My Quarter Life Crisis

My Interview with James Michael of Sixx: A.M.

2012-01-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

On December 23, 2011, I had the pleasure of having a chat with James Michael, lead singer of hard rock outfit, Sixx: A.M. , which also includes Nikki Sixx and DJ Ashba. The bandwas formed in 2007 as a side project for the members. It evolved into something much bigger than was originally planned, the platform to release The Heroin Diaries, an album based on the book documenting Sixx’s previous heroin addiction and recovery. Today, Sixx: A.M. has a large following of fans who are inspired by their telling and truthful lyrics and hard-hitting melodies.

James Michael has an extensive and impressive background in the music industry. Not only is he the lead vocalist of Sixx: A.M., he’s also a songwriter, engineer and producer and has worked with the likes of Mötley Crüe, Saliva, Scorpions, and Papa Roach just to name a few.

After a little talk about our mutual envy of people who get all of their Christmas shopping done in August, we get started with the interesting stuff.

Christen LaFond: So, you grew up in the Midwest. What brought you to Los Angeles originally? Do you live there now?

Read the rest of the interview HERE.

Man's Best Bud

2011-12-07T11:21:00.000-05:00

“Slippers!” Frank’s voice boomed from the living room.

Max bounded up the stairs and fetched the disintegrating footwear from the bedside. The two year old Golden Retriever’s rough, matted fur got caught on the guitar stand on the way out. He stopped and slowly shimmied his way out of the snag. Making Frank angrier by knocking over the beloved guitar would result in something Max didn’t want.

“Thanks a lot,” muttered the old, wrinkly man. “Now go away.” Max stood waiting to get a pat of appreciation, a rub of gratitude, maybe even half a smile. He wagged his bushy tail once. He never gave up hope.

“SHOO!”

Max retreated into his favorite place under the steps where he couldn’t be reached. Frank couldn’t hurt him there- physically, anyway.

Frank had always treated Max with utter disregard. His daughter Mollie had gotten Max as a puppy so Frank wouldn’t be alone. Mollie taught Max everything he knew.

Frank had love for only one thing- his roses. No one else was allowed near them. Beautiful pink, white and red buds sat nestled in perfect pots lining the kitchen windowsill. As the sun set, Frank sat and admired them. “Goodnight, my babies,” he croaked as he carefully stood up to get ready for bed, taking extra care not to brush any of their leaves with his robe’s long sleeves.

Max whimpered. His food bowl was completely empty and he brought it over to Frank to fill up. He hadn’t eaten since this morning and his stomach ached. He glanced at the roses and wondered why they got fed, but he didn’t.

“You already ate today!” snapped Frank. “Go to sleep and stop whining ya stupid animal.”

Max sat and stared at Frank, eyes sad, ears down. Frank plopped into bed, rolled over and promptly started snoring.

Suddenly Max sprung from the cold floor and ran into the kitchen.

Frank awoke. He felt uneasy. What was that sound? Carefully he pulled the blankets back, being as quiet as possible, and stepped out of bed. His steps were slow and steady, and finally he pinpointed the sound. It was coming from the kitchen.

Max turned around and stared at Frank, colorful buds, leaves, and pots littering the floor, leaves hanging out of his mouth. Frank gasped and grabbed his chest. He fell to the floor. Max licked up another rose bud and swallowed it.

Don't hold the pickles

2011-09-22T17:22:00.002-04:00

Why do people, especially young girls, think they're SO entitled? I mean, I understand the Now Generation and all that, but c'mon. I'm walking out of JCPenney and there are two young (maybe 17) girls walking about behind me. The one girl says, "That's when the party gets started, son!" Now, to my understanding, the girl had not given birth to the other apparent female, but there are some odd family trees, so ya never know. Anyway, being the decent person I am, I held the door open for her. Not only did she not speed up at all, she didn't even attempt to reach her arm out to hold the door open for herself. So let me get this straight. This girl expects me to stand and hold the door open for her while she strolls out with not so much as a thank you? Oh, no. So the next door I just let go in her face.

Same thing with pedestrians. BOY do I just want to run over them sometimes. It's usually only the women. They'll start to cross, you'll yield to them, of course, and they will just take their good old time. Sometimes it's not just their good old time, but ALL of their time. And yours. The worst is when they hold their finger up at you to tell you, "Stop. I'm walking across the street." That makes my blood boil. Times like that is when I really wish vehicular homicide was legal.

But speaking of entitlement, I think I'm entitled to a few more pickles on my sub. I go to Subway and get a footlong and request "extra pickles and olives." The lady gave me about 5 olives, maybe 6 pickles. ON THE WHOLE SUB! I said "more, please." She acts like she's digging into the container like a shovel and then sprinkles two more of each on top. I ask for more. Then she tells me "well, you're gonna get charged extra." Really? I was outraged. "There aren't even any on there!" I somewhat shouted at her. What does a girl have to do to get a little extra pickle around here?

Tired, dry trainers?

2011-09-09T19:49:00.002-04:00

I'm a fan of personal trainers. I've only worked with one, actually. But I'm a fan of the whole concept. I'm not saying that I'm not accountable to myself, but you HAVE to show up for them or else you're a jerk (and wasteful of money). Not only that, I like to be able to prove myself, and with someone there breathing down my neck I can show someone right away just how awesome I am. It's the instant gratification I need while waiting for the results to show on my body.

I had a great trainer a while ago. He would push me further when I thought I couldn't do that last rep, gave me great tips on nutrition, and had me doing creative workouts and exercises. Man, would I be sore the next day! He also gave me a fantastic price. Unfortunately, some personal issues came up (with him), and we stopped working together.

So I walk into the gym the other day after a 2 week-ish hiatus. This guy asks me if I want a free training session. His tone is like Ben Stein, but I think "maybe the session is with someone else!" But alas, no.

Ben (names have been changed to protect the innocent) met me a few days later. It was the most boring "training session" I've had, or seen on TV. I felt like I was training myself. He said "okay, do *insert exercise here*." I'd look at him and say, "Okay, can you show it to me?" Then I'd be doing it and have to ask how many I'm doing. "As many as you can." ..... Really? I need an end goal here, buddy! I do well with realizing I need to do 10 reps and then I can breathe.

I actually asked him, "are we gonna do any other kind of exercises? Like, fun stuff..(Other Trainer) had me doing this and this and...." "Well, yes if we work together I'll have you do more cardio like jumping jacks, crunches, etc." *crickets* I'm not gonna pay this guy big bucks to have me do as many jumping jacks as I can do, and then have him say "okay..good" like Ben Stein. It's just not gonna happen.

At the end of the session he tried to calculate how much I would be paying him for me to train myself and him stand there like a totem pole. This is where it got uncomfortable. I told him I needed someone who was more aggressive, and said c-ya later.

