In today’s music age, I’m often reminded of the cycles we go through in life and art. As cliche as this can be to some, it’s still one of those immutable truths we encounter that only becomes more obvious with time and age. With the full rise of the digital age and in its wake the digital download, I think of the early days of radio or even the days of classical composers unfortunate enough to have a wealthy patron to support them. Manically creating anything they can in order to survive and be known. It’s widely become an industry of singles churned out like the early record companies seeking hits and quick payouts with little care or concern for the well-being and rights of their artist. Constantly looking to push aside those at the top with the new latest and greatest song.
But with this always comes the inevitable reaction of those who seek to create a larger body of work. A piece of art large enough to convey many complex or one singularly great idea or emotion. And with this comes the beauty of a truly incredible work. Something so incredible it transcends the work of all peers around them or even sets it aside in a groundbreaking category all of its own.
Here lies one of the great questions. What was it that was accomplished that set it apart and elevated it to be considered great or on those rare occasions “perfect”. This has often popped up in my head and the conclusion I’ve personally come up with is fairly simple. Numbers. Yes at the end of the day it’s always about the numbers. The only true metric that can be held for genius in my opinion. In order for genius to be recognized, there has to first be a means for a large number of people to observe it and then formulate their opinion to create consensus. Regardless of our own subjective opinions on anything, a large group of people that love and promote something is the only way to elevate it to a genius status. Funny enough time seems to only help this cause. Think of how many painters and composers had next to no status or recognition during their time only to be deified often decades or even a century later and recognized by the masses. Often not during their lifetime. Even if things were considered genius at their time but broken down later by more modern critics it still holds true that it had mass appeal at one time and therefore still considered great or “perfect”.
There’s that word again, “perfect”. This line of thinking has always brought me to what I consider to be one of the greatest questions in the music world. “What does it take to create a “perfect” album?” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked and pondered this question. There are more than enough albums out there we all know are widely recognized as perfect and though sometimes we can easily recognise and point to aspects of skill or knowledge, often we have to also recognize the more obscure, philosophical or even esoteric aspects. Those answers can vary as much as the artists themselves who created it.
But really? What does it take to create the perfect album? A group of people or a singular mind? A cohesive unit working to create an equal work, or a group that loathes each other and competes to outdo one another? A time and a place creating a new atmosphere or human condition? A limitation of resources or information giving birth to creativity and new territory being explored? A feeling or emotion so strongly felt that it needed an expression that resonates with the listener? A complete disdain or disregard for critique or opinion from anyone giving it the complete freedom to unashamedly be honest. A manager or producer helping to guide a band or artist? The actual production itself? Either complex and full crisp sound giving every nuance and sound its proper place or a raw recording with little to no polish creating a beautiful cacophony as true as it is raw? Or could it be someone so in touch with the times and their surroundings instantly creating nostalgia in those who hear it?
The answers to these questions are exactly what I plan to explore. To find the elements that came together to create the albums we love. Delving into the true aspects of musical genius. You know, basically unlock the answers to the universe. Or perhaps the universe I’m genuinely the most fond of existing in.
Welcome fellow explorers. Welcome to Tim’s Perfect Album Review!
Contributor
Tim Farrell found a passion for music at an early age and was playing trumpet by the age of 8 and guitar by 12. Earning a music degree based in guitar performance from Milwaukee Area Technical College and having learned music appreciation, ear training and analysis under incredible and well known Jazz musicians such Jack Grassel, Steve Peplin and Hal Miller, he has personally analyzed artists and music of many broad genres and eras, taught guitar lessons and has been a regional musician in original and cover bands through the years. Now looking to put those skills and music passion to good use he will be providing Tim’s Perfect Album Review and providing another unique voice alongside Joshua M. Miller and Alex Theel.
