Reclinerland

Phoebe Perlish of Shoulderstrap writes: "When I first listened to Reclinerland, I was dumbstruck. How could a do-it-yourself wunderkind possess the quiet poetry and vocal poise of a veteran singer-songwriter like Mark Hannon, Paul Simon, or Robyn Hitchcock? Portland ex-patriot Michael Johnson's melodies are sensuous and tender. The combination of his eloquent lyrics, unassuming voice, and bittersweet textures conjure such longing, such pictures, it's like wandering through an unpeopled museum of the soul. Take the lyric'It's when the sky is pink that I think of you most,' for example, or 'well it's benches and trees: let's be friends', or even 'God is the line of your hips,' or how about 'in 1971, I swear I held your hand while I was waiting in line to be born.' There's even a beautiful drugged out cover of Baby You're A Rich Man. Plus, If you appreciate design, you'll enjoy the minimal yet intricate CD package as well. Enter reclinerland."