PS- Saw Plastic Suit Guy today without his suit *gasp*. BUT! He did clean the treadmill off for longer than he went on it...and still had his racing gloves on...walking at 3.0 mph.

Gymnasium Antics

2011-08-02T12:42:00.000-04:00

My gym has the smallest parking lot. And there is nowhere to add additional spots, so there is overflow parking near the movie theater. Now, I completely understand that parking a mile away is a pain the butt when you hardly want to be there in the first place. But do people REALLY need to wait for parking spots at the gym? From the treadmill I can see the parking lot and you don't know how many accidents I see people almost getting into just from racing around to get to the other side's open spot. News flash: You're here to exercise. Walking 50 more feet won't really kill you.

Unless you're Plastic Suit Guy, who apparently does NOT realize he's here to exercise. My new speed to run on the treadmill is 6.0mph *takes a bow* but my comfortable speed to walk leisurely is at 3.8ish. I've seen PSG before, pre-plastic suit. He's wearing huge aviator sunglasses and brings a newspaper to the treadmill (every time), positions his two Voss water bottles in the holders, puts his newspaper over the side, and walks away. He must hold his place at the treadmill for the ensuing epic exercise time! After a few minutes (which I can only assume he has gone to the bathroom), he returns. I observe Plastic Suit Guy in his natural habitat while puffing away red-faced and dripping sweat on my own treadmill. I notice he's wearing racing gloves. Really? I watch as he puts the incline up a smidge and ups the pace to the breakneck speed of 1.8...and stays there for the duration.

Waitressing Part 1

2011-07-27T01:44:00.002-04:00

I love being a waitress. I really do. I may complain about things, but it’s not really a complaint, per se, more a telling of a story...that sometimes sounds negative. I may “ugh” and “noooo” when it comes time to schlep myself to my car, pick up my dry cleaning, hit every single red light on the road there, fight 15 people for one spot in the parking garage, and subject myself to stand in a non air-conditioned kitchen waiting for the manager to go over the daily meeting. But once the night gets into full swing: sweating profusely, defending myself against the pompous manager, neglecting my tables because I’m running other peoples’ food, holding my bladder against all odds, picking pieces of cornbread off of uneaten plates because I’m starving to death: what’s not to love? But really, I do enjoy it.

I enjoy customer service. There’s just something I get from making someone happy. And news flash: I’m delivering FOOD. Uh…who doesn’t love food? There’s really nothing better I could be giving people. Granted, they’re paying for it, but still. Food- the way to a person’s heart. As long as their steak is cooked correctly.

Another thing I like is the people I work with. Being in this type of business, you need a personality. But I can’t say everyone I work with has one, unfortunately (for them). Most are younger than me, and fun.

I’ve always been more akin to staying up late, and this job allows that, if you have the good shifts. Good shifts are working at night-obviously more people are going to be eating at night than at 9am when people are scarfing down McGriddles and sucking down coffee on the way to work. And at lunch people aren’t thinking about drinking alcoholic beverages and snacking on appetizers (which hike up tips) so I’m not interested in working mornings. After work, it’s fun to go out with co-workers and have a drink while commiserating about the night’s work. But when you come home, you’re still somewhat wired from the hustle and bustle of the night, so you can’t fall asleep right away. That part’s not so fun.

First picture belongs to http://starrdust411.deviantart.com/

Rhythm of Mars

2011-07-11T15:14:00.002-04:00

I never quite know how instrumental songs get their names. Does it conjure up a certain image in the creator’s mind prompting them to name it so? No matter the name or idea behind it, Rhythm of Mars does a stand up job on their instrumental compositions recently released. The duo from Arkansas has a goal of getting their music onto TV show and movie soundtracks, and I could certainly see that happening.

If the terms ‘ambient’ and ‘instrumental’ lead you to believe this music will lull you to sleep, think again. It demands to be listened to. Aaron Straub plays electric guitar with passion and conviction and it blends beautifully with Patti Unruh’s keys, percussion and string mastery. With combined influences of Santana and Keep Reading!

2011-06-28T13:09:00.001-04:00

So I've been able to keep my tips for 2 nights so far. The other time spent (2 weeks) was ALL training in which I made a fabulous 7 something an hour- how can people live on minimum wage these days? I couldn't do that, and I don't even have kids..- anyway, the first night I was working I accidentally brewed iced tea in the coffee pot (teehee) What an ultramaroon! I felt so silly, but luckily I was forgiven since it was "my first day." But even still, c'mon..I was a teeny bit embarrassed, and mind you, I don't often get embarrassed. Other than that, the two nights went pretty darn well if I do say so myself. The restaurant has been "REALLY slow" for this time of year. Just my luck. With July 4th next week, it'll be even more dead. Nice.

One of my BFFs is getting married in August in California and I'm trying to save up money to get there. This is where she's getting married

Does it get much more beautiful than that? I'm super excited to go on a lil adventure with Justin, see Cali, and visit a friend that I don't see nearly enough!

Now to catch up on some blog reading from the list at left :)

Listening to -

Here's a Tip

2011-06-11T19:23:00.000-04:00

So I'm not gonna write a paragraph telling why I haven't written on my bloggage in about 3 weeks - simply put, nothing really happened. I turned another year older...woohoo! I went to visit PA and had a great time with friends and family. (I never quite remember how much I miss them until I go back.) I got a job. Finally. It's waitressing at a more upscale restaurant than say, Applebee's, and it took me 3 interviews to get it. Imagine that. More interviews than it took for me to get a desk job at an insurance company. Nevertheless, I'm sure I'll have some interesting stories to tell once I start there. (Training starts Tuesday.) I can't wait to make some money!!

What was the worst service you ever had at a restaurant? I had some pretty bad stuff one time in NYC at a pizza eatery, of all places! We walked in as a group, saw the girl who was supposed to be our waitress sitting chatting with her co-worker. We waited about 10 minutes for her to come over, after she took our order we saw her maybe one more time. When it came time to leave, I was pretty proud of myself, in the space designated for Tip: on the receipt, I wrote "Be more attentive." I follow the 15 or 20% tip thing very loosely. If they earn it, they get it. That's the whole premise of the job!

Jared McCloud - Painful Words of Loving Grace

2011-06-11T19:10:00.000-04:00

If front man Wes Scantlin of Puddle of Mudd and Andrew McMahon of Something Corporate both had bad colds and merged their voices, it might produce the voice of Jared McCloud on Painful Words of Loving Grace. I’m not sure if the CD name is meant to be a play on words, but unfortunately it’s a little too accurate.

McCloud played in numerous bands, until 2009 when he decided that going solo would be the best choice for his musical career. Since then the Connecticut native has been improving his songwriting abilities, and transitioning his sound from hard rock to a lighter, more bare bones sound.

Keep Reading...

