For the past two columns, we have explored the depths of my disdain for today’s music scene. However, as my wife points out, it would behoove me to balance my opinions lest I come off as always a negative curmudgeon. I realize the allure of the dark side and the strength of its pull but man cannot live by venting alone. So, in an effort to level the playing field, I have decided to offer my opinion about what’s right with the music industry and possibly present some positive options for adults. If you have an open mind, a little bit of time to spare and the desire to try something new, read on and hopefully I can inspire you with some new ideas for expanding your musical universe. I focus this on adults as I am one (sometimes debated) and thus I will only make recommendations for those of my peer group. With that caveat out of the way, may I present to you my selections for what is right with the music industry.

The big record company still exists and it is still difficult to make an impression on these guys. Once in, the artist is part of the struggle that I feel all those that want to make it big in the industry must suffer. It’s as important as playing all the dives, running the road and all that goes with paying dues. Once an act has paid those dues, they must experience the machine off musical hoops made possible by the big record companies. This is part of the education that teaches the artist or act how to deal with their industry and gives them an appreciation of struggles and suffering of those that came before them. For some, it puts humility in a whole new light and for others who survive, an unseemly arrogance that provides us the audience fodder for the tabloids and puts phrases in our conversations, like “what a dumbass!” and “what were they thinking?” Either way, it gives us something to talk about.

There are a few artists that I see as worth listening to and which I have purchased their recordings. As young as she is, Adele shows a maturity and depth of those divas of much more seasoning. Her writing is advanced and the maturity of her voice belie her age. So much power and melody drive her hooks deep and captivate her listeners. She has what it takes to earn her adult listeners and inspire the young.

For those looking for that gunslinger, go no further than Joe Bonamassa. A prodigy from a very early age, Bonamassa has played alongside the likes of Danny Gatton, Eric Clapton, Eliot Easton, Ted Nugent, Warren Haynes and frequently performs and records with Beth Hart, another selection worth listening to. You will not hear another singer today leave her soul splashed all over the floor like Hart. Power and guts and an unbelievable charisma that makes you feel her pain.

If country is your thing, check out Little Big Town, The Band Perry and Justin Moore. While they do show some tendencies for the new breed, they can be found clearly and deeply rooted in the traditions of country. The four part harmonies of Little Big Town are equal to anything from the Statler Brothers or Oak Ridge Boys and stay true to those origins. The Band Perry blends the themes of ole timey music with and updated sensibility found nowhere else in country today. Justin Moore keeps away from the macho derivative cookie cutter tunes of today’s young country males and recalls the days of Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings.

I can only hope you find something to appreciate in these few selections. There are a few others but this will get you started looking into what may be today’s saving graces of music in their individual disciplines. I find them enjoyable and a positive light, maybe salvaging the musical species.