D Is For Django

Django Jones

Independent release, 2014

http://djangojonesband.com

REVIEW BY: Tom Haugen

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 05/16/2014

When most of the members of folk-pop sensations Girlyman decided to reform, it meant taking a new direction into kids' music. While the harmonies and timeless, breezy melodies of their former band would stay intact, the subject matter, well, that would surround front woman Doris Muramatsu's bow-tie adorned Chihuahua mix Django. Laid out like a skit that breaks into song, my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250 D Is For Django is a charming venture into some very creative minds that adore animals, kids and playful songcraft.

Everyone (well, most everyone) loves dogs, and Django left a bad situation at his home to take comfort in the arms of Muramatsu, who lovingly writes songs to and about him and relays them with sweet, comforting pipes. Her other two bandmates, JJ Jones and Nate Borofsky, also sing and show excellent range, and in between songs about Bigfoot, potato leek soup, and germs, you get cute banter between the trio as well as from Django, who even gets his own voice here.

While the first half or so is musically light, soft, folk-pop that is about as innocuous and pleasant as can be, the last few songs are lullabies and take on an almost gospel-like tone and seemingly wouldn't be out of place at Sunday Mass. Fittingly, this is the portion of the album where Django has gone to sleep, and Murasatsu's soothing voice couldn't be better suited for slumber's grasp.

In a time when so many records are unnecessarily busy, it's nice to hear something easy to comprehend. The instrumentation here is relaxed and straightforward. In fact, the vocal harmonies are the most prominent part of the songs, which is great, considering all the players involved can sing exceptionally well. Sure, maybe it's designed for children, but if you omit the talking between songs, it's just silly subject matter set to folky indie pop that transcends age.

Rating: A-

User Rating: Not Yet Rated


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