By David Wonschewski, host of Bryter Layer radio show
on Kontrast Radio (Germany)

German-to-English translation by Peter Benden as:

If Neil Finn had not released a CD last year with his brother, we would suspect that even the most loyal reader of these pages would not have recognized his name because Neil Finn’s glory years were in the late 80’s when, with his band Crowded House, he spun a series of hits. Hits that even today are included in the base repertoire of the easy listening radio genre, especially “Weather With You”, a wonderful number but mainstream pop and therefore untouchable for the mostly blasé indie community.

What does all this have to do with John Hoskinson? Well, his most significant moment occurred in July of 2000 when he was allowed to perform “Weather With You” onstage with Neil Finn. He was so smitten with the Australian that he allowed himself to be totally influenced by him. But as everyone who ever held a guitar in his hands knows, having an idol isn’t enough by a long shot to make a career on your own. And, despite a lot of talent, Hoskinson didn’t have much more going for him, to be honest. He did have a lot of time, which he knew how to use wisely.

For a few years he composed until his fingers were blistered in the hope that his favorite producer, Joe Ongie would find time for him one day. And that moment came last year. As Ongie heard Hoskinson’s demo tapes over and over, he came to a curious conclusion for a producer, namely that, for the most part, this music didn’t need any of his help. Only the drums were redone in his Santa Ana studio. The rest (other than a few guest musicians) is pure John Hoskinson.

Miscellaneous Heathen is the name of the album. In critics’ circles in North American and England the album has caused similar reactions. And indeed, Hoskinson, with his sense for upbeat/melancholy melodies in the tradition of Paul McCartney and Neil Finn, has presented a jewel of a singer/songwriter album. Melodies that grab you the first time around and don’t get stale even after multiple replays. Hoskinson’s lyrics are clear and understandable for everyone, even without looking at the liner notes. A little about love, disappointment, adult wisdom and infantile amusement. This may block Hoskinson’s way into higher indie circles, but it could open wide the door to the commercial arena and many, many admirers. Some may not like that, others may find it legitimate.

Miscellaneous Heathen is more country-pop than anything else and makes it almost impossible not to like Hoskinson. And it’s better than everything currently in the top 20 charts.

- David Wonschewski

Click here to see actual review in German