Canadian singer, composer performer Mark Manthei sent me a request the other day that was a bit different. He asked my opinion on what genre to classify his music in. That’s a hard one to answer. Of course he was also interested in MidTn’s opinion of his work.

The first track I got to was  “Kill The Music” tagged Adult Contemporary, I suppose that’s not bad, but I might add, “americana.” What I really think is that “Soundtrack” would be a good description. It may also be an SEO nightmare ( or blessing in disguise ).

I was instantly struck by the ambience of the track. The way the air rides in the compressed flute and the mix floats across the room is enticing, like a moving scene in the theatre.

The tune itself is beautiful. On first listen, I was caught by the title and the juxtaposition he puts it in. I’m going to have to add it to my soundcloud playlist and immerse myself in this one, because there is some depth there.

Second thing I clicked on was “Getaway.” This one got me in the mood for a milkshake, and I’m going nuts, since the grocer closed at 7. Yeah, I live in the sticks… Great song, here. Not a “soundtrack,” it’s straight up Southern Rock.

Getting into some of the other tracks, I gotta say I hear some of my favorites like Waitts and Harrison. To answer the original question, I think I would put him in the american-roots-pop-rock slot. The songs are deep and thoughtful. The arrangements are really cool, and the production and instrumentation is just fancy and interesting enough to really go over on the air-waves.

Mark, ya done good, sir – real good. Meant the way a real mid TN boy means it.