Release Date: 27 August, 2002
Audio CD
Tracks
- End Of Amnesia
- Color Of Water
- Half Moon
- So Much Water
- Bad Dreams
- Archangel Tale
- Silverline
- Flaming Heart
- Carolina
- From A Pirate Radio Sermon, 1989
- Psalm
- Ella
- Seashell Tale
- O'Brien/O'Brien's Nocturne
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Rating 4.5
#2 Ward Highway: GeniusIf you are reading this then it is fair to presume you are out on the Ward highway and unless I miss my guess, traveling from Transistor Radio and Transfiguration back to the End of Amnesia. You have been hearing some fabulous sounds and incredible tunes on your way here and let me be the first to tell you that more of the same awaits you here in Amnesia-ville. In fact, this may be the best of his four solo albums and that in itself is a strong statement considering the one that preceded this one (Duet) and the two that followed (Transitor and Transfiguration). Ward is a musical genius, no doubt, and this collection of songs from a wholeistic perspective may be the clearest manifestation of that genius. His tune "half moon" simply has to be heard to be believed. "Carolina" is gorgeous and "seashell tale" defies description. But if I were standing in the front row of a Ward concert and calling for him to play a tune, it would be "sad dreams" (the opening chords to this song have to be heard to be believed: so subtle, so deep, so resonant). I think it is the best song Ward has ever written and immediately after he played it, I would yell up at him to play "fool says"(Transfiguration) and then "from debbie's stairs" (Duet) and then "here comes the sun again" (Transistor) and then "seashell tale" (Amnesia) and then "outta my head" (Transfiguration) and then "lullaby + exile" (Transistor). But if Ward leaned down to me and said that he would play only one of his four albums for us tonight from front to back, I would pick End of Amnesia. Everything Ward touches shines with a depth and beauty that has been missing from modern music for far too long but like I said, End of Amnesia would be my pick. It might well be the best complete album ever keyed and picked and sung by a man whose best musical work (if this is even conceivable) may well lie ahead of him. He is 31 years old; he is an incredible musical genius; and he has a talent and a musical muse that seems to be just getting untracked. Highly reccomended."End Of Amnesia" makes you feel like you're sitting on the back porch of some log cabin in the mountains, and after hearing this cd, I wouldn't mind feeling that way all the time. This is a collection of serene, melodic, acoustic tunes, which blends country, folk, bluegrass, and modern abstract rock all together. This is a cd that makes itself appear sparse on the surface, but is actually maticulously composed. It is sophisticated, but not inaccessible or overly abstract. The albums' energy peaks with "flaming heart", a catchy, upbeat country song featuring a rare instance of electric guitar. Mellowness peaks on "O'Brien"(part 1 of track 15), where he is just about whispering the lyrics. I find this cd to be extremely enjoyable and relaxing, and I highly reccomend it for anyone looking for some good chill out music.BeautifulEnd of Amnesia is a modern folk rock classic. From the first line sung in the album to the very last, Ward's mellow raspy voice conveys a immense sense of feeling and emotion which perfectly compliments his acoustic guitar playing. While the songs on this album are typically quite mellow and relaxed, it is extemely capable of holding a listener's attention for an infinite amount of plays without getting boring. There are also tracks on the album which are very upbeat and more fast paced, so it never lacks in energy. While there seems to be an emphasis in modern music to convey a complication and strength in musical arrangement, Ward finds a point that combines perfect simpicity with stunning technicality in each of his songs. Not only is his song writing wonderful, but his entirely captivating stage presense as well. Not many modern artists can hold an entire audience's attention through a ten+ minute guitar solo. Ward's energy and humbleness on stage is unmatched by any other artist. If you have the opportunity to see Matt Ward live, or pick up one of his albums, you will not be disappointed. |
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