This Los Angeles, California, USA quintet comprises
Jenny Homer (vocals, guitar), Charlie Baldonado (guitar, vocals), Janine
Cooper (bass, ex-Pet Clark), Rob Jacobs (drums, percussion) and
Salvador Garze (violin). Cooper replaced original, long-time bass player
Nancy McCoy, who opted to devote herself to motherhood, in time for
Slow Sky. Downy Mildew’s origins can be traced to the mid-80s when
renowned independent label Texas Hotel Records released their debut EP
and two follow-up albums (these were later reissued on new home, High
Street Records). Recalling California’s vintage 60s pop mood, with the
group weaned on the sounds of the Beach Boys and Mamas And The Papas,
songwriters Homer and Baldonado used these influences as a platform for
their simple but affecting pop songs - often orchestrated in tandem with
unexpected lyrical twists. With the duo writing both individually and
collaboratively, this three-pronged approach led to considerable
stylistic diversity within the band’s albums, with Baldonado’s enduring
affection for Burt Bacharach (including a cover version of ‘Walk On By’)
noted by several critics. Earlier, Broomtree had announced these
disparate songwriting approaches, with Baldonado’s writing more rooted
in the folk rock tradition, contrasting with Homer’s harder, up-tempo
style. Comparisons to 10, 000 Maniacs were, at this stage at least, not
too far wide of the mark. Another unifying factor in the band’s appeal,
that of accomplished musicianship and self-reliant production, was
further evinced with Mincing Steps. A cohesive collection of songs
performed in a quasi-orchestral style, it managed to balance grandeur
with harmonic pop essentials. An Oncoming Train, Downy Mildew’s
acclaimed debut for High Street Records, saw them enlist the services of
Mitchell Froom associate Tchad Blake, who had previously worked with
Los Lobos, Suzanne Vega and Tom Waits. Their relationship together
continued with Slow Sky, which refined the group’s sound further. The
familiar elements - lush male/female vocal interchanges overriding
darker lyrical sentiments - were offered a new sheen by virtue of the
group’s evident self-confidence and poise.
Tracklist
| 1 |
Your Blue Eye |
3:16
|
| 2 |
Left Foot Down |
4:18
|
| 3 |
Release |
4:30
|
| 4 |
A Polka Dot-Scarved Woman |
3:34
|
| 5 |
Girls By The Lake |
5:49
|
| 6 |
A Liar Needs A Good Memory |
4:18
|
| 7 |
That He Wrote |
4:26
|
| 8 |
Them That Dream |
3:36
|
| 9 |
Machine |
4:03
|
| 10 |
Sidewinding Home |
4:09
|
| 11 |
Don't Change My Mind |
3:53
|
| 12 |
I Remember Yesterday |
2:26 |
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