....after years of being melted by that live , powerful voice on stage, i'm really enjoying having you here in my kitchen =] i love the way this album feels like summer ..catchy and cruisy...strong, sensitive and funny, and even a little politics here and there ..love that.. . the more i hear 'keep it in the past' the more i want to...and my favourite, both live and on the album, is 'Adios' ...beautiful .

Back in the day's when John Michaelz was lead singer for Tauranga band HARD TO HANDLE he was regarded by those in the know as the true heir to Jim Morrison's throne.Later,a slightly mellower Michaelz spent some time in Auckland band KOSHER.Now with the release of this modestly titled first solo album he has found his own voice.With a little more gravel and a little more gravitas,Michaelz delivers an intriguing set of catchy originals[and two covers]that grow with repeated listening.A touch of Tex-Mex here[Adios]a bit of humour there[Girl in the silver dress,Jesus on a couch,Battlefield of sex],a nod to brother Bob [Small axe] and some good songwriting add up to a deceptive album that only gradually reveals its serious intent. Like all those rough diamonds somewhere out there in McMurtry-Ely-Hiatt territory,Michaelz turns out to be an incurable romantic underneath it all.The stripped-down acoustic-driven backing,just enough to kick the songs along without getting in the way,comes courtesy of the usual gang of Tauranga musicians,plus a few ringers,centred on bassist Nigel Masters` Boatshed Studio.Highly recommended.

John, his first 'solo' album, catchy tunes, John was playing 'Girl in the silver dress' one night, (happens to be my fav' on this album)and I heard an anonymous person say, "this is one of those songs that should be a hit.." He has a knack for melody, and a voice like gravelly chocolate, ya just know it's him..., it goes with his cheeky, infectious personality. Dance numbers like 'jesus on a couch' and those cruisy ballads of the heart...somethin' for everyone with a nice natural acoustic based feel... xo

JOHN MICHAELZ — SOME SONGS. EARLIER this year Mills Reef hosted the celebrations that accompanied the launch of Some Songs, the latest album from John Michaelz — the one-time wild child who fronted the now almost legendary local band Hard to Handle. Many of those who gathered on the night represented, dare I say it, the “old guard” of the local music scene. The Graham Clarkes, the Derek Jacombs, The Nigel Masters, the Grant Bullots and so on. It was with these guys that Michaelz first launched his career here almost 20 years ago and like them, it’s hard to imagine what that local music scene would have been like without him. He was one half of the extremely popular acoustic duo Big Garlic Moon and, of course, there were all those years with Hard to Handle. In a way, unfortunately, the band’s success — musically if not financially — was also mirrored by the lead singer’s excesses. Too much drink and too many drugs took their toll on Michaelz and his music. These days he is sober and drug-free and has even rediscovered his faith. And these too have had a huge effect on the music he makes. Vocally he is sounding better than ever. There’s that extraordinary velvety smoothness — like liquid chocolate — which is punctuated at times by a certain animal, raw quality. And of course, there’s the sheer power. On every track on his new album we are reminded of his ability to completely own a song. More than ever, though, I think Some Songs really highlights Michael’z as a gifted songwriter, a talent that has sometimes been all too easily overlooked. Whether on his own or working in collaboration with Derek Jacombs — with whom he has enjoyed a long and fruitful association — Michaelz delivers songs that offer everything from social commentary to hope, friendship and the perils of the mating game. Adios (with Jacombs) remains, I believe, one of his greatest efforts to date musically and lyrically. Is man born to be guilty? Has security taken control? Can you bury your past in a three-piece suit And buy back the life that you sold” and Have a drink, shake a hand save a whale Forget about the unborn child Dine in the company of strangers And dance with the lost and defiled And it certainly is a “treat” to have Burden Down (again with Jacombs) included on the album as a bonus track. Musically, Some Songs really defies description because it isn’t just bluesy, it isn’t just soulful, and it isn’t just rock — it is all these things and more. As a result it gives an insight into Michael’z many musical influences and his own diverse range of talents. Awesome. — Sharon Maxwell