Album Review, or some random thoughts on:
Goodnight Gary
[due Feb. 9]
Drew Danburry's evolving discography has been an entertaining one to follow. His first 2004 release, "An Introduction to Sex Rock
," was a fun, if not erratic and rambunctious, romp in what he coined "Kick@$$ Kindergarten Folk Pop Sing Along Music." As odd as the self-ascribed genre sounds, it actually is a fairly good summation of what Danburry's early work encompassed. His follow up LP, "Besides: Are we Just Playing Around Here or do we Mean What We Say
," and EPs "Live in France!" and "Mother EP
" followed largely in this trajectory - The latter EPs hinting at new directions. In 2008, his 3rd LP, "This Could Mean Trouble, You Don't Speek for the Club
," revealed an artist truly coming into his own. Production value was much improved, instrumentation expanded, vocals refined and lyrics deepened in their sincerity. After another EP, "Geraniums" in 2009, recording a great daytrotter session and touring incessantly for who knows how many years (since about 2004 I think), Drew is back with his first of 2 scheduled LPs for 2010, "Goodnight Gary."
," was a fun, if not erratic and rambunctious, romp in what he coined "Kick@$$ Kindergarten Folk Pop Sing Along Music." As odd as the self-ascribed genre sounds, it actually is a fairly good summation of what Danburry's early work encompassed. His follow up LP, "Besides: Are we Just Playing Around Here or do we Mean What We Say," and EPs "Live in France!" and "Mother EP" followed largely in this trajectory - The latter EPs hinting at new directions. In 2008, his 3rd LP, "This Could Mean Trouble, You Don't Speek for the Club," revealed an artist truly coming into his own. Production value was much improved, instrumentation expanded, vocals refined and lyrics deepened in their sincerity. After another EP, "Geraniums" in 2009, recording a great daytrotter session and touring incessantly for who knows how many years (since about 2004 I think), Drew is back with his first of 2 scheduled LPs for 2010, "Goodnight Gary." Though the albums listens true to his DIY roots, Goodnight Gary is the first of Danburry's releases that consistently hints at an evolved artist. Lo-fi sensibilities yet abound, but they linger as products of artistic choice rather than artistic budget gaps. The rawkus sing-along feel yet abounds. Yet, there are moments in this album that fully strip off the previous signature stylings of Danburry's bombastic and oft-unhinged musical antics - moments that sound nothing like Drew Danburry record. But, rather than sticking out as obtuse anomalies, they are well grounded in familiar landscapes. I am not one to make comparisons, but there were similar moments in the early works of Conor Oberst's Bright Eyes LPs (Fevers and Mirrors
or Lifted Or The Story Is In The Soil, Keep Your Ear To The Ground
), when tracks with very rough edges were lifted by exultant moments of highly polished and well produced melodies. I hate comparison, but that is what comes to mind.
or Lifted Or The Story Is In The Soil, Keep Your Ear To The Ground), when tracks with very rough edges were lifted by exultant moments of highly polished and well produced melodies. I hate comparison, but that is what comes to mind.Danburry's Goodnight Gary will please his fan base. It is a record that all of his previous releases hinted at, but never fully delivered. Furthermore, it will prove a more accesible LP for new listeners.
from
Drew promises a 2nd LP later this year, entitled "Goodnight Danni."
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