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NPR.org - All Songs Considered 'Open Mic' feature:
www.npr.org/openmic
Singer and songwriter Dawn Dineen takes a DIY approach to writing and recording her own style of bedroom folk-pop. She describes her music as, "an eclectic little sister of folk-rock with indie-pop cousins running around the house".
Dawn Dineen's album The Ghostly Apple Tree consists of lo-fi, uniquely structured songs. With Dawn playing and recording most of the parts on her album, she keeps everything personal while capturing ideas that are spontaneous. Her layered vocal arrangements on "Tomboy" create a complex melody with busy keyboard, guitar, and whistles. She also includes additional drum loops, cello arrangements, and cassette recordings of a seance from when Dawn was seven years old.
The album was released on her own record label, Yarner Records. She recently finished a tour of the East Coast with her band the Cue.
Americana UK:
By Paul Kerr at www.americana-uk.com
Forget hypnosis, set your memories to music
A virtual one woman band (with some help on a few songs) Dineen is hard to pigeonhole. Despite recording most of this album in a bedroom there is an almost lush ambience to it with lashings of keyboards, prominent bass and some fine guitar stylings. At times recalling the better end of eighties pop (such as early Matt Johnson) with shades of Suzanne Vega and Juliana Hatfield lurking around, there is a concept of sorts here, an attempt to capture childhood memories and experiences. This is most evident on “Séance” where she uses a recording of herself aged six relating a ghost story set over a fairly anonymous piano led background. However the album also stands up as a collection of songs, and despite at times a lack of soul or emotion in the music (as on the aforementioned song) there are other much more successful and gripping pieces. Essentially when the keyboards give way to guitars, the result is more impressive.
Big Emotion has a distorted guitar riff with sultry vocals crooning over it, Firefly Lights and Coffee Cups is lighter in touch but again has a singular guitar sound. The best is kept for the last song, Sparkler. With a hypnotic modality that is reminiscent of some of David Crosby’s work, a more organic sounding tapestry of guitar, piano and organ enclose Dineen’s vocals which, although good throughout, here reach out with a degree of vulnerability and childlike wonder.
On Tap Magazine
By RL at http://www.ontaponline.com
With her fourth album, “The Ghostly Apple Tree,” Dawn Dineen manages to create her own unique sound. Her voice is both soothing yet haunting at the same time. The sound quality is good considering she recorded the album in a one-bedroom apartment. Dineen plays most of the instruments on this album, including guitar, bass, drums and keyboard. Stand out tracks include “Tomboys (You’re oh so fine),” “Ladybug” and “Picasso in the Air.” The Ghostly Apple Tree is released on Dineen’s own record label, Yarner Records, which is based in DC.
Mantis Magazine
By Mark Chou at http://www.mantismagazine.com
Dawn Dineen, with the release of "A Thousand Yarns", evokes many moods and emotional states. Exploring themes of love/ loss and communication, Dineen's well-crafted lyrics only add to the refreshing depth of the music itself. Her arrangements are wonderfully creative, moving from straight pop-rock to stripped down naked emo.
Perhaps the best word to describe her music would be 'intimate'. Not that it hasn't been described that way many times over, but her music feels like comfy old jeans. Like all fabulous vocalists, Dineen uses her luscious, emotion-laden voice (reminiscent of Ricky Lee Jones and Paula Cole at times) as an instrument. She can evoke moods simply by flexing her vocal chords.
Indie-Music.com
By Jennifer Layton at http://www.indie-music.com
Dawn Dineen must love that bass guitar. She also did all the vocals, guitars and recording on her folk/rock CD A Thousand Yarns, but the bass drives a lot of these tracks. Her gutsy, Suzanne Vega meets Natalie Merchant voice is a perfect match for that floor-thumping instrument and provides the heartbeat behind her often yearning, poetic lyrics.
If I get shallow on you, will you think me familiar?
If I get tender, am I dead?....
So beautiful, so dangerous.
When I first laid eyes on you,
When you walked through my door,
I wondered if you would ever know
That I'd love you more than all the others.
In tracks like "Fleer," the bass is so strong it feels like an accompanying vocal. On most of the others, especially "Dancer of the Mood" and "Devour," it partners perfectly with the guitar's dancing riffs. The sounds are beautifully structured, melding together. Hearing her music is like floating through a sculpture exhibit.
It seems unfair that you should feel so cracked inside.
Is there no one that can hold you when you feel this tired?
You're amazing. You're amazing. You're amazing.
In light of your distress, do you feel my caress?
For the most part, Dineen's songs are quietly dramatic and relentless - intimate, sensual musical flows accentuated by the occasional breathy drops in her voice. She breaks the spell before it gets too intense by throwing in the new-wave flavored "Ant Farm" with its playful electronic sounds, echoed harmony, and streak of humor. There's also the swaying rock tempo of "Mannequin" and the alt rock of the lyrically puzzling "28 Girls."
No matter what the musical mood, her self-described "organic rock poetry" is mesmerizing. Overall, a rather impressive CD, especially considering that most of it was recorded in a spare bedroom on a 16-track setup. Out of such a humble environment, Dineen has created something beautiful.
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Ectophiles' Guide To Good Music
By Anna Maria Stjärnell at http://www.ectoguide.com
Dawn Dineen's music is modern folk with good lyrics.
(A Thousand Yarns) is honest and likeable.
She writes thoughtful and complex songs.
"Dancer of the Mood" is a song of unrequited love that's very moving.
