Search - John Wesley Harding :: Adam's Apple

Adam's Apple
John Wesley Harding
Adam's Apple
Genres: Alternative Rock, Folk, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

John Wesley Harding is well into his second decade as a recording artist. As a literate but no longer new voice, he's no longer major-label material. Indeed, the well-traveled Brit who was once heralded as the heir to Elvi...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: John Wesley Harding
Title: Adam's Apple
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Drt
Original Release Date: 1/1/2004
Re-Release Date: 2/17/2004
Genres: Alternative Rock, Folk, Pop, Rock
Styles: Singer-Songwriters, Contemporary Folk, Adult Contemporary, Adult Alternative
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 828730040628, 0828730040628, 615493014269

Synopsis

Amazon.com
John Wesley Harding is well into his second decade as a recording artist. As a literate but no longer new voice, he's no longer major-label material. Indeed, the well-traveled Brit who was once heralded as the heir to Elvis Costello has been hopping from indie to indie since he parted ways with Sire in the early '90s. So one wouldn't be shocked if his first new collection in four years felt like an exhausted last breath of a frustrated journeyman. But from the first notes of the cascading opener, "Nothing at All," it's apparent that Harding has, if anything, become more adept at mating sharp, witty wordplay (always his forte) with surging power pop. This time out, he's managed to pull together more than a fair share of alluring melodies and fitting folk-rock arrangements. Whether it's the jangling, spirit-affirming "Sleeper Awake" ("Get out of your bed/ Quit playing dead") or the O. Henry-like murder ballad "Sussex Ghost Story," Harding proves he's still going strong at a stage when it wouldn't be surprising if he was running out of gas. --Steven Stolder

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CD Reviews

Wes's claim
wrick31 | Berkeley, CA | 03/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Over a year and a half since The Man With No Shadow disappeared (along with its original label) just a few days before its release, John Wesley Harding finally releases it as Adam's Apple, the album officially awaited as the finest of his career. Those familiar with Wes's career know this is a tall order, but he delivers with the sharp songwriting we know to expect AND a healthy dose of pop craftsmanship that stakes a claim among the best pop song writers and presenters of this moment, folks like Joe Henry, Steve Wynn, Chuck Prophet, Steve Earle, Roddy Frame, Rufus Wainwright... It's a great follow up to The Confessions of St. Ace (2000) - the similar feel of a big, meaty pop album, but the band is a little tighter, the licks and chops more polished, the songs themselves somehow a little more earnest. There's also plenty of room for the kind of quirky, innovative lyrical and musical touches that highlited Awake (1996) on great songs like Sleeper, Awake! and Pull, and while this is definitely one of Wes' "pop" albums, there are still plenty of traces of his inner folkie (a la John Wesley Harding's New Deal and the Dynablob series) in songs like Monkey and His Cat and Sussex Ghost Story. With John Wesley Harding, sometimes the package is slick, other times homespun; sometimes you get rich pop concoctions while other times you get wise (and/or wise-ass) folk ruminations. But like all the best music out there, Wes's songs always have something truthful to say and a unique and cohesive presentation that makes you want to listen."
Solid, through and through
Guy Matz | Brooklyn, NY United States | 06/15/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)

"No rock-critic-speak here . . . The album is really quite good pop. It's got a fine mix and more "rockin'" numbers as well as some sweet ballads and a creepy murder tune! ooh, spooky! Seriously, though, there isn't a skipper on the album.JWH's music is usually clever and fun and this album is one of his best. Check out http://www.johnwesleyharding.com/music.html for links to some "teasers". One of my favorite tunes from the album, "It Stays", is available as a sample, although it cuts off right before the chorus, which is really very good."
One of the most overlooked artists today! Brilliant pop!
CQ DX | Ohio, USA | 02/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Adams Apple' is a finely crafted, heartfelt pop gem that will have you singing and humming to these wonderful and memorable songs! The tight songwriting and musicianship is truly top notch, with shades of Elvis Costello and The Beatles, but yet very original in scope with Wes's distinct vocal signature. There are some uptempo tunes here, as well as some slower, more pensive songs of beauty like 'Sleeper Awake' and 'Sussex Ghost Story'. Wes is a masterful songwriter, and has perhaps released his best work yet with this one. To say John Wesley Harding is easily one of the best and most talented singer/songwriters out today is not an overstatement. My wife and I are looking forward to yet more great releases from Wes, as well as catching him live. Here's to you Wes!!!"