Best of Westword

Some kind soul(s) at Westword thought to mention me and my music in this year’s Best of Westword issue (out this week). It’s really nice... I hope I’m deserving of the praise!

~John

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Best Back-to-Nature Songwriter (2008)

John Common
www.myspace.com/johncommon
Performers are often said to boast natural talent when their artistry is neither heavy-handed nor overly self-conscious — and in that sense, John Common has plenty of natural talent. But a more literal interpretation also applies to his latest recording, Why Birds Fly. Throughout tunes such as "Moonlight" and "Unseen Things," Common weaves traditional instrumentation with the sort of found sounds heard in forests at night: the ambient noises of creatures that creep, crawl or take wing. These subtle touches make his work seem natural in every sense of the word.

Untitled

I don't know what to call this one...

Untitled

You're out there
Moving through your lists.
Traversing the terrain of your day.
Accomplishing things.

I suppose I'm doing the same
Here, at this desk, faithful to my work.
But honestly, my ferrous thoughts fly
Always to you, your magnetic heart.

I wonder if you feel
These thin cables shooting to you --
Spidery filaments of intention and love
Gently looping your hands, your face?

Later tonight
I will use them to pull you toward me,
Guide you to this incomplete house.
Back home to me.

Are you happy? Wait. Don't answer.

I'm not sure if we're qualified to determine our own happiness. Often, we look back and realize we were happy.

What if we are happy right now?

Imagine that.

I'm tired.

Told ya...

Yesterday, the high temp was almost 70. Today?

A full on snow storm.