MP3 Dan Mackenzie - The Eternal Optimist

classic alternative singer/songwriter fare with undertones of soul, infectious pop hooks, cool grooves and great production

13 MP3 Songs
POP: Beatles-pop, ROCK: Acoustic



Details:
Dan Mackenzie performed at a couple of talent shows in high school, but it wasnât until he matriculated at Brown University that he actually put his own ska band together, called âThe Casuals,â and then moved on to found power-trio Miklos Factor. Dan also bought a bass and played a few gigs backing up Lisa Loeb. Under the tutelage of unwitting mentors The Beatles, Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, Bob Mould, The Smiths, R.E.M., The Police, Tom Waits and his more recent favorite Ani DiFranco, Dan began honing his chops as a solo acoustic performer and writing more lyrically direct songs. Mackenzieâs first album, âShakytownâ aired on KCRWâs âWeekend Becomes Eclectic,â and had songs featured On SHOâs âThe Chris Isaak Show,â WBâs âPopularâ and FOX Familyâs âHigher Ground.â Danâs subsequent project, âGood Things,â was released in September 2003 by Universal Records in the Philippines (of all places!), where his songs "Don't Even Start" and "Black Cadillac" both made the top ten radio. In early 2003, as Mackenzie began work on his third album, he was hired to write, produce and perform a theme song for the new Discovery Channel program MONSTER HOUSE, and is the sole composer for the show. A new album of songs from MONSTER HOUSE was be released by Discovery/Original Productions in time for the 2004 Holidays. In 2004 Dan received an EMMY NOMINATION for the theme song of Monster House! While he did not win, he received glowing compliments on his suit from the "Queer Eye" crew. Last year Dan also won the ASCAP Foundation's Award for songwriting, an honor previously won by John Mayer and Josh Ritter. He performed his winning song "Sitting On A Train" at the Awards ceremony in NY, where the legendary soongwriter Jack Lawrence was given a lifetime achievement award. Mackenzieâs last release, "A Complete Unknown" (What Are Records?) received high marks from critics around the country. âWWJDâ and âPaint The White House Greenâ are drawing widespread attention from major political groups. Daniel produced a video to accompany âWWJDâ which was quickly chosen by MOVEON.ORG for their âBush In 30 Secondsâ dvd release (one of 50 videos out of over 1500 applicants). You've heard "Wake Up" in Television's Jack and Bobby, and "Room For You" in Everwood, as Dan's songs continue to find placement in Film And Television. In 2005 Dan decided for an amicable split with W.A.R.? and this, his latest album is only available at live shows, here on CDBABY, and on iTunes!