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 faithMisguided devotion kept a pilgrim in dire straits
Where does one go, where do you turn ? The guilt and fear depression lurks just beyond your back doorWaiting for your decision you live and learn
Deep in the valley, caught a glimpse of the morning starIf we could just reach you, get to know who you really are
Where does one go, where do you turn ?There’s a place, a fortress high just beyond your back doorWaiting 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 behindBut you’ve been working on the white lineGet over it
Too many people got you climbing the wallWatch where you land cause you’re gonna fallOr get over it
Lifeless colors, wilted flowersYou’ve been sitting there for hoursGo, get up and go
Greener is the grass on the other sideStraddling the fence, can’t make up your mindGet over it
Fading colors, plastic flowersYou’ve been dreaming there for hoursGo …
Brilliant colors, endless flowersYou 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.