By now the story is almost a cliché: hardworking Midwestern rocker can't break into the mainstream despite a truckload of critical raves, impassioned live shows, and ties to kindred soul and superstar Bruce Springstee... more »n, who works similar hardscrabble territory. But Grushecky, now a full-time teacher in his home town of Pittsburgh, still considers himself fortunate. "Daddy always told me, money don't mean everything / Consider yourself a lucky man, you got a guitar and you still can sing," he elaborates on the title track. It's one of 13 boldly honest slices of life on this terrific hour-long disc.Disregard the rather deceptive cover photo of the relaxed singer, gazing out on a tranquil lake with an acoustic guitar by his side. One listen to the blistering opening "Code of Silence"--a co-write with Springsteen, who trades verses with Grushecky and tears into a typically slashing guitar lead--and you'll realize this is no introspective, acoustic folkie strummer. That shouldn't imply he's not reflective, though. Rugged ballads such as "Father and Son" and "The Other Shoe" view life from an honest middle-age perspective that is unflinching and never sappy. Springsteen adds his guitar or vocals to three other tracks, but this is all Grushecky's show, as his flinty voice and rocking songs mix poetry with passion in a volatile explosion of emotional intensity that can't be summoned up by less journeyman artists. He's abandoned the brass-ring grind of the music business and is content to release mature, edgy, quality work--that is what makes A Good Life such an unqualified success. --Hal Horowitz« less
By now the story is almost a cliché: hardworking Midwestern rocker can't break into the mainstream despite a truckload of critical raves, impassioned live shows, and ties to kindred soul and superstar Bruce Springsteen, who works similar hardscrabble territory. But Grushecky, now a full-time teacher in his home town of Pittsburgh, still considers himself fortunate. "Daddy always told me, money don't mean everything / Consider yourself a lucky man, you got a guitar and you still can sing," he elaborates on the title track. It's one of 13 boldly honest slices of life on this terrific hour-long disc.Disregard the rather deceptive cover photo of the relaxed singer, gazing out on a tranquil lake with an acoustic guitar by his side. One listen to the blistering opening "Code of Silence"--a co-write with Springsteen, who trades verses with Grushecky and tears into a typically slashing guitar lead--and you'll realize this is no introspective, acoustic folkie strummer. That shouldn't imply he's not reflective, though. Rugged ballads such as "Father and Son" and "The Other Shoe" view life from an honest middle-age perspective that is unflinching and never sappy. Springsteen adds his guitar or vocals to three other tracks, but this is all Grushecky's show, as his flinty voice and rocking songs mix poetry with passion in a volatile explosion of emotional intensity that can't be summoned up by less journeyman artists. He's abandoned the brass-ring grind of the music business and is content to release mature, edgy, quality work--that is what makes A Good Life such an unqualified success. --Hal Horowitz
CD Reviews
Joe Grushecky Continues To Amaze Us
The Footpath Cowboy | Kingston, NY United States | 12/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Joe Grushecky's newest CD, A GOOD LIFE, is as good as anything he recorded in the late 70s-late 80s, as well as its predecessor, TRUE COMPANION. Bruce Springsteen and his crew were heavily involved in helping to make this one, but Grushecky's own authenticity still comes shining through, even, especially, on the Springsteen co-write "Code Of Silence", which here, sounds even more desperate for answers than when Springsteen recorded it. In fact, this version is so bitingly realistic that it can exhaust you to the point where you might just oppose shield laws for journalists on the grounds that the truth hurts. The other songs are also great chronicles of life in general, and even though Grushecky was raised working class and works as a schoolteacher, this CD could be just as relevant to the bank executive living in posh Cape Elizabeth, ME; Dunthorpe, OR; or Lake Forest Park, WA, as to the ironworker in Pittsburgh. In other words, these songs are so universal in their relevance that even people who have it made can relate to them, because money can't buy everything. This CD isn't for the teenagers; it's for the adults who've been through the wringer and lived to tell about it."
An awesome CD from an awesome performer
Scott Brodie | 10/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of Joe's very best. The lyrics are insightful and Joe's voice just gets better with time. And for those that have not seen Joe perform live, he is an awesome guitarist and it really comes out on this CD. Check out "Safe at Home". It also doesn't hurt that the Springsteen crew produced and mixed this CD."
Grushecky's "A Good Life" is a great listen!!!
Mr. Gary Borress | nyc | 10/18/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Veteran rocker Joe Grushecky is back with a new CD, entitled A Good Life. In an age where there's possible instant fame with TV shows and slick videos, Grushecky did it the old fashioned way: grinding it out in clubs and theatres over the years. Starting 25 years ago with his band, The Iron City Houserockers, Grushecky's always been part working class hero & part philosopher. It's a combination that has held up over time and this new CD is full of tunes that will make you think as well as crank up the stereo. Gary Borress, NYC"
I can't believe this guy's not famous
Douglas R. Wieringa | Normandy Park, WA USA | 03/30/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Classic rock is still big -- even my young nephews are listening to Bob Seger and Queen and Led Zepplin. But the problem with being a classic rock fan is that you're going to be listening to the same music for the next 20 years. Let's face it, there aren't many new artists breaking into classic rock radio playlists. That's a shame because there is great music out there, you just have to find it.
So check out A Good Life. I think there's a big audience for this album, they just doesn't know it exists. It's one of the best rock and roll records I've heard in a long time. Bruce Springsteen plays on a couple of tracks, and you can hear his influence all over the album -- although it has been a long time since Springsteen has played blues-based, blue-collar rock like this."
From the heart and soul
Avalondan | 01/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is music that makes you glad to be alive. Pure clear crystal clean.
Sometimes slashing, sometimes soothing, gives hope, gives solace, makes you dance, makes you cry.
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1