Christian Beach’s self-titled solo debut CD, released in 2009, has been ranked as one of the top 100 albums of 2001-2010 released by New Jersey artists in “Are You Listening?”, a new book by music writer Gary Wien.
Between September 2010 and January 2011, Wien listened to over 2,200 albums by New Jersey artists released within the last decade in order to compile the list featured in the book. The list features many national acts with New Jersey origins, such as Fountains of Wayne, Bruce Springsteen, My Chemical Romance and Pete Yorn.
“Considering how much great music was produced by New Jersey artists during the first decade of the 21st century, I feel quite honored and humbled to have my work included in this list,” said Beach after learning his CD earned the No. 67 spot in the book.
“The layers of sound are never more pronounced than in ‘Stuck Here Awhile,’ which features piano reminiscent of Elton John and a chorus that features guitar licks that evoke George Harrison’s work on the solo releases of John Lennon,” Wien writes about the CD. “Together, the piano and guitars combine to produce a truly amazing song.”
“Are You Listening?” also lists the CD’s lead track, “Open Spaces,” as No. 77 on a list of the top 100 songs by New Jersey artists from 2001-2010.
CHRISTIAN BEACH 