Notes
The Bursting Sheaf is the 4th album by Portland singer-songwriter John Amadon. The follow up to his critically acclaimed 2011 release Seven Stars, with the Bursting Sheaf Amadon gives listeners yet more of the exquisite pop craftsmanship, lyrical ingenuity, and musical prowess they have come to expect from him. What the critics are saying about The Bursting Sheaf- Coming on the heels of his well-received debut, Seven Stars, John Amadon's beginning to amass a nice track record in terms of creating a career even though it's still in it's infancy. The opening instrumental assault of "Saltwater Crocodile" notwithstanding, Amadon proves himself an amiable songsmith, a musician capable of creating easily appealing melodies and overtly accessible interludes. One need look no further than those qualities that grace "Walking the Shoulder" and "Set Stone," two of several exceptional tracks that grace this highly tuneful effort. Utilising a talented studio crew of supporting musicians, veteran singer.drummer Mike Coykendall included, Amadon creates lithe settings to support these sumptuous songs, and then mines the mix to the fullest. There's not a false note played anywhere, and the results add up to a sterling, pop-perfect album that sounds modest in it's intents, while reverberating with the sound of pure professionalism and heartfelt appeal. One would do well to give it the listen it deserves. -No Depression So no filler either; each song is well written and contributes to a cohesive whole LP. If this doesn't make you an Amadon fan I don't know what will.-Powerpopaholic.com There is a guiding energy to all these tracks, like a soul who simply wishes to create, and nothing else besides. That's rare. This artist will find some very happy listeners indeed, that is for certain, and he'll be regularly played in people's private rooms, and on head sets around the globe for some time to come. To be honest, this is the kind of real music a fair amount of the people who fell in love with Fleet Foxes and co. Will have been eagerly waiting for. -Sound of Confusion His music is calm and reflective...and his melodies are always right on target. But the real treat here are the vocals. John has a very warm and inviting voice and he never ever sounds like he's forcing himself. These eleven songs drift by calmly like the clouds in the sky...and they have a nice calming effect on the listener. Our favorite cuts include 'Walking the Shoulder,' 'Set Stone,' 'Cupcake,' and 'Dream Your Dream Alone.' Nice solid pop stuff with brains.-Baby Sue Which brings me to the heart of Bursting Sheaf, the lyrical content. John Amadon may be a musician in title, but I believe he is a poet at heart. I suspect that during the course of the creative process, the lyrics get written first and hold highest priority. John shares ideas and feelings, tells little stories with his songs. Perhaps the best example on this album is a tune entitled "Two Hunters", a moving seven minute track carrying many layers of symbols and imagery. It also features some wonderful guitar work. John Amadon is a creative artist, displaying patience and a high level of craftsmanship in his work. -We Love Pop and Rock The musicianship is top notch. The guitar work is impressively thought out. It is driving when it needs to be, but also falls in step with vocal harmonies without missing a beat. This is a musician at the top of his trade.-Destroythecyb.org What the critics said about Seven Stars (2011)- Seven Stars is a beautiful release, filled with the mystery and intrigue that was built around strong songwriting and passionate affiliation to powerful vocals that tugs at the heartstrings.-Zaptown Seven Stars displays the talent of a great artist that has so far remained off the larger music label radar, and could truly develop a unique pop sound that blends his ability to write and create music.-Static Multimedia This is a finely produced album whose sound would stop you in your tracks at a