It’s my opinion and assessment that all music is best experienced as a live performance, whether by the original artist or a cover band or just some kids playing in the garage. The immediacy, dynamic range, power and emotional resonance of music is usually diluted once it’s captured to a tape or disc of some kind.
Author Archives: Rick Adams
Jump in the Water
Six years after the worldwide phenomenon that was So, Peter Gabriel released this absolute gem of a breakup album. Dealing with the emotional and spiritual pain of his divorce from Laurie Anderson, the record mirrors the sonic layering and rhythms of So but, in my option, surpasses the impact of that offering through exquisite song-writing and craftsmanship in the studio.
Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves
By no means a comprehensive list, here are fifteen of the greatest albums by female artists in my library. Again, the order of entry does not imply a ranking, these are all albums I consider to be worthwhile, extraordinary and musically engaging, simply enjoy them!
Shaken and Stirred
Chances are you’ve never heard of this band or their cross-genre, compelling and satisfying music. Based in Amsterdam, My Baby combine elements of rock, blues, dance, gospel, folk and world music into a witch’s brew of entrancing rhythm and melody.
Songbirds
I’ve always been a sucker for layered, nuanced and clear album mixes regardless of musical genre and, in this case, the arrangements and production of traditional and new folk songs is a stellar example.
Black is a Color Too
Between 1994 and 2003, the year he died, The Man in Black enjoyed a late career surge in popularity and creative output due to producer Rick Rubin’s vision, care, and industry smarts, releasing four albums combining Cash’s unmistakable style with contemporary artist’s songwriting.
Family Values
Christ Stills took his family legacy and ran with it: writing, arranging, playing and singing these songs with the aplomb and confidence of a 30-year veteran at the ripe old age of 24.
I’ve Been to the Edge
I’m breaking my own rules and ranking the Van Halen albums from worst to best.
25 Reasons to Love Music
Here are 25 albums that I will not review on this blog site because they are so intrinsically important to me that I don’t want to even start trying to analyze or squeeze them to reveal their secret hold over me – I will just continue to play them over and over until the day I shuffle off this old earth to my heavenly reward where, I am totally convinced, music will continue to play a huge role in my enjoyment of God, family and life.
Bring the Rush
Despite having to stave off the inevitable comparisons to Tool over the years, Chevelle have managed to remain relevant and consistent with a distinctive energy and songwriting ability that many of their alt metal peers probably envy.
