John Micek
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John Micek

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, United States

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, United States
Band Pop Alternative

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"Brimming Over With Old School Pop Sensibilities."



Gala Days
By Milkshake Jones
CRITIC RATING: 2.75
BOARD RATING: 3

Finding a good, straightforward pop band these days is not an easy task. First, there are the bits of electronica that seem to work their way into half of the songs on the radio, making the band instantly feel like the kind of thing that should be played in a nightclub as opposed to being played in your car on the way to work. On top of that is the apparent belief that in order for something to qualify as a pop song, it needs to be largely dumbed down.

For anyone who paid attention to the pop bands of the '60s though, it's obvious that neither of those qualities is necessary, or even encouraged. Milkshake Jones is clearly made up of members who understand this, and as a result, Gala Days is full of tracks that strive to breathe new life into the genre.

The album opens with "Mystery Girl," which sets the tone well through John Micek's somewhat gravelly vocals and a groaning electric guitar laid over a simple, bouncy beat. "(Where You Goin') Suzanne?" follows suit, mixing similar guitar work with a summery, infectious chorus, handclaps and upbeat harmonies. "Gala Days" through nostalgic lyrics, punchy drums, a shimmering guitar, and breathy backing vocals from Marni Micek, while "Remember How To Smile" shows John Micek picking up a quiet, defeated tone that allows Marni's vocals on the chorus to take center stage, also giving the song a soft, endearing quality.

When Gala Days isn't brimming over with old school pop sensibilities, the band tackles a sound that leans more in the direction of alternative country, such as what can be heard with "The Veil." Proving to be easily one of the darkest tracks off of Gala Days, "The Veil" leaves its mark through moody vocals, a pulsing beat, and gritty, atmospheric guitar.

"Earthquake Heart" is bound for campfire glory, with a delicate acoustic and tambourine combination shuffling in slowly beneath melancholy vocals and a dreamy buzzing throughout the verses. "All I Want Is Everything" ushers in the same alternative country feel, this time around with a full band, pulling much of its strength from a twang-heavy guitar.

Gala Days shows Milkshake Jones as a band that understands that pop music doesn't need to be mindless or driven by computers and effects. Rather than falling victim to those traits, Milkshake Jones crafts songs that maintain the catchiness required of a pop song, while not being afraid to step into a darker mood and not filling their songs with the robotic touches that run rampant on the airwaves. - Shinbone Magazine.


"Pure Pop"

"Pure pop from Pennsylvania. What, with a name like that you were expecting something less than frothy?" - The Independent Weekly, Raleigh, N.C., October 2003


"Catchy, Versatile and Clever."

MILKSHAKE JONES - GALA DAYS (Paisley Pop) On their second album, Gala Days, Harrisburg's Milkshake Jones hones their brand of edgy, hook-laden pop rock over ten tracks. Singer/guitarist/songsmith John Micek, guitarist/singer Mark Burke and singer Marni Micek craft a 60's-rooted modern guitar pop sound that shares common ground with the Gin Blossoms and R.E.M.; yet defines its own identity with its blend of electric and acoustic guitar textures, smooth vocals and full, layered harmonies. But while the overall sound of the album is vibrant and catchy, Gala Days also displays an intriguing balance between upbeat melody and lyrical melancholy; as John's thoughtful lyrics often explore relational crossroads, issues of the heart, emotional burdens and more. "(Where You Goin') Suzanne?," for instance, paints a picture of dead-end married life atop a playful, jangly rhythm. The acoustic-driven "The Veil" urges the casting off of emotional baggage; while "Remember How to Smile" and the closer "A Crowd in the Face" are humble pleas for forgiveness and another chance. The title song "Gala Days" offers reflection on an age of innocence before real life got in the way. The album's musical flavors range from bright rockers to punchy alt-country stylings; to somber acoustic tones and more. John's sturdy and clear voice, Marni's supportive backing harmonies and the consistency of the ringing guitar hooks and musicianship ties this album together into a cohesive whole. The production and mix by guest bassist and keyboard player Michael Giblin stays basic and simple, keeping the overall sound full, crisp and uncluttered. Ultimately, Gala Days offers songcraft that is catchy, versatile and clever; and it is an album that offers lyrical depth and substance beneath its obvious ear candy. - Pennsylvania Musician, Fall 2007


"A Lot Of Potential"

"Call it power-pop or just good, old-fashioned rock and roll, but a good band is a good band no matter what style of music they play ... Milkshake Jones is a winner with a lot of potential." - Pennsylvania Musician, March 2003


