"This is an interesting album from Julian, especially as he was originally seen as being a keyboard player in rock bands. This is just Julian with an acoustic guitar (sometimes 12-string) playing and singing in a church (for the acoustics) and then recording the outcome. A choice was then made of which versions to release and the result is something that is damn fine and eminently listenable to and enjoyable. While 8 of the 12 songs are originals there are also some covers, and it is strange to go from “Three of A Perfect Pair” into “Should I Stay Or Should I Go”, which when played solo on 12-string comes across very differently indeed to the one that Joe gave us. Julian has a fine touch on the guitar and his singing on this album is very strong indeed and the result is an album that is full of passion and dynamics that lovers of good music, whatever the genre, will get something out of.
"I found that the guitar was somewhat reminiscent at times of Steve Hackett, but that can’t be a bad thing, and this is an album that I have enjoyed playing repeatedly." - Feedback magazine, July 2006.
"Julian’s pleasant, melodic voice is accompanied here by acoustic guitar only, in a simple format. The production is enhanced by being performed in a small church, an ambience which adds to the charm of this set of varied original songs, mostly observational ones of events and the traumas of life’s emotional rollercoaster... Covers of a few artists such as King Crimson’s Three of a Perfect Pair and a very clever cover of Sparks’ This Town Ain’t Big Enough complete an enjoyable package." - Classic Rock Society magazine, June 2006.
Reviews of Julian Garner's 2004 CD release Your Good Self:
"...no kidding, it’s brilliant"..."One of the year's best releases." - Classic Rock Society magazine
"The Your Good Self album features eleven high-class songs that cover brilliantly the sphere of Progressive music ... highly recommended!" - Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - Internet Zine (Brazil), August 2005
“Take the second song Feet Hit The Ground – this is a great pop song with nods to Crowded House and Sting. It is the sort of song that could well find itself on the radio, as it has that infectious feel." ... "Julian is hoping to perform more live gigs... and I look forward to that as [Your Good Self] is a very enjoyable romp that looks as far back as the Sixties and coming right up to date.” - Feedback Magazine
"... a pure delight to listen to! Full of little surprises at every turn... This is rich, beautifully layered but nothing is laboured or overblown. The result is absolutely gorgeous." - Hairless Heart Herald
“…a finely honed, mature but above all, intelligent body of work… Your Good Self occupies an interesting netherworld between the pop sensibilities of say, Difford and Tilbrook and the darker, more refined compositions of say, It Bites or even Roy Harper"..."Garner's 'signature sound' [is] a subtle blend of the best parts of XTC and Sting with a forward velocity that is unique to Garner's talent as an arranger.” - Silhobbit
“Mr Garner is an exceptionally talented lyricist, adopting a pronounced cleverness and novel command of language.”...“The playing, arrangements, and compositions on Your Good Self are mostly fantastic, with the title track and Cryptic Love standing out as hallmarks." - Dutch Progressive Rock Page
"He is a fine guitarist and all round musician..." - Classic Rock Society magazine
