- Paul Andersen
It's been a bit since we last heard from John Doe, ex of X and one of the seminal figures in the history of Los Angeles rock. He's been busy acting (a recurring role in "Roswell" and all sorts of parts in all sorts of movies, big and small), taking part in numerous X reunion shows and recording this album, which took over two-and-a-half years to do, with the sessions taking place in the living room of his buddy, producer Dave Way (Macy Gray, TLC, Savage Garden and a whole slew of others). But, like a good wine, Freedom Is. . . was well worth the wait.
Doe has always been a songwriter with a poet's soul, and that soul is in evidence throughout this record. It tends towards the beat era, with a flair for real life substance that would make Bukowski proud - fitting, since Doe once lived in a house that Bukowski resided in. Songs such as "Catch Me" reflect a world-weariness of insight that can seemingly only be gained through actual life.
X was always rooted in the grit of the everyman experience and the tunes here are no different; like the various Beatle solo projects, some of the fun here is picking out those songs that would have fit in with the parent group. "Ever After," which features Exene on vocals, is basically an X song, but there are others too. You'll have to pick 'em out yourself, though.
Musically, the John Doe Thing merges a lot of Americana and folk flavorings with the edge and rhythmic energy of the alternative scene that Doe had a hand in starting (back in a time when it truly was alternative, and not some media hound's easy categorization). Melody has become more important to Doe through the years, and plays an important role here - there are actually some hit singles lying in wait here, if there is a radio programmer brave enough to find them. But, most importantly, the passion in the playing here is almost palpable... which, of course, is a hallmark of Doe.
Doe is promising to tour behind this project, and if he should come to a town even remotely near you, it would be a worthy destination. You won't be sorry.
