Veneer [Import]

Veneer [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The infectious 'Veneer' encapsulates Jose's eclectic influences like Elliot Smith, Joy Division, Nick Drake, Will Oldham, Tim Buckley, and even a hint of Paul Simon. Using just his own dextroulsy finger-picked classical guitar and captivating voice, part Joao Gilberto, part Paul Simon, Jose's music is as econoical as it is seductive. Peace Frog. 2005.

Tracks:

Slow Moves
Remain
Lovestain
Heartbeats
Crosses
Deadweight on Velveteen
All You Deliver
Stay in the Shade
Hints
Save Your Day
Broken Arrows

Album Description

Hidden Agenda release licensed to and reissued on Mute Records.

Customer Reviews:

Wow!.......2007-07-19

This man is incredibly gifted and talented and we're lucky he's willing to share with the rest of us. The more I listen to this cd the more I appreciate his gifts.

Beautiful Music...Not for Everyone........2007-07-17

I was lucky to have my sister send me this CD...I would have never come across it on my own...I'm not musically savvy enough! It's like Elliot Smith's mood/lyrics meets Jack Johnson vocal/playing quality. It's a hauntingly beautiful CD with moving lyrics and excellent acoustic guitar work. In a world of NOISE it's nice to have a CD like this in your collection for those days when you're feeling quiet...

Jose Gonzalez is a Master!.......2007-07-07

I first heard Jose on a few Zero & tracks on their last album. As soon as I found out who he was and his bio, I immediately purchased his solo CD. He has been compared to a modern Jose Feliciano, but I feel more of a Latin David Crosby thing happening. Either way, he is unique in his lyrics and passion. Anyone who hears me playing this CD, instantly wants to know who it is, and they are entranced by his beautiful voice. Jose Gonzalez will never go out of style.

An Antti Keisala Comment: Everything Changes.......2007-06-01

We're quite fine with the current of young songwriters and guitarists that have been making their way into our consciousness during the beginning of the new century: Sufjan Stevens (Michigan, Illinois), the solo work of Andrew Bird (The Mysterious Production of Eggs, Armchair Apocrypha) and Jeffrey Foucault (Ghost Repeater) all showcase fine understanding of songwriting and merging a full line of talent, in both understanding structure and lyrics and being aware of what sounds work and what do not, into a musically cultured unity. Stevens has been the most celebrated, whose complex sonic layering can be matched only by Bird. The more I listen to these guys the harder it makes it to find any kind of sense from the five-star rating system any longer.

But Gonzaléz is radically different altogether: he's a brilliant guitarist, proved by the minimalism of his songs, and the growth that the song achieves within itself from beginning to end. There are some absolutely stunning songs on this disc, and others that add to what came before or comes after. "Remains" is my highlight to which I get stuck time and again when listening through the album: his wandering voice in the growing presence of the guitar, moving from the mysteriously inviting to the aggressive. Nothing else is needed. It's as if you heard the waves in that meticulous emotional crescendo of his playing; the waves, as he sings, that wash everything away.

Heartily recommended.

With best regards,
AK

Snooooooooooooooze.......2007-06-01

Boring beyond words, the only life associated with this album occurs when the voice gets so on your nerves you have to hit the NEXT button before you jump out of a window.

Average customer rating:

Tranquil Voice, Stimulating Music
Very good, but not great
Great Songs, Lazy artist
Amazing
the escalator

Veneer
José González
Manufacturer: Hidden Agenda
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Takk...
Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
Lookaftering
The Garden
Comfort of Strangers

ASIN: B000AM6OKI
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Tracks:

Slow moves
Remain
Lovestain
Heartbeats
Crosses
Deadweight on velveteen
All you deliver
Stay in the shade
Hints
Save your day
Broken arrow

Album Description

All Music Guide calls it: "A striking collection of hushed and autumnal indie pop bedroom songs that reside on the hi-fi end of the lo-fi spectrum." Veneer is the debut album by Swedish-born minstrel José González…already a certified quiet-is-the-new-loud legend in his native Sweden. Who needs bells and whistles (outside of a forlorn trumpet and some subliminal percussion) when songs are this strong and the voice is this perfect? When all that you need to hold an audience in blissful rapture is what you can balance on a barstool? Jose's sensual, sensitive, powerful vocals and supernaturally gifted guitar playing truly recalls artists like Nick Drake, Elliott Smith, Hayden, and Mark Kozelek. He's earned the accolades by writing incredible songs and staying true to his heart, keeping the songs barebones simple.

The José González song "Crosses" was featured on the season finale of The OC.

