darling one year by Daniel Gannaway

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Review of darling one year @ Indie-Music

Artist: Daniel Gannaway

CD: darling one year

Home: New Zealand

Style: Suburban Folkster

Quote: "Pioneering instrumentation insists on nothing but the freshest ingredients while still calling to mind the generation's pop titans."

By Genevieve Will

Daniel Gannaway's album, darling one year, feels the closest to a good trip as any I've had recently. Down to earth and laid back, it has none of the musical tension of trying too hard or the injection of false emotions. Suburban folky and bohemian chic, it ties up agreeably layered and distorted vocals into an angst-ridden, quirky pop as catchy as The Strokes but easily as mysteriously engaging as James Keenan Maynard. Infusing his genre-jumping style with a bit of electronic sound only adds to the distinctive vibe flowing throughout darling one year, and the inherently diverse nature of the album doesn't stop there. This surfer boy has managed to ride a wave deeper than most and doesn't seem to worry about finding another when this catch is over.

A natural Viagra for the sterile music environment enveloping the current scene, Gannaway's pioneering instrumentation insists on nothing but the freshest ingredients while still calling to mind the generation's pop titans like Beck's Sea Changes or perhaps a darkened Jamiroquoi. Effortless transitions from heavy to light, such as the ever so pleasant ones in "Julie," preserve quality taste of songs like a spanking new Tupperware container. Glaringly uncomplicated guitar playing positioned nearly unintelligibly over many more sheets of the same, opposite complimentary bass by Michael Brennan and some truly excellent percussion and "looping stuff" from Stan Leboy make the album a surprising delivery from a singer songwriter.

And while on the singer songwriter note, one should probably be able to sing a little; Gannaway's no exception. Lingering somewhere between Beck's sometimes dour humming and a Jeff Buckley-Daniel Lanois crooning competition, Gannaway lives up to all of his inspirations and others' with an unperturbed swaying intonation easy on any ears.

This New Zealander proves his prowess in the songwriting realm as well. Although sometimes on the dark side, he evinces no qualms about titling songs "Student Debt Sucks," and the like. The aforementioned song has a gloomier side, of course, but is not without humor. While repetition ultimately helps establish a setting for his songs, Gannaway's refrains do tend to get a little lengthy, resulting in a mildly droning end to some tracks. Still, with lines like "you say my god has treated me like a cheap one time fling," how can you resist?

Check out this fling (and he's worth more than one time).

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If you need evidence that there's still a "wandering minstrel," for lack of a better term, out there in the increasingly studio-bred world of music, allow me to present Daniel Gannaway as proof that the breed's not extinct. The New Zealand-based musician logged studio time for his latest album in London, Amsterdam, and NZ itself, all while working the road as a gigging musician. What has emerged from that work is Darling One Year, a tasty masterpiece of low-key mood that picks up the best stylistic experiments of his previous album and runs with them.

Of that previous album, I remember saying that Gannaway needed someone to hit the skins for him, and indeed on this outing he's assembled a nice little group of fellow musicians to fill out the sound with some real live drums and bass. Gannaway's voice, often processed and a bit ethereal, wafts over the proceedings - if anything, the best example on Bound Of Suburban to which I could compare Darling One Year's vocals would be Achilles, where it sounded like the vocals were being driven through a flange pedal; in some cases on Darling One Year's heavier numbers, the vocals sound like they're going through a guitar distortion pedal or some similar effect, and while the effects are never out of place with the songs, every once in a while it makes it a little hard to hear what's actually being sung.

And that's really my only quibble (and it's a small one at that) with Darling One Year, because the lyrics are worth hearing - they're often pointed and topical. The title track takes a first-person view of the oscurity of being an independent musician, and there's no Bon Jovi waffle about riding a steel horse to be found here, but there's no regret or bitterness to it either.  Student Debt Sucks is funny and yet has a bubbling-just-under-a-boil rant going at the same time, with a great lyrical turn of phrase in "lending you astray." Lyrically, the best song on here by miles is Chain, railing against bigotry and war and offering a philosophical comment about how every life is essentially a string of one-on-one encounters of one kind or another, any one of which could break said chain.  See The Light offers a wry commentary on door-to-door evangelism (and here I thought that was a uniquely American phenomenon). And bookending things nicely, the last track, A Small Thankyou, is exactly as advertised.

Darling One Year is some excellent music that, hopefully, can get a wider audience by word-of-mouth. Daniel Gannaway's unique style of filtering folk influences through modern recording techniques makes for quite a compelling listen, and it certainly doesn't hurt that he writes some damn good songs too. I'm pretty sure I said this about his previous release too, but I'll repeat it here - if you only indulge in one independent release this year, Darling One Year would make a fine pick.

Reviewed by Earl Green

theLogBook

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AllAboutSurf gave it a huge review:

"...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...If your looking for some refreshing new music for the soul, I whole-heartedly recommend darling one year as a must have for your collection."

- AllAboutSurf.com

Link for the full review at AllAboutSurf:

http://www.promusicnews.com/articles/daniel_gannaway2

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Although this album is somewhat avante-garde, it's not in the 'huh?' kind of way that leaves you scratching your head in confusion. Falling in the category of indie folk-rock to a certain extent, this is music that carves out its own flavour, sometimes morphing genres within one song. Instrumentation centres around Gannaway's capable acoustic guitar, augmented by Mike Brennan's bass, and drums and loops by Stan Leboy providing a passing nod of acknowledgement to the grooves of electronica. Although something of an international effort [London and Amsterdam feature in the credits], Auckland's West Coast [muse of many] namely Muriwai beach gets a mention. The lyrical matter covers and array of topics, ranging from the standard relationships, to the blight of student debt in the not-at-all-enigmatically titled Student Debt Sucks. While standing proud as "truly independent music", 'Darling One Year' doesn't compromise in production quality, and what has resulted, is a well crafted album that takes some innovative and unexpected turns.

Tim Page - New Zealand Musician Magazine

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Albums by kiwi [NZ] indie singer/songwriter Daniel Gannaway:

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2006 - OP-ED: Environmental / Social / Political

2005 - SUMMER STORM | A collection of ukulele ditties

2004 - darling one year

2002 - BOOTLEGGED AT THE 12 BAR CLUB [released 2006]

2001 - Bound and Suburban

2000 - Bootlegged at the Temple

1999 - flashback*

1998 - FINE BY ME

http://www.cdbaby.com/all/danielgannaway

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More truly independent releases:

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2006 - ELECPHONIC

2004 - kidameln - the kidameln lo-fi

http://www.cdbaby.com/group/trulyindependent

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truly independent has kidameln's debut & Daniel's first 3 albums in the CD Baby $5 Specials!

This means that if you buy these four albums [the kidameln lo-fi, FINE BY ME, flashback* & Bootlegged at the Temple] together in one purchase, the price per album will drop to $5. You'll get all 4 for only $20!!!

These albums contain classic Daniel Gannaway songs like Sarah, Daisy, Zebra Crossing, Rest, Midnight's Gone, Avenues, Your Winning Way, A French Girl, and kidameln classics like 'I'm in', 'See me smiling' Hey ho' & Circles, just to name a few...

As always, thank you for supporting truly independent music.

http://www.cdbaby.com/group/trulyindependent

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truly independent recommends a newly recovered live gem of Daniel:

BOOTLEGGED AT THE 12 BAR CLUB

[11 Songs - Solo Acoustic - London - April 2002]

@ http://www.cdbaby.com/danielgannaway8

Recorded live in an intimate little venue in the centre of London – the 12 Bar Club – Daniel’s vocal range and delicate guitar, sometimes complimented by harmonica, are collected surprisingly well and make for a beautifully meandering compilation.

