He has been responsible for a number of wide-ranging acoustic covers of recognisable contemporary hits including "Heartbeats" by Swedish electro-pop outfit The Knife, Joy Division’s "Love Will Tear Us Apart", Bruce Springsteen’s "Born in the U.S.A." and "The Ghost of Tom Joad", Kylie Minogue’s "Hand on Your Heart", Bronski Beat’s "Smalltown Boy" and Massive Attack’s "Teardrop".
He cut his teeth in a very different kind of scene, playing guitar and bass in hardcore punk bands Back Against The Wall and Renascence, thrashing out two-minute power-chord numbers in the vein of Black Flag, The Misfits and the Dead Kennedys.
He released his four track debut E.P. “Crosses” in June 2003, following it up with his first full-length, “Veneer” in October, which contained "Crosses", "Hints" and "Deadweight on Velveteen" off the E.P. “Veneer” also contained what became perhaps his best recognized song, “Heartbeats”, a soulful acoustic rendition of the single previously released by his fellow Swedes, The Knife, which peaked at Number 6 on the UK Singles Chart. While recording the album, González was studying for a PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Gothenburg, which he never completed due to the unforeseen success of his musical career.
González released his second album, “In Our Nature” internationally on 22 September 2007. The first single in Sweden was "Killing for Love", whereas in the rest of Europe it was "Down the Line". The album’s title pays service to ethicist Peter Singer and evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, whom González had been reading at the time. The writings lend their ideas to the lyrical content of “In Our Nature”, which explores concepts surrounding around the human condition, God and morality.
González’s long awaited third studio album “Vestiges & Claws” is scheduled for release February 2015
Write your review of José González here...Imagine yourself in one of the most dependable places for acoustics, sitting on a bench, dimmed lights, and the strumming of a guitar paired with flawless vocals. For me this was sitting in a church watching Jose Gonzalez sitting on a metal chair with his acoustic guitar, playing songs from his album Veneer.
His set included “Crosses,” “Stay In The Shade” and “Slow Moves.” The most memorable though, was his performance of The Knife’s “Heartbeats.” I will never forget the first time I heard his song on a TV show, and to have the chance to see him perform it live was wonderful. His interpretation of the song gives it a new identity, almost as if it was not a cover at all. The intimacy of the show allowed for a more personal experience; you could close your eyes and take in the perfect acoustics or you could keep them open and really appreciate Gonzalez guitar skills. Either way, the show was super enjoyable from beginning to end. The setting also allowed for him to communicate with the audience more, taking time to speak about his songs.
Less is more, and for Jose Gonzalez, the simplicity of his performance is nothing short of perfection.
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