Customer Reviews:

Tranquil Voice, Stimulating Music.......2006-09-24

Jose Gonzalez is a class act. One of his greatest talents is his gift in combining a beautiful, tranquil voice with stimulating, rousing instrumentation. 'Veneer' reflects this perfect combination track after track, and brings the acoustic genre to a new level. It is the perfect soundtrack for buffering this crazy world we live in today. I was introduced to Jose via his work on the latest Zero 7 album. His tracks on that cd bring depth and substance. Likewise, 'Veneer' recharges the mind while soothing the soul...as in my favorite lyric: "Cast some light and you'll be alright".

I have seen Jose perform live twice and even had the opportunity to chat with him briefly. Watching him live is a treat. He becomes one with his guitar, as if he were born playing it. Jose Gonzalez is a rare talent, a humble performer, and a genuinely good guy. Get to know him...get 'Veneer'.

Very good, but not great.......2006-08-22

The first song I heard from this album was "Heartbeats" on Radio 1 back in late 2004. I thought it was great, but none of Jose's EPs were avialble at that time here in the States. About a year later, I heard a session and interview of his on NPR. He played a number of songs, including "Crosses" and "Stay in the Shade": both excelent.

One the quaility of the songs I heard, and being a fan of folk music and acustic guitar, I purchased the album. I got exactly what I expected: a short album with a dozen really great tracks

There are, however, a couple weak points in my opinion.

First, all the songs, though very good, sound more-or-less very similar. There is not a lot of creative range here.

Second, I agree with the one reviewer that mentioned the songs were too short; it almost seems as though he was more concerned about being radio-friendly than creative.

Overall, a good CD. If you've heard "Hartbeats", "Stay in the Shade, and Crosses and want more of the same, buy this CD. You won't be dissabounted. Don't buy this CD on the strength of "Heartbeats" if it's the only song you've heard. You may find this disc is far more mello and folky than you were anticipating.

Great Songs, Lazy artist.......2006-07-20

I bought veneer because I had heard "heartbeats" on the sony Bravia advert. I thought it was absolutely beautiful. Most of the songs are awesome cos you feel that the artist is emotionally invested in the music but the disappointing thing about this album is that most songs are way under the 3 minute mark. dont know about anyone else but that just strikes me as plain lazy,with such acoustic beauties the lack of length is a crime.

Amazing.......2006-07-03

This albulm is beautiful, it's so relaxing and calming it's great to just listen to and forget the day.

the escalator .......2006-06-29

the escalator and the man stand at the bottom summed up the album even before i had the pleasure of listening to such beauty and intelligence in my entire life time of listening to folk rock music this has affected me the most i can't tell how much..
i know it's an clinche but.it left me speechless i didn't know whether to cry jump up and down with merriment of..just sit quietly and seep in the beauty i had just been laid next too me.
all them emotions from a voice guitar and a trumpet at the end of broken arrows

how do you say can that happen? because this guy has talent.
to transmit an beauty and vibrance over to the listeners ears
in my mind you have to be in tune with yourself to fully appreciate the album.

we all have these emotions in us to appreciate this album
on another level and i have and i won't be turning back it changed my life this afternoon.. the escalator only goes up..

As the Veneer of Democracy Starts to Fade

Average customer rating:

Difficult but rewarding
Soundtrack to the Apocalypse
Before Trent Reznor, before Massive Attack, there was...
must be missing an angel..

As the Veneer of Democracy Starts to Fade
Mark Stewart
Manufacturer: Mute
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Learning to Cope with Cowardice
Control Data
Y
Kiss the Future
Metatron

ASIN: B000007VUS
Release Date: 1997-11-14

Tracks:

Passivecation Program
Bastards
The Resistance Of The Cell
As The Veneer Of Starts To Fade
Pay It All Back
Hypnotised
Slave Of Love
The Waiting Room
Hypnotised
Dreamers
Untitled Track

Customer Reviews:

Difficult but rewarding.......2006-07-30

OK this is not for the faint of heart. This is very very innovative and very very futuristic post-punk new wave with a hard polical edge. To some degree it is very difficult to listen to but also evry rewarding. This really is independent music like they do not make it anymore.

Soundtrack to the Apocalypse.......2002-03-05

In so many ways this was the consummate achievement of Adrian Sherwood's work in the 80s. Presaging so much trip-hop and deep dub mixes of the 90s, it is unquestionably one of the most joyously frightening records you will ever hear. Stewart is as challenging as the music and NIN owes a massive debt of thanks to both him and Sherwood for this incredibly important work. It just does not get any better.

