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Hometown: Dublin, CW, IE
Label: Birthings
Website: www.gavinmee.com
Sounds Like: Ron Sexsmith, The Divine Comedy, XTC, Duncan Maitland, Elliot Smith
Genre: Singer Songwriter
Gavin Mee is an Irish troubadour and guitar player who deftly fuses the harmonic melodies of west coast singer-songwriter icons like Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits and Randy Newman with the rich storytelling tradition of his homeland. Currently preparing for his third tour of the United States, Gavin's latest album is MeeMantras - a cunning hybrid of aromatic power-pop and Dionysian tale-smithery that has more than a thing or two to say about the modern world (from dirty old cliches like love to perennial topics like childbirth and modes of Victorian transport). Gavin is an artist best avoided by those with zero humor or panache. Everyone else, however, should come loaded with ambition for something new to tickle your ear and imagination. This is songwriting that proudly boasts both a deep lineage and a lush arrow pointing towards the future.
“Gavin Mee “Meemantras”
Irish native Gavin Mee is a veteran songwriter-troubadour who put together this brilliant album with fellow songwriter/producer Duncan Maitland (Pugwash). Fans of Pugwash, XTC and all you Anglophiles should line up to get this one. The magical “Push The Boy” is a combo of dance hall piano and acoustic riffs that will win you over with its sweet “ooh-na-na” backing harmonies. Another gem is the very ELO meets Kinks “First Place” with its horn, piano and guitar flourishes.
There are so many musical touchpoints, you get can dizzy with it. The spacey melodic pop of “Mosquito Chick” has a variety of instruments, and tempos. Gavin’s vocal has a slight rasp, like Mark Oliver Everett (Eels) wandering through Pepperland on “Penny Farthing” and “Peace Maze.” Eventually it all makes its way back to these child-like folk melodies, without a wasted note. Like the musical equivalent of sweet buttery toast, you’ll want to revisit these song”
Aaron Kupferburg - Powerpopaholic