"Soil for the Root" is tuneful and pensive. All in all a very good record.
-- Comparisons: Dar Williams, Suzanne Vega.
Music Monthly (Issue #211)
By Laurin Wollan at http://www.musicmonthly.com
Dawn Dineen's "A Thousand Yarns" is a folksy/blues rock bit that is well crafted and produced. This one is going to smash through the roof! Get all 'tore up and have a listen to this one; she is simply, damn good. Dawn takes care of all the bass, guitar and vocal work on this collection. She obviously knows her way around the fretboard and her voice is sincere and strong. She took care of pretty much all of the mixing and producing which is normally the kiss of death in this industry but Dawn has the magic touch. She is gifted beyond words and if you're about to pick up a new CD get this one! Y'all might know her from doing some mixing work for Sweet Honey In The Rock on a recording entitled "Sacred Ground" or perhaps her name is familiar from her work as a backup singer with Vikki Childs (with Nils Lofgren on guitar). No matter really, it is her solo work that really smokes!
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Splendid e-Zine
By J. Berk at http://www.splendidezine.com
A Thousand Yarns is a mostly tender, folky, acoustic picking-and-strumming sort of an album, although you'll notice occasional bouts of heavier rocking and electro effects. It's a solo project, and except for guest drums (both the "actual-factual" kind and those performed by a "drummer with batteries" named Mac Hine), Dineen plays all the instruments. The emphasis, however, is not the music, but Dineen's voice. Most of the instruments are mixed down, almost to background level, so as to emphasize her melodic singing and thoughtful subject matter. Granted, Dineen has a powerful and pretty voice, and puts great emotion into each song, though of course it's nothing that hasn't been heard before (Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, Natalie Merchant, et al) and the style is perilously close to cliché. "28 Girls", with its catchy hook, dark guitars and revelatory lyrics, could be a hit -- or could have been a hit a few years ago. "Mannequin" offers a respite from the acoustic format with its opening,
disorted Blonde on Blonde guitars, but Dineen seems uncomfortable in that territory, and returns quickly to her more familiar sound. The interesting intertwining guitar and bass on "Laundry" comes closer to breaking the mold.
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CD Street Review
By J. Smith
Intimate is the first word that comes to mind. This album really feels like it was made in a
spare bedroom (which it was). It has a much warmer feel than a lot of self produced albums
(and ones which the songwriter played most of the instruments). In her breathier moments,
she approaches Aimee Mann, or Suzanne Vega, but that's just a jumping off point. Dawn has a
unique vision and songwriting slant. She also doesn't default into tired blues-rock mode
like some folksy songstresses do. The arrangements are thoughtful, and serve the songs well.
Each of the songs on the album is a piece of the puzzle; they stand up individually, but
compliment each other perfectly. The only problem is; I can't decide whether to keep this CD
in the car or the living room.
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Fan Testimonials
Abeline Cohen (Age 9) - NYC, NY, USA
"Dawn Dineen is really talanted!!! (Her music) has a great beat and GOOD writing..."
Kyler Thomas - NYC, NY, USA
"This woman rocks! She writes really interesting songs
in an age of so much musical junk. I love her melodies and guitar playing. At first listen she might remind some of Suzanne Vega, Natalie Merchant and so on but its so clear that she has an original vision that will only get stronger with time. Its rare and admirable for an independent musician to play all the guitars and bass and do all the recording and mixing as well as write and sing all original songs! Dawn Dineen tells moving stories. I bought both CDs she has out and its incredible to hear the growth in her work from 1991's acoustic CD "Losing Time" to her 2001 release "A Thousand Yarns". I can't wait to hear the next one but I hope it don't have to wait until 2011! Good luck to you Dawn!"
Jeff Bloomberg - Philadelphia, PA, USA
"I saw her perform in Baltimore and she was really good. I was surprised to see such a large crowd for a (small) club. So I bought the CD and it was just as good. The vocals are smooth and the lyrics are weighty."
Shera Collins - Washington, DC, USA
"The lyrics read like poetry, and set to music they reveal the deep dimensions of this artist who definitely has something to say. The low key, brooding guitar matched with Dawn's emotive voice is the perfect soundtrack for driving alone in the mountains or to set the mood for a quiet evening with friends. If you're a fan of the folksy tunes of early 10,000 Maniacs, then you'll definitely want to give Dawn Dineen's (A Thousand Yarns) a try."
Porter Rockwell - Murietta, CA, USA
"Great vocals - good feeling. Good musicianship all the way around. Nice mix. Would love to have those vocals in my band - Very nice..."
"morningthief" - Trion, GA, USA
"Seamless production.... the whole thing brings to mind 10,000 Maniacs and Helium."
Steve Lentz - Montello, WI, USA
"I love her voice, very intriguing... good luck and hope you find your audience."
Lynn Ann - Queens, NY, USA
"Being a fellow woman-rocker, I always like to hear women in this genre. I really like her vocals - sultry and real pro-sounding, almost like a tough-edged Natalie Merchant - unusual. The (music) is very "Smashing Pumpkins"... I think the lyrics are terrific, too. Good luck to you..."
Richard Berger - Millburn, NJ, USA
"Great sound. Captured my interest right away... the guitar bass and drums compliment the vocals perfectly....by the way, lead vocals are top notch... Great lyrics and not only the sentiment, but the way they fit together with the music -- Really well done -- 5 stars for sure. Best of luck!!!"
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