I’m sorry to tell you, but I wouldn’t get too attached to modern pop music if I were you. Odds are against. Check out the stats! Leaf through the old Billboard charts! Pop music over recent decades has resembled doom-fated trends like the hula-hoop or the fidget spinner. Nobody wants it after a while, and few will admit to buying one in the first place.
But what about all those records that people absolutely love? What about all the songs that folks play at weddings and funerals, as they fall in love or fall apart? Well, some have to make those as well. And they can’t afford to try and cheat audiences in the way that trends do. Those songs are the kinds that The Ram’s earthy, soulful roots-rock keeps searching for.
“I Am Nowhere, I Am Everywhere” is the latest short album in a consistent string of releases. It’s a collection of both mournful and hopeful songs. These are songs about things you refuse to think about, and ideas that you deprive yourself of considering.
The record opener, “Listen to the Cold,” features long, resonant chords. It’s a desert song, music for being alone, sounds meant to help you find yourself when you need them the most. The songwriting recalls childhood days, strong hopes, big challenges.
In fact, most of the record has the past in its immediate vicinity. “The Moon’s Loving Light” with its retro-style guitar riff is meant to capture the excitement of youth, of first discovering what the world has to offer. And “Unbound,” featuring The Ram’s trademark gruff baritone, is a promise to remain free in spite of the costs, or the temptation of doing otherwise. “I am nowhere/I am everywhere,” the singer tells us.
Another two singles released in 2024, and reviewed on Alt77, “Warmth of Fire” and “Everything” are included on the album. The former includes vocals reminiscent of Tom Waits and a call to rest after great trials and tribulations. The latter is a reminder to treasure the world around us.
In fact, if anything, if you dig deep enough, you’ll find that The Ram makes highly romantic music. But it’s not the kind that goes well with a box of chocolates and red roses. These songs are for people who might’ve come close to losing it all, and who are now teaching themselves to cherish life in all of its grimey glory.
The rhythm & blues electric piano groove of “Love Is a Terrible Thing” accompanies a short story of playing a gig in a large, broken down city all while looking to deliver a message of and unity.
Meanwhile, “Join Along” feels like Lou Reed finally getting the bluesy tone he always felt he deserved. It’s a slow rocker that sings the praises of New York City love affairs.
Where does it all leave us? A little bruised, a tiny bit battered by this life, but hopefully wiser. “Perpetual Change” is the song that ties the record together. It’s frankly surprising to hear words that seem to belong to some biblical texts being sung by someone who possesses the tone that would also fit neatly in a biker rock group.
But The Ram sings the truth from experience, not dusty books. Everything is bound to be altered, and the only real currency in this world is love. “I Am Nowhere, I Am Everywhere” is a blues-rock mantra. Chant it and you’re bound to make it through!
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