L.A. singer-songwriter hits right note with superb follow-up
Reviewed by Brian Kielty / Liverpool, England on September 29, 2007
Building upon the strong foundations of his excellent debut album 'Miscella... read more
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The Man Behind the Mask
Reviewed by Hillary Manning / Los Angeles, CA on August 02, 2007
This album is truly great. The first time I heard John Hoskinson sing was a... read more
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Fantastico!
Reviewed by Kevin Colebank / Old Saybrook, CT on July 08, 2007
Absolutely the best, most original work that I've heard in a very very long... read more
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Pancho Fantastico is magnifico!
Reviewed by Kat Adibi / Los Angeles, CA on July 08, 2007
I love this CD; it’s pure pop/rock magic! Every song is unique, but they al... read more
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Me like Pancho!
Reviewed by Richard Snow / United Kingdom on July 07, 2007
Another cracker from John. Opens with a piece of ELO-esque power pop magic.... read more
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Great Band
Reviewed by Sharon Riley / Harrisburg, PA on July 06, 2007
The music is very relaxing to listen to what great arangement of songs they... read more
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Tops in Pops!
Reviewed by Mark C. Easter / Missouri on July 06, 2007
Fantastic album... even better than Miscellaneous Heathen, which I didn't t... read more
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Viva Pancho Fantastico!
Reviewed by Lani Anzivino / Seal Beach, CA on July 06, 2007
Pancho Fantastico is a superhero of an album, saving listeners with discern... read more
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Pop with a Twist!
Reviewed by Tina Bold / KUCR-FM / Riverside, CA on July 06, 2007
John Hoskinson is a true poet. His lyrics are excellent. The song arr... read more
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Well Crafted Colorful Pop Music
Reviewed by Boris Kenton / Los Angeles, CA on June 23, 2007
This is the second full-length release from Hoskinson, following the equall... read more
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American Power Pop With Bite - Well Worth The Trip
Reviewed by Chris Welch / United Kingdom on June 17, 2007
John Hoskinson's latest release is a power pop gem. Full of great melodies,... read more
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Muy Fantastico!
Reviewed by Buddy Love / Los Angeles, CA on June 10, 2007
You will know from a previous review that I deeply admire John Hoskinson, as a man and as an artist. . Yes, people do compare him to the Beatles and Crowded House, and with some accuracy. But it's only because he takes the original sources and elevates them to art. He does things his own way. As any true artist should.Pancho Fantastico is a very fine CD, and one that people should be awakened to. You'll hear elements of pretty much anything that pop music has evolved in its time. His lyrics range from sweetly sentimental (but never saccharine) to cynical. While the music hews to John's passionate commitment to high quality pop, the arrangements now delve into new waters explored in his first release: horns, srings, Wilson harmonies. I strictly guarantee that you will love this CD--not just admire it, because that's a given, but love it in the way we grow up falling for songs. Think of a song that connected you to a wildly spinning universe as a kid, and you will likely find a counterpart here. One of my favorite pieces here is "Guaranteed," a lover's lament. I think you will also be delighted by the song "Creepy," which has a McCartneyesque rhythm and a really darkly funny lyric--if we can all recall when pop music was fun, and not weary emo. "We Can Never Be Friends" closes the CD with a song pretty much everyone can feel infused into their lives: lovers who cannot be anything but lovers, even after the initial thrill of connection has faded. It's sophisticated emotionally, and pretty much as from the gut as early solo Lennon songs. People don't write this well anymore. Sure wish I could. This guy is the real deal. I should add the disclaimer that I consider him a friend. But friendship begins and ends with total disclosure, and I would be doing John a disservice if I did not tell the truth. Truth being: Fantastic record. Buy it, folks.
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