Johan – Johan

Remarkable 1998 debut. Beatlesque in melody and sometimes arrangement. Kind of like the Boo Radleys, except these guys are Dutch. But like the aforementioned band, perhaps too good for their own good. (A friend of mine used to say that’s why the “Boo’s” never got to be bigger.)

Too many noteworthy tracks on this album. So I’ll just highlight those that deviate somewhat from the mostly catchy, accessible, hook-laded pop numbers: “Life On Mars,” which reminds me of Mott the Hoople’s version of “All The Young Dudes.” Also a lesser track “Porneaux,” where honestly nothing much goes on–it’s just not as well written as the others–that is, until you arrive at the bridge. Fuck.

R.I.Y.L. the Boo Radleys, the Wannadies, Rialto

Johan – Johan