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A committed X fan listening to Doe’s first solo album might wonder where all the irony went. But only the most jaundiced listener could thirst for irony when confronted with music as
open-hearted and affecting as this. Doe quickly makes it clear that this isn’t the place to look for X’s catty, state-of-the-world observations (“I don’t say much more than a man in a bar
shooting his mouth off,” he demurs in “A Matter of Degrees”). Instead, we get a cycle of love songs that ring true as Doe probes the yearnings, failings and, ultimately, the constancy of a
romantic heart. Doe’s voice strains a bit when he aims for Orbisonian grandeur, but it’s a creditable attempt nonetheless. Give Doe special credit for putting together a backing band that
sounds both hungry and masterful (former Television guitar ace Richard Lloyd is the highest-profile name). They’re withering on the rockers, sensitive on the ballads and stately and sweeping
on forays into cinematic country music--all of which makes it a real pleasure to meet John Doe anew. MORE TO READ
