Dutch classic - In the mid-90 s a Dutch label started that would change the look of Dutch alternative music. Excelsior Records started out with a small but impressive list of groups: Daryll-Ann, Caesar and Johan. Later came additions and now it s a big indie label with maybe obscure names, but very good groups.This album was one of the first to come out on that label and was deemed to be so good that the Spinart label brought it out in the US.It s a Dutch classic, the perfect indie-guitar album. Beatles, Bowie, Sebadoh. Never too loud or pointy like the Pixies or Dinosaur but also never too soft. The early Excelsior groups had their bit of melancholy and so has this one. The beautiful Swing , the fast December or the Pavement tribute Payment (beware of the few notes of Silence Kit, very well done).They only bring out an album once every 5 years so 2 have followed which are also very good, but they are 90 s whereas this one is a perfect score.
Outstanding from beginning to end - It s not often that I buy a new disc and I find that I enjoy every track on the disc. Johan offers up a fresh blend of catchy power pop that has hooked me in. I hear elements of the Beatles, Travis, Oasis, and the Pixies. This disc has yet to leave my changer cartridge in my car--which typically changes contents daily.
The ultimate obscure but brilliant album - very poppy too! - Johan are a mix of Pavement, Elvis Costello, Teenage Fanclub, Pixies and Guided by Voices. yet, bizzarely enough, they somehow make this weirdo cocktail sound extremely poppy! Not convinced? Just click on the sound byte above from Everybody knows and you ll be a convert for life......