"A More Than Promising Debut"

"Here in the 21st Century, there are still bands out there playing Byrds-influenced power-pop, and Milkshake Jones' debut EP proves that's not a bad thing at all.
Between Mark Burke's oft-times ringing guitar leads and John Micek's sweet but angst-y tunes, this disc suggests the latter days of Roger McGuinn's most memorable ensemble filtered through the crunchier influences of The Windbreakers.
But the energy of the performances, the snap of Paul Murr's drums and the reportorial style of Micek's lyrics give this band a voice that's decisively their own.
Between the party-out-of-bounds of "Daylight Savings Time," the lovely obsessions of "The Sweetheart of College Radio," and the against-the-odds romance of "Between The Lines," Micek has a sharp eye as a lyricist and his band gives his songs the right balance of color and weight. A more than promising debut." - AllMusic Guide, July 2004


"A Lot Of Potential"

"Call it power-pop or just good, old-fashioned rock and roll, but a good band is a good band no matter what style of music they play ... Milkshake Jones is a winner with a lot of potential." - Pennsylvania Musician, March 2003


"Classic Power-Pop"

"The Pennsylvania quartet tries for classic power-pop like The Scruffs, Artful Dodger and The Moberlys." - Swiss Records, January 2005


"First-rate rock songwriting."

"I hesitate to paint Milkshake Jones with the alt.country brush, as it's not totally accurate.
After all, when pop/rock bands decide to express themselves in the country-folk vernacular, it's probably closer to country-rock (even if that suggests The Eagles rather than Gram Pasons).
So, would it be okay if I said that Milkshake Jones imbue first-rate rock songwriting with a dash of Cosmic Americana?
Listen to the shimmering "California In Your Eyes," the stomping "Daylight Savings Time," and the hypnotic "Stop Me From Falling," and you'd realize that these songs originate from a sincere bleeding heart rather than a cynical marketing ploy. And in this day and age, what more could you ask for?"
- Nighttimes.com, November 2004


"The sweetest Americana-Fused Pop/Rock"

"Milkshake Jones (makes) ... some of the sweetest Americana-fused pop-rock this side of the Jayhawks. Chief songwriter John Micek's little melodic gems sound like an apple of early '60s pop dipped head-first into the caramel vat of '80s alternative rock." - Fly Magazine, Sept. 2004


"Classic Power-Pop"

"The Pennsylvania quartet tries for classic power-pop like The Scruffs, Artful Dodger and The Moberlys." - Swiss Records, January 2005


"A Very Good Thing"

"They sound like Elvis Costello and The Smiths." - Maverick Magazine, Fall 2004


"A Very Good Thing"

"They sound like Elvis Costello and The Smiths." - Maverick Magazine, Fall 2004


"Sparkling"

"Milkshake Jones ... (sparkles) with jangly guitars!" - Fufkin.com, December 2004


"Sparkling"

"Milkshake Jones ... (sparkles) with jangly guitars!" - Fufkin.com, December 2004


Discography

Milkshake Jones, S/T, The Paisley Pop Label, 2004
Milkshake Jones, "Gala Days," The Paisley Pop Label, 2007
A Mess of Our Favorites, Vol. 2, The Paisley Pop Label, 2004
The Sensitive Guy's Guide to Groovy Music, The Paisley Pop Label, 2004
The Roundtable Presents, 2005
The Sleepwalkers, 2001

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Bio

Milkshake Jones' hooky and literate pop tunes have earned comparisons to such college rock stalwarts as The Replacements, Squeeze and The Connells, just to name a few.
Milkshake Jones, has shared stages with such pop luminaries as Tim Lee, The Shazam, The Badlees, Jenny Brennan, The Anderson Council, The Saving Graces, The Parallax Project, The Jellybricks, Case 150, The Trespassengers, Cliff Hillis, and Mitch Easter.

Milkshake Jones released its debut EP in 2004 on the Portland, Ore.-based Paisley Pop Label to unanimous critical acclaim. Its second LP, Gala Days was released worldwide by Paisley Pop on Sept. 18, 2007. A third LP "Lonesome Sky" is scheduled for release in 2014.

Micek released his first solo LP, The Sleepwalkers on Misguided Efforts Recordings in 2001. He is currently working on a follow-up.

Since January 2007, Micek has also handled bass guitar duties for the Harrisburg, Pa-based ska combo Fink's Constant.

Band Members