Hello music fans!
Music reviews should be short. This one is. And the links below take you directly to full length songs that you can just click on and play.
There is a band called The Donkeys that's been making great music in the spirit of Luna, Pavement, Yo La Tengo and other practitioners of the lost art of low-fi. Yet their music is original -- less cheeky than Luna, more accessible than the somewhat dissonant Pavement. They've got their own musical worldview and it's very welcoming and affirming.
The songs feature straightforward, understandable vocals, a sense of fun and mystery, and very groovy mellow songs that deliver awesome little vocal and instrumental hooks that kind of sneak up on you. The tunes meander just enough to be exploratory but they don't become self-indulgent.
The Donkeys have been touring constantly and on some of the dates they'll be playing with the latest incarnation of Guided By Voices. Apparently GBV's Robert Pollard likes what he hears. I'm glad.
I heard their song, "Ceiling Tan" for the first time a couple of weeks ago on WKNC in Raleigh. After hearing more from them, I now believe this little band might be The Feelies of our time. These songs are sleepers. (Not that they're dull! A "sleeper" is a song or album with an "under-the-radar" yet growing following.)
I recommend you start with "Don't Know Who We Are" and "Ceiling Tan" from the current disc, 'Born With Stripes' ... There are a couple of different bonus tracks available for the new release depending on whether you get it on itunes or Amazon.
Play the songs a few times and I think you'll be hooked. I'm not connected with the band in any way other than being a new fan who wants The Donkeys to enjoy wider attention that translates to higher attendance at their shows and more music sales. Airplay on a station like WXRT (a commercial album alternative station in Chicago) would be nice, and if that happens it's well-deserved. I think you'll agree.
"Don't Know Who We Are"
http://www.myspace.com/thedonkeys/music/songs/don-t-know-who-we-are-81188629
"Ceiling Tan"
http://www.myspace.com/thedonkeys/music/songs/ceiling-tan-81188636
Here's a link to the new album on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Born-Stripes-Donkeys/dp/B004QIUGOC/
And in case you'd like to visit their site it's here:
http://www.donkeysongs.com/
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