Album Info

Gorgeous Johnny

Alternative - 2009

“Johnny’s Theme,” the stirring instrumental that opens Gorgeous Johnny, showcases many of this album’s strengths: dreamy melodies, fluid, off-kilter rhythms,... more

Tracklist

1

Johnny's Theme

2:11 min
2

Margery

3:15 min
3

Dixie Cups in the Dead Grass

2:39 min
4

SGL's, et al

2:54 min
5

Can Go Back

2:02 min
6

Goodnight Anna

3:08 min
7

Jehova Will Never Come

3:29 min
8

Gorgeous Johnny

3:49 min
9

Inland Towns

2:52 min
10

Nine Car Train for Fremont

0:22 min
11

Robber's Lace

1:59 min
12

If Our Love Fails

3:27 min
13

Paid By the Hour

2:28 min

About Gorgeous Johnny

“Johnny’s Theme,” the stirring instrumental that opens Gorgeous Johnny, showcases many of this album’s strengths: dreamy melodies, fluid, off-kilter rhythms, and interesting song structures. The lyrical storyline that runs through the work begins with the second song, “Margery,” and revolves around the adventures and mythology of a freeloading former band member (or perhaps honorary member) who was apparently as exasperating as he was inspirational. Though basically an inside story, this concept makes for an intriguing framework in which to present these countrified, softly psychedelic songs. Reminiscent of such artists as the Band, the Zombies, and the mellower work of the Velvet Underground, Gorgeous Johnny features laconic yet pleasing vocals and harmonies, delicate use of piano and organ, and gentle acoustic strumming that causes the songs to warble and sway and fall somewhere between lush and lazy. This is the sixth full-length release by the San Francisco-based Skygreen Leopards and it’s a natural and enjoyable extension of their charming brand of psych-folk.