Jose Gonzalez – ‘Crosses’ (Peacefrog) Released – 10/04/06

After completely becoming a corporate cock sucker by letting Sony have his ‘Heartbeats’ cover, Jose Gonzalez’ album sales went through the roof. When his album ‘Veneer’ was released back in 2003 no one battered an eyelid, now he is a household name. So can he cut it without becoming a one hit wonder? Probably not. His album is good though, and ‘Crosses’ is definitely one of the highlights as it captures a rolling urgency that Gonzalez’ songs never seem to lack, a power that hurts the listener, only in a gentile manner. His acoustic hooks pull you in and you can’t not like the guy. Although famous for someone else’s song, he still cuts it as a songwriter. Crosses is a beautiful ambassador for ‘Veneer’ and an excellent purveyor of his talents.