MUSIC REVIEW OF THE DAY: THE DONKEYS - RIDE THE BLACK WAVE

Sweet vocals, West Coast smooth rock, but that name, I dunno.  San Diego`s The Donkeys seem to be doing alright though, after a decade together and four albums.  Their latest sees some harmony stuff, a slight bit of surf on a couple of instrumentals, and lots of inventive pop.  Their influence come from up and down the California coast, from the dreamy pop production of L.A. to a bit of jamming courtesy of classic San Francisco. 

Sunny Daze is the perfect title for the lead-off track, as it does incorporate some seagull sound effects, strumming campfire acoustics, harmonies and a lead vocal that sounds like the guy from America, but it also has a fuzzy, distant feel.  It`s one of a couple that question whether one should stay in the Golden State, or try out the rest of the world.  I Heart Alabama expresses love for other places, but states `Gonna keep my home in California`, while chugging along in a nice country-rock groove, as invented there.  Giving themselves the whole musical palette of their state, The Donkeys have a fun and eclectic album, with a extra dollop of peaceful on top.