Today I’m considering hours of just lying around, listening to music (getting caught up!) and sipping iced tea. And I’ve got the perfect soundtrack to start me off. Will Dailey is an artist out of Boston and he’s released one of four records he’s putting out this year on June 9th. It’s got a rather confusing title of Torrent Vol. 1 & 2 but there’s nothing confusing about his talent. The first volume is the EP, Fashion of Distraction, largely influenced by The Byrds (Roger McGuinn actually guests as a guitarist/vocalist on one of the tracks, “Peace of Mind”). Volume two is the EP, By the Blue Hills which pays homage to Boston (Will’s hometown) and other Boston musicians – such as Elliott Easton from The Cars. I have to say, this collection of songs is smooth, and perfect for a summertime album.
Starting with an alt-country tune, “Peace of Mind” Dailey gives us a solidly good song. Slide guitar, an easy beat, and Will’s voice sliding around the phrases create a memorable beginning to this collection. By the time you hear “Keep You A Mystery” with its lovely high notes, you’re starting to wonder if the whole record is going to be this smooth and … well, for lack of a better phrase,… nicely twangy. The next track, “Never Be Your Baby” shoots down that theory! It’s got a nice, heavy beat on the chorus. Three more tracks of alt-country/pop, that remind me a bit of Jason Mraz, follow.. that’s a compliment, I enjoy his music quite a lot regardless of my rock-n-roll heart.
And quite suddenly you’re hit with “Love Is On The Way” and it’s peppy, upbeat, goodness. That slowly drawling voice becomes quite clipped, bouncy even. This Will Dailey isn’t a one trick pony, dear readers. Beautiful harmonies in ”Laugh It Off” ease you down again towards the end of this record with equally beautiful lyrics. Ending with “Too Long,” a simple little song with just voice and ukulele, I look back on these two EPs with a kind glance. But the song that sticks in my head is “Hands” because of it’s catchy chorus and bright feel. The handclaps are also really nice and so obviously a good selection for the lyrics, but one that I think other artists might have overlooked. Will Dailey isn’t necessarily pushing any envelops with this record, but with so many catchy, hook-laden tracks I don’t think that really what’s on his mind. Torrent vol. 1 & 2 is a really sweet, summery album. I’m putting it on M.Chutney’s iphone tomorrow, she’ll love this one! Go out and buy it here
Tour Details
Jul 23 2009, 11:00A The Ten Show – Philly, Pennsylvania
Jul 23 2009 9:00P, 8×10 -Baltimore, Maryland
Jul 24 2009 8:00P, BeachComber – Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Jul 25 2009 8:00P, World Cafe Live – Philly, Pennsylvania
Jul 28 2009 8:00P, The Mercury Lounge – New York, New York
Jul 31 2009 7:00P, Boston Harbor Blues Cruise – Boston, Massachusetts
