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Reviews: Dan Vaillancourt ~ Lovely Distractions
Posted on Saturday, March 07, 2009 @ 18:52:13 PST
Topic: Reviews
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Artist: Dan Vaillancourt
CD: Lovely Distractions
Home: Midland, Michigan
Style: Acoustic Pop
Quote: "I'm extremely impressed with Vaillancourt’s acoustic technique and creative approach -- the man can do more than strum."
By J. Turner
When I first opened my copy of Dan Vaillancourt’s new CD Lovely Distractions, the jewel case completely collapsed -- perhaps the fault of the U.S. Postal Service, perhaps not. I don’t know. But the reason I bring it up at all is because an allegedly faulty jewel case is the only plausible criticism I could find of this fantastic album.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this record, but I guess I’ll have to try since that’s what I’m getting paid to do.
OK, so here are the top four reasons to check out Lovely Distractions.
1. Valliancourt’s guitar playing reminds me of Dave Matthews, however, he doesn’t sing like he has marbles in his mouth. I'm extremely impressed with Vaillancourt’s acoustic technique and creative approach -- the man can do more than strum.
2. Vaillancourt’s vocals are virtually indistinguishable from Pete Yorn’s. However, if you should happen to forget which artist you’re listening to, as I sometimes did, you can right yourself by remembering that Vaillancourt’s songs are the intriguing ones telling colorful stories about the world around him, and not Bruce Springsteen covers.
3. In addition to the quintessential bass, guitar and drums that most acoustic pop albums feature, Distractions includes a variety of arrangement -- enhancing cameos from organs, strings, shakers, banjo, mandolin (maybe?) and one show-stealing contribution from an unforgettable—but unnamed—female vocalist.
4. "Fall Winds" -- irresistible indie duet; "Amusement Park" -- percussive guitar and shaker shaking (could abate ass-shaking), features "Meet Virginia" type story and my favorite vocal performance on the album; "I Am Your Radio" -- Vaillancourt ditches acoustic for electric, sing-along anthem, "Radio" is oh-so radio-friendly.
I can’t recommend this album enough for people who enjoy acoustic pop, low-fi fun and great story telling. Just make sure you have some Scotch tape on hand.
Artist Website: http://www.danvaillancourt.com
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