Reviewer’s Warning: Before putting THE ONES YOU LOVE into your CD player, be sure your dancing shoes are securely fastened! This self-produced debut album is packed with decidedly environmental, political, nineties lyrics which ride a wave of Cajun/Bluegrass/Retro music that will keep your toes tapping while bringing a cynical, head shaking grin to your face.
Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear alternately croon love songs to the earth with: "There is simplicity out on a wave rolling in the weeds. There is simplicity on the heels of south flying geese", and belt out scathing social commentary like: "Goin’ down, goin’ down to Three Mile Island – I got a big settlement in my hand – trading in the health of my three children – in a lousy fifty grand".
The underlying theme of the disc is one of deep respect and even awe for the earth and for the ancient, primitive roots from which we all sprang. This theme accompanied by the obvious delight the musicians take in traditional Zydeco music cleverly mixed with the sixties sound of organ, synthesizer and electric guitar, combine to provide a fresh, palatable vehicle for some pretty strong enviro/political opinions. The lively bounce of the music saves the songs from sounding like sermons and makes for a thoroughly enjoyable listen.
Donna The Buffalo is based in western New York state, but those of us who don’t live in their area can check them out via their home page at: