August and Everything After... by the Counting Crows

In the early fall of 1993, "August and Everything After . . ." by The Counting Crows, was released into a country still reeling from twelve years of Republican management (or mismanagement, depending upon who you ask.) The vocal abilities of the lead singer, Adam Duritz, and the music of the band, was a lighter example of the minimal skill that Seattle Grunge bands possessed and showed the world that anyone could release an album at a time when hope was needed in the world.

"August and Everything After . . ." is far from an example of a carefully crafted album. Adam Duritz's often whiny vocals would drive most people crazy after listening to him croon for more than 10 minutes. However, Duritz's vocal style is a perfect match for the musical backing that the rest of the band happens to bring. Not heavy like the Seattle Grunge scene, nor light and sappy like bubble gum pop, the music of The Counting Crows weaves itself almost perfectly with Duritz. Also, the lyrics written by Duritz in almost every song focus on the same theme, that of loneliness. The lyrics, combined by the vocals and music, speak to the feelings of most people in their late teens to mid-twenties living in the 1990's, trying to find answers in a cold world where the future seemed grey.
One prime example of such a blending is"Round Here", the first track on the album. The opening lines of the song speak to loneliness in the 90's: "Step out the front door like a ghost/Into a fog where no one notices/The contrast of white on white". For those of us who group up in the 1990's, there were many days that we walked outside and felt unnoticed by adults or by the world in general. However, there is a certain person out there for all of us; a soul mate; a 'Maria'. However, Maria may live a town, a city, a state, or even a country away. As the internet was starting to grow, finding that soul mate online was starting to become more and more a possibility, being connected over many miles by way of a computer. However, long distance relationships crumble like decaying walls, and life has to return to normal, stepping back into the fog of life.

Although "August and Everything After . . . " by The Counting Crows was written in the nineties, the main theme of loneliness helps make this a timeless album. Economic recessions, teenage angst, and other downsides will always be a part of life. When such times come around, and you need an album to help you through your sorrow, place this album in your cd player or mp3 player rotation, and the necessary whiny quality of Duritz and the rural sound of The Counting Crows will help add salve to your emotional wounds.

If you are interested in buying this album, feel free to check out these locations:
Amazon.com
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Annabegins.com