Ring around the Rosie

2011-05-20T23:20:00.002-04:00

So today I got stuck in a roundabout. Oh, I also had my interview for Communications Specialist -went well I think, will know by Friday- but back to the roundabout. I felt so absolutely ridiculous. Maybe it was the fact that I cut someone off just so I could do the laps around the roundabout that made it so silly. I've been in a couple of these here contraptions in my day, but always knew "get off at 2nd exit." This time, I was looking for a street name. NOT an easy task when you're driving in a circle trying to simultaneously get out of peoples' way and not hit them. Before I got into this thing, also known as the 10th Circle of Hell, I was not a happy camper. I was tired, sick, and just wanted to be home. What made the whole experience better for me was a glance back in my right blind spot, and there's a young lady getting beeped at; this poor thing looks like she's just been shouted at by someone's housekeeper. I could read her mind. It meekly said: I don't know what to do *and then a single tear drop fell on her cheek.* But she eventually found her way, and after a few more swings 'round the bout, I did too.

Braaaaaaains

2011-05-19T21:40:00.000-04:00

Do some peoples' laughs just really bring up your mood? Like the kind where your hamster just died, you had a bad day at work, sat in rush hour traffic for an hour, and just their laugh can bring up your spirits? For me, I LOVE this guy's laugh. Tony the DJ on Ellen. Just his laugh can make me laugh. What do you think?

In other news, I still don't have a job. Ha! Not really a laughing matter, I know. I had a bunch of leads last week and then not so much this week. I have an in person interview tomorrow, and I'm still battling a VERY bad cold (body aches, fever, sore throat, lethargy [more than normal], stuffed nose, you get the point) so I'll have to bring my AA+ game along to make up for that.

I hope you're prepared for the impending Zombie Apocalypse on Saturday!

Billy Joel - Last Play at Shea/Live at Shea Stadium- Good times :)

2011-05-19T21:13:00.000-04:00

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an evening, you should check out Billy Joel’s Live at Shea Stadium and companion DVD, Last Play at Shea. And at just over 3 and a half hours long, with a big flat screen and surround sound (or not), you’ll think you’re actually at the concert.

The guest appearances run the gamut from Steven Tyler and Garth Brooks, to arguably one of the best, Sir Paul McCartney. The CDs cover all the songs performed on the DVD save for the tracks with these guest artists and Joel’s playful banter with the audience. However, we do hear Joel advising a couple in the audience who just got engaged in the crowd to “get a prenup” in “She’s Always a Woman.”

Yeah yeah yeahhh Keepin' the Faith

Check out Swenlo, Generators of Evil Part I- It's pretty cool

2011-05-05T23:52:00.000-04:00

The creator of Generators of Evil Part 1, Vadim Sahakian, goes by a few names, including Midav, and his project name, Swenlo. He has been making music and playing classical piano and guitar for over a decade. He wanted to express himself in both simpler and more meaningful ways, though, and that was the start of his electronic music production. Swenlo created his own music label, Spirit Charity, which fosters likeminded artists with the outlet to create freely.

This psychedelic album begins with what sounds like it could be a newscast bringing with it a feeling of foreboding while talking about “the beginning,” the backdrop being a bevy of dark, ominous sounds. Then after some talk in an Asian language, at around the two minute mark, there is a slow guitar lead-in to a segment that emulates the muffled, echo-y quality of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.”

Continue Reading... And get the free download!

TV: What is it good for?

2011-05-01T21:24:00.000-04:00

I don’t watch much TV. I’ve come to realize this is because of two facts: 1.I have slight (undiagnosed) ADD 2. 97% of programs are not interesting enough to hold the attention that I do give to TV. Let’s examine these things a little closer

1. I had trouble keeping my attention on my laptop long enough to write this post. The thing is, I want to know what’s going on around me at all times. This might be a typical replay of a bit o’ my evening: Open Word to write my music review, check cellphone for new text message, check Facebook for latest and greatest useless update about Jane Doe’s child pooping on the potty for the first time, look at empty Word document, babytalk Pickles until he starts biting me, check and see if there’s anything good on TV (see below), open review template in Word, change the song on my Pandora, check cellphone to remember what the last text I sent was, reply to my Instant Message I just received, type the album name in my Word document, go to the bathroom, get a snack, check phone, check Facebook and Gmail, by the time I get to actually writing my music review, I’m too tired and I go to bed.

NOTE: While my ADD might look bad to all my future employers that I just know are following my blog, I’d like to point out my fine attention to detail, and blame my lack of focus on modern technology. If you hire me, I have absolutely no problem focusing on the task at hand. That being said, hire me. Please. I need a job.

2. TV is bad. Let me break it down further.

a. “Reality” TV needs to stop. I’ve seen enough. I’m not a fan of confrontation; I’m a lover, not a fighter. I don’t like fighting in real life, and don’t want to watch it on fake reality TV. I don’t care if you’re angry your roommate’s dog pooped on your pillow, I don’t want to see your trip to the plastic surgeon to get bigger boobs that you’re going to complain about on Facebook later when they hurt, and I really don’t care to watch the exact same scenario every week of a “new” episode i.e. getting plastered and starting fights with people at bars à la Jersey Shore.

b. Why do all these “stars” get a chance to make even more money through reality TV? It’s not fair. Give some other poor schmucks a chance to make some cash, why don’t ya. Dancing With the Stars. Why? I don’t give a hoot about watching the mother of 26 kids who’s fighting with her husband in front of the entire country stumbling around in her stupid fancy dress getting richer. I think I’m starting to sound bitter. Maybe it’s the fact that these people are getting paid to dance while I can’t even get a waitressing job. Anyway, speaking of money- Donald Trump. Washed up actors and singers are parading around carrying out these little jobs only to get fired by him on The Apprentice. Again, if I’m not getting hired, I don’t care.

c. TV shows with the same idea: Criminal Minds, NCIS, CSI, Law & Order [previous three include all 43 of their city spin-offs- Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Allentown, Silver Spring, Hong Kong….]The Closer, Bones, Hawaii Five-0, etc. Then there are the vampire shows. Those really suck (heh heh). The Vampire Diaries, Being Human, True Blood. How about some adult cartoons? You’ve got Aqua Teen Hunger Force, The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, American Dad, The Cleveland Show, Archer, South Park, etc… Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying all of these shows are bad, necessarily, it’s just…can’t someone come up with something new?

And guess what? What I’m gonna say next will shock the pants right off of you. I didn’t even watch the Royal wedding. I know, I missed the event of the century, what ever will I do?

Christen on Board

2011-04-27T13:18:00.002-04:00

Yes, I have another post about motorists- they may just be the thing that angers me most (and I'm really not an angry person, mind you).

