Adult Contemporary Essentials is the UK’s most widely-syndicated album review column, appearing in over 45 publications. Click here to find out who.
Its aim is simple: to expand awareness of the great music that is out there among adults – people who aren’t interested in music magazines, and who aren’t sure what to buy when they go into record shops. Begun in 2004, in response to a lot of conversations with friends about how hard it is to get the kind of recommendations we used to get, before we had proper jobs, kids, other hobbies, ACE is determinedly and unashamedly adult in its orientation. It makes no distinction regarding musical style – everything I recommend would be worth a place on the CD shelves of a discerning adult, regardless of where it comes from.
I began writing album reviews back in the mid 90s, for MTV, taking a break when the kids were born, but I am enjoying music today more than I ever have. From new discoveries such as Will Johnson and Stephen Fretwell to people whose music I have enjoyed for over 10 years such as Kevin McDermott, there is more great music out there than any one person has time to listen to... How great is that?
ACE is available, free of charge, to any interested newspaper, magazine or website. Just contact me to be added to the growing list.
All the bestMike Rea