Donna the Buffalo
(Sugar Hill)
Donna the Buffalo's had plenty of company on the mountain music circuit over the past twenty years, but what's always set them apart from their peers is the strength of their songwriting and the catchiness of their quirky melodies. Lest anyone forget, their second album was produced by Mitch Easter, and while their roots are most definitely in bluegrass and folk, those influences are filtered through a pop sensibility. That's never been more apparent than on "Temporary Misery" and "Broken Record," two of fiddler Tara Nevins' catchiest songs (and best vocals) ever. The former's a bouncy mix of reggae and soul, the latter a prime piece of jangle pop circa Athens 1982-a sound evoked with equal aplomb on guitarist Jeb Puryear's "Garden Of Eden." On the whole, Puryear's contributions are weaker, especially the cloying "Biggie K," but Nevins' tunes make this Donna the Buffalo's most convincing outing yet.
Standout Tracks: "Temporary Misery," "Broken Record" ERIC SCHUMACHER-RASMUSSEN
