buy it for "I've Changed." Both versions (tracks 6 and 13) are good. The song is simple and understated, and brilliantly so. The label's (Artemis) web site says that it's a song about renewal, but I think it's more than that. It's about going to the very edge of your life ("[I've] laid the barrel in my mouth") and finding something surprising about yourself, that you can be resilient in the face of doubt and grief and disappointment. Joplin's delivery on the line "I've reconsidered everything" is a real jaw-dropper: you can hear the defeat in his voice, the ethereal sadness at the heart of the song, and at the same time, there is an unmistakable sense of hope. And, finally, if you're still reading, this is the only CD I've purchased recently that knocked David Gray's 'Lost Songs' out of my permanent play list (it's still there, but Joplin's 'Useful Music' is my most oft-played now). If you're lucky enough to have discovered 'Lost Songs' (from the guy who's currently tearing it up with a CD called 'White Ladder'), then that will probably mean something to you. Enjoy 'Useful Music.' What an appropriate title.

The comparison to other bands is obvious (REM, DMB, Counting Crows and so on--and their style reminds me of Better Than Ezra as well), but they certainly can stand on their own merit.

The music is easy to listen to, the songs intelligent. Sometimes the songs contain surprising references (should I know Phil Ochs? can I take a song with "Freddie Prinze" in the lyrics seriously? do we remember Johnny Cougar? are we afraid of Thomas Wolfe) but Josh's take on life's downsides, and how he says it, is what makes this album stand out.

Listen, so you can say you knew this band before they reached the popularity they so much deserve.

How is it possible that an album this good could receive so little hype? I actively search out new music and I only recently discovered this-how are these types of bands supposed to find an audience?

Useful Music is one of the best and most consistent records I've heard in a long while. This is honestly one of those CDs where an argument could be made for just about every song as being the best on the album. I listen to this all the way through and don't find the need to ever skip a track.

Joplin's songs don't just depend on hooks to lure you in, although there are plenty on the album-he writes interesting and distinctive melodies that make all of the songs memorable. The music is straightforward, simple and elegant and accomplishes a great deal without resorting to over the top production or arena rock pomposity. He's a singer/songwriter who uses a modern, full band sound within a great variety of song styles to make the point. Joplin's songs also feature poignant lyrics about important subjects. These are songs about growing up and facing the harsh realities of the world, yet they leave you with positive feelings about your chances of making it as they remind you that the journey is also worthwhile.

If you appreciate honest music played by a real rock band, you owe it to yourself to add this to your collection. Then share the love and tell your friends about this record-they will thank you.

"Useful Music" doesn't disappoint, unlike other albums who feature one great song and then jilt you after purchase. "Camera One" was the great single on the radio, but there are no bad songs on this album. Josh Joplin is a gifted songwriter who manages to couch thoughtful, maybe even deep, lyrics in melodies with fantastic hooks for refrains you could dance to, or run to, or drive to, or weep to. Standouts are "Gravity," the fun "Trailways" and "Superstar", and "Dutch Wonderland," which struck me as a song distilled from even-tempered regret. A solid album from a young songwriter with classic skills.