Album Review: Diane Coffee - Everybody's A Good Dog
By Kim Reynolds, Contributor [Western Vinyl; 2015] Rating: 4/5
Key Tracks: “Everyday,” “Spring Breaths,” “Duet”
“How does it feel to be in love again? Perhaps this time won’t feel so bad...”
These are the lyrics to the day-dreamy opening track off of Diane Coffee’s Everybody’s a Good Dog. This is the second solo album from Diane Coffee, also known as Shaun Fleming of Foxygen. Diane Coffee is unique in Fleming’s arrangements of musicians; on this record there are horns, organs, bass, guitar, drums and backup vocals. This makes for a very ‘70s vibe, which is consistent for Diane Coffee in both of their records.
This follow up album seems to be time traveling, as was Fleming’s first project, My Friend Fish, which had vibes and keys that could fit on a Doors album. Everybody’s a Good Dog brings brightness in the music and depth in the quality of sound and lyrics. The music on Everybody’s a Good Dog is reminiscent of Bowie, The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, and the Mamas and the Papas--and that’s all upon first listen to the opening track.
The rest of the album follows suit. It is a feel good, easy listen with depth. As noted in many interviews, Fleming moved from NYC to Indiana prior to the making of this record, and that change of landscape and sense of clarity is definitely reflected in this work. Lyrics mostly revolve around love and life, but veer to the darker side of love (“Its not that easy getting by / Oh its not that easy, you and I”). The album is a collection of songs rather than one cohesive piece, but each song is unique and delightfully doo wop-y. A real bright spot on the album is “Duet” with Felicia Douglass, who contributes to the album’s soul.
Overall, the album is a great piece of art and very refreshing in terms of instrumentation and overall kick back feel. Spin this, have a beer and feel good.
