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Vie, Donnie: Wrapped Around My Middle Finger

Not being overly familiar with Mr. Vie's band Enuff Z'nuff it would be fair to say that I didn't have any particular hopes for this album but I wasn't expecting such a good album full of well-crafted songs. Bizarrely enough it was only after listening to Wrapped Around My Middle Finger that I bothered to read the stuff which accompanied the download. Amusingly enough the phrase which caught my attention was, "Outgrowing the 'Beatle-esque' tag and the 'glam' label many years ago, Donnie continues to deliver with a new found enthusiasm." This caught my attention as there are many 'Beatle-esque' moments liberally scattered all over the shop.

There are also many other quality non-Beatles rockers on the album. Strangely, the title track reminds me of The Storm in stripped down mode as Mr. Vie sounds much like Kevin Chalfornt on this one. The opening chords of "Lisa", however, sound so much like the Beatles "Day Tripper" it is untrue and the guitar motif is repeated all the way through. That song and much of the power pop efforts on this album are reminiscent of Fountains of Wayne – a band who always make me happy. "Now Ya Know" also captures a Beatle-like sound and has one of those annoying choruses that you find yourself singing in your local supermarket.

Despite one of worst covers I have seen for a while Wrapped Around My Middle Finger is recommended for the solidity of the song writing and performances.


Track listing:

  1. Wrapped Around My Middle Finger
  2. Wunderland
  3. Lisa
  4. Daddy's Girl
  5. Now Ya Know
  6. No Escape
  7. Lil' Wonder
  8. Flames Of Love
  9. Rattle On
  10. I Won't Let You Down

Added: March 30th 2012
Reviewer: Simon Bray
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 1759
Language: english

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» SoT Staff Roundtable Reviews:

Vie, Donnie: Wrapped Around My Middle Finger
Posted by Steven Reid, SoT Staff Writer on 2012-03-30 15:12:28
My Score:

Donnie Vie and his band Enuff Z'Nuff have endured far longer than many of the outfits that were considered their genre mates back in the late eighties. EZN haven't exactly been the most stable band in the world, however there's little doubt that they have been one of the most misunderstood. Yes, I know that the cleverly, or crassly titled (I'll let you decide) Wrapped Around My Middle Finger isn't actually a Enuff's record, although in truth the only thing stopping that is Donnie's name and rather unflattering head-shot on the cover. If you've liked the music of Mr. Vie in the past, you will love WAMMF, if you haven't then there's not going to be much to convince you otherwise. For those who haven't sampled either EZN's, or Donnie's delights before (this is his second solo effort), there's much here to tempt you to try.

Whether you want to call it laid back Cheap Trick without the steroids Power-Pop, or simply good old fashioned Rock 'n' Roll, the vibe here is for the most part easy going and easily digested, but not easily forgotten. The Beatles are (as always) obvious and regular reference points and so is a less jangly Elvis Costello. The melodies are prime Lennon and McCartney and the vocals full of a lived in, knowing character that hints gently at "let me tell you something", rather than "this is how it's going to be". For those acquainted with Donnie's style, there will be few surprises, although that is meant in an entirely in a good way. The melodies are strong, yet sweet and the performances confident and assured.

Kip Winger shows up to make a surprise vocal appearance on the wonderful "Now Ya Know", swapping lines and phrases with Donnie throughout. However it is the more heartbreaking "Lil Wonder" that really makes you wonder why these songs won't make the mainstream impact that they deserve, even if "Lisa" opens with a guitar line and tambourine shake so close to the Beatles "Day Tripper" that it'll make you chuckle. For those seeking the heavier side to Donnie's output, the title track stiffens the guitar and vocal delivery, although the jaunty bounce of "Lollipop", which closes the album in fine style is really the sort of thing this record (yes it feels vintage enough to use that term) is all about.

Wrapped Around My Middle Finger is an album that sounds like it was great fun to write and record, making it the sort of CD that is so comfortable with itself that it is almost impossible not to like.



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