Most likely, when The Ram embarked on this ‘cover’ adventure, he didn’t even imagine that his undertaking would turn into such a grand story. “The Ram’s Dead, Vol. 1” is like a journey through time and sounds, as if flipping through the pages of an old diary where he revisits and rewrites Grateful Dead’s works.
These recordings exude experimentation, as if the author, diving into his creativity, gets lost in it for months. Initially just a couple of songs, light as feathers, were conceived simply as studio playfulness, but then transformed into a grand ball of musical sounds and ideas that merged in this album. Every chord, every word, is like hues at sunset, narrating not only melodies but also The Ram’s own heart. You see, Country music is like air, infused with the spirit of the prairies and the scent of freedom. That’s why in this album, every note carries echoes of days lived, as if each chord holds a story of a lost home, distant roads, and friendships that have grown stronger. This theme was present in previous works, but it seems that in this EP, The Ram reached its peak. Perhaps that’s why it became necessary to split “The Ram’s Dead” into two parts.
The warmth of devotion, bright years, and strong friendship resonate between the lines in the first track, “Me and My Uncle.” It’s one of the first songs The Ram played when he moved to California, signifying the opening of a whole musical world for the musician. Even now, by opening the album with this track, The Ram unveils for each listener an equally unique world of country Americana music. It’s like an evening igniting and lights flickering in the rhythms of the track “Scarlet Begonias.” This track hits the bullseye and happens to be my favorite on the EP. The music here echoes like bootsteps on forgotten streets of cities lost in time. And The Ram’s vocals? Where else will you hear such a deep baritone? It’s like a lost voice in the darkness, narrating about lost dreams and dusty roads.
The sensation of a pleasant evening among friends and loved ones resonates within the gentle guitar riffs of the track “Fire On the Mountain.” The stunning sound, playful rhythm, and the feeling of bright joy are irresistibly interwoven in this track. When a new track begins, you hardly notice the transition from one song to another. Indeed, the album culminates with an epic 12-minute track, “Scarlet Fire,” which captivates with its blend of rhythms and styles, echoing one another, allowing the listener to experience that unique sound of The Ram.
THE HEARTFELT LAYERS OF COUNTRY
After listening, it feels like I’m beginning to feel this EP more and more. You know, when inspiration hits, it’s like being caught in a wave of unseen ecstasy. It’s an instant immersion into something new and captivating. In that surge, you just ride along, like on a wave, not quite sure where it’s taking you. But here and now, that doesn’t matter, because it could be like vacationing in Hawaii, where primal magic happens, or a spontaneous EP that grabs you from the first notes, or even a 12-minute musical saga like ‘Scarlet Fire.’
The whole idea is to be ready for that wave of inspiration, like a surfer riding the crest. It’s about seizing the moment and diving into that flow of energy, being open to inspiration and diving into it without hesitation. The Ram, as an expert in this realm, caught that moment, rode it, and did what he had to do. Each track of the album holds deep personal significance for The Ram, profoundly influencing him and forever residing in his heart. The cozy and warm release draws the listener closer to the musician, as The Ram, in turn, reveals his soul, infusing the album with something deeply personal and profound.
From my perspective, ‘The Ram’s Dead, Vol. 1’ currently stands as the most significant and perhaps the best creation in his discography. This album distinctly stands out from all previous works, hinting that Vol. 2 might offer something even more astonishing. There is an exciting anticipation that the next release will preserve and further develop the distinctive essence that made the initial release so captivating.
Indie Boulevard Magazine 