John's very fine album of mid-70s demonstration pieces shows that the passionate musical hobbyist can make an album that can sit unapologetically in your CD rack alongside your Jackson Browne, your Little Feet, or your Eagles. It doesn’t have the mind-snapping magic, or the originality. But it has the gloss, the good feel of troubles overcome and the gentle aural caress.
I don’t suppose there's a market for this. But those who connect with the story (alienated baby-boomer survival through slowly crushed dreams) can use the tracks to take them back through the divorces, the addictive behaviours, the challenge of parenthood, the emotional dishonesty of middle class employment … to approach retirement with some kind of moderation and hope. Maybe even inspiration that they could still get their shit together enough to write that novel, record that CD or finish that film script.
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Ten accomplished tracks then, of guitar-centred mid tempo AOR rock. He plays fluently and sings with an honest voice. The structure of a band is constructed in the background courtesy of the digital technology that paid his wages, and kept his heart alive through the bad times. In it’s own category it’s one of the best I've heard. But, dear W&H reader, you'll have to make your own journey to www.john-michael.us to see if John's alcoholic story has any resonance for you. Good luck.
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