John Doe and Exene…

John Doe and Exene Cervenka played two awesome shows on January 10th and 11th. First in the Williamsburg at the Music Hall and then at Joe’s Pub in Manhattan, they continue to prove that they hold a unique place in the history of rock n’ roll as well their general place in music. This becomes evident as time goes on they become harder to categorize having synthesized and mastered so many styles over their long career. While their music retains a residoe to their punk days in X, and, indeed they still play a few classics from those days the duo have broadened their sound considerably with styles ranging from the shit kicker attitude of The Knitters to the poignant originals drawing upon a vast folk and pop idioms. These two shows proved to be no exception. As hardy troopers on the scene, the two continue only to get stronger. Mixing in humor with deep sadness, the two exhibited the beautiful harmonies they have been famous for delivered with the timing so unique to them. The melodies they write evoke a deep elegaic tone which has been a signature of their style over these many year which is characterized how nobody sounds like them. John and Exene, however, represent more than just thier music. They have always expressed an unique worldview characterized by perennial favorites New World and The Have Not to Exene’s newer Surface of the Sun which sides with the underdog and expresses a gritty determination not to compromise one’s ideals. It is with this pleasure we put them in the latest Videopoem.

Videopoem Presents John Doe and Exene Cervenka from robert dene on Vimeo.