Making the Grade

When this contributing writer sits down to review a CD, there are a few "rules of engagement" if you will. First of all, I tend to judge any bit of music by standards that are established by my own personal likes. Every writer, I would imagine, has a group of personal bests that they would use as benchmarks for all other disks to be graded against. These hallmarks are different based on our genre of choice and shaped by personal experiences with said recordings.

As the alternative writer, my choices would draw from a select group of performers who have defined this category. In case you haven’t noticed, most pop performer from the eighties who still perform music, are now alternative. I don’t know how this transformation took place or what dividing line was drawn, but I’ve come to accept this. Take for instance, DURAN DURAN. In the eighties, they were the essence of pop music. While their music was always of a greater depth than most bubblegum rockers, they were definitely pop icons. Today, they join DEPECHE MODE, SQUEEZE, THE POLICE (STING), and a host of other compatriots as alternative musicians.

So what are the defining factors of this writer’s opinion? To begin with, I am a lyricist, so the literary aspect of music is particularly important to me. My philosophy is that music is a vehicle, one that should move someone and to that end, have a purpose. If the song doesn’t have a meaning, chances are, it will not take you far. Here are some of my favourites based on what I just shared with you.

Regardless of what aspect of music you enjoy, you will be hard-pressed to find a musician from the past thirty years who wasn’t influenced in some way by the BEATLES. It is hardly an exaggeration (or pun) that they turned the music world on its ear. Whether it was their inane social satire or their deadpan existentialism, they made inroads like no band has since. The only controversy among BEATLES’ fans, is what album was the fab four’s greatest? Regardless of what answer is ultimately debated, one album always gets thrown into the foray; "Sgt. Pepper". Not only was this their most solid concept album, but also it clearly exposes every member’s forte in doing so. You cannot mistake John Lennon’s political savvy, or Paul McCartney’s humanistic approach to life and harmony. There is a stirring amount of raw energy in Ringo Starrs’ rhythms and of course George Harrison’s precocious use of world music. This is a must-have for anyone who listens to modern music. It is the building block of what we call rock and roll no matter what faction it may now belong to.

FLEETWOOD MAC’s "Rumors" enjoyed many years as the fastest selling album of all time. Put this fantastic album in your collection and you will easily see why. This venerable album has stood the test of time with a collection of tunes that is seamless in quality. Unfortunately, when you put together four musicians who are independently capable of producing successful creations, tumultuous endings result in solo careers.

Next is an album that most people have never heard of, from a band that no one remembers. ROXY MUSIC’s stunning conceptual album, "Avalon", truly deserves to be placed in The Louvre. This neoclassic rock album is just brimming with crossover stylings that will never be duplicated. Bryan Ferry and Co. put forth the best effort of their lives only to watch it fade into obscurity (It is too good for the general public anyway). Spend one-hour with this disk and you will be writing Reprise Records to resurrect this band for an encore. It won’t work though, I’ve already tried.

TEARS FOR FEARS- "Sowing the seeds of love" is the quintessence of progressive pop. Forget everything you’ve ever heard from them on the radio. Roland Orzabal uses pop as a front for some truly delicious and provocative movements. No one musician has had more impact on my psyche than he. Skip to track five and enter into a world that is beyond the realm of 90% of other musicians in the world-period. The complexity of musical arrangements is astounding while the lyrical imagery takes you even further.

Miraculously, I happened upon TOAD THE WET SPROCKET’s "In light syrup" the very week my mother passed away. I say this because this particular disk includes many tracks that seem to deal with loss. There is a perfect balance that exists between grief, anger, and hope that speaks volumes without saying a word .The sincerity and ability to convey these emotions is staggering to me some five years later. The soulfulness is heartfelt and incredibly therapeutic.

ENIGMA’s "MCMXC A.D." (1990 A.D.) defies the rules. This surreal and groundbreaking album sent every instrumental band back to the studios green with envy. Many have tried to duplicate this gorgeous work (Enigma itself has never topped it.) but have failed. This disk never leaves my changer. Each set has a way of transporting you through time, and lulling you into submission, no matter what mood you are in. (for this reason, never play this CD in your car- unless you are "parking", of course)

If you are looking for a "sure thing", start here. PINK FLOYD’s "Division bell". The name alone exudes so many emotions (as they no doubt intended). These mind-expanding virtuosos left no stone unturned with their latest and greatest. The incredibly long tracks have been hyphenated slightly to accommodate more ideology. Their convoluted sense of reality appeals to generations of music lovers that would otherwise never find common ground. This band is an institution, and "Division bell" is its constitution.

There you have it. This where I stand.