Yesterday was beautiful so I went for a bike ride on a trail near my house. For once I went without my iPod and it was a nice change to hear nature instead of music in my ears. The trail crosses a couple of roads, one major, the other just petty little roads (who needs 'em). I come up to the road and this sign is VERY clearly posted for the drivers to see

Now what part of STATE LAW do you not understand? I stood and waited with my bike for 5 cars to pass before a nice, law-abiding driver stopped for me which I promptly waved to thank them for such a nice gesture. I get if someone's just coming up to the crosswalk and the driver's a too little close for them to slam on their brakes to stop for; But when someone's just standing there waiting to cross the road for a while, stop already! That's just rude. Especially for runners. Sometimes that momentum is tough to build back up.

Second of all. What's up with posting these in your car windows?

Maybe you have the cutest baby in the world (according to someone besides yourself) but am I supposed to care? Because I really don't. Is it a way of advertising you gave birth or is it a way of saying "Drive really slowly around me, because I have a precious life in my car that I need to protect." Well so do I, it's called my own, but you don't see me advertising that. According to society, the three biggest groups of people that need to be protected are women, babies, and older people, and girls have taken care of announcing that they're driving by displaying proud license plates and stickers that say "BITCH" and "Mom's Taxi." In the spirit of driving safely, I've created a sticker for the other group to display proudly in their car

And without further adieu, a song that I'm loving recently:

uh...BUM stands for Business Unit Manager

2011-04-25T23:42:00.001-04:00

So as some of you may know, I'm currently job searching, which turns out to be IMPOSSIBLE. I've come across other 20 somethings who are looking for work, most of them just getting out of college. Good luck!!

I've been here in Maryland since January searching for my career around DC. It's almost May and guess how many interviews I've had...you guessed it! 0. None. Zip. Zilch. I've even had to go through THREE interviews for a waitressing job. Yes, you heard me. 3. I'm still waiting on that third interview. I'm hoping that the managers are waiting until they have a large enough group to go through training and that's why I haven't had a call...

I would like to know what kind of sick joke the universe is playing on me. Saturday afternoon I get a voicemail from some lady about coming in for an interview. There are a few things wrong with this proposal:

1. What kinda 9-5 job calls on a Saturday afternoon before Easter to talk work?
2. She said she found me on CareerBuilder. If that's true, it may have been from like 5 years ago, because I'm not a big fan (sorry CB)
3. The company she's allegedly calling from is really hard to find online.

The only assumption I can make is that it's a mass attempt to fill positions at a sales job. I've been to these "interviews" before. I walked out.

Today I get a voicemail that goes something like this: HELLO! ----*static*---intake analyst(the title of my position at my job in PA)...-*static*-position's in Atlanta, Georgia -*static*- -* more static*- please call me!-*static*-

Then she gives my email address. After listening to it 4 times, I go online and see that I have an email. Turns out that it's from the same lady saying "Hi Jojovan, nice talking with you" and continues on about some job that this Jojovan is getting and that she needs a little more information.

Well thanks, what are the chances that I get not one, but TWO teases for a job in the matter of two days. As if not hearing from employers wasn't depressing enough.

I can only hope that first come the fake offers, then the real ones...

Sing these lyrics to "Wake Up Call" by Maroon 5

2011-04-23T14:58:00.001-04:00

I didn’t hear what u were saying
I was busy playing my game
I got a Wii for my birthday
A Playstation game again
so don't you dare bother me
bout to go on a shopping spree

If you cared for me, you would shop for me
You would spoil me make me royalty
And it’s not my fault, ’cause I most deserve
What’s coming now, so don’t flip the bird

Toys R Us - bikes and trains and planes and awesome video games
I don’t wanna grow up no more
Wanna grow up - it is no fun
6 foot bears cotton candy heads and puffy princess beds
I don’t wanna grow up no more
Wanna grow up- it is no fun

My lifelong dream is to meet Sir Geoffrey
His neck and spots are just plain sexy
And when he looks into the T.V.
It gives me tingles just to see
His toys are all around me

Feel the need to get more toys

If you cared for me, you would shop for me
You would spoil me make me royalty
And it’s not my fault, ’cause I most deserve
What’s coming now, so don’t flip the bird

Toys R Us - bikes and trains and planes and awesome video games
I don’t wanna grow up no more
Wanna grow up - it is no fun
6 foot bears cotton candy heads and puffy princess beds
I don’t wanna grow up no more
Wanna grow up- it is no funnnn, it is just no fun

I want more and more toys
Things to play around with
Oh what was I thinkin’
I think my room is sinkin’…

Wooahaaa

Original song Copyright M5/These Lyrics Copyright Christen/Geoffrey Copyright Toys'R'Us

I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell

2011-04-21T20:25:00.001-04:00

So this is the second day I'm stuck in bed. Yesterday, I'm feeling a little less than motivated to do some physical activity, but I chalked that up to the obvious. Around 1pm I start noticing a slight sore throat, and by 3pm I'm on the couch napping next to Mango. It was as if I'd been hit by a truck, literally. My body ached, my throat was even more sore, and I felt like I had a fever. I proceed to waste the night in bed. Fast forward to this morning, rinse (actually I'm not gonna lie, I didn't shower) and repeat. So it's the next night and this is still me...

2011-04-19T11:46:00.002-04:00

The smell of rain is in the air, and I'm pretty sure I just heard the slight rumblings of thunder. My 4.5 month pup Mango has never experienced a full-fledged thunderstorm with us yet, so I hope that she's not too frightened if that happens.

It's great weather to sit near the deck door listening to the rain, write my music review and apply for jobs. Though I am feeling sort of productive today. I cleaned up the kitchen and plan on making salad and jambalaya (one of my favorites!) in a little while.

(You can see how worried Pickles and Mango are about the storm)

Let's talk a little about personal hygiene shall we? I was at the gym the other day at the pool. Along the sides of the pool there are lounge chairs in which people lie around on. I thought it was kind of funny at first, as it's an indoor pool, but I guess it could be kind of relaxing. Anyway, there was a guy on a lounge chair shaving his face with a Bic razor. What? I could've sworn that wasn't allowed, but I thought, as long as he isn't near me, that's fine. So I go into the steam room and he was in there. I don't know if he apparated or what. In there he was shaving, and rinsing himself by pouring a bottle of water over his head, rubbing some kind of cream on his body, and picking whatever is on his feet and letting it fall to the floor. PLEASE save that for the comfort of your own home, or at least the Men's locker room. I don't want to go into the steam room and sit on some other person's body hair that has been shaved off. My dad says he shaves in the sauna. Maybe I could understand if it was a razor that caught the hair as it was falling off....

