John Doe
For the Best of Us
Yep Roc Records (to be released July 25th/06)
Christopher Duda
(SugarBuzz Toronto)
SugarBuzz Magazine
This is not a new John Doe release but a treasure trove that Yep Roc has re-released with bonus tracks. Originally released as an ep on “Kill Rock Stars” in 1998, John Doe and Yep Roc have upped the ante and turned this into one classic full-length painkiller by adding five songs from the same sessions.
For those of you that have been hiding under moss-covered rocks for eons you may not know that John Doe is a member of the classic punk band-X. However, John also has a healthy dose of solo releases as well. Doe’s 2005 release “Forever Hasn’t Happened Yet” was lauded one of the best albums that year.
What makes this release unique is that it was recorded at a time in 1996-1997 when it seems that a sense of creation with no preconceived plans were in alignment with the stars.” For the Best of Us” exudes sheer energy and feeling from the heart as well as the gut. With a band made up of Smokey Hormel (Beck, Tom Waits, Johnny Cash) on guitar, Joey Waronker (Beck, REM) on drums, Tony Marsico (Matthew Sweet) and Steve MacDonald (Redd Kross) taking turns at thumping bass; it is no surprise that it oozes musicianship and pure unadulterated craftsmanship.
John Doe is truly an American icon and an influence on countless.
Yep Roc never ceases to amaze at the high standard of great release after great release.
This is another notch in the Yep Roc belt.
John Doe photo by Jim Herrington