A Year in the Wilderness

Yep Roc

Though John Doe has been making solo albums for 17 years he never completely shed his punk roots. His last couple albums have focused more on rootsy blues, but always with a gritty, raw, emotional edge that revealed Doe’s wry observations, darker lyrical intent and storytelling quality that got lost in the high-speed romp of X. On this release it all comes together as punk, country blues, rockabilly and country merge in sweeping melodies—some a bit rough and tumble, heart-warming ballads, and a few out-and-out rockers. Lyrically, Doe has only improved his storytelling capabilities, and his characteristically nasally vocals further heighten each song’s impact. Doe also shares singing duties with Kathleen Edwards, Aimee Mann and Jill Sobule for three X-like moments.