Downeast Record & CD Review Special Edition 5/99

Welcome to another Downeast Review....If you like what you see...and you have a cd or record you think people ought to hear about....tell us... drop us a line and we'll give you the info... thanks Donna and the gang....

IMAGINARY FRIENDS

Give Imaginary Friends a listen

Our Grading System:

A=Awesome
B=Beautiful
C=Could be better
D=Don't quit your day job
E=Enough already
F=Flush it,Forget it,#$%6 it

What If...

Here is a band that has a very busy agenda,but took time to send their CD to us.We are going to tell you about this "alternative rock/acoustic pop" band,and where we think this band fits into your vast library of music.Well first we have two sensual front women,Stacy Robin and Donna Rawlins ,who create some unique intriguing textured vocals.They are backed by masterful rich tones that have been arranged by a truly talented guitarist,Tom McCauley.
These people have been working together on numerous projects since 1988.They are currently being showcased on radio stations from Mexico, Oregon and Indiana to name a few.Try your local station and if they don't have the CD have them email us,and we'll be sure to forward your request to Imaginary Friends.
Here's a few of the things that are on the agenda for Imaginary Friends.
* Melrose Place season finale(featured scene)
* Southwestern Bell (Radio Commercial)
* Toyota (TV Commercial)
* Marisel Computers (M.O.C.A. video series)
* Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (Scoring productions)
* Melrose Place (source cues)
* New World Pictures film "Pink Nights" (4 songs)
* DeMartini/Anderson film "Motel Blue" (featured scene)
* Fox TV "Hearts in Victory" Aids Telethon
And much much more so visit their website to find out more.

This review is written by:
Donna Crowley

So on to the review:

Appearing are:

Stacy Robin-Vocals/Percussion
Donna RawlinsVocals/Guitar
Tom McCauleyGuitars/Bass/Vocals
Barrie Berg-Percussion
Tina Trevino-Percussion
David James-Mandolin/Violin
Mike Yorky-Bass
Along with other friends of Friends

TRACK 1
(You Say) It's Fine

D.C.-Opens with some very cool effects with some nice percussion on the congas.Then the acoustic guitar and vocals kick off the jam.There is some beautiful instrumentation along with some fantastic harmony vocals in this captivating melody.Not exactly pop, funk,or jazz genre,just a damn fine tune.(A+++)

TRACK 2
Whispers in the Night

D.C.-I love the harmony vocals that this band uses,it gives the songs a full deep sound.The rest of the music only increases and accentuates the color of the melody.Complex arrangements but with a simplistic quality,not overpowering the listener.Smooth as the softest breeze.(A++)

TRACK 3
Give in to the Rain

D.C.-A super mix using the full spectrum of the tonal effects.A must hear in order to understand what the band is giving to the listener.The vocal tracks overlap in harmony,it is a truly amazing piece of work.Pick up the CD and give this one a listen.(A++)

TRACK 4
Nothing Is Free

D.C.-Some great guitar playing opens this tune,clean acoustic sound.The vocals are super with a fantastic range.This one has the qualities of a classic and is well deserving of some serious air-play.It has a trancendental effect with an mood enhancing melody. (A+++)

TRACK 5
Hidden Treasures

D.C.-The music in the intro gave me flashbacks of the band "America".Possibly it's the clean sound that this band has.When the vocals come in you know that this is an original sound.(A+++)

TRACK 6
Where Tears All Fall Away

D.C.-This band has a truly unique sound.It has a slight country flavor with a pop ambiance.Then they change their style slightly and grab your attention.I feel that is what makes this band so intriguing,their bewitching variety.(A+++)

TRACK 7
Your Star

D.C.-Voices of angels singing on high to guide you through your voyage of life.The back up musicians lift you to the next level of musical ecstasy.Just when you think you can't get any higher,the chorus propels you into orbit.A virtual realism.(A++++)

TRACK 8
Sun and Moon

D.C.-This is a pleasant upbeat song with a solid rhythm.Once again the harmony vocals are highly captivating and engrossing.The melody has an enthralling property.(A++)

TRACK 9
Septiembre

D.C.-This tune has a Tex-Mex flavor,which could be a cover for "Los Lobos".The use of male harmony in the vocals gives this song even more breadth.Some truly great guitar work can be heard in this number.If you're into Tex-Mex,you've got to get this CD just for this tune.(A+++)

TRACK 10
Forever

D.C.-This band does not cease to amaze.The variety and quality of their arrangements are first rate.If this band does not get the air-play that they certainly deserve,it can only be from poor promotional management.To try to tell you all the positive features in this tune would take two pages. To tell you about the negative is impossible,because there are none.(A+++)

TRACK 11
Sacrificial Lamb

D.C.-This is a peaceful melody with a powerful message in the lyrics.The harmony vocals go to many levels increasing in strength,then easing slightly,as they close with the same effects that the album opened on.(A+++)

My Overall Impression:

This is an amazing band,with what would be considered some of the best musicians in the business.The vocals are nothing short of spectacular,with harmonies that will leave you astounded.Few bands today have reached the level that this band has acquired.A lot in the music bizz is being in the right place at the right time,or knowing the right people.Very few make it because of only talent.This band has the talent,and from pictures I've seen,they have the visual appeal. Now if they can get the right exposure they are almost guaranteed a spot in the limelight.In this day and age bands are here one day and gone the next.The "Imaginary Friends" will be around for a long time because they have what it takes to stay popular.They have variety and quality,and they are hard to categorize into a singular genre.(A+++)

So until next time keep your ears to the tunes, your eyes on the road,and keep in touch with us..
...Donna

Imaginary Friends
8033 Sunset Blvd.
Suite 754
LA,CA 90046
310.281.7812

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