Search - John Doe :: Dim Stars Bright Sky

Dim Stars Bright Sky
John Doe
Dim Stars Bright Sky
Genres: Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #1

Dim Stars, Bright Sky, Doe's fourth solo album, is being billed as his first acoustic solo LP, but that bends the boundaries of truth in advertising just a bit; while several of the songs are built around low-key non-ampli...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: John Doe
Title: Dim Stars Bright Sky
Members Wishing: 3
Total Copies: 0
Label: Imusic
Original Release Date: 1/1/2007
Re-Release Date: 3/26/2007
Album Type: Import
Genres: Pop, Rock
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1

Synopsis

Album Description
Dim Stars, Bright Sky, Doe's fourth solo album, is being billed as his first acoustic solo LP, but that bends the boundaries of truth in advertising just a bit; while several of the songs are built around low-key non-amplified arrangements, most notably 'Seven Holes', 'Faraway (From the North Country)', and 'Always', most of the album's tunes feature electronic keyboards, drum loops, electric guitars, or some combination thereof. Not that that's bad; the blend of the acoustic rhythm guitar and fuzzy leads on 'This Far' (not to mention the old-school electric piano sound) makes the most of a solid song, and the splashing drums and Rickenbacker leads on 'Backroom' give the tune a Byrds-ian undertow that's superb. However, if you were hoping for 'John Doe Unplugged', that's not quite what you get. Also, while the cover promises duets with a number of notables, including Aimee Mann, Jakob Dylan, Jane Wiedlin, and Rhett Miller, most of Doe's co-vocalists are little more than glorified backup singers, lending fine harmonies but little personality of their own (faring best are Mann, whose sweet-and-sour harmony on 'This Far' suggests a smoother version of Doe's vocal byplay with Exene Cervenka, and Juliana Hatfield, who proves to be a superb accompanist on her two tracks). Dim Stars, Bright Sky isn't the 'just John with his guitar' album one might be expecting (and hoping for), but with John Doe writing great songs and singing them very well with a top-notch band, only a fool would complain. It's a great album from a great artist, but hopefully he'll take another stab at a real acoustic album one of these days.

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CD Reviews

Always....
charlottegreeneyes | 06/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Doe seems to just miss the mark on most of the songs as he does on his post-X output. The thing about Doe is when he does hit the mark, his work is so brilliant, it is well worth the cost of the cd. Forever for You is just a fantastic work of art with Wiedlin's harmony used perfectly. 7 Holes another fantastic song is like a segway from the previous Doe releases. The bonus track is a little gem. I wouldn't really rate this as five stars but would hate to lower the average rating. Buy the CD, like any of Doe's other work, it's a friend you'll visit year after year, marvel at it's brilliance and forgive any shortcomings."
Hits the mark
Karen | Los Angeles, California | 01/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Oh, on the contrary, this is the best John Doe album to date, out of anything he's put out since X. Each of the songs is beautifully written (and sung) and it was one of those that I kept in my car CD changer for months. I am going to get it out and play it again now! See him live if you can too -- it's like seeing a live episode of that "Songwriters" show. Sometimes he tours with other singer-songwriters and those shows are among the best live shows I've ever seen (I've seen two of those, playing with Glenn Phillips, Steve Poltz, Kristen Hersh, among others).



There's a new Doe album coming soon with some other guest stars... sounds like another gem!"
Nothing Dim Here; John Doe's Stars Shine Brilliantly
charlottegreeneyes | Boston | 12/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've owned this cd for about a year now and it has definitely become one of my favorites. Every time I listen to 7 Holes, Always, This Far or Forever for You, I hear an emotional subtlety or sentiment in John Doe's voice I didn't hear before (with kudos to Jane Wiedlin doing harmony on Forever for You and Aimee Mann on This Far). It just never gets stale.



In addition to the quality of the melodies and lyrics, his voice is so evocative. It's the voice of a man who has a history; it's raw and honest and rich. When I listen to DimStars, Bright Sky, I'm listening to real music and not a formulaic, commercialized, branded rock-pop-music-type product. Thanks John

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