Search - John Hoskinson :: Pancho Fantastico

Pancho is magnifico!

Kat | Los Angeles, CA United States | 08/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this cd; it's pure pop/rock magic! Every song is unique, but they all have John's sweet voice singing lovely melodies and smart lyrics. My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE song on the cd is the soaring and retro "Just Think It Over". I can listen to it non-stop, and it's definitely on my list for the Top Ten songs of 2007!"

Muy Fantastico!

bdlove@earthlink.net | Los Angeles, California | 07/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You will know from a previous review that I deeply admire John Hoskinson, as a man and as an artist. . Yes, people do compare him to the Beatles and Crowded House, and with some accuracy. But it's only because he takes the original sources and elevates them to art. He does things his own way. As any true artist should.



Pancho Fantastico is a very fine CD, and one that people should be awakened to. You'll hear elements of pretty much anything that pop music has evolved in its time. His lyrics range from sweetly sentimental (but never saccharine) to cynical. While the music hews to John's passionate commitment to high quality pop, the arrangements now delve into new waters explored in his first release: horns, srings, Wilson harmonies.



I strictly guarantee that you will love this CD--not just admire it, because that's a given, but love it in the way we grow up falling for songs. Think of a song that connected you to a wildly spinning universe as a kid, and you will likely find a counterpart here. One of my favorite pieces here is "Guaranteed," a lover's lament. I think you will also be delighted by the song "Creepy," which has a McCartneyesque rhythm and a really darkly funny lyric--if we can all recall when pop music was fun, and not weary emo. "We Can Never Be Friends" closes the CD with a song pretty much everyone can feel infused into their lives: lovers who cannot be anything but lovers, even after the initial thrill of connection has faded. It's sophisticated emotionally, and pretty much as from the gut as early solo Lennon songs. People don't write this well anymore. Sure wish I could.



This guy is the real deal. I should add the disclaimer that I consider him a friend. But friendship begins and ends with total disclosure, and I would be doing John a disservice if I did not tell the truth.



Truth being: Fantastic record. Buy it, folks.



Your pal, Buddy"

Good, through and through

H. Manning | L.A. | 08/31/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was just listening to Pancho Fantastico in my car yesterday and I realized that I didn't have to skip any of the songs! It's so rare to find an album that's good all the way through anymore. All of the songs are pop-based, but they're all so different too. I especially like "She's Changing My Mind," "She Makes Me Yawn" and "Evolve." If you like traditional power pop-type music with a twist, this is for you."