Does Eastwood Do Rock Videos?

“Boys and girls wear their black to stand out in the night-time. . . .” Anyone who writes like this has something to say. John Sonntag writes like this in "I'm on the East Side" track 12 on his new album, "Chasing Stars."

Sonntag is not just fresh but startling.

"Waitin on Time," the lead track, serves up dark rocks with a funky Latin beat. "After sirens sweep up his window chasing trouble - he stares at her picture next to his favorite chair. Lights a smoke, grabs the news, and drinks his beer. The old man turns his page. The old man turns his page." 

It gets darker with "One Whole Day." dark on dark. "I can't see you I know it's wrong but you know why  I can't call you, we'd start to talk and I'd start to lie, I've got someone, yeah she hates me now, she pulls away, but she's someone, when I need her most she's always there. . . Driving out of town in that August rain we parked in that field and we stayed one whole day. . . There's a hole in my heart - it wont close." This song is beautiful.

But "Count to Ten" "Close your eyes and count to ten slow enough to kiss again. I'm gonna chase your blues far from you, far from this new made bed." This can bring a tear to a cynical cop's eye.

"Hey Lou." "Do guardian angels ever drop their guard? . . . How come innocence is always lost?  Hey Lou! How do I get out? How do I get through these days of doubt?"

"North" "Flat black midnight. Pulled into a quickstop. My boots scrape the blacktop. There's a bulge in my jacket nothin in my eyes. The night clerk with her hair cut short pulls up with surprise
. . . she got me turned around and I stopped . she got me turned around and I thought  I turned myself around." 

If Rembrandt was alive today he'd listen to Sonntag while painting.  And he'd hold on to his ear.

Does Clint Eastwood do rock videos?
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Great sophomore effort from John Sonntag. It's hard comparing him to other artists,or to say if you like someone else in particular you'll like John,  since his high lonesome voice makes him so distinct. This disc is brighter and less brooding than his previous (and also fine)effort, One More Midnight. Where that was dense and melancholy, this seems less introspective, more confrontational. Hey Lou may be my favorite track, with light echoes of Neil Young and U2, but there are many standouts, including the ambitious North, as well Four Blocks Over, I'm On The East Side, and the infectious title track. This is music that stays with you, 
haunting and hummable all at once. I highly recommend this disc.
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This CD is riveting from start to finish, it is filled with light yet layered instrumentation, interesting lyrics and expressive vocals. Chasing Stars proves that John Sonntag has star potential!
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John's eagerly awaited 2nd album is well worth the wait.  It shows off his smooth voice and makes this a great CD to listen while driving or just relaxing at home.
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