Counting Crows
August And Everything After

THE REVIEW

For my second review, I chose an album I have listened to again recently after a long time. I must point out that it has already been reviewed, and I apologize to those who don't approve of "duplicates" on DeBaser, but I want to give my perspective.

At the beginning of the '90s, the music scene in America was dominated (at least commercially) by a series of bands with a rather "dirty" sound. From Nirvana to Pearl Jam through Guns N' Roses to Alice in Chains. Even with different styles, they were associated with a quite violent, visceral sound. Radically different, however, were the Counting Crows, with an intimate music that had more in common with the early rock, folk, and songwriters than with more extreme genres like punk, metal, or hard rock. Moving on to the actual album, I won’t bore you with a track-by-track review, but I will describe the most significant pieces and, most importantly, the atmosphere that permeates the album. "August And Everything After" is indeed the epitome of the thoughts of part of that generation, somewhat pessimistic, somewhat fatalistic. It starts with "round here" a track of disarming beauty in terms of composition and lyrics, where Duritz sings about the feeling of dissatisfaction of Maria (probably not coincidentally a biblical name) tired of life, misunderstood, who therefore thinks "of the leap". It continues with "omaha" where the typical sound of American rock roots, complete with typical instruments like mandolin, harmonica, and organ, becomes even more evident. Mr. Jones needs little introduction, a super "hit" during those years even here, significantly boosted the album's sales, with a driving and melodic rhythm.

“Perfect Blue Buildings” is one of the darkest tracks in terms of atmosphere and lyrics, in which Duritz even attempts to "stay away from himself." The atmosphere continues to be rarefied in "Anna Begins" and "Time And Time Again." A true masterpiece of the album is Raining In Baltimore, accompanied by a delicate and soft piano, Duritz continues his lament of unhappy lives and desires while "it’s raining in Baltimore, but everything else does not change." A final note goes to "A Murder Of One" with a much more driving rhythm, especially in the riff.

"August And Everything After" is an honest album that finds its strength in expressing a sense of conflict typical of a disillusioned generation, but not for that reason more superficial. Those seeking a modern roots rock, even if strongly influenced by the classic styles of the genre, will come away satisfied after listening. The dark atmospheres, however, might not appeal to everyone.