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Daniel's latest album:

OP-ED: Environmental / Social / Political

@ http://www.cdbaby.com/danielgannaway7

"Documenting many of Daniel's previously unrecorded songs of environmental, social and political importance, OP-ED is an inspired compilation of acoustic material on guitar and ukulele - all recorded in Hawaii during February of 2006."

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truly independent recommends Daniels popular ukulele album:

SUMMER STORM | A collection of ukulele ditties

@ http://www.cdbaby.com/danielgannaway6

"Written and recorded in Hawaii and New Zealand, Summer Storm - Daniel's sixth solo outing - references laidback island life with the ukulele's nylon strings, while wrapping it up in the kind of dynamic folk/indie-rock/electronic feel..."

"...like Gannaway's home country, this music [SUMMER STORM] is an exotic, faraway place in relationship to the rest of the overall modern musical landscape. Nevertheless, these unique Gannaway sounds offer a pleasant getaway" - Indie-Music.

"...The great aspect of the album [SUMMER STORM] is that each song's arrangement maintains a minimalistic nature, which shows a discipline and a depth of understanding on Gannaway's part. Underneath the ukelele, the cruising drums and harmonic supporting bass grooves provide an all around easy and easily recommendable listen..." - NZ Musician Magazine

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Also highly recommended: darling one year

@ http://www.cdbaby.com/danielgannaway5

"...A perfect blend of lyrics, emotion and rhythm...If your looking for some refreshing new music for the soul, I whole-heartedly recommend darling one year as a must have for your collection." - AllAboutSurf.com

"...Down to earth and laid back, it has none of the musical tension of trying too hard or the injection of false emotions. Suburban folky and bohemian chic, it [darling one year] ties up agreeably layered and distorted vocals into an angst-ridden, quirky pop as catchy as The Strokes but easily as mysteriously engaging as James Keenan Maynard..." - Indie-Music.com

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Daniel's music is available from such online digital providers as:

http://www.Mp3tunes.com/DanielGannaway

AudioLunchbox; Apple iTunes Music Store; Rhapsody; Napster; BuyMusic; Emusic; Sony Connect...

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CafePress Stores Now Open!

http://www.cafepress.com/danielgannaway

http://www.cafepress.com/kidameln

http://www.cafepress.com/trulyindie

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Lyrics to songs on 'darling one year' below.

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01 - Darling one year

Like many I've played sometimes

To not a one that cared in small bars

Now and then I'll support someone

Who's experienced adulation

Over the years

Over the years

They say darling one year

And nobody the next

Well I'm wondering

What would it be like to be a darling?

A darling

Media monopolised and controlled

Can anything independent be known in this world?

There are rays of hope

I hope things will improve

Over the years

Over the years

They say darling one year

And nobody the next

Well I'm wondering

What would it be like to be a darling?

A darling

If you attain the height of celebrity

Well you might just plummet

I don't need fame

No I just need to make a living

I don't think it unjust I'm just

Speaking of it the way it is

I'm not complaining

For I've learnt and made choices

Through these few years

Through these few years

Music & Lyrics by Daniel Gannaway/Apra © 2004

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02 - Student debt sucks

Well there was your your boombox

On the table pounding out a packing beat

And all your talk of student debt

Increasing exponentially

It's no wonder that you leave

If they just wanted to make money

Why didn't they say so?

Instead of lending you astray

Then saying you can't escape to

Somewhere you can make a dent

Against a growing debt

It's like a mortgage tied right around your young young neck

Your neck your neck your neck

Well they expect to stop this brain drain

By accumulating interest on your payments

While you make no headway

Staying here means ending up with nothing

If they just wanted to make money

Why didn't they say so?

