Well Worth Hunting For
author: Chris Welch / UK Fan
If you've only just discovered Hoskinson's work via the recently released 'Pancho Fantastico' then you are in for a treat. His 2004 solo debut 'Miscellaneous Heathen' is every bit as good and well worth hunting down.
From the Mr Blue sky piano intro to 'I Hope I Die Before You Do' to the Lennonesque melody and Harrison like solo of closing track 'Time Will Tell' Hoskinson wears his classic beat group influences with pride. 'I Belong To You', with its infectious chorus and smart brass flourishes, should have been a big summer hit whilst the quirky 'Waiting For Someone To Call' is Difford and Tilbrook at their most commercial. The gorgeous 'Going Nowhere' and the smart 'It's like Cigarettes' ably demonstrate that this native Californian can handle the slower numbers with as much restraint and panache as the up tempo.
Lyrically accomplished, possessed of a great voice (think Macca and Neil Finn) and clearly in love with the music he makes, John Hoskinson is one of power pops best kept secrets.
Fans of Wings era McCartney, Badfinger and, more recently, The Feeling should sign up now.
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We love "Miscellaneous Heathen"!
author: cloud nine and cloud seven
Internet Music Radio, "Gone Fishing for Blue Skies", loves the world of John Hoskinson.
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gorgeous pop from start to finish, not a single bad track!
author: Anna B
“Miscellaneous Heathen” plays like a series of short stories, rather than a standard pop album. It’s a great record for both road trips and sitting at home reading about architecture. John has one of my favorite voices in pop right now, with an effortless display of range and emotion. My favorite song on the record is “She Still Plays Around” but there really isn’t a single weak track. Recommended if you are a fan of Neil Finn, Squeeze, Jon Brion, Candy Butchers, etc.
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This guy is REALLY GOOD!
author: Zak Morgan
I happened to catch a clip of John singing live while channel surfing in Los Angeles. The song he was singing hooked me immediately. I went to his website and checked out his music and it's awesome. The production is tasteful, the melodies are terrific, the lyrics are smart, and his voice is great. What else can I say? Buy the CD. I did.
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