MusicMatters.Reviews

Phish Sigma Oasis

Larkin Poe Self Made Man

Lori McKenna The Balladeer

Robert Francis Amaretto

AC/DC Power Up

Joe Bonammassa Royal Tea

MusicMatters.Reviews came into existence a little over five years ago. Family and friends knowing my love for a broad array of music suggested sharing my take on albums with a larger audience. So I began reviewing music in the genres closest to my heart - Rock, Blues and Americana. MMR has never been some fancy website dominated by pop-ups and paid ads. I never intended it to be a money maker. That said, I had no idea the site would attract readers outside the U.S. or get as many as a thousand hits a month. Neither did I think artists from as far away as Europe would ask me to review their latest releases. Over time, you loyal readers have to have noticed that the postings have become less frequent. The flashback articles have stagnated as the time I once had to reflect on music has been occupied by me listening to at least a half-a-dozen albums at a time. And that’s the problem. While I’m listening to music, I’m not enjoying it the way I used to. Reviewing albums has become work. So I’ve decided to take an extended holiday. I’m not saying I’ll never review albums again, the site and facebook page will remain. But it’s time for me to put the pen down and just listen to the music.

We live in difficult times. We are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Our country is being challenged by institutional racism, intolerance, right wing zealots, and a leader and politicians who would destroy our democracy for power and short term personal gain. In the chaos, remember that music can be a vehicle for social change. Music also offers a respite in troubled times. God bless you all and know that the world can be a better place if we respect and care for each other.

Dude