Instead of lending you astray

Then saying you can't escape to

Somewhere you can make a dent

Against a growing debt

It's like a mortgage tied right around your young young neck

Your neck your neck your neck

Hey keep packing

Well it's a shame to leave for something other

Than pleasure or adventure

But you got this debt to pay

And no one local can better the offer

And the knowledge you got

Could singlehandedly raise the kiwi gdp

But to pay back this debt you got to get get

So keep at it it and keep packing

Hey keep packing

Music & Lyrics by Daniel Gannaway/Apra © 2004

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03 - Julie

Oh Julie like m'baby

Your mouth, your mouth is so sweet

Oh Julie like m'baby

Well now I got fire on the tip of my tongue

Oh Julie like m'baby

What a light show it's rocking us so

Oh Julie like m'baby

I know I know just where it is I'd like us to go

But it's not the right time

I'm just standing and you're dancing so fine

I don't think that we'll get together tonight

Things are going on and my hearts not quite right

Oh Julie like m'baby

Steady me steady me

Oh Julie like m'baby

I like those daffodils in your hair

Can you tell me when did you put them there?

Oh Julie like m'baby

Oh how you teach it's all within reach

But Julie like m'baby

I've no speech

Can I call you when my words return from the beach?

'cause it's not the right time

I'm just standing and you're dancing so fine

I don't think that we'll get together tonight

Things are going on and my hearts not quite right

Not quite right

Julie you know

You know you light up my world when you smile at me

And I'm almost together enough to get together

I'm almost together enough to get together

Oh you light up my world when you smile at me

'cause I'm almost together

I'm almost together Julie

Music & Lyrics by Daniel Gannaway/Apra © 2004

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04 - Gotta drive

These needs are wrong

Inner city street on a friday night

I let myself down but I'm feeling alright

If I close my eyes I'll never know

And I'll take these thoughts home alone

Well I itch my scalp and rub my chin

Salivate over what might of been

If I'd made the call then I'd be made

But I'm better off to get on my way

I gotta drive straight home

These needs are wrong

Well I cannot kill a heedless want

Though I tend to disagree in a mirror

But it turns itself like a circus trick

It baits me up on a hook

For a roadside thigh

Or a quarter hit

Anything I need to go with it

Anything I need to go with it

Anything I need to go with it

I gotta drive straight home

To where her heart is

To where her trust is

To a real companion

And guilt for things I've done

All these things that I've done

These needs are wrong

Done are the deeds I should not have

I was a weak willed fuck that could not please her

Now I got to get it up

And figure out how to please her please

These needs are wrong

I gotta drive straight home

Music & Lyrics by Daniel Gannaway/Apra © 2004

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05 - In the North Sea

Today the sun shines in a clearing sky

So blue surrounds the bright

Soft gentle candy floss clouds scattered

As though by a carefree child

I've been on my back since about five

I ate a peach while I watched the rise

It's a pleasure to feel light with strength so early

Prior to this day we've had nothing but weeks of grey

Today's not a day for too deeply thinking

I'm just gonna put my mind to sleep

Some friends of mine are gonna go out

To what they know as the beach

No more sounds of that highway down below no no

In the North Sea I'm gonna be dipping my feet

Today's not a day for too deeply thinking

I'm just gonna put my mind to sleep

Your face and your name cross my thoughts

You know I think of you like a sibling

In that when I look into your heart

I see that in parallel we are drifting

Now moments are all that we're taking with us

If there's somewhere to go we pack our bags

Money's not our soul's motivation

No we do so many things out of love

Today the sun shines in a clearing sky

So blue surrounds the bright

No more sounds of that highway down below no no

In the North Sea I'm gonna be dipping my feet

Music & Lyrics by Daniel Gannaway/Apra © 2004

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06 - Laughing free

Do we have to do this conventionally

Your eyes true I know you don't care for ceremony

Well I'm tied up and you're tied up with me

Sick of playing acrobats landing respectably

We could shock them like a bolt of lightning

Scorch their tender feet and run away laughing free

Laughing free

Well I was thinking about what you said yesterday

How we think alike and just might even be the same

Do you think we were born either side of that mirror?

