Music Reflections
By Digman
Long Sleeve Story
Three Word Records
So sing to me (and sing she does) a LONG SLEEVE STORY. Bold, sassy and Poetry! The stuff that songs are made of.
Metaphorically speaking, Devon Sproule’s voice can be divided into three categories: peaches and words, devil’s food cake and the taste… of Halloween (candy). With just enough musical-skeleton (the instrumental structure) to shake, rattle and soul, LONG SLEEVE STORY is a journey into the elements and embellishments of Devron’s vocal skill.
Produce by Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band) with out-standing performances by John D’Earth – Trumpet, David Saull – Bass, and Nate Brown, (a drum-roll please)- Drums, it is (she is) a musical- aphrodisiac… administered to the ears!
So browse by category listed below, in no poetic order. And don’t stop until the clock (CD), plays the hidden track – Thirteen!
It’s "Better At Night", she sings and writes, "A Long Sleeve Story". It’s "What I’m Used To" she says… and at "25MPH" her music sings, like a "Fast Statue" story.
It’s "Way Up There" beyond the "Bird Feeder" – "The View From Mt. Holyoke".
So "Keep Light" and "Let Me In On It"… After all, "She’s not here" and I need to be, "Sleep Satisfied", which in musical connotation, means: I have "Swamp Love" fever!
LONG SLEEVE STORY was recorded at "Haunted Hollow" Charlottesville, Virginia (scary isn’t it?). Mastered by the witchcraft of Matt Murman and mixed by Ryan, Stefan and Joe!
From: SUITE101.COM
Written by Chad Bowar
Sept. 30, 2001
Devon - Long Sleeve Story
She's only 18 years old, but Devon sings with a perspective and attitude beyond her years. Long Sleeve Story is pop rock music with a little blues and folk influence. Devon's soulful voice is very versatile, pure and smooth on one song, rough and aggressive on the next. She grew up in a commune in Virginia, and her unique experiences and perspective are reflected on the CD. Long Sleeve Story is produced by friend and fellow Charlottesville, VA resident Stefan Lessard, who is also the bass player for the Dave Matthews Band, a group Devon has opened for on tour. Long Sleeve Story is an excellent CD from an artist with a very bright future.
From: THEGLOBALMUSE.COM
Written by Allyson Beth
Title: Long Sleeve Story
Label: Three Word Records
The Rundown (each out of 5 Stars)
Sound Quality: 5 Stars
Production: 4 Stars
Musicianship: 4 Stars
Originality: 5 Stars
Over All: 5 Stars
I look at the back cover as I load the CD into my player and see that this album is produced by Stefan Lessard…wait, wait, wait. Isn't that the bass player from Dave Matthews Band? Yup. . . sure is! I have to admit I was thinking, "What the hell is he doing producing an album?" but as I listened, I found he did an excellent job. I read an article saying that he was inspired by Glenn Ballard's work on "Everyday" and made a plan to start producing…now, while I will keep my opinion of Ballard's work to myself (coughmoneyguidedandcrappycoughcough), I do have to say that this album is AWESOME! She's a little bit dark, a little bit PJ Harvey-esque. Her lyrics are all over the place, and some are even a little juvenile ("What I'm Used To"), and some are beyond what I'm used to from 18 year old songwriters ("Sleep Satisfied"). No matter what, however, she manages to make a near perfect The best way to explain her is extremely unique. She gets a great sound from her guitar, and I just can't figure it out. I picked up my guitar and tried to figure out what she was doing and I couldn't. The amazing thing is she's 18 and has only been playing for four years. In short, I can't wait to see her playing on the west coast, and I can't wait to hear more from her!
