The Orange Spotlight

Doug Draime Knox County (Kendra Steiner Editions, #132, April 2009)

Being born in 1978 in the state of Illinois I have no perspective on how fresh and vibrant the memories of a racist south actually run. In Doug Draime’s most recent collection he attempts to paint a picture, through a child’s eyes, of the pre-fifties south. In the poems “Alligator Boots” and “Hanging Tree” he shares these softened, filtered, explanations of a challenging time in our Nation’s history. It’s clear the young boy in these poems is trying to grasp all that he sees, but is unable to fully understand the stories and images. It is a point of view that many still in the south today can probably relate to.

Mixed in with those poems our other childhood memories that combine to capture a more complete picture of the boy’s youth. In just six poems Draime is able to explain the perspective of a young man through vivid snapshots of an eventful life. Also, included in this collection are a few photos by Lena Ozuna that further assist in setting the scene.

Knox County by Doug Draime is KSE# 132 and was printed in an addition of 72. I am holding copy number 29, and you can order your copy here.

Vincent Minor Born in The Wrong Era (Social Science Recordings, May 26th)

Vincent Minor may or may not have been “born in the wrong era”, but he clearly has an affection for ’70 am pop, and quirky piano ballads. His five-song debut places him gently between Ed Harcourt and Elton John, but lyrically he maybe closer to Kimya Dawson. These are ruminations, tiny observations he has made while he sat at a café or walked down the street. He writes about culture, pop and otherwise, and growing up in LA he was exposed to many different layers of culture. As a classmate of Punky Brewster and other Celebrities, Minor likes to explore the dangers of celebrity. He covers topic as broad as Morrissey, Late Night talk shows, Vaudeville, plane crashes, and more.

To simply this ep as piano-pop would be a injustice, Minor’s compositions are much more orchestral and defined. Featuring everything from horns to upright bass to synths and pianos, the eclectic mix creates a subtle backdrop to Minor’s compelling narratives on American life.

Born in the Wrong Era will be released on May 26th with a full length to follow in the Fall.