There is a gritty sorta workin' man aura around John Doe. From his early X days in slick backed hair and sleeveless shirts he had that 50's greaser thing going on to present day long haired weathered America. John Doe really fits the name- he is anyman USA.
A distinct voice that you can recognize miles away with a pseudo twang. For over 30 years now I have been a fan of Johns work. His album "Keeper" is a bit deceiving- John is all grown up now. He has parked his angst in the garage and unlike former band mate Exene Cervanka, he has kicked back on the porch to whittle while she still stomps around with causes and opinion.
At first I wasn't so sure that I could appreciate Johns new chill, but I do. At times he sounds a bit like John Mellencamp and Willie Nelson fell in to the Kitchen Aid and someone's hit blend. Everything I'd hate right there in front of me. But like meeting up with an old friend there is an element of tolerance where we let the little annoyances slide and focus on the big picture.
"Don't Forget How Much I Love You" is the opening tune on "Keeper" and has perfect placement. An absolutely wonderful summer cruising song that couldn't have fallen in to my lap at a better time as I pack up for a short summer stint to the shore. Aside from female harmony this song has all the makings of a modern country summer anthem. How the hell I can tolerate the distinct pure country guitar is beyond me- but I can and that may be the memories of a Doe music past.
Beautiful song with sincere sentiments and just a smidgen too much steel guitar.