JEREMY GLOFF PRESS ARCHIVE
Reviews of my 'America Is Lonely Tonight' album
Released in 2001
-by May Wiseman
-courtesy of Bay Domain
Afflicted naturally with mental turmoil, or a rather messy existence, it’s apparent after the fourth track that Jeremy Gloff can write the hell out of a song without coming up short in the expression department. All seventeen tracks are riddled with observations of who or what make the world spin today, while offering mere insight that pertains to the deeper capacities of disappointment, rage, faith, and sorrow. America Is Lonely Tonight is not a kicked up jam with thoughtful lyrics, and it’s not necessarily filled with pop hooks. Instead, the album processes a warmer coffee house quality in the acoustics, and innocent appeal from the way the listener will be able to experience his feelings through the music. In fact, it’s safe to say that Gloff expresses himself only through his work, and when we need something of substance, that is what music should do.
Though this is an acoustic sound with few plug in efforts, the dynamics are profound to coincide with the music’s purpose on all tracks, giving the music a certain texture. Parodies of him are a bit dry in humor, but still original in concept; “Sharks” discusses his “Lucky Chapstick” and how once again it brought no luck while flying solo in loves journey. The comedy is the detailed description, stating it’s beauty, but the comparison is to that of a mate that has done damage to the handsome exterior image. As an accomplished piano player, Gloff rescues most of these tracks filling the void with incredible skill as in “Mother Mary” where absent is the acoustic guitar, and replaced with varied melodies that sing the song for him. Gloff is simply an incredible pianist- as if it’s a completely natural act.
In short, most of this album would be considered art, so if you’re into the gallery tunes, go ahead and take a listen. If your not- go ahead and listen anyway because you may come away appreciating music you thought different of with an opened mind. There are a nice handful of contributors from the Tampa area that aided in the production, or studio work for this album; John Allen, Betty X, Kim Hohman, Andy Karpay, Susy Martian, Robert “Evil Bob” Moore, and Kamron Moore.
Riotboy Records
Recorded: Atomic Audio Studios
-by Crazy Man
-courtesy of Angry Left Wing Mofo
It's somewhat hard to believe that Jeremy Gloff isn't a little more well known. Having released his first recording in 1993 with True Stories, he's managed to release no less than eleven albums. The latest of these, 2001's America Is Lonely Tonight, contains a very different sound compared to his punked-up records of the mid-90s. Gloff's songs have a downbeat feel, mixing indie with country and blues influences. Trakcs like "Zero Self Control Blues" and "Feeling Of Faded" are good examples of this, with Gloff's vocal sounding very similar to those of Interference's lead singer, adding emotions in spades.
But that doesn't mean Jeremy's incapable of picking up the pace. "Heroes Cracking" is a rollicking, rocking country tune with a little mandolin for good measure (and let's face it - mandolins rock.) "Mother Mary" adds yet another aspect to the album. Reading the lyrics, some might consider it preachy, but what we really have here is a wonderfully deep and moving 'lighters in the air' anthem.
However, it is first single "Sound Of My Crashing" which quite rightly takes the honour of best track. Beginning with a catchy guitar and piano intro, it builds towards a tremendous climax before coming back down to earth with not so much a bang,, but a swift fall.
The album lasts a little over fifty minutes, yet the time flowed by as I was sucked in. The lyrical and musical content on this record is high, and this music would go down well in front of tobacco-chewing country folk or dirty indie kids alike. Hell, I could almost forgive the guitar on "One Inch Deep" that sounds like it was stolen from an 80s drama series. Make sure this man doesn't become his generation's Richard Thompson.
-from FOCUS Magazine
(17 track CD-R, recorded by Atomic Audio Studios, produced by Jeremy Gloff and Mark Nikolich, Jeremy Gloff (piano, acoustic guitar, drums, vocals), Ken Karg (drums, percussion), Mark Nikolich (bass, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals), lots of guests including Susy Martian (vocals) Robert "Evil Bob" Moore, (cello), John Allen (accordion, harmonica, vocals), 52:08)
The title is taken
from a line in Gloff's
opening
ode, "Dancetoria," where the sad pensive character reflects, "People
fade
in twilight, America is lonely tonight, Save me a corner once you're
gone."