Then we ran through life looking for one another

We could shock them like a bolt of lightning

Scorch their tender feet and run away laughing free

Laughing free

So you unwrap me and I'll unwrap you

You are my gift I my gift to you

Laughing free

Music & Lyrics by Daniel Gannaway/Apra © 2004

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07 - Chain

Shell's gonna meet me at 12

He's had the bottom fall out of his life

Stevie confirmed with HIV

Shell's all clear but messed up over Stevie

And a guy in a bar said they deserve it those faggots

I said come on man that's ignorant comment

Could be you me your girlfriend or her mom

Just needs the wrong decision in the wrong situation

This life's a chain through every coupling

Often times I complain about meaningless shit

Sometimes I stop tell myself hold on one minute

Other times I think well my problems they're relevant

But then I'm not at the mercy of a war

People then they have no choice

Maybe oil or religion or maybe it's just chance

They could be cut down as they run

Or while standing over the bodies of their dying loved ones

This life's a chain through every coupling

So tell your loved ones that you love them

Music & Lyrics by Daniel Gannaway/Apra © 2004

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08 - See the light

So full of good I knock on your door

Face full of smile you invite me in to tell you more

Of these pavements I walk with a purpose in my stride

I got a book full of hope and a lord for you to confide in

I can help you help me help you

Can you help me help you help me?

See the light

Please don't bring up science

It's all hearsay based on fact

I've got a compelling read

It's based on hearsay realer than that

Now why would you question

There is no question in my mind

Since I took the first step

I got this brand new life

I can help you help me help you

Can you help me help you help me?

See the light

The light

I'm praying

Praying here

You ask what light?

Oh and you show me the joke

Oh this is so cruel

Well this was the last bastion

Of my faith and my hope

You're calling me a puppet

Though I can't say I've ever seen the strings

You say my god has treated me

Like a cheap one time fling

I'm not a fling no no no

I can help you help me help you

Can you help me help you help me?

See the light

Music & Lyrics by Daniel Gannaway/Apra © 2004

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09 - Ecstasy lovers

An air of expectation

Soon we will all come on

She will reverberate

Bring forth the tempo and the beat

We'll ride at her beck and call

Weary of Tuesday and her downfall

A pulse a rush overwhelming us

Friends we have embarked

As ecstasy lovers

We're all ecstasy lovers

I'm writing through folk to tell ya

Of electronica

We've earned our weekend life

Our only concern is having fun tonight

We won't be doing this forever

No we keep watch over one another

The music's kicking and we're hooking up

Sharing love and crazy friendship

As ecstasy lovers

We're ecstasy lovers

I can feel it

Can you feel it?

The beat is picking up

We're swinging in one with it

My lover and I

Dancing eye to eye

My lover and I

And the beat is picking up

We swing in one with it

My lover and I

Dancing eye to eye

Music & Lyrics by Daniel Gannaway/Apra © 2004

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10 - A small thankyou

Oh my friends

Please don't apologise for the state of this room

A beggar cannot be a chooser

And you've welcomed him into your home

Often times I'm in the dark with no headlights

And you loom up like a beacon saying

Hey crash at ours if you want tonight

So I stand here I say thank you

For friendship and crossing paths

Oh I stand here I say thank you

For all these years in and out of your lives

Oh I've worried that you might have thought I was just a user

And I've worried that sometimes I've had nothing in return to offer

And I know you'd never expect nothing for nights safe under your roof

But it's there these words come from

And it's for you that I'm singing this song

So I stand here I say thank you

For friendship and crossing paths

Oh I stand here I say thank you

For all these years in and out of your lives

Your lives

Cause' I'm so thankful

I'm so thankful

I'm so thankful for all of you

Cause' I'm so thankful

I'm so thankful

I hope you accept this small thankyou

So I stand here I say thank you

For friendship and crossing paths

Oh I stand here I say thank you

For all these years in and out of your lives

Thank you

Music & Lyrics by Daniel Gannaway/Apra © 2004

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