Album Review: Dion Roy
Dion Roy -’Gallery.’ (Daily Honey)
Back in December, I came extremely close to chucking in the blog. I was fed up with takedown notices from the DMCA, and being used by people who were getting support from the blog only to turn round and mess me around. I’d been sent a CD of four tracks from America of four tracks by Dion Roy. As I sat down to mark in an empty classroom and feeling despondent about, well, everything, I thought I’d chuck on the CD and think of something nice to say to his friendly publicist when I emailed her to say I wouldn’t be doing the blog anymore.
It didn’t come to pass. The sampler was so strong that I started to remember why I was writing the blog. I may even have smiled at one or two points. The blog continued.
Dion Roy’s strength -and I mean this as a compliment - is in his simplicity. These are ten very nicely crafted songs. There is no ‘I wanna be the next Bob Dylan’ idiocy here, nor an ego that tries to cover up mediocre music. It’s ten straight down the line gorgeous pop songs. Is it sonic innovation? No, and nor does it claim to be nor need to be. But in a world of so many copycat singer-songwriters, on the strength of this debut, Dion Roy is the guy waiting patiently to quietly deliver something very strong.
My favourite track - and the opening on on the sampler that stopped me in my tracks at the tail end of last year is ‘Wants It.’ It typifies this album, slightly self-effacing and utterly endearing. After weeks of tearing my hair out, it makes me feel that there’s a meaning to this.
The lyrics are straightforward without being cliched -sometimes when you’re waiting for what might be an obvious rhyme, something else comes up instead. No rhyming fire with desire here. The voice is proof that easy on the ear does not equal easy listening, middle-of-the road naffness.
…So what are you waiting for?
****
I didn’t like this one bit Ed but at least it contributed to you keeping the blog going (every cloud…)
Ouch! each to their own : )
Thanks so much for this ED. Seriously, thank you.
Really glad you liked the album, too bad about Gauffre1982 but you can’t please everyone :).
You’re welcome! Glad to help : )
Love the song. You’re right ed, very talented. Gonna go look for more from this guy.
e
I really enjoyed this album! I think it there are some great compositions on there, and it was a pleasure to listen to all the way through, which I can’t say about many albums these days! Well done indeed!!
…See, Dion, you are obviously pleasing quite a few people!
Wow - what a different take on a review. I checked it out and I totally see what you’re talking about. I want to hear more! Good stuff.
I have listened to this album non-stop since the release and love it. So Fresh, and well done. Love the lyrics. I don’t know why gauffre1982 didn’t seem to like it?? Perhaps, as his screen name suggests, he’s stuck back in 1982?
Glad this has struck a positive chord with so many people. I do actually know Gauffre1982 personally, it’s just not his kind of music, but I’m glad so many of you have responded so favourably!
Dion Roy has a voice all his own. While his musicianship is fantastic, his overall compositions are also unique and innovative. I feel the album far surpasses the typical indie rock record while bringing a retro and acoustic feel. I love the harmonies and violins. I recommend this album to everyone.
I may not have a million fans yet, but the ones I have are pretty loyal and really supportive
- Thanks to those guys for the comments, I appreciate it a lot - its hard to be indie but not impossible. Talk to you soon Ed….Ill let you know how the tour goes next month.
You’re welcome! Please do : )
Glad you plan to continue blogging. I love stopping by and checking out your recommendations!
Thank you, no plans to stop!