Move by Yourself - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
Former pro surfer Donavon Frankenreiter rides a new wave on his sophomore effort. A change in labels from mentor Jack Johnson's Brushfire to Lost Highway finds the bearded, long-haired, doe-eyed singer/songwriter channeling his inner Talking Book-era Steve Wonder on this occasionally funky and consistently engaging keyboard-dominated album. His dreamy, near-falsetto voice floats through these soulful slices of pop perfection. The low-boil funk and nonchalant vocals sometimes recall Curtis Mayfield or Boz Scaggs in their casual, yet distinctive approach. An offhand natural warmth oozes from this recording that finds the singer and his band tapping an earthy groove. Nothing seems rushed or forced, as the musicians lock into the sunshiny, blue-eyed, melodic R&B vibe. A few more upbeat cuts like the irresistible title track and the riff-driven "That's Too Bad" might have added more supple firepower, but even the ballads connect with a rootsy low-key charm. Frankenreiter hasn't entirely forsaken his tropical beach-boy charm, as shown by the closing "Beautiful Day," but Move by Yourself is a refreshing twist that proves the artist is far more than a surf bum who picked up music to occupy his downtime on a rainy day. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews: Read 20 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

DID he move by himself, or was he Brushfired? November 24, 2006
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

Donny's self-titled album was great and most of the songs had a nice island vibe. But I'm wondering if his latest album Move By Yourself is on Lost Highway Records because of his own decision, or if he was dropped from Brushfire Records because he sounded too much like Jack Johnson (which he still does). Whatever the case, that really doesn't matter because there ain't a thing wrong with this album.

Donavon Frankenreiter may have one of the longest names in the music business, but he does do a good job exhibiting his personality and talent throughout his songs. I don't know how long this album took to make considering there are no liner notes whatsoever, but the songs definitely don't sound rushed. Things start off on the right track with the motivational title track, which doesn't give you that heard-it-all-before feeling. Another otherwise typical song with a unique edge would be the we-are-the-world track "All Around Us".

Funky tracks are also highlights, like "Girl Like You" and especially "That's Too Bad (Byron Jam)", an aptly titled song because it sounds like something a jam band would produce. And if you're feenin' for more of that island style, try "Let It Go" or "These Arms" on for size. The album also closes well with the acoustic "Beautiful Day", which should help you have just that.

While I don't exactly agree with the editorial reviewer when he compared Donny to Boz Scaggs and Curtis Mayfield, I DO agree that this is an exceptional album, so if you've never heard of Donavon Frankenreiter, get a move on to your nearest record store and pick up Move By Yourself.

Anthony Rupert

5 out of 5 stars

What a surprise!! July 3, 2006
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Donavon Frankenreiter's voice and unique guitar style made his self-titled, first studio release an undeniable force in the world of mellow music. But his sophomore offering unshackles DF from the grouping chains that binded him to be just another Jack Johnson-alike musician. Even though his voice sounds alot like JJ's, Donavon's voice is much clearer and very smooth and heartfelt.

This album is much different than his first album. While the first album is very beachy and almost reliant on his guitar skill, this second album is much more...funky. It is packed full with keyboards and pianos and the bass is extremely hard on this album and its perfect. It is a very refreshing metamorphisis.

This album is on Lost Highway Records, instead of Jack Johnson's Brushfire. And I personally believe that DF tried to breakaway from being clumped with Jack's style. He clearly shows that he can make your feet stomp in a completely different way than Jack.

The big thing about this album is that not one song seems forced and everything just flows. Donavon's voice is just so pure and every part of the album has clearly been optimized to perfection. Bass, organ,keyboard,drums, you name it. Everything sounds unique and utilized to the fullest.

Easily the best tracks are "Beautiful Day","The Way It Is","Move By Yourself","That's Too Bad","All Around Us."

This album is definately not like his first, but it is so refreshing to have an artist like Donavon to mix up some of his stuff and show us something...cool! This album has everything you like from DF, and some funk to it too. I can't tell you a big flaw with this album, because I personally think there aren't any.

If you are a fan of Jack Johnson, A.L.O. and G.Love, and especially open-minded to something not EXACTLY like what you've heard, then ick it up. You will definately not regret it!

4 out of 5 stars

Better then 1st album November 9, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Not many artists follow up 1st albums with better ones. DF did well on this and turned a little more southern rock sounding (I don't think he's southern but he's got a little of it going in the funk). I've seen him in concert about 3 or 4 times and he's incredible. The album has some good soft tunes and some good fast ones. My only gripe with DF is that the songs from both albums sound very similar but if you like one you're sure to like them all. Get this album just to make sure you have a good solid beachy southern rock funk album in your collection you can be proud of during your next gathering with friends.

4 out of 5 stars

Funky laid back summer jams. June 7, 2006
2 out of 3 found this review helpful

Was skeptical about this one. Thought his first album was a little too happy for my tastes but after seeing Donavon live I was hooked. New album will not dissapoint. Lots of funky 70's keys and even some disco strings, as well as the laid back tunes he's known for. This will be getting lots of play this summer.

4 out of 5 stars

pretty chill June 13, 2006
1 out of 4 found this review helpful

donavon has a nice sound going on this album...i really like it...i do like his first album better though...my favorite songs are #1 & #6

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