The Moondoggies : Don’t Be A Stranger :: Review
Hailing from Seattle, The Moondoggies are a band that does not follow preconceptions of what they’re supposed to sound like based on their locality. Taking a page from the 1970’s, The Moondoggies create an easy going and likable sound rooted in psychedelia and roots rock. The Moondoggies proudly pay tribute to their influences of the Grateful Dead, CSNY and The Byrds on ‘Don’t Be A Stranger.’
As the drifting “Ain’t No Lord” opens the album with a sweet melody, “Ol’ Blackbird” drives up the pace with a southern rock boogie. By the time “Changing” appears, the Moondoggies incorporate a guitar solo that would make Crazy Horse proud. The down home performances of “Long Time Coming” with its rolling piano segue next to the spare “Old Hound.” ‘Don’t Be A Stranger’ is an honest and unpretentious listen, something that can’t be said of many modern rock albums. Check it out if you’re into similar stuff like Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, or even My Morning Jacket before they went south.