So the same day, I'm driving home and one of the worst things concerning courtesy on the road happens. I need to get over into the left lane so I can turn for home. Well, there's an opening so I take it. Not saying it's the largest space between me and the person behind, but certainly not accident-causing cutting off. Well the lady behind is VERY angry

and beeps her horn at me. I'm trying to be more calm on the road, so I ignore it and go on my way. Well, she follows me after my left turn. I turn right, she follows. My cul-de-sac is coming up so I put on my left turn signal. Angry driver puts on her left turn signal. Is she following me home to yell at me!? I actually got a little concerned she was. Well she pulls into the parking space across from my house. She's my neighbor. Great.

Plain White T's

2011-04-16T23:23:00.000-04:00

So I just installed this super cool widget I saw on someone else's blog that tracks where the people who view your blog are from! (Don't remind me that only 2 people read this regularly right now, one being me. That's irrelevant.)

Anyway, today I went on a cleaning frenzy. Spring time is here, the birds are chirping, the sun is shin-...actually today it looked more like this outside:

but I digress. I needed to organize! I spent hours going through my closet and dresser drawers. Do I really have 40 t-shirts? Why yes, yes I do. But the problem is I can't get rid of any of them. Some I got as gifts, or hold memories (I still have my 5th grade t-shirt with signatures on it), most serve as fabulous gym t-shirts, I have concert T's, ones from various cities I've been to...the only thing I can do is wait until they're worn out to toss 'em. I kinda want this one...

I usually go into these moods where I need to organize everything. I get Glamour magazine, and something that bothers me is when I flip through, I keep flipping to the same articles, and when it comes to throwing it out, I don't because "There might be an article I didn't read!!!" So I've come up with a solution. After I finish reading a page, I rip it out and recycle it. When I'm done, I'm really done with the magazine! I'm very proud of this :D

Doggone it

2011-04-15T20:39:00.003-04:00

Growing up, my family could never keep a dog. By that I mean we would adopt a dog from the shelter, dog would be expected to be trained already, dog wasn't, and left alone, our house would look like this when we returned:

dog would be returned to shelter or given away, usually after I'd had enough time to get attached.

In turn, I'd always wanted a dog. But I still couldn't seem to acquire one. I lived at school, I lived in an apartment that didn't allow dogs, blah blah. I tried to fill my void of doggage with smaller animals:

Thumper

Budgie

Muffin

Not to downplay my furry and feathery companions, but they just didn't have the same kind of interaction I craved. I'm allergic to cats. I'd never considered myself a "cat person," but desperate times called for desperate measures. Even though my current apartment didn't accept non-caged animals, I figured the landlord RARELY came around, and a coworker's barn cat had just had kittens. What could it hurt to look! Little did I know I'd end up with this blue-eyed cutie

Pickles

So when I moved in with my Dad and stepmother, Olga, getting a dog was on the agenda, moreso for them than me, but I wasn't objecting. After much deliberation, a Saint Bernard was decided upon as its Olga's favorite dog and she'd had one when she was younger. At first, when we got the pup, she took up 100% of all of our time. She was more trouble than enjoyment for a few weeks, and after weeks of cleaning up pee and getting no signs of love back, I secretly and kind of regretfully was admitting to myself, "Wow, a cat is much easier, don't have to clean up it's excrement (in the same way) and I still get to pet and play with a furry animal with more social ability than a rodent." Was this having a dog? Was I mislead as a child thinking that having a dog was actually enjoyable? Was I really going to grow up being a crotchety old lady with 60 cats on an episode of Animal Hoarders!?

It was discovered that the pup had a bladder infection, and not only was it harder for her to learn to go outside, she was also in pain and not really being able to put her efforts into love. A few weeks later, after some medication and more training, she is the most lovable puppy. I can now honestly understand how some people say dogs are better than people.

Mango

If this ain't good music, then how do we get out?

2011-04-14T00:28:00.003-04:00

Where the heck has good music gone? This conversation topic comes up a lot with me lately, but it's tough because at the same time I'm complaining, I'm still listening to the crap on the radio and singing along with it. I think I've talked about this before on here, but it was more geared towards music today versus 60's music. Now I just want to address music in general.

When I heard Adele "Rolling In The Deep" on the radio, I stopped in my tracks. Boy, does that girl have some pipes on her! Her music has soul, feeling, you can hear that she puts her heart into it. After her song ended, Kesha came on. Why is Kesha popular? Supposedly she broke into a popular artist's house and pursued what she wanted. But what exactly did she want? Three fourths of her singles have been about going to the club, getting trashed, sleeping in cars, and flirting with guys with beards. Catchy? Sure. Good? That is to be determined.

Black Eyed Peas. What's up with them? Their "futuristic" music is the same as everyone elses. More computerized, synchronized and technical than they have been in the past. Let's take a look at some lyrics from Avril Lavigne's "What the Hell?"

-All my life I've been good but now,
I'm thinking 'What the hell'
All I want is to mess around,
and I don't really care about
If you love me, If you hate me,
You can't save me-

Now look at "Savior" by Rise Against

-It kills me not to know this but I've all but just forgotten
What the color of her eyes were and her scars or how she got them
As the telling signs of age rain down, a single tear is dropping
Through the valleys of an aging face that this world has forgotten-

There are actual thoughts and feelings in those words, something people can relate to. People can relate to Avril's I guess, but it's just so juvenile. So why is the rift between great and poorly made music becoming bigger? I think the availability of music has a lot to do with it. Artists feel the need to produce quantity, not quality these days. You hear a song on the radio for the first time, you can go home, download it illegally and put it onto your iPod in the next 5 minutes. You listen to the song, tire of it, onto the next. We are the "now" generation and it's ruining our attention spans.

So next time you're singing along to Chris Brown's post-Rihanna beating, pro-party theme with the extremely creative title "Yeah 3x," just ask yourself, could I have waited 5 more minutes for a better song to be recorded?
The video is bizarre...don't pay attention to that (how can you not?)

Bryce

2011-04-11T14:53:00.002-04:00

Exercise: In 300 words or less, write a scene in which one or more characters demonstrate traits like "nice" or "loving" or "wicked" or "pitiful" or any other characteristic through their actions. Make us know the characters through what they say or do, rather than through vague descriptive words.

“I’m just worried about getting too attached.” Gravel jumped out of the way as Bryce skidded into the parking spot outside the bar. Cait opened her door to a muddy puddle. She jumped over it and splashed dirty water on her jeans in the process. She caught up with Bryce who was walking ahead of her into the restaurant. His shoes were dry.
I just need to figure out if this is the right thing for me, without other people affecting my decision.” Cait stared at the glass of water the hostess had brought over, flipping her ice cubes over with the end of her straw. “But…”
“But nothing. I just need to put some space in between us until I figure this out.”
“Will things go back to normal then?”
“It’s possible.”
Cait thought back to when she first met Bryce. They had talked for hours each night. She’d never met anyone she got along with so well. Her heart felt full and she was happy just to be near him. But now everything had changed. His voice pulled her from her thoughts.
“Cait, it’ll be better for both of us in the long run.”
“How do you know what’s best for me?”
“I’m just sure it will be. Don’t worry. Let’s order an appetizer. Do you like chicken or beef on nachos?”
“Beef.”
Bryce grimaced.
The lanky waiter came to their table. “We’ll start out with nachos,” Bryce ordered.
“Chicken or beef on top?”
Bryce spoke without hesitation. “Definitely chicken.”

