Make It Be – Amazing Album from R. Stevie Moore and Jason Falkner

By: Thomas LoPresto

What can be said about Make It Be, the recent recording by R. Stevie Moore and Jason Falkner? Practically everything, as the 18 tracks range from krautrock to almost techno to even just good-old-fashioned pop. The mastermind R. Stevie Moore teams up with the extremely versatile Jason Falkner, whose resume speaks for itself.

The album combines songs that Moore has written, songs they wrote together, and even a cover of the classic “Don’t You Just Know It.” It is hard to overstate how important R. Stevie Moore is to music, as his catalog spans more than 600 records, albums, EPs, and you name, it he’s got it, as far back as 1968. That is 49 years in the business! Moore is the godfather of home recording who has practically all of his music on Bandcamp and Spotify. Each of these albums flows like a freeform radio show, and they make this man such a genius regarding the aspect of recording.  Also, he is the son of Bob Moore, Elvis’ bassist.

Jason Falkner, on the other hand, is a prolific sideman who has played with artists from Beck to Glenn Campbell and even Paul Mccartney. Falkner has crafted his skill with various different pop and rock sounds, from his band who was once on Prince’s record label, The Three O’Clock, to his solo work, which shines with Moore’s influence. The best part about Falkner is that he knows when to step into the light and sing like he does on tracks “Another Day Slips Away” and “Play Myself Some Music.” But he also knows when to step aside and let his guitar do the talking. This is what makes this album shine; they both know their particular place in their own musical worlds. Both of these artists show unashamed they are of making pop music, and they will gladly trek into parts of unknown experimental music.

 

It is impossible to ignore how masterful these two are all across this record as they switch vocals and instruments  It all blends together and swirls as a master class in how to record an amazing album. This album is an instant classic and only makes Moore’s discography greater. I cannot express how amazing it is in tone and in depth. Falkner and Moore have made a classic record, and we can only hope for more to come from these two. 

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