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Artist
Downy Mildew
12+ albums
indiefolkAcoustic Rockpsychedelicindie pop
about
Downy Mildew may never have garnered the cult worship of their deepest influences, R.E.M. and 10,000 Maniacs, but they certainly made some of the most dreamy and delightful alternative jangle rock you'll ever come across. They weren't simply another of R.E.M.'s or 10,000 Maniacs' many sound-a-likes either, as they took the jangle pop sound to its dreamiest, most care-free hemispheres (revealing strong Rain Parade and Dream Syndicate influences). Their sound is defined by soaring melodies and chiming guitars over poetic, wandering lyrics, delivered beautifully by Jenny Homer's sweet, toneful vocals and Charlie Boldonado's Byrds-like guitar shimmers. Homer's voice is absolutely gorgeous, strong yet astoundingly pure, and capable of commanding a wide and emotional range. This further beffudles me as to why Boldonado ever sang lead on so many Downy Mildew songs, as the man simply hasn't the voice (although his backround vocals against Homer's leads are wonderful). Steven Gustafson of 10,000 Maniacs has an excellent voice, yet he never sang outside of concerts; Michael Timmins of Cowboy Junkies can deliver pleasant vocals, yet he only hums the occasional harmony; yet for some reason, Downy Mildew chose to give Charlie Boldonado lead vocal duties on an average of three songs per album. All this aside the man was the creative life-force behind the band, writing the better half, if not all of, the music and creating a glistening guitar atmosphere that so compliments Jenny Homer's voc
