Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As the Faerie Godfather, in effect, of the new movement of whimsical "weirdo folk music" played by the likes of Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart, it's fitting that Donovan should release his most satisfying album in ages just as their star is in the ascendant. His first album in eight years, Beat Café fulfils perfectly the expectations aroused by its title: most of these 12 tracks are cool bohemian ruminations, sketched in languidly oozing double bass and subtle percussive tints by the dream rhythm section of Danny Thompson and Jim Keltner, the latter also adding the gentle clunk of vibes, with producer John Chelew's keyboards fleshing out the space around Donovan's acoustic guitar and trademark vibrato susurrus. The title track is typical of the album's mood, a lovely evocation of smoky, pre-Starbucks coffee-shop ambience, a place where "the music is cool and the chicks are slow/ Poet in a beret as the sax he blow". It's the musical equivalent of a black turtleneck, shades, and a Sart
As the Faerie Godfather, in effect, of the new movement of whimsical "weirdo folk music" played by the likes of Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart, it's fitting that Donovan should release his most satisfying album in ages just as their star is in the ascendant. His first album in eight years, Beat Café fulfils perfectly the expectations aroused by its title: most of these 12 tracks are cool bohemian ruminations, sketched in languidly oozing double bass and subtle percussive tints by the dream rhythm section of Danny Thompson and Jim Keltner, the latter also adding the gentle clunk of vibes, with producer John Chelew's keyboards fleshing out the space around Donovan's acoustic guitar and trademark vibrato susurrus. The title track is typical of the album's mood, a lovely evocation of smoky, pre-Starbucks coffee-shop ambience, a place where "the music is cool and the chicks are slow/ Poet in a beret as the sax he blow". It's the musical equivalent of a black turtleneck, shades, and a Sartre paperback in the hip pocket. The accompanied reading of Dylan Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" fits into the overall scheme, while Donovan's riskier gambits, such as a cloying reference to "flowers in your hair" in "Yin My Yang", are facilitated by the commanding presence of Thompson and Keltner.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments