darling one year
photos courtesy of Daniel Gannaway
source AllAboutSurf.com
by Steve Ackerman
posted 2004-11-15
Daniel Gannaway revisited...
I was totally stoked when Daniel emailed ProMusicNews to let us know about his latest release. I was excited to listen to his newest masterpiece. Just a few days ago, it arrived. I quickly ripped the package open and shoved it into the CD player, I tell you, I haven't taken it out of my CD player since. It was incredible, he has really done it again. Another work of art to add to his long resume of accomplished works and he just keeps getting better with each one. So many artists release good albums then flop when they try to top it. Daniel Gannaway just keeps raising the bar with each and every release, to him the sky is the limit, and I really think he'll get there.
Photo by Richard Freeman - La Seine Paris
The Press Release that accompanied the CD says: "Daniel Gannaway's latest offering, darling one year [2004] is an emotional roller coaster of intense, indie folk/rock, with the slightest hint of electronica." I thought that was a very good, yet brief summary of the album. It is however, definitely an accurate statement. I'll go over the new album a bit deeper for you...
Darling one year was recorded in Amsterdam and London and completed in New Zealand earlier this year. Daniel has had an extensive knee injury for part of this year, as a result, it has really given him the opportunity to immerse himself into his music. Bass player, Michael Brennan [the Feds, and Seven Dials] accompanied Daniel along with the percussionist, Stan Leboy on this magnificent darling one year journey.
Photo by CT - HalfMoon, London 2002
"Gannaway's acoustic guitar is always constant, winding through distorted vocals, effected guitars, drums and looped sounds" in each of the new songs. "A welcome new chapter in this talented singer songwriter's ongoing story." The strong indie folk/rock influence is clear and present and the flood of emotion Daniel has put into each these songs, make this release a fresh and very much welcomed musical offering. This, coupled with the intensity of the lyrics, you really get a sense of just how much of himself that he really has put into this album. I definitely have a new favorite in my collection.
This is the part of the article I that found to be the most difficult, each and every one of these songs I found to be a monument in itself. A perfect blend of lyrics, emotion and rhythm in each one. 'Student debt sucks', 'Gotta drive', 'Laughing free', 'See the light' and 'A small thankyou' are the songs on the album that are charged and sure to get your feet moving and the blood pumping.
Photo by Dharlia Gannaway - Muriwai
Use these tunes with caution, the first time I listened to them, I had headphones on. After a while I looked around, I found that I had an audience (yet another one of my most embarrassing moments)... 'Darling one year', 'Chain' and 'Ecstasy lovers' start off gently, gradually gaining momentum, with a rocking rhythm near the end sure to get you moving... The last group of songs on the album to mention, 'Julie', 'In the North Sea' are softer songs, perfect for winding things down and setting the mood... I've listened to this album dozens of times now, just trying to decide which songs I liked best. I have to say, honestly this is just one of those albums that every song fits in that category in one way or another...
If your looking for some refreshing new music for the soul, I whole-heartedly recommend this album as a must have for your collection.
Albums by Daniel Gannaway:
Album 5 - 2004 - darling one year
Album 4 - 2001 - Bound and Suburban
Album 3 - 2000 - Bootlegged at the Temple
Album 2 - 1999 - flashback
Album 1 - 1998 - FINE BY ME
The new album, darling one year is available through CD Baby now, soon to be available through various digital providers like iTunes and Audio Lunchbox.
All of Daniel's previously released music is currently available from online digital providers such as: AudioLunchbox; Apple iTunes Music Store; Rhapsody; Napster; BuyMusic; Emusic; NetMusic; Sony Connect; Pure Tracks; EMEPE3; with more to come...
Daniel's music distributed in NZ by inmusic and is also available through the NZ online store http://smokecds.com
For more information, email simon@inmusic.co.nz or trulyindependent@hotmail.com
http://www.danielgannaway.com
http://www.trulyindependent.com
