I guess it's fair to start with the packaging since it's obvious when you see it, that the artist put a lot of work into the appearance of his first solo EP. From the design on the front cover as well as on the label of the EP itself, to the fact that the CD itself looks just like a mini LP vinyl -- the whole package is Pretty Darn Cool. I think John is probably proud of what he's done with this 5-song extended play "record", and I think he has every reason to be. John posted the song history on the lyrics page of his website (check it out here: http://home.earthlink.net/~batmacmusic/) and I've used that to sometimes balance my review. Okay - so here's my review - song-by-song. "I Found You": I have to admit that I wasn't that fond of this song the first few times I heard it. But it's growing on me now. I read the lyrics before and I'm hearing them in context now and as the artist says, it's a fun, very upbeat song. It's not my favorite, but hey, when an artist has as much to offer as this one, they can't all be favorites. And despite my opinion, it's an easy listen. "All For You": I remember the first time John played this one live at one of the "All Wood and Stones" shows. Over the course of the next several shows, his explanation for the song began to come together as he told it to the various audiences. I do know that every time I hear the song, I get chills. I can see it from the point of view of the unknown soldier in any war but more specifically maybe in the Civil War, in Vietnam, and now, in Iraq. It's as if it were a letter home via a song - except it's a letter home in a much broader sense since the soldier is not just addressing his family but those in the country he's defending. Having been to the various memorials in D.C., this song now prompts a short movie in my minds-eye which includes panning over the lengthy extent of graves of the unknown soldiers. In my opinion, this song is worthy of a lot of thought and public critical attention. "Only Seventeen": The first couple of times I heard this one, I thought (and said to some of my friends): "He must've seen a friend of mine at the local 7/11 when she was 17" because I'm fairly sure that she looked then the way she looks now - a whole helluva lot older than her real age. So after reading John's explanation for the song, yeah - I can see that! Also the musical influences - I heard them too - especially CSN. I like this song; it's fun in an up-beat light-hearted way. "One of the Lucky Ones": One of the first things that struck me about this song is that it tells a full story - I love when a song does that - within a few short verses and choruses, some songs tell a story better than a 15-page "short" story or even an 800-page novel. From that writing perspective, such a narrative needs to have a beginning, middle and an end with a plot and a high point right before the conclusion. This song does that, and perhaps that part of it excites me from the literary standpoint. In addition, the musical narrative moves right alongside the story. The song raises a question: a question almost anyone could ask: "Why am I one of the lucky ones?" The first few times I heard the song, I wondered which catastrophe was the inspiration. It turns out, from John's explanation, that it was inspired by the aftermath of the tsunami; but the truth of the matter is that the song works across the board - for anything bad that has happened anywhere and at any time within the last five years till very recently. I'm sure there are people of all ages and walks of life out there right now thinking, "Why them? Why not me? And what can I do to help?" Besides raising the question of "Why them and not me?" the song then takes the main character through several emotions including relief at being lucky, and then to guilt and finally to the knowledge that the fact that he was one of the lucky ones gives him the ability to help the ones who weren't so lucky in the first place. How many others would have taken that good luck and turned and walked away? Like "All For You", I think that "One of the Lucky Ones" is worthy of a lot more thought and public critical attention. "See Us Shine": One of my all-time favorite songs has always been "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" so it's no real quandary to figure out why I like "See Us Shine" so much. This song feeds right into what I believe about the human race - no matter class or sex or religion or political views - no matter where we come from or the color of our face - we are all the same at the very core of ourselves and if we tap the innermost part of ourselves and do the right thing whenever needed, we can shine, we can rise above the hatred and the worst parts of humanity, and then there might be hope for the world. Yeah. And what a terrific positive way to end a great 5-song EP. With hope for a brighter tomorrow. Thank you, John Batdorf. You've delivered. And then some.

John Batdorf - Side One ep solo cd, October 5, 2005 Well,if you've read the opening review by Jeanette Lundgren then you already know the specifics about the fabulous cd jacket cover, design, cd artwork and packaging. It is very cool and very unique to say the least. Definitely something other artists must be in awe of. And like Jeanette, before writing this review, I also read John's website overview which gives a very signifigant insight to his personal side as well as his music. John's lyrics are both touching and thought provoking, beautiful and passionate. So much food for thought with encouragement for a brighter future. I have been a long time fan of John Batdorf from the early Batdorf & Rodney years. So this solo cd has not only been much anticipated, but also deeply craved for like a thrist or hunger. Well.... it did not disappoint. Infact, it went way beyond my farthest expectations. I wont go into a song by song review because each song is beautifully crafted and sparkles with it's own individual clarity. But I will say that this ep has a freshness that lives and breathes through John's wonderful melodies and sweet, soothing vocals. Vocal harmonies that capture the pure essence of the CS&N flavor. With the flow of acoustic guitars that shine with radiance, played with a shimmering brillance of perfection. So abuntantly pleasing to the ears and to the soul. I believe once you've given this cd a few plays you will become mesmerized by the quality it posesses. The quality John posesses. I am convinced you will become a huge Batdorf fan yourself. (If you are not one already!) Personally speaking, I love each and every song on this ep, and so much so that I could not pick a favourite. They are all favourites through their distinctive, creative qualities. Even though John's 1st solo cd is only an ep of 5 tracks, they are all excellent songs. Each one enhancing the next. Blending gently to the final track which leaves one with a sense of peace and comfort.( or atleast that is the feeling I get) All Showcasing a most gifted singer/writer/composer/musician. Thank you John for filling a void in me that has been missing for so many years. Exilerating is a good word to describe this cd. Breathtaking is another. I do hope John is working on a Side Two, or another solo project. I am anxiously awaiting! He and his music are a wonderful inspiration to all.