Search - Josh Joplin :: Jaywalker

Still An Undiscovered Talent

J. Sorensen | NY | 08/31/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Josh Joplin has music history in him. He is, simply put, a throwback to the days when the best folk musicians mixed personal observations with memorable musical hooks. There may be some that want him to be a great commerical success, but I don't really think that is what is in the cards for him. He continues to write songs that are more close to home - Brooklyn and Manhattan namely - and that are very personal. Lacking the wider appeal of projecting a commercial video image, the people who really appreciate his musical gifts and raw musicality will continue to follow him; it will be a shame for those that miss out. With that, for any newcomers to his music, I would first recommend a listen to "The Future That Was," and then "Useful Music" before a first impression of "Jaywalker." That's not to say that "Jaywalker" is a disappointment, in fact, it contains some of his best work. The string of 8 songs that begins with "One Becomes Two" and ends with "Empire State" flows so well together. It also sounds like Josh has improved as a singer - the moods shift from "A Hard Year" to "World on a Shoestring" to "Arms to Hold Me" to "Empire State" so well. It also appears that he is more comfortable with himself as an artist - he doesn't appear to be trying so hard this time around. "Arms To Hold Me" is an example of how great Josh can be - it is simply one of his best songs. Like much of "Jaywalker," it represents the folkier side of Josh Joplin, and that is not such a bad thing when many are trying to sound like the commercial stylings of U2.

One thing Josh Joplin could do more of is tour. Whether that is a reflection of his working out this latest release or just his monthly schedule, more people should have the opportunity to hear him play (with harmonica included). His humorous antecdotes between songs are often worth the price of the ticket by themselves.





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Great balance

John F. Bauer III | Cleveland, OH USA | 11/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I became a fan of Josh Joplin Group when I was idly flipping channels and caught the video for Useful Music's "Camera One". I was hooked. Useful Music was very enjoyable to listen to with only a few songs I find myself hitting the forward button to skip. I purchased The Future that Was as soon as it came out hoping to find Josh Joplin improving on a theme. It was ok ... it lasted a few round in the CD player prior to being replaced by something else. I rarely return to it. But when I ran across Jaywalker, I thought I would give it a try. I'm hooked again. Josh Jolpin has matured significantly with this release. A rare CD where I hit play on the first track and don't pick up the remote until the cd stops on its own. Each song flows smoothly right into the next. He must live in New York for practically each song includes a reference to elements of live in New York City. I live in Cleveland, but travel to New York City periodically for work. I don't truly identify with the feeling of living with 2 million people, but the feelings are inherent to all late 20s, early 30s folks.



In short, if you are looking for something intelligent but not too deep, lyrics that are smart yet not overtly complex, melodies that catch you the first listen, stay with you through the day and don't get old by the 20th, 30th listen then get this CD. Of course, if you are/were ever a Josh Joplin fan ... this CD is a must ... best work so far."