Diving back into Fates Warning's 2004 release, FWX. This is another one of Jim Matheos' creations and one of my favorite songs. It's a unique song that really finds a way to remain in your thoughts long after you've finished listening to it.

A change of pace from my usual foundational albums that ignited my musical journey, here's a relatively new discovery - Empyre. This UK group flew onto my radar towards the end of 2022, and I've been captivated by them ever since.

Time to touch on another milestone album in my musical journey, "Permanent Waves" by Rush. I first heard this album in early 1980, shortly after its release. It wouldn't take long before the band became the most significant influence in both my musical adventures and my personal growth. Some four-plus decades later this album still resonates with me and is the reason why Rush will always hold that "number one" spot in my list of all-time favorite artists.

This entry deserves a double-feature, since it takes a look at the album that sparked the beginning of my obsession with music some 45 years ago. Not only did it introduce music to my life, but made me appreciate and seek out artists producing songs of substance and depth. Something that demanded attention and could sustain (and almost demand) an untold number of repeat listens. As I play this album today, it is just as powerful and engaging as it was when I first heard it from the tiny speaker of my childhood cassette recorder.

"River Wide Ocean Deep" is a track from Fates Warning's FWX album, released in 2004. The music builds in intensity to pair with some of Jim Matheos' most poetic lyrics and Ray Alder's highly emotional vocals. It's one of those perfect combinations that elevates the song to a higher artform.