Before Trent Reznor, before Massive Attack, there was..........2000-04-05

In the "alternative" music genre, Mark Stewart may be the most important artist no one's ever heard of. Stewart -- and this brilliant, abrasive, adventurous album in particular -- is a direct influence on such industrial bands as Nine Inch Nails as well as on the entire Trip Hop scene, especially the "Bristol sound" of bands like Massive Attack and Portishead. (Stewart himself is from Bristol.) You'd think that by today's standards, Stewart's mid-80s work ("Veneer," his 2nd album, was released in 1985) would sound tame. But it doesn't. This album is still a revelation. Incredible, confrontational, unforgettable.

must be missing an angel.........2000-03-24

infectious rhythm'n'noise bombardment courtesy of Adrian Sherwood with Stewart's lovely vocals floating on top. also includes two bonus tracks from the "Hypnotised" 12 inch.

Average customer rating:

Veneer

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000BSLZ5K
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Album Description

This guy is one serious talent, a delicate open tuned guitarist in a style somewhere between brasilian song and classic period late sixties early seventies english folk. The voice simply melts any ill considered opposition, sotto voce and well balanced, you'd choose this guy to sing you to sleep any day of the year. Undoubtedly one of the defining records of this or most any year: we're not overstating things, when we suggest you get on this album now positively unmissable and simply divine music. Imperial. 2005.

Average customer rating:

Can't Find My Way Home
Holly Morrison
Manufacturer: Holly Morrison
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0002Y6MXS
Release Date: 2000-07-11

Tracks:

Driving Away
Sunday Morning
Andy
Over You
Can't Find My Way Home
Snapshot
More
Frustrated
Would You
Take This
Wild Thing

Product Description

1. Driving Away 2. Sunday Morning 3. Andy 4. Over You 5. Can't Find My Way Home 6. Snapshot 7. More 8. Frustrated 9. Would You 10. Take This 11. Wild Thing

Average customer rating:

Veneer
Jose Gonzalez
Manufacturer: Peacefrog
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0007TFI6A
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

Slow Moves
Remain
Lovestain
Heartbeats
Crosses
Deadweight on Velveteen
All You Deliver
Stay in the Shade
Hints
Save Your Day
Broken Arrows

As the Veneer of Dumbness Starts to Fade

Average customer rating:

As the Veneer of Dumbness Starts to Fade
Braun & The Mob
Manufacturer: Nonplace
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0002VK2CI
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Pluster Up (Aller A******! Ist Schwer)
If You Don't Have da F***! - Buy It (Don't Be Afraid - It's Just a ...)
Flash an da F***! ) ... Dort Oben Leuchten Die Sterne)
Haaaah! Da Huuuuh! Da Ph**! (Need to Have the B*** (
F***! Of Kopenhagen (Abu Ghureib Styles)
Survival of the Dumbest (Da Revenge of Merzenich ...)
This Piece of P****! (Da Unbeschrieben Is You ...)
B.L.A.S.S. da F***! ateer (Burnt! Ish Schnaid da Nischts Weg!)
Hihi! (... Genau das Machts Ja So Bitter)
Explosions in B.E.I.G.E. (Nothing Has Changed ...)
Schmonked Starlet (Uh Baby - Ah Ah Ah!)
Uff Strass Funden (Un da F***! Rinn Gemaked ...)
De Calm Down (Ich Mach das Alles Nur Fd und Sex und Den F***!)
B***! Da Dom. Rep (Steinig Ist Der Weg ...)

Average customer rating:

Veneer ROX!!!
Dreamy, Emotive, Mellow Magic From Sweden

Veneer
José González
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Folk | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0006TL9JG
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Slow Moves
Remain
Lovestain
Heartbeats
Crosses
Deadweight on Velveteen
All You Deliver
Stay in the Shade
Hints
Save Your Day
Broken Arrows

Album Description

The infectious 'Veneer' encapsulates Jose's eclectic influences like Elliot Smith, Joy Division, Nick Drake, Will Oldham, Tim Buckley, and even a hint of Paul Simon. Using just his own dextroulsy finger-picked classical guitar and captivating voice, part Joao Gilberto, part Paul Simon, Jose's music is as econoical as it is seductive. Peace Frog. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Veneer ROX!!!.......2006-03-11

I never thought I was a huge fan of acoustic music, until I saw that Sony ad with all those bouncing balls going down the hill and "Heartbeats" playing in the background, whoa!!! Left me speechless! But the whole CD is awesome, THUMBS UP!!!

Dreamy, Emotive, Mellow Magic From Sweden.......2005-05-05

Don't let the name fool you; José was born and raised in Gothenburg, Sweden, but has a deep Latin heritage that influences his acoustic guitar stylings. The album Veneer and the other B-sides available in Sweden show a mature talent who displays a canny sense of delicate mood and sparse arrangement. His understated, low-key, dreamy vocals show a definite influence from Nick Drake and even a touch of David Gates. Sometimes he even sounds like a mellow José Feliciano. This is the perfect album for a candle-lit dinner on a rainy fall evening, with someone you enjoy the company of. Shame it is only a half-hour long; I have added 5 excellent B-sides to mine.