Gemstones [PA] - Adam Green

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Average
Lyrics	Mediocre
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Satisfactory

Advantages:	good songs, many alternatives
Disadvantages:	to short

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

The CD "Gemstone" appeared exact on 10 January 2005. You can buy the CD nearly everywhere, and it is available for the tidy price of 12.99 Euro (price of Amazon).

1. Gemstones
2. Down on the Street
3. He´s the Brat
4. Over the Sunrise
5. Crackhouse Blues
6. Before my Bedtime
7. Carolina
8. Emily
9. Who´s your Boyfriend
10. Country Road
11. Choke on an Cock
12. Bible Club
13. Chubby Princess
14. Losing on a Tuesday
15. Teddy Boys

Despite the many songs the album is very briefly, only about 30 minutes.

First of all something to the singer Adam Green. Adam Green started in the year 2002 with his album "Adam Green", 2004 he had his break-through with the album "Friends OF mine". I do not know both albums, however heard and read that the newest work "Gemstones" differs nevertheless significantly from the predecessor albums, how at all Adam Green (also on this album) constantly invents itself again. Adam Green writes also books and makes other stuff, however substantially less successful than he makes music. I read many negative things over that book (nonsense, garbage). He better should make music, at least there the criticisms are somewhat better:).

To the classification, which is quite heavily, it is still briefly its own, special style. One could do it between Pop, Country, Folk and chansons - a quite generous classification.

Lets begin with the Song "Gemstones". It is somehow strange, a Potpourri from all possible styles, speeds and clay/tone situations. Slowly beginning, strongly rising and than faster, offers it a good overview of it, which follows on this album. The second Song "down on the street" is accompanied like nearly all Songs only of guitar and drum, sounds jerky and quick.
It is simple a very beautiful song, very melodioes. This is at the same time also a characterisation of the whole album, melodioes with simply knitted clay/tone sequences. Dominating the voice, exactly as is the with the third piece "He's roasts". It is a piece that much reminds to a cowboy salon. With "Over the sunrise" is one of those songs that probably has no "hit"-character. E-Piano, guitar and minimum drums, paired with the clear voice of Green result in a similar atmosphere than in the case of the previous song. One of the best songs on this album follows after position number 5, "Crackhouse Blues". Even if the frequent breaks in the piece disturb the listener at first sight, this is a song, you do not want to miss.
With 2:40 length "Before is my bedtime" nearly the longest song and also somewhat different than the other Songs. "Carolina" has some Tango elements. In the middle of the song the character changes and become more flowing and melodioes. Altogether a very interesting piece with very large breaks.

Number eight, "Emily", is the most famous Song. A hit, well known in many countries. Clearly structured, with a genious, in-usual melody. This song does not become boring. The Song has a clear and simple melody and structure, because the voice and the guitar are located in the center.

Song 9, "Who's your Boyfriend". Briefly, beginning with the e-Piano it reminds a Blues, coming along slowly and slowly-acting. Song 11, "Choke on A cock" - I do not want to say something about the stupid text ;). The Song does not please me.
"Bible Cup" belonges to my absolute favorites, it is (togther) with Emily my favorite song an the album. Likewise simply, melodioes and hit-like.

Finally it is not easy to draw a result. Sometimes it is disturbing, that the songs are too short. Something like a uniform atmosphere is impossible. This is however also an advantage, because the album offers many alternatives. I will give the CD four points.