My review of the BandCrashers.com/Apocalypse Radio concert

2011-04-11T00:18:00.000-04:00

BandCrashers.com is using breakthrough technology to bring concerts into your home for at the very least, the price of a pack of gum. In the latest case, it was to see punk rock Apocalypse Radio, a band from Utah comprised of some truly fabulous musicians.

More than a decade ago, friends Brian Patchett and Branden Steineckert started recording their songs on an 8-track, developing their love of punk, rock & roll and having a good time.Today their efforts have culminated into an awesome band with entertaining shows. Joining the guys on stage last night was Atom Willard from Angels & Airwaves on drums and Drew Hamnett of The Trademark on bass. Patchett shows his skill on vocals, guitar, and mandolin. Steineckert is currently the drummer for Rancid and former drummer for The Used, but is on vocals and guitar for AR.

(Continue)

Keith Driskill - A Time of Innocence (Pick of the Week)

2011-04-11T00:16:00.000-04:00

Now a family man with four kids, Keith Driskill has been playing guitar since he was just ten years old and his album A Time of Innocence shows it; he knows his stuff. Born and raised in Kentucky, he later lived in Louisiana and Seattle before ultimately rooting himself in Utah.

The combination of Driskill’s acoustic finger style technique and the absence of vocals assists the listener in reaching a certain serene and introspective state. The ethereal quality allows room for contemplation, and as Driskill intended, the music is there “to deepen us and awaken us to a consciousness above the mundane routines of life.”

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Fallon Crush - MuzikReviews.com Pick of the Week

2011-04-11T00:06:00.000-04:00

Fallon Cush’s self-titled album is a seamlessly polished sound that anyone with the ability to hear will likely dub as a great record. Recorded in Sydney, Australia and mastered at the infamous Abbey Road Studios, the group’s efforts culminated into the album within just seven days. With Steve Smith at the forefront, well-known Australian musicians keyboardist Scott Aplin, guitarist Matt Galvin, bassist Bill Gibson, and drummers Josh Schuberth and Bert Thomson come together to make Fallon Cush.

Plain and simple, this album is one to be in the collection of......

Step one, two

2011-03-31T15:13:00.003-04:00

Let me tell you about my exciting experience with Step class. I'm a member of Bally's gym, and they offer numerous classes including riveting Pilates, the sleep-inducing yoga, and the mind-numbing spin class. I like a little adventure and I'm a bit of spunky person myself, so a class with loud pumping music and jumping around is more my style.

I see "Advanced Step" on the class schedule. "Oh, I'll give it a go. How hard can it be?" After parking the mile away from the gym as is inevitable at the after-workday hour of 6pm, I made it to the room and set up my step. The instructor comes in: "Anyone new here?" I raise my hand like a good little student, and she gives a little snicker. "If you haven't taken a step class before I highly suggest you don't start with this class." I think, I'm in pretty good shape, and I'm a fast learner, lets do this. The music starts pumping, we start stretching. Well 5 minutes in, above the pounding music, I hear the instructor instructing through her head mic "grapevine...left...vstep..*mumble*..right- LETS GO!...*unintelligible words*..up, left, kick, turn." At this point, trying to keep up, I have about as much grace as a donkey on roller skates. I put my tail between my legs, pick up my step, put it in the back room, and leave.

Attempt 2. A week later I decide to try again. Let's try Beginner Step! Different instructor, different people. I can do this, piece of cake, I'll learn the steps and come back and show that evil Advanced Step instructor!

After the same procedures with parking, and getting situated in the class, the lady asks if there are new people. Again, I'm the only one. What the heck? Were all these people doing Step class coming out of the womb? We begin. So far, so good. And then, outta nowhere, it turns into Advanced Step reincarnate. What's going on!? It's not only me that doesn't know what's going on. I look around, and about 7 other people are also flailing around like Tinkerbell after she's flown into a closed window. A few times I attempted to do the -hey, lady over there, look at me, let's silently commiserate and chuckle together because neither of us know what the hell's going on- thing, but no one reciprocated and seemed to be fine with looking like an idiot all on their own.

Half way through, I decided enough is enough. If I want to stand around, getting no help and no exercise, I can do that in the comfort of my own home, not in some cheesy-smelling, humiliation room that is known as Bally's. I returned my step, and left.

Michael Stanley - Just Another Night

2011-03-31T14:47:00.000-04:00

With over 4 decades of making music under his belt, it’s hard to fathom Michael Stanley stopping any time soon, and all signs indicate he won’t. Just Another Night, his 25th studio album, gives his listeners more of the rock and blues sound that they adore.

Stanley, from Cleveland, Ohio, started his musical career in 1965 in a band and moved on to release a solo album in 1973. He led The Michael Stanley Band from the mid 70’s to the mid 80’s which shattered records of local venues by sheer audience attendance. Unfortunately their label dropped them, and due to financial and other reasons, the band regretfully had to break up.

Rock on...

Pyewacket - 1967

2011-03-31T14:46:00.000-04:00

The term “Pyewacket” comes from the book Bell Book and Candle referring to the spirit of a witch. The group, which formed in 1967 in California, thought the name was hauntingly fitting and stood out more than a name with a “The” preceding it. Their multitude of songs were recorded in the span of 2 short years, but like many bands in the 60’s, the lack of soaring popularity and life got in the way, and the band crumbled.

However, one band member was not satisfied with their songs falling into song limbo and wanted to resurrect them. Last year, that member, John McKindle, took on an amazing feat. McKindle played all of the instruments, created and sang all of the harmonies, and wrote and produced all but one song on 1967.

Read on

Kat McGivern - My Kamikaze Heart

2011-03-31T14:44:00.000-04:00

Take the bubbly pop aspect of an early Britney Spears, the ‘lovey dovey’ messages of Mandy Moore, and the warbling of a young Avril Lavigne, put them in a blender and pour yourself a Kat McGivern smoothie. McGivern, growing up in a musical family from Massachusetts, started her own musical journey at just 13. She went from teaching herself Gaelic ballads to becoming a classically trained vocalist. During college and thereafter, her style shifted to a more rock and pop influenced genre.

My Kamikaze Heart, though a pop album, contains no truly danceable tracks. Swaying, maybe, and bobbing to the beat, sure. All seven tracks deal with love, broken hearts, and staying strong through loss. The messages aren’t anything the world hasn’t heard before, but those may not exist.

