DONNIE VIE – Wrapped Around My Middle Finger

Livewire/Cargo Records 2012

Written by, partly produced by and featuring the multi-instrumental skills of Enuff z Nuff frontman Donnie Vie, his new solo album “Wrapped Around My Middle Finger” has just been released and will be hard to prise away from the stereo as it is a refreshing and uplifting effort that is one of my favourite releases of the year so far.

Opening, and title track, “Wrapped Around My Middle Finger” has an edgier feel than the more familiar side of EZN, fear not though as some familiar Beatlesque fare from Mr Vie is just around the corner. The Alice in Wonderland themed “Wonderland” and “Lisa” with its ”Daytripper” like intro are just two examples.  “Daddy’s Girl” is a darker, emotional song which features some haunting guitars and piano, there is also a bit of a ballad in the track “I Won’t Let You Down” whilst “Rattle On” has a light hearted and summery feel to it.

Other highlights on “Wrapped Around My Middle Finger” include the faster paced album closer “Smokin’ Hot Lollipop”, “Flames of Love”, which has the feel of classic EZN with added touches of Bon Jovi, and “Now Ya Know” – the latter a big Beatley number with vocals that, at times, remind me of the late great Dennis Wilson’s solo work.

“Wrapped Around My Middle Finger” is a great album and I hope the newly formed Donnie Vie Band make it over to Europe soon.

 *****

Nikk Gunns

Donnie Vie – Wrapped around my middle finger (Livewire/Cargo)

Donnie Vie is best known for lending his vocals to the band Enuff Z’nuff twenty years or so ago.  He has since moved on to form the Donnie Vie band and this solo release will help them perform fresh material along with older favourites.

The album kicks off with the title track, which is upbeat, tongue-in-cheek and almost anthemic.  The rest of the album, though, is more acoustic-based rock, which comes as a bit of a surprise.  Still, there’s good song writing, more tongue-in-cheek humour here and there and good song delivery. 

More in the laid back vein, this is an enjoyable release – particularly with a shot of whisky in your hand.

***1/2

Nick van der Meulen


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio


David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)



Popular (last 10 days)


Please log in/register