Self Titled - Ray Mann Three

Phantom Sound & Vision - 2008

Tracklisting

Smile - 3:26

Hook Me Up - 3:28

Feels So Good - 3:55

Gettin Thru - 4:03

Opa Opa - 3:20

Morena - 3:45

No Way No - 3:45

Yr Werds - 2:56

I Can See It All Before Me - 4:09

Night With You - 4.15

When Ray Wassef (the long time lead guitarist of Sydney outfit Kid Confucious) decided to go out on his own, he managed to find bassist Byron Luiters (now of John Butler Trio) and drummer Bart Denaro. This self titled album was recorded over three days. They have extensively toured Australia for the last 5 years and received the attention of the Japanese Record P-Vine, who they released an album through in 2009 with Grant Gerathy on drums and Joel Burton/Adam Ventoura intermittently on bass.

In "Hook Me Up" the opening bass gets my attention (this seems to be a growing trend), the stop-start catchy-ness with the down scales and addition of the picky electric. And I can't forget the cow bell.. It also has some interesting lyrical content, i had to listen to it a few times to actually grasp. The evolution of technology and its implementation into society, and us, being the possessive monsters that human are, must always have the latest and greatest. Its well disguised, wrapped into a funky little tune.

The opening re-verb in "Feels So Good" is gorgeous. They have also used directional sound really well on this track. It opens with the chorus, which I find most unusual. They have the ability to surprise me, and I like it. The lyrics are suggestive to a one night stand (or what should have been), and of crossing moral "lines in the sand", "but it feels so good" to be bad once in a while. I like that all members contribute to the vocals. The ending is disappointing tho, its picks up tempo and gets a little funkier, then abruptly ends!

Opa Opa. A song that can improve my mood at any time. The simple opening, just the vocals and percussion, the catchy call back. Then the real body of the song kicks in with a tempo change and the addition of the electric and bass. My favourite line has got to be "Is it because you wanted Han Solo but only ever got Chewbacca?". I like how they portray themselves in this track, just as having fun. There is an honesty that comes with laughter. There's a purity to an "unrefined" track.

Musically and lyrically, i have my eye on "I Can See It All Before Me". "Stop trying to look around, close my eyes and follow the sound. I can see it all before me". Its just a dreamy and heartfelt line. The track has a tone of realisation. It easy to listen to, and just be. I find it difficult to analyse as i tend to get lost in it somewhat. My top track from this album.

This album is smooth and rounded as well as being raw and untamed. It has a sensuality to it, that comes from Rays vocals and the musical honesty that emanates from its being. I'm yet to hear any of their newer tracks but I'm eagerly looking forward to that experience.

Also see this sort interview with Ray about their growth and reception.

Pour L'amour

Move By Yourself - Donavon Frankenreiter

Lost Highway Records - 2006

Track Listing:
Move by Yourself – 5:16
The Way It Is – 3:49
By Your Side – 4:36
These Arms – 2:59
Let It Go – 4:11
Fool – 6:01
Everytime – 3:24
That's Too Bad (Byron Jam) – 2:42
Girl Like You – 3:07
All Around Us – 4:51
Beautiful Day – 3:26

Donavon started his relationship with Jack Johnson in the mid 90's whilst he was surfing in Hawaii. He released a few albums with other independents before signing to Brushfire Records in 2002. He left in 2006 and signed with Lost Highway Records. There's something about Donavon that makes me think he doesn't quite fit into this time. His vocals and musical style come from something much older. He's very different from the artists of today. He also recently released his 4th studio new album "Glow".

The title track, Move By Yourself, is a funk based organ heavy track with smooth vocals and a simple message. Using power of self to create opportunities and "don't stop doin' what you believe in". The electric solo at the end, make this track slightly more modern.

The sweet learning song - "By Your Side" - contains a nice bluesy bass. Nothing feels better that being home with your baby at the end of a bad day. "I'm gunna be just fine". It also has a nice heartfelt acoustic solo and break up the lyrics.

"Let It Go" speaks to me, we spend our lives being told how to think and feel, but when you finally get to "let it go" the feeling should "last forever". The energy in the chorus is infectious, the verses are simple and sung as fact, in hope of creating a realisation. The piano piece is reflective after the chorus and during the bridge. Not sure about the out tro, its too busy.

"Why you treat me like a fool?". In the 'confronting song' "Fool" even the organ and electric have a questioning tone. It soul influenced with the backing vocals, and Donavon's gravel comes out. Slightly melancholy mood is enhanced with the reflective guitar solo with the "fool". It seems like he's been deceived..

"That's Too Bad" is a funky blues track, instant toe tapping. It's the 'I'm over it' track.

"Girl Like You" is another sweet track. The harmonica, group clapping and live atmosphere add another dimension to the track, it adds personality.

"All Around Us" is the action song, is the most complex musically and lyrically. It makes me smile most of all.

Although I find that a majority of the tracks are written in the same format, it doesn't actually make it any less appealing. His voice is smooth and expressive, and the beats are catchy. A good album to chill to.

Pour L'amour