Squirrels In The Attic is a collaboration between Emmy Award-winning lyricist/composer David M. Matthews (the other Dave Matthews) and composer/multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire, Marc Ellis. “Blow Hard, Blow Loud, Donnie T” is their first single release. And it’s a solid blow below the belt as these fellas deal out a send-up of American Presidential candidate Donald Trump.
“Blow Hard, Blow Loud, Donnie T” is a refreshing breather amidst mass confusion in America. Squirrels In The Attic has combined satire, diversity, reflection, and skill to create one fine record. If nothing else it is a testament to musical exploration, into what makes the people think…or not think, and what makes Donald Trump, blow so hard!
The track swings from the twangy and up-beat rhythms to the acid lyrical pondering, with lots of lighthearted intensity thrown in between. Oh the phrase doesn’t make sense to you? So how come Trump does!
As well as a breath-taking array of sharply inspired lyrics and a clean-cut simple melody, the end result is a wonderfully inviting song – depending which side of the fence you’re on, of course – that is an addictive alternative to the unsure, unstable and undecided pop/rock artists of our day.
Straight-forward acoustics dominate the opening before the percussion fully moves in: “He’s a man of the people, if the people are rich. He’s firm on an issue, ‘til it suits him to switch. He’s respectful of women, disagree you’re a bitch.” The moving percussion manages to maintain a feel-good mood that compliments the theme of the song, as Squirrels In The Attic continue: You’re stupid, a loser, you’re fired, are the quotes for which he is admired. Blow hard, blow loud, Donnie T. Your daddy must be proud, certainly.”
“Blow Hard, Blow Loud, Donnie T” upon being listened to for the hundredth time, transforms from what might seem like an over-played radio hit to a scathing testimony which at a gentle push, could make even a Republican cry.
The rest of the track is left to the often bone-chilling achievements of billionaire businessman who has officially accepted the Republican party presidential nomination, promising safety and security to Americans and suggesting the world they live in is more dangerous than ever before. Obviously what he meant was, “than before he was nominated!”
The song is a definite plus for any satiric music lover’s collection, a must for Squirrels In The Attic lovers, and for some, perhaps even words to live by. Trump will of course disagree, as he has stated: “I have joined the political arena so that the powerful can no longer beat up on people that cannot defend themselves. Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it.”
But beyond its music, maybe Squirrels In The Attic best feature is the authenticity and care with which “Blow Hard, Blow Loud, Donnie T” was created. Depending on who wins the latest Presidential election though, this song may, or may not be so funny, come mid-November. And Squirrels In The Attic may find themselves on the wrong side of the freshly erected border walls!
