Made With Love
The Lost Tapes - Mad Anthony (Newer Music Friday)
I’m aware that a lot of the music I love is from a time before my own. It’s always interesting to me how something written years ago can still ring true today, to ears that are much different than the ones that it was originally created for. The past few years have brought an era of discovery for me, one that ushers newer music in, stuff that usually bridges the gap between vintage & modern sound with ease. But what about something that is stuck in time, something that has only reached a wider audience recently, but has existed for years? That is something truly special, and something that causes Mad Anthony’s The Lost Tapes to shine.
After my first listen, I knew that The Lost Tapes is something I want to yell about from the rooftops, something I want to find a horse and go on a Paul Revere-esque pilgrimage for. This album is one that I genuinely think can improve people’s lives, in that subtle way that only shows long after you listen. It has the intimacy of a sunday afternoon and the warmth of the sun, and it makes my heart happy.
My heart responded to the very first track, in fact. “Rina” was the very first tune I heard off the album, and it hooked me in immediately. I was intrigued by the quality of the audio, which is charmingly fuzzy yet nicely laid out. The sound of the piano was especially nice, as it feels far away and dreamy. Bring in the twang of an acoustic guitar, it’s a combination that’ll knock you out (but gently)! “Rina” has beautifully emotional lyrics and a moving voice to match. I believe every single word that is sung, and that’s one of the most powerful things a song can do. To add to its power, the track also garners a physical reaction from yours truly, a lump in my throat and a heaviness on my heart that I only get with the greatest songs I hear.
“Harriet Ann” is a song that has a similar sound to any Crosby/Stills/Nash tune of their peak. Stacked harmonies are always a standout, and “Harriet Ann” does them very well. What I loved most about the song is the sound of the guitars. They’re a lot closer than they were in “Rina”, putting the emphasis on them instead of just the vocals. I think this is the perfect choice for this tune, because the strings bend easily and produce a warm, skilled sound that is just one reason why “Harriet Ann” is such a great one.
“Nobody Knows” is where Mad Anthony entered a more traditionally psychedelic realm for me, despite the majority of the album having a folky feel to it. “Nobody Knows” has a sort of western flair to it that makes me want to go to the local saloon and order some sarsaparilla soda or something. To be honest, I was pretty sure it would be one of those “sing-speak” songs at the start, sort of like “Sultans of Swing”. I was pleasantly surprised to hear straight up singing on top of the galloping instrumental, built-up harmonies like a gang of cowboys ready to go to the next town!
I’m only giving a small taste of The Lost Tapes today, because I feel like it’s an album that you really just need to listen to for the full experience, something that's well more than worth it. The Lost Tapes is an album like a cool glass of lemonade in the summertime, or a hot chocolate on a snowy afternoon. It’s a smooth, sweet collection of tracks that’ll make your heart feel warm and a smile come over your face. A time capsule from another era, a homemade recipe made with love, The Lost Tapes is something that I’m sure can be counted on now and forever as one of the greatest albums of all time.
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