What does it sound like?:
The 4th album by West Coast band Dawes is not as immediate as the last one, Stories Don’t End. However, that may turn out to be a good thing. Four days, and repeated listens, has meant that several songs that felt a bit like filler have now opened up to reveal a depth that wasn’t immediately apparent.
Let me declare a bit of an interest here – since someone on this (or, more probably, the previous) site posted a Dawes video, 4 years ago, the band has become one of my favourites of all time. Which, at my age, is bloody fantastic. I have devoured their records, seen them live quite a bit and bored friends and family by slipping Dawes tracks onto every mix-CD I make for them. So, I was just a bit excited by this new album.
Once again, it shows Taylor Goldsmith to be a consummate songwriter. Lyrics about lost love, aging, California and the world around him draw you in and, coupled with his voice, soothe your ears. The band are no slouches, as anyone that has seen them live will attest. Tight playing, tight harmonies and a surprising power in the engine-room means that they can bring plenty of light and shade to Taylor’s songs. The title track here is a wonderful ode to an old friend, which contains the line ‘I hope all your favourite bands stay together.’ which is just about as nice a thing as any of us could say to anyone.
This album also contains a bit more guitar from Taylor, with several tracks featuring tight, well structured solos. His playing, and sound, reminds me of Tim Renwick (Al Stewart, Sutherland Brothers & Quiver, Pink Floyd) and I can pay no higher compliment. Don’t Send Me Away sounds like it could be their version of an early 70’s classic by Todd Rundgren, it’s that good.
What does it all *mean*?
It means that there are still bands out there who sound contemporary but don’t want to lose that early 70’s feel, edge and harmony. Dawes wear their Jackson Browne, Neil Young and CSNY influences proudly.
Goes well with…
Their first 3 albums, to be honest. This isn’t some radical departure. If you have ever liked anything you’ve heard by them, you’ll like this.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Josh Rouse, Silver Seas, Conor Oberst, My Morning Jacket, sitting outside in the evening sun, with a glass of wine and imagining you were in Laurel Canyon, in Joni’s garden, while Jackson Browne picked out These Days on an old acoustic. Heaven.
SteveT says
Hi Niall, I will take the credit for posting that video on the old site. It was ‘A little bit of everything’. I will also declare an interest here – that might just be my favourite song of all time. Yes, I know this is hyperbole but at this very moment and at many times that I have played I have thought this. It resonates with me on a level few other songs ever have. The first time I ever heard it I was in New York in a car driving to a business appointment. We pulled up at the appointment and I asked my colleague to stay in the car until the song had finished. I was convinced it was Jackson Browne until the announcer said it was Dawes. I bought the cd at the first opportunity and then their debut, their last one and this latest release which I have 3 or 4 times now. There isn’t anything as epic as ‘A little bit of everything’ but then no other album I have heard this year has anything that good either. What I will say is the closer, ‘It’s too late Maria’ may become one of their top songs in time. What I will also say is the guitar playing on this album is phenomenal. Oh and Niall I have yet to see them live but that will be rectified later this year.
Also as a ps I gave you the Dawes recommendation but I bought the Boz Scags album after your review which is every bit as good as you said it would be. So honours even.
VincePacket says
Top top band. I haven’t heard the album yet. It’s on my list.
I need a Dawes fix, I haven’t seen them for over a year, I hope they head a small tour around the UK later this year.
retropath2 says
Vince, they are over here in August, starting off as friday night headers at Shrewsbury Folk Festival, showing that folk can mean anything you want nowadays. I’vw seen their name pop up elsewhere too.
SteveT says
Birmingham folk festival too.
niallb says
Shrewsbury Folk Festival – end of August?
Moseley Folk Festival – 5th September
Shepherds Bush Empire – 9th September (support to My Morning Jacket)
I have managed to get a ticket for 9th!
Hopefully, Oct/Nov they’ll be back for a tour, once the gig season has finished in the States.
@stevet Beers are on me when we meet up. That video had the biggest effect on me of any music for years. That’s why this place is a great thing. Thanks.
poolhallrichard says
End of the Road Festival between 4-6 September.
Any of the Massive going?
RedLemon says
i’m going, and am very pleased that Dawes have recently been added to the bill. they were really good when they played there a couple of years back.
have to admit that i’m not finding the new album as immediate as the last 2, at least. no truly standout songs for me, certainly no Little Bit Of Everything. several, at first average, songs picked up late by fabulous guitar solos though.
i’m very much hoping it turns out to be a grower.
Baron Harkonnen says
I`m just listening to Beck`s `Morning Phase` which I bought today on vinyl then I`m going to play the new Dawes LP accompanied by the darlin` wife and some nice bottles of red, it can`t get better!
bungliemutt says
The best thing they’ve done I reckon. And the best album Jackson Browne hasn’t released in ages.
SteveT says
Baron you’re going to play the wife? Do we need to know such things?
Baron Harkonnen says
Feckin` warped mind as usual Stevie T!
Baron Harkonnen says
Just listened to “All Your Favorite Bands” and what a fine piece of work it is, stand out tracks for me are “Somewhere Along The Way,” “I Can`t Think About It Now,” “Right On Time” & “Now That It`s Too Late, Maria.”
The rest are quite good, I prefer this album to “Stories Don`t End” unlike yourself niall I think AYFB is more immediate but who`s bothered it`s good.
niallb says
From this morning (well, this morning in L.A, which was like, teatime here. Probably.
http://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/morning-becomes-eclectic/dawes