It's a poignant moment just like so many others during this disk, where
Gloff's imagery and poetry mix into an eerie, mystical haze. With
just meager backing and muted guitar, Gloff peels his tunes like ripe
fruit,
discarding the husk for a few inner truths: "Supermodels suck
their
stomachs in, like thinkers do their feelings," "The thirty seconds you
gave me, gave me fifty hours of intrigue," "Sharks in the ocean hug
goodnight,
they back-stabbed or f**ked everybody they hold tight." Those are
the initial expressions that hit us. There are dozens more.
Rendered in such a deceivingly simple, straight-up troubador-like
performance,
you nearly miss all of the seductive nuances of backing vocals and
interspersed
cello (from Virelie/Ashes of Grisum alum Robert Moore). Early
fans
of Marc Bolan, Pearls Before Swine, or anyone else that bares their
unselfish
soul in such a startling, sincere fashion (ie, Tori Amos) will need to
hear Gloff's kindred spirit. (contact: PO Box 291593, Tampa, FL
33687)
-by David Mariner
-courtesy of Temenos.net
Jeremy Gloff does not write gay anthems. There are no rainbows on the
cover of his latest album, America Is Lonely Tonight; and don't
expect any of the tracks to pop up on the next Queer As Folk
Soundtrack.
Still, Jeremy Gloff, is out. His 'wonderfully broken' folk songs speak
eloquently about the life of a young man, and not much about his life
is
kept hidden.
There is a place in between 'Gay Poster Boy', and 'Gay Closet-Case' which is still pretty difficult for many out artists to inhabit. True artists of course, draw on their own life experience; they write about what they know. And for so long, our lives have been deemed too political, or too controversial, or just plain inappropriate fodder for reflection of the human condition. Maybe that's why we despite the fact we have many gay 'popstars' , we have few gay songwriters.
Increasingly though, our lives are being valued as part of the diverse web of human experience. Artists like Rufus Wainwright, and now, Jeremy Gloff are on the cutting edge of exposing their own hearts to the world and proving that ANYONE can draw hope, or inspiration, or even beauty from our lives, our stories, and our songs.
And tell it he does. Jeremy weaves intriguing folk songs about his life, his relationship with his father, his friends, gender roles, and of course sex. America is Lonely Tonight is one of those rare albums, you will appreciate a little bit more each time you play it. As one local reviewer wrote: the quality of the lyrics on this cd are in a league of their own, able to be the most soulful of words without delving into the abyss of self-pity and cliché that so many of the indy acts nowadays do.
Gloff has long been a favorite of the vibrant Tampa music scene, winning a "Best of the Bay" accolade from Tampa's alternative publication 'Weekly Planet.' And he draws on local talent for much of this album including Susy Martian and Robert Moore from the Band Ashes of Grisum.
Some of the best songs are this album
though, are the simplest
ones
(some of my favorites are towards the end of the (rather long) album.
Just
his unique voice, a pounding piano, and those thoughtful lyrics,
reflecting
on the common yet compelling experiences of a (gay) man named Jeremy
Gloff.
-by Thrill Racer
-courtesy of The Easy Way
I discovered this guy from an MP3.com
search
on "Permafrost" (a band who did a funny song about Johnny Marr); they
weren't
there (I eventually found Ad Frank's solo page, though--I like "Uhauls
and Rhyders"), but instead I found J.G.'s page and soon became
enthralled
by his song stories, added a track to my MP3.com station, and then he
sent
me his latest solo album for review. Neat eh? Fascinating
and
accessible 17-track album that captures inner anguish with nice
alt.rock
piano, guitar, and vocal stylings. The "loneliness" is captured
from
a good number of angles, but shown mainly as a result of
obsessive/compulsive
behavior that result in feelings of isolation and indignity (like in
"Zero
Self Control Blues" and "Weird Addictions"; in the latter he sings,
"Mouth
has been on half a city/That ignores him on the street/It barely shakes
him later/They don't want him around.") Lots of raw nevers and
dulling
of the pain; from the "carnage" in "One Inch Deep" ("I try to itch you
off me/Razor burn one inch deep" to "Seven Bodies Seven Days" ("It is
so
sweet how it numbs me.") And lots of fave tracks; I like "Sharks"
(cool piano and lyrics: "Sharks in the ocean hug goodnight/They
backstabbed
or fucked everybody they hold tight."), "The Sound Of My Crashing"
(about
being stood up by a potential one night stand; "I will leave the light
on/Guard my window/Craving your car to sneak in"), "Mother Mary" (sad
lyrics
and amazing piano breaks), "The Boy Who Could Jump Thru Stars" (good
chorus),
and "Blue Champagne" (great singing and the piano riff sounds like
"Heart
and Soul.") There's lots to listen to here and it's one of my top
fave albums from 2001 so visit www.jeremygloff.com for more information.
