Artist description Check out some tracks off the new record by these two critically acclaimed singer-songwriters.

Music Style Acoustic Pop-Rock. All about the song.

Musical Influences The Buffalo Springfield, James Taylor, Crowded House, Indigo Girls

Similar Artists Counting Crows, CSN, Indigo Girls, Freedy Johnston

Artist History The new CD, "any place at all," is now available at amazon.com and cdbaby.com! Since relocating from Southern California, David von Beck has played professionally in the Seattle area both in duos and in larger rock bands. He founded Straw Dogs in 1996 and the band toured the bulk of the U.S. in support of its 1998 "Legends and Lies" release, which he largely penned. After pairing down to a duo, David turned to longtime friend and co-writer Darren Smith, then a member of the Colorado-based touring band Stranger Neighbor. With the lower club volumes and cleaner sound that can be obtained by a duo, Straw Dogs have proven themselves capable of conveying their fresh pop songs in a high-output live show that matches any full-band rock performance. Two guys and two guitars, with little if anything left at the mercy of the sound engineer. This is a rock show, pop music at the source: Clear, suck-you-in melody, full-voice harmony, pick-in-the-strum pulse and power.

Group Members David von Beck (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano) Darren Smith (guitars, vocals, bass, percussion, programming, keyboards)

Instruments Acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums and percussion, keyboards

Albums "any place at all"

Press Reviews "This Seattle duo of David von Beck and Darren Smith are all about the songwriting. Their ability to combine meaningful lyrics with tasty hooks and glorious harmonies makes Any Place At All a standout. Their acoustic based sound can be compared to Counting Crows or a male version of the Indigo Girls. Intelligent lyrics and great melodies seem to be at a premium these days, but the Straw Dogs have an abundance of them, plus those great harmonies. Their brand of folk/pop is timeless." -Chad Bowar, Pop Music Editor, Suite101.com"Straw Dogs is a couple of guys playing earnest, folky roots rock. The songs are expertly crafted and the playing is spot-on. The harmonies, it should go without saying, are immaculate. Like I said, David von Beck and Darren Smith put everything they've got into these songs." -Aiding & Abetting (2001)"The first thing that came to mind while listening to this CD was how great the songwriting was. The lyrics are pure and at times, very inspirational. The music is sort of a folk/pop style that is really unlike anything that I've heard before, but creates an aura of Deja Vu. I found myself thinking that I heard this music before, but simply couldn't put my finger on who. When that happens, I immediately know that I'm listening to a quality band." -Michael Allison, TheGlobalMuse.com"The songs are well written and arranged with enticingly good lyrics that stick with you after the first listen. There are hooks around just about every corner on this CD." John Taglieri, IndiEAR

Location Seattle, WA - USA

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