Search - Joe Grushecky :: Fingerprints

Nancy V. from SUMMIT, NJ
Reviewed on 5/22/2007...

Friend of Bruce Springsteen. Hard, classic rocker. Great sound.

Grushecky: A Survivor of Rock and Roll

hank spicer | kent, ohio | 05/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Joe Grushecky's latest release "Fingerprints," is another fine effort from one of America's best singer/songwriters. This release will not be a disappointment to followers of the long time Pittsburgh legend nor will it be less than a treat to people unfamiliar with Grushecky's work.
This was Grushecky's first solo release as he took some long time friends and headed off to the studio. His band, The Houserockers, do not appear on the album but the group is still intact and are as solid as ever.
For people who are not acquainted with Grushecky, he was the long time frontman for the Iron City Houserockers, the critically acclaimed gritty street tough band from the late 70's and early 80's. His style is often compared to Springsteen, Mellencamp, Seger, Hiatt etc... in the sense of roots rock and roll combined with powerful lyrics and blistering guitar work.
On "Fingerprints," Grushecky shows some versatility but still remains true to his musical roots. The opening track,"You and Tonight" is a guitar oriented romp that will leave you on the dance floor or bouncing your head in your car--it's party rock with no apologies. Amazing guitar and vocals and the tune is getting quite a lot of regional airplay to boot.
Another personal favorite is "It's A Crazy World." Another guns a blazing rocker with some thoughtful provoking messages. In this song, Grushecky pleads, "the schools in our cities are deserted and dark---but we got enough money to build another ballpark." Heady stuff and not likely what you'll hear on the newest Limp Bizkit offering.
Other pleasures are "I Remember It" and "I Will Not Let My Spirit Fall." The former is a visit from the past of Grushecky's first musical memories and tributes while the latter is his ode to being a rock survivor and the courage that it takes to move on with integrity while not giving in.
Other highlights are "Talk Is Cheap" who Grushecky penned with his 13 year old son Johnny (a budding musician in his own
right) and "On The Wall." This track represents a true story about the Vietnam War and the struggles that we as Americans feel about it to this day. It is the most heartfelt song about Vietnam that I have heard since Springsteen's cult b-side "Shut Out The Lights."
All in all, Grushecky never disappoints and always delivers. I hope you will take the time to explore his music and to enjoy this new powerful statement. If you know this American original already, then you know this is another in a long line of great efforts from one of rock and roll's most underrated stars."

Deserving of 5 stars

Reed | New Castle, PA | 03/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw Joe Grushecky and the Iron City Houserockers open for Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes 25 years ago. Last summer, I watched Joe open for the Jukes again at the Arts Festival in Pittsburgh. The irony was unmistakable - here were two artists who've grown, matured and improved. Grushecky (and Johnny Lyons, for that matter) never hit the heights many people predicted, but they both continue to make great music. This CD is filled with great songs - rockers, ballads, songs that make you want to turn up the volume in the car and sing along. Who other than Joe could work Kennywood Park into a song and make it fit perfectly? There's a reason every reviewer to date has given this a 5 star rating. It's rock and roll for people who aren't afraid of growing up."