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February 5, 2003 Michael
McAdam
A Million Miles
Permanent Records
Richmond
native Michael McAdam’s first solo release hips listeners to
his versatility. A player who has done his share of road and
studio guitar-work with some of Nashville’s best, including
Steve Earle and Mary Chapin Carpenter, McAdam’s fretwork was
previously the focus. But “Miles” gives McAdam a chance to stretch
out as a writer, singer and producer, as well. From the first
cut through the last, he displays a great ear for melody and
a thoughtful lyrical approach that could surprise some who only
know him as the soulful guitarist in Richmond’s Good Humor Band.
“One Good Day” gets the set off on the right track with a measured
acoustic-based prayer to the heavens, while “Thanks A Lot” follows
with a wicked, rocked up, no-holds barred assault on a poor
soul who wronged our protagonist. The projects only cover, “The
Lion Sleeps Tonight,” gives Mike a chance to showcase his slinky-smooth
slide guitar. “Suzanne” and its perfect ‘60s Burt Bacharach
trumpet part brings a smile to the lips as it quietly captures
memories of unrequited love. The title track’s lyrics border
on cliché, but McAdam’s warm voice sells the songs familiar
sentiments with conviction. “Little Things” is a gorgeous, slow
tune, perfect for lonely nights of reflection, and it’s perhaps
the best of the set. A couple of tracks come up short, but overall
“Miles” is a terrific and wildly diverse batch of songs that
gets better with every listen.
-
Ames Arnold
Available online
at CDBaby
or at Plan
9 Records and Tower Records in Richmond, VA |
