I Went to see Donnie @ The Hot House on December 29th. I think you gathered that from le titre. It was a good show. No really, I'm feeling mighty lazy, but I have nothing to do so...... Anyway, the set before the show what frickin' awesome. *the frckin' awesome thumb* Deep house, the good shit, the make ya dance shit. And though I didn't actually dance until the later, more inferior set, I felt like dancing and that is what is most important. The actual Donnie show was short, about 40 minutes, but I was feeling him as evidenced by my fervored "whooooooooooos" and hand flinging. He needs back up singers so that he can do what he does a little more, but the voice was there. He was tired, singing continuously and testifying in between, but he gave it to us even when he got hoarse. Yay Donnie!!! Go Donnie!!! He performed some of my favorites, Cloud 9, Do you Know?, and Beautiful Me included, but I didn't get to hear Rocketship or Turn Around. Bummer. I enjoyed the show; I hadn't been out in a while. The result, a crowd member with a little more participation than necessary, but it was all good. After the set I danced to some mediocre dance tunes, doing the snake to the floor and popping "coochie" accordingly. It was fun, sure wish you coulda come.
Since I've been entirely too lazy to do a review of his album, let this serve as one. The shit is great, the best album of the year. It came out the 5th (I think) and already I've worn it thin. He's an excellent writer, though I've heard complaints about "preachiness." I don't find it preachy, just message-laden in a danceable, sing-alongable way. The energy, the melody, the voice, the lyrics, the production---it's all there. I've heard complaints about his obvious Stevie (wonder) and Donny (hathaway) influences, but he's paying homage, not being a throwback. Either way, who cares? It's new, good shit. I may even be giving it the classic label in some time, we'll see how it pans out. Meanwhile, those of you in the Chicago area, pick it up at DUSTY GROOVE or THE CROW'S NEST or even DR. WAX (the one in hyde park) and enjoy.