-by Jim Santo
-courtesy of Jim Santo's Demo Universe
Having now re-released on CD all his
recordings
since 1993, folk-punk Gloff caps his creative geyser with a new 'un, America
Is Lonely Tonight. Although released after 9/11, the songs on
Jeremy's
11th self-released LP were written between September 1999 and January
2001,
and there is no song here named "America Is Lonely Tonight" (the title
is taken from a lyric in "Dancetoria"), so bite your tongue if you
think
my prolific pal has taken to flag waving. Heck, the record's not even
particularly
outward-looking, which is not a surprise, as Gloff's favorite subject
has
always been himself. Or should I say target? A writer of uncommon
bravery,
Jeremy casts as cold an eye on his own (mis)behavior as that of others,
sheathing no claw as he bares his faults: "Got into a weird
addiction/And
this one's hard to beat/Mouth has been on half a city/That ignores him
in the street" (from "Weird Addictions"). Such seamy imagery pervades America,
an uncompromising portrait of the artist as a basket case. Hope
Jeremy's
feeling better now.
-by Michael Allison
-courtesy of The Global Muse
I had the pleasure of being introduced to Jeremey Gloff's music less than a year ago with his album Spin Girl Spin. It was from that album that I found a voice that stood out from the crowd of Ricky Martin's and Gavin Rossdale's that populate the pop and rock world. Jeremy shows his recent effort to be even more of a singer/songwriter's vision coming true. America Is Lonely Tonight is what one might consider an alternative folk pop album that focuses more on great lyrical writing than just pretty boy imagery and big money hooks.
I also noticed that Jeremy Gloff has matured a lot in his music with this album. His lyrics contain a little more substance and focus. The emotion in Jeremy's voice gives this album that little extra kick that makes it all the more enjoyable. Many of the emotions and feelings of the music is quite painful and sad. Though I love the way it's presented so honestly, I didn't care for the fact that the music sort of knocked me off of my cloud of happiness. That just goes to show how powerful this music is. For that, as well as all of the other qualities, I highly recommend it.
The Rundown
Lyrics/Songwriting: *****
Production Quality: *****
Musicianship: ****
Originality: ***
Over All: ****
-from Impact Press
Tampa, Florida's Jeremy Gloff is a
singer-songwriter
who has put out a ton of music. He's got a very strong ability to write
sincere, guitar-driven pop. However, his vocals take a little getting
used
to. He reminds me, at times, of Bob Dylan, with his scratchy, wavering
voice. Luckily, Gloff, more often, has a deep, bassier vocal style that
delivers honest, personal lyrics. He's part Elliot Smith, part Ben
Folds
Five, but ultimately, Jeremy Gloff. (CM)
-by Curtis Ross
-courtesy of The Tampa Tribune
Just as Jeremy Gloff's voice threatens to get too precious, he reaches down into his diaphragm and musters the vocal power to put over his folk-rock concoctions.
That's important because songs as dependent as Gloff's are on melody, harmony and lyrics need to have some muscle, however subtle, behind them from floating into the ether.
Gloff's consistent
strength is the
conviction
in his voice which, though gentle, never goes whispy. He's also
got
strong songs along the lines of "Dancetoria" and "Sharks" and a knack
for
getting the most out of sparse instrumentation--often just voice(s) and
acoustic guitar. The Cold Band and various guests provide
sympathetic
vocal and instrumental backing. Rating: B-
-by Gina Vivinetto
-courtesy of The St. Petersburg Times
Tampa's Jeremy Gloff crafts smart, lyrically driven pop, heavy on the cynicism. Every song on America Is Lonely Tonight is delivered in his charming signature nasal delivery. Gloff's voice bathes his lyrics in quirkiness and it has ability to grab your attention. Songs such as "The Sound Of My Crashing", with its gentle acoustic guitar harmonies, speak volumes in their simplicity. The disc's tone is melancholy, introspective, but not gloomy. The cello on that song comes courtesy of "Evil Bob" Moore of Tampa's alt-rock noir act Ashes of Grisum. Gloff isn't only moody and melancholy. Hear "Zero Self Control Blues" to appreciate his wickedly wry side.
