Master guitarist Phil Keaggy has rereleased his 1990 album Find Me in These Fields. Remastered and with a slightly shuffled song order, the record sparkles from start to finish.
The follow-up to 1998’s power pop masterpiece Sunday’s Child (rereleased earlier this year and reviewed here at RedState), Find Me in These Fields is a logical extension of its ‘60s-jangle-flavored predecessor. While retaining Sunday’s Child’s irresistible hooks and melodic strength, Find Me in These Fields delves into power pop’s psychedelic explorations without falling victim to the genre’s excesses. There are no “Revolution #9” self-indulgent slopfests here. Instead, Keaggy gifts us with multiple aural shades and colors; purposeful experimentation both challenging and logical once appreciated.
Placing the five short instrumental tracks, originally located in-between various songs, at the release’s end puts the focus more on individual tunes. This is a wise move, as Keaggy was in peak songwriting form throughout. The album kicks off with “Strong Tower,” featuring a descending crunchy hook and meat on its lyrical bones matching the song’s power without being overpowering.
Wrong thoughts and emotions have blinded the eyes of faith
Misguided devotion kept a pilgrim in dire straitsWhere does one go, where do you turn ?
The guilt and fear depression lurks just beyond your back door
Waiting for your decision you live and learnDeep in the valley, caught a glimpse of the morning star
If we could just reach you, get to know who you really areWhere does one go, where do you turn ?
There’s a place, a fortress high just beyond your back door
Waiting for your reception when you arrive(The name of the Lord) run now (is a strong tower)
(The name of the Lord) run now (is a strong tower)
(The name of the Lord) run now (is a strong tower)
Yeah, where you’ll be safe
The album is replete with highlights. Want pure irresistible power pop with just a hint of country? Check out “Gentle & Strong,” an ode to Keaggy’s young son. Want to know how well psychedelia minus the chemicals works? Listen to “Get Over It,” with its monster guitar solo and well-thought-out double-meaning lyrics:
A sure thing matters don’t you leave it behind
But you’ve been working on the white line
Get over itREAD RELATED: Why California Federation of Labor is Nervous About The Leaked Conversation
Too many people got you climbing the wall
Watch where you land cause you’re gonna fall
Or get over itLifeless colors, wilted flowers
You’ve been sitting there for hours
Go, get up and goGreener is the grass on the other side
Straddling the fence, can’t make up your mind
Get over itFading colors, plastic flowers
You’ve been dreaming there for hours
Go …Brilliant colors, endless flowers
You can see the place where others go …
There’s more, of course, but you get the idea.
In a world of increasing madness on multiple fronts, finding refuge in music possessing artistic and ministerial credibility is more vital than ever. Phil Keaggy has long been an artist worth sharing. His brilliant, melodic liquid fire guitar playing perfectly fuses with his songwriting gift, undeniably Beatlesesque yet so powerful it transcends influences and occupies its own beautiful niche. Find Me in These Fields simultaneously expands your mind and nourishes your spirit. Go get it. Right now.
The album is available on Keaggy’s Bandcamp page.
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