Speaking of bands that were dealt an unfair hand by Pitchfork, let me introduce you to The Donkeys. I hadn’t heard of them until the Pitchfork review and luckily I was able to read between the lines. This is a loose translation of their review. “I am a self-important music critic” which was followed up by, “blah, blah, blah, random reference,” and “influences by The Byrds, The Dead, and Gram Parson.” They were daring me to like this album, so being the indie music superhero that I am, I rose to the challenge and downloaded it.
The influences mentioned are ingrained in The Donkeys and they wear their SoCal origin on their sleeves. When asked why they love San Diego, the response is “Where else in the universe does the air smell like burritos and suntan lotion at the same time?” Fodor’s couldn’t have said it better.
Their tunes are breezy and make me yearn for the days of my parents Old Woody (no pun intended). There are a number of wonderful tracks on the Dead Oceans debut, but some of the highlights are “Dolphin Center,” “Traverse Wine” and “Walk Through A Cloud.” The album cruises along, never getting you worked up but never leaving you disappointed.
If you dig the sweet Cali sound with easy-going Fender licks, generous amounts of organ, and lazy harmonies, than consider yourself a fan of The Donkeys.
The Donkeys - Walk Through a Cloud
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Listened to Dead Confederate EP on the train to work this morning. Stoked about show. Trying to get some friends to tag along. Anybody going from HY?
Woody’s been MIA for a couple days, but I think he’s planning to go. Haven’t heard from Drinking Buddy, but he could make an appearance.
Shirk can’t make it out after our session w/ the guys and I’ll be in California until the CBGB Festival.
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