-Wally Peters Jr.
-courtesy of Wonka Vision
Dear Jeremy, 17 fucking songs on a record is just too much! Stop it! I'm sorry but prolific does not equal good. That's the problem with musicians/bands these days. Everyone takes their music too seriously. You should be grateful that anyone would take two seconds of their time to listen to anything you play let alone plunk down 12 bucks of their hard earned cash for one of your records. Why not take the time to craft 10 really good songs instead of giving me 17 songs that all tread the same path and boost terribly uninspiring arrangements. It sounds like you genuinely believe in the songs you write and there seems to be a glimmer of potential in your songwriting but instead of churning out a song every time you fart how about working on crafting me a diamond. Please, make my two seconds worth it. Otherwise it sounds like you are on your way to a mediocre career as an alt country/folk/adult contemporary songwriter. I wish you all the luck.
-from RealitySnap.com
The name of this release show that the September 11th attracks effected Jeremy and fuled an episode of emotional songwriting. Folk-styled country music is delivered nicely on the release. Jeremy's songwriting is soulful...
The release has a pull-out lyric sheet that is rare in these days. It would be unfair for me to relate Jeremy's music to another artist. I grew up with the likes of Johnny Cash, Tom T. Hall, and Bill Anderson, I will say there is a touch of each in this music.
Pretty good
demo. Coming from someone
who
is not into this style. If you like country, folk, or easy
listening
you probably would want to take a listen. Best of luck to Jeremy
Gloff and I'm sure there will be more to come.
-from Indieville.com
Jeremy Gloff is an independent singer/songwriter who self-releases his music on his Riotboy Records label. This is his eleventh collection of songs, yet it's the first one I've ever heard, and I must say that it's a wonderful introduction to his work. Gloff has constructed a great album that is packed full of standard indie pop pieces. The songs themselves feature nothing new, but are thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless. "Remembering," for example, is an upbeat, pleasant song that is tinged with a pleasant country influence. Another track, "Sound of my Crashing," adds piano to the mixture, forming a slow, sweet song that borders on being marketable. Gloff owes a bit to Simon and Garfunkel, though, as this song sounds a bit too much like "Sound of Silence," except with a decidedly more R.E.M-ish quality to it. Altogether, Gloff has created a delightful selection of pop songs that is far from classic, yet enjoyable all the same. 78%
-from allmusicguide.com
Gloff is a prolific, if not always consistent songwriter and four-tracker based in Tampa Bay, Florida. America Is Lonely Tonight, Vol. 11 has its share of solid songs — "Sound of My Crashing," "Dancetoria," "Seven Bodies Seven Days" — and the spare piano and acoustic guitar arrangements support his very Smiths-like melodies. However, Gloff's wavering, breathy, sissified delivery is somehow disconcerting, like a stranger's hot breath on a crowded subway. There's also the matter of sub-Sundays cuts like "Boy Who Could Jump Thru Stars." Gloff has a solid command of melody and pace, as strong tracks like "Mother Mary" prove. But he might think about adding a few supporting players, and mixing down those vocals just a bit. Whew.
-fan review submitted by Carrie Bifaro
This is by far the most incredible work to date by Gloff. Jeremy is a very talented artist who is bound to be discovered. This album shows a musical growth. Jeremy went from a punk kid in his earlier days of Still Feel It and Heavy Machinery, to a mature adult in America Is Lonely Tonight. The beauty of the growth is that it is musical and personal. His music has improved greatly. He now has a professional sound and you can hear the quality versus earlier work that sounded like a kid who was playing around. The personal aspect of growth is very parallel. Jeremy was once a kid who could be pissed off at the world. Today he accepts what life has brought his way and is able to be grateful for the life he has. We can all let the hurt of the world take over our lives or we can accept it and learn to deal with it as Jeremy has shown today.
“…Pretty scary when
you start to feel far
from who you wanna be and who you really
are…
I don’t regret anything that I’ve done
I just kind of hate what I’ve
become…”
- "Forgive Me Jeremy" off of Songs About Stupid People
This shows someone who hates the world and the person living inside of them. But then today you can hear a changed person.
"Feeling Of Faded"
off of America Is
Lonely
Tonight:
“…Think how lucky I am most every
single
day
My feeling of faded started fading away…”