Keep Poppin'

De Lion - Ego Maniacs

2011-03-31T14:39:00.000-04:00

Trash, Birds, Rats, Idea is how De Lion identifies themselves, and consequently is also the opening track on their album Ego Maniacs. The idea of the group is to recreate a New York-style rock that was popular in the 70’s and 90’s when progressive, punk, metal and rock & roll genres were big.

De Lion obviously thinks they are a big deal. They state “…the name De Lion can feel like a bit too much. To name your debut album, ‘Ego Maniacs,’ again, might be too much…so we can be described as too much.” Vocalist Ariel de Lion’s voice is either pretty monotone or wailing in a wavering whine. Either way, the lyrics are unintelligible for the majority of the time.

Continue Reading

My Project Autumn review made the Pick of the Week!

2011-03-09T19:01:00.000-05:00

On IBerkshires

Kirby Howarth - My Life

2011-03-09T16:09:00.002-05:00

When you hear the term ‘acoustic’ you hope the artist has a good enough voice to keep up with the usually sparse musical elements. Don’t worry, because Kirby Howarth certainly does. The singer/songwriter from York, England has been writing songs since his teen years when he was in love and he “just had to sing about it.”

His EP, My Life, reflects bits and pieces that he finds worthy enough to sing about. The title track doesn’t follow the usual pattern with a verse, chorus, or bridge; it just has a steady flow of story-telling progression. The listener hears about light-hearted matters - Howarth going out for a pint - to more serious ones - deterring his friend from shooting someone.

Read more here!

Thieving Birds - Architect Of

2011-03-09T16:08:00.001-05:00

Hailing from London, Canada, Thieving Birds bring us their debut album, Architect Of. The band describes themselves as “pop music with an Indie sensibility,” but personally I’d describe this CD as more of an alternative album, with flavors of pop thrown in.

At first I thought the sound quality was poor on the lead of “Back Into The Fire,” but it’s just an old-time sounding teaser before the song launches into an upbeat, high energy track. ”Loaded Heart,” is a lyrically relatable and pitch perfect number.

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Marc Béziat - Gloria, The Star of Peace

2011-03-09T16:06:00.002-05:00

Marc Béziat of France was working in IT, when he realized he wanted to be able to express himself through a creative outlet: music. At age 28, he taught himself for a year, then went to school to learn musical composition for 2 years. His creative expression was then put into play in the release of two CDs.

The two singles Gloria and The Star of Peace are the product of a digital audio workshop through which Béziat creates a choir-like, elevating mood. Both tracks are pretty smooth and relaxing, and include the sounds of organ, both string and wind instruments and minimal vocals.

It Goes Ahhhh'n...

Project Autumn

2011-03-09T16:05:00.002-05:00

Project Autumn’s first, self-titled studio album should rewrite the saying to “Jack of all trades, master of all.” For listeners who appreciate a wide array of genres, Project Autumn dabbles in quite a few. From rock, to jazz, to folk, and back again, this CD is sure to have something you’re looking for, if not everything.

Erin Bruno is a classically trained vocalist who has been singing for over a decade and auditioned for American Idol last August. Joseph Schwab is a heavy metal rock guitarist who has been playing for the past 15 years. The duo met in New York while playing with another band where they decided to produce some tracks together. Those are the songs which ultimately became their first album. Project Autumn also features musical talents by jazz and rock musicians of the New York Metro scene, including jazz trumpet phenomenon James Gibbs III.

Rock on...

Epigene - A Wall Street Odyssey

2011-03-09T16:04:00.000-05:00

Husband and wife duo Sean Bigler and Bonnie Lykes comprise Epigene, a musical group that has been together for more than a decade, beginning in Seattle and now making music from upstate New York.

Their third album, A Wall Street Odyssey, is a 25-track rock opera that took three years to create. It follows the life of Yossarian, an investment banker following in the footsteps of his father, who turns to drugs as his life starts to spiral out of control. Yes, the character and his name are, indeed, inspired by Joseph Heller’s Catch-22. With big city life pressures upon him, his brother calls him to live in the country where he can live off of the land. After Yossarian learns to become one with the earth, he decides to advocate the lifestyle in his former home, and warn the city dwellers of how money and government corruption will lead to society’s downfall.

Continue On..

The Procession - Sometimes

2011-03-09T16:02:00.002-05:00

Sometimes is the first release from the UK-based band, The Procession. The group has been performing at local shows for years, and now they are ready to gain more notoriety.

Album opener and title track, “Sometimes,” has an intro that starts slowly and builds up to screaming guitar riffs. It is a very cool sound. The whole song is enjoyable, with faster guitar work and steady percussion beats. The outro is a bit siren-like.

“Johnny Got a Raw Deal” sounds like it could come have come out of the 80’s punk wave. Read More

Ugly Lion - Roots Of Revolution

2011-02-18T09:45:00.001-05:00

“Hear the lions roar!” singer Brandon Chustz quite literally roars on “Burn One,” the second song of Ugly Lion’s sophomore album, Roots of Revolution. The band from Texas formed in 2009 and is here to share their self-proclaimed “music with a conscience”; a message of free thought, unity of humanity, and peace.

Currently working on their third EP, Ugly Lion is also touring through the South and Midwest responding to demands of their ever-growing fan base. Through self-promotion, the group certainly has an effective marketing strategy, calling their followers their “pride” and “lions”, and naming their website “The Lion’s Den.” The names denote a certain camaraderie, which would appear to be exactly what the band is looking to do.

Keep On Roarin'..

Sideways Reign - A Stand For All Stages

2011-02-12T17:37:00.000-05:00

At first listen Sideways Reign’s sophomore album, A Stand For All Stages, as a whole, risks blending into the background. But at a closer listen, there are some elements that certainly grab the listeners’ attention and keep them wanting more.

Opening track “Oxygen” begins with a calm and rhythmic beat. Just before the 2 minute mark, the energy goes up and changes just before you get a chance to grow tired of the mesmerizing tempo. Later on the music drops back down to a calm pace. The album plays around with timing in a few of the songs, usually when you least expect it. The pace will switch up, keeping you on your toes.

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Waaaah Waaaah

2009-11-20T21:56:00.003-05:00

Okay. I'm back. I decided to scroll through some other blogs to get an idea of what people post. I usually end up thinking about it too much and then don't end up posting figuring no one wants to read about my frusteration with stupid drivers anyway, but if that's the case then I'm out of luck (or you are) because guess what- I don't have children! Nope. None. I scrolled through, and I kid you not(no pun intended), *26* blogs and was greeted by the smiling faces of 2 year old twins Brian and Brianna, little Jaden dressed as a banana for Halloween, Katie taking her first steps, Samantha smacking the dog in the head with her plastic phone, and on and on...I finally came across a blog that said "Ahh Fall is here" and thought, great! I found a blog that is baby-free! But then the page finished loading and a homely picture of a family surrounded by trees and falling leaves popped up. I even checked my settings to make sure I wasn't on the families only version of Blogger. So without further adieu, I give you one my family members. Just to be one of the cool crowd, you know.

