The Donnas ‘Gold Medal’ (Virgin) Released 01/11/04

 

 

The main problem is that the Donnas are so far removed from the rock hedonists they idolise.  So what we get here is a totally pointless and watered down reversal of 80’s male rock chauvinism.  ‘Fall Behind Me’ sets off like Status Quo before a rapid descent into substandard ‘Rocket Queen’ era Guns n Roses style mockery.  â€˜Don’t Break Me Down’ is a song built around half an idea, and the less said about the laughable title track the better, although at least its country rockabilly feel is a welcome break in style.  ‘Is That All You’ve Got For Me’ is musically sound but ruined by the disastrous rhyming of “free” with “me” (see elsewhere for a particularly cringe-worthy “grave” and “cave”, ouch!).  Brett Anderson is really clutching at lyrical straws throughout, and is probably unaware that her audience is also left wondering “Is that it? Just a copy of a copy”.

 

So all the hand claps, Angus Young style solos and backing vocals are all in the right places, but that’s just not enough.   It’s all just too comfortable, measured and, well…pleasant.  Your Nan wouldn’t find this in the least offensive, and given their spic and span image it’s tough to believe the Donnas ever go to bed after 11.  ‘Gold Medal’ is missing the spark, blood, sweat and tears that it supposes to celebrate.  The lack of killer riffs and choruses necessary for a good record are just glossed over with slick production.  But I guess that’s the inherent danger when borrowing Avril Lavigne’s producer.  This has been done many times before, and far far better too.