Customer Reviews

Donavon Frankenreiter (Dig)

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

It Don't Matter is the anthem of my summer. This opening track is one of the sweetest, funkiest, grooviest tracks I've heard in a long, long time. The album is worth the price alone for this insanely good opener, but the whole record is pretty solid too. There aren't any bad songs out of all thirteen of them, and there are several other outstanding songs, most notably What'cha Know About, Call Me Papa and Swing On Down. Fans of G. Love, Jack Johnson (both of whom helped with the production of this disc) and Jon Swift should definitely check out Donavon's stellar debut. I hate to say phrases like -feel good album of the year-, but this one might be just that.

On his debut cd, acoustic songwriter and beach bum Donovan Frankenreiter doesn't really bring anything new to the musical table. A lifelong surfer and good childhood friend of Jack Johnson, Frankenreiter's album feels more like a jam session between friends than a full-force, focused work of cohesive music. And Frankenreiter doesn't quite have the talent for melody that Johnson does. But Frankenreiter could care less -- he's too busy relaxing on the beach and strumming his guitar as the sun sets over the waves.

It's impossible to separate this album from it's two main influences -- Jack Johnson and the beach lifestyle, and both are very present on nearly every track (Johnson subsequently co-wrote the album's strongest song, the summery anthem "Free," and at times the voices of Frankenreiter and Johnson are indistinguishbly similar). The album is also heavily influenced by the sound of 60s and 70s pop, and the additon of an electric piano on most songs contributes to that and helps differ Frankenreiter from similar artists such as G-Love and, as mentioned, Jack Johnson.

Overall, the songs on the album have a very layered yet acoustic, poppy-feel in the vein of a modern-day Jimmy Buffett. If there's one complaint, it's that Frankenreiter really doesn't change his tone or vocal range from track to track. At all. This can get tedious and tiring if you're listening acutely to the cd straight-through. For background music during a day at the beach though, it's hard to beat this. And that's really all that Frankenreiter is shooting for.

This CD is the epitome of chill.

Of course at first listen it sounds a lot like Jack Johnson, possibly because the two are from similar surfer backgrounds. But after listening to the CD a few rounds, you'll realize that Donavon is more laid back than Jack, if that distinction is even possible. Although Jack touches on topics such as the environment and pollution, Donavon aims more to provide listeners with a sense of peace and harmony.

If you are looking for some innovative, technical and complicated music, this is definitely not for you. But if you are looking for relaxing and upbeat music to listen to while driving down PCH or after a long day at the beach, this is the way to go. The CD just conjures up images of the ocean and waves.

Best Song: Whatcha Know About

This is very much a "feel good" CD. If you enjoy music like Jack Johnson, and G. Love; your gonna love Donavon Frankenreiter. As a professional artist of tropical and surfing art; I am always looking for good music to keep me inspired. This is one of those albums that got ahold of me with the first song and inspired me all the way through. Donovan projects the "GROOVE" that sets a mood so many of us are inspired by. It's the warm summer sun and cool clear turquoise water on a 4 and 3/4 inch plastic disc. Highly recommended!

Found out about Donny some time ago from a surfer-friend, and I haven't been able to get enough since. After you've seen a shot of this mustache-bearing artist on the album cover, you will almost chuckle to yourself the first time you hear the soft sound he produces. His calm, soothing voice, accompanied by his acoustic sound creates for an upbeat yet relaxing atmosphere. I saw him live in Philly earlier this year and was pleasantly surprised at the man's stage presence as well. Now his song 'free' featuring Jack Johnson has been popping up on Verizon commericals. If you happen to be a Jack or G-Love fan (both of whom appear on this record) it is indeed a must have for your music library.

I first heard about Donovan when I heard he was going to play with Jack Johnson in Lake Tahoe. I tried listening to some of his songs and was hooked. I love this entire cd but I would have to say "you can call me papa" is my favorite and makes me think of my baby who is due May 1st. My wife and I saw Donovan and Jack in Tahoe the day we were married and had a great time.

To all those Jack Johnson and Dave fans, this should be your next obsession. Like Jack he has a great voice and lyrics combined with quality guitar and rythm. In Fact some of the songs on this cd feature Jack. His music is calming and great to listen to at any time. Check him out He's Awsome

I predicted Jack Johnson would be huge, and look what happened.

Donavon has so much soul his next album will be even better than this amazing album. Awesome chill music, the weak spots are not very weak.

If you have read any of the other reviews, you know what you are getting with this one. This album is pretty much a Jack Johnson clone, with a bit more production. It was recorded at Jack's studio "The Mango Tree" in Oahu and produced by him as well so it should come as no surprise that the album has that surfer/sunshine vibe. Great summer listening here, you won't be dissapointed!

You can tell this guy is heavily influenced by Jack Johnson, G Love, and I think I hear a bit of Ben Harper in the mix too. His lyrics are a bit repetitive, but the music is good and any friend of Jack Johnson and crew is a friend of mine. Great new album!