Benji

2009-11-20T21:14:00.000-05:00

Boxes lined the hallway. The setting sun shone on the cobwebs in the corners that had managed to hide from the broom. Silence settled in as the dog scurried away to the empty kitchen.

Amy brushed her hands on her jeans as she stood up from packing the last of her books into an egg crate. She looked around, proud of her accomplishment. Her dad would be here any minute with the rental truck. She was on her way to find the dog in the vacant house when something stopped her. The beige shag rug stood rolled up in the dining room next to the oak chest. Amy walked over to it and scraped the rough underside with her palm. It sent shivers down her body. She let the strands of fiber slip between her fingers, and grabbed a fistful. She closed her eyes and swore she could hear his voice.

“Amy, baby! Come look at this one!”

“Brandon, really? It’s so old-fashioned looking.”

“It’s exquisite. Let’s get it!”

“How about we walk around and get our other stuff before making such an expensive decision?”

Amy knew they would be leaving the store with the gigantic carpet at that moment. How could she shut down her fiancé’s request when such a simple thing like a rug prompted that wide toothy grin she so loved?

As soon as they got it home, Brandon unrolled the fluffy mass and sprawled out on it.

“Now this- this is perfection,” he let out a relaxed sigh and pretended to snore.

Amy giggled and jumped on him. They playfully wrestled, cuddled, and ended up falling asleep for the night there on the floor.

From then on, when they were home, they did most everything on the shag rug. Ate, played games, read, napped. Baby Jane took her first steps there. The beige rug became a part of the family, affectionately known as “Benji.”

When Brandon went off to Iraq, Amy had cut off an end piece of Benji and thrown it in with his clothes, a surprise to be found when he unpacked. His next letter expressed his extreme love and gratitude. There was nothing that could symbolize “home” more accurately than Benji.

The sound of the moving truck horn startled Amy back to her empty apartment, still holding onto the carpet. She wiped her tear-stained cheeks and went out to meet her dad.

4 words: nickel, football, boxers, combat

2009-11-18T21:45:00.000-05:00

“Well lookie here, Rhonda Sue, a shiny ol’ nickel just a’ waitin for me!” Billy said with glee as he shifted his weight to pick it up and almost toppled over.

“Oh, we sure is rich now. Maybe yeh can buy yerself some new suspenders. I sure is sick of seein’ your full moon, boy.”

Billy mumbled under his breath to his wife about needing new boxers, as a matter of fact, and set off to find a suitable pair.

“These here sure are nifty!” Billy moved his toothpick to the other side of his mouth. Rhonda Sue eyes the Bart Simpson underwear.

“I do not think so. I ain’t payin’ 5.99 for that crap! Rollin back prices my –“

“Rhondaaaa!”

Billy had wandered into the electronic department.

“How’s about we get this game? Sure does look neat!”

“We ain’t getting no combat games! You want little Jimmy Dean and Bobbi Sue to grow up violent? What’s wrong with you boy?” Rhonda Sue murmed something about fighting games and growing children as she pushed the cart towards the blenders.

“Let’s go. You think we got all day to mosey around? I hafta drop the kids off at Mawmaws so I can go to Smithie’s party. Come on!”

Billy put the game back on the shelf and shuffled behind his wife. Into the pickup. Rhonda Sue puffed on her cigarette and smoothed back her wiry hair as she drove. “Now get out and send the kids. Hurry up- I’m waiting, boy!”

Billy slammed the door to the truck. The kids ran out the door past him without so much as a word.

He soaked up the silence in the house. Letting out a breath, he popped open a can of beer. The sun began to sink as he settled into his burnt orange recliner to watch football.

Silence

2009-11-18T21:29:00.001-05:00

The beach ball skimmed along the top of the clear, warm water.
“Get that!” the chubby, red-headed boy shrieked, as he flailed his arms and splashed the water into Sandra’s face, racing for the weightless ball bobbing in the water. Sandra swirled around, her wet hair slapping her cheek, her toes lifting up from the bottom of the pool. She flopped herself back, floating into the safety of the shallow end. The summer air was still and stifling and the earsplitting screams of the children echoed in her young ears as she squinted to see where they were coming from.
Her baby sister was having a screaming contest with the neighborhood children while their mothers blabbered to each other. Sandra, a soft-spoken, mellow child felt the madness envelop her. Her muscles tensed up and she longed to be alone. Another toy flew past her face hitting the cement on the side of the pool with a loud thud.
Sandra drifted over into the deep end, squeezed her eyes shut and used her arms to force her lithe body under the water. She opened her eyes and let her arms and legs whirl to keep herself down. She succumbed to relaxation. Her heart beat thudded in her ears. Bodies moved in slow motion and sunlight danced in the water. Her thick, dark hair billowed out around her; she tried to touch it, but it was so soft it slipped through her fingers. Time stood still. The need for air was increasing. Her heart rate sped up. The joy in solitude was fast being replaced by her need to breathe. She was reluctant, and slid back up to the chaos.

All City Affairs Identity Theft

2009-06-12T18:13:00.000-04:00

If you’re familiar with All City Affair’s sound, their third release, Identity Theft, will come as no surprise. If you’ve never heard it before, it’s a little tough to describe the one-man band’s sound. Baby Teeth drummer Peter Andreadis made this album in his home studio. It’s sort of a mix of this and a mix of that, with heavy synthesizer influenced beats.

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New York Dolls 'Cause I Sez So

2009-06-12T18:11:00.001-04:00

The New York Dolls played their first show together in 1971 at a homeless shelter. Here they are, 38 years later, with only their fourth album, ‘Cause I Sez So, but it’s definitely a keeper.

The band really brought about the glam rock scene into New York City and paved the way for bands like Blondie, The Ramones, and Talking Heads. In their earlier years, it was all about the red leather outfits, lipstick, and big hair. Even though the girl group look has been pushed to the wayside, the band still has that “it” factor.

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Long Distance Calling Avoid the Light

2009-06-12T18:09:00.000-04:00

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I really loved this rock song…until they started singing,” then Germany-based Long Distance Calling’s sophomore album Avoid The Light is for you. There really are no words to speak of, just a continuation of guitar, drums, bass and a little something different-ambience.

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simakDialog Demi Masa

2009-06-12T18:07:00.000-04:00

simakDialog has been making music together since 1993. Formed in Indonesia, this group plays an eclectic mix of music and their fifth release, Demi Masa really puts their eccentricities on display.

Riza Arshad, who composes and produces mostly all of the music on the CD, leads the group on the Fender Rhodes electric piano which, with its distinctive sound, really stands out from the rest of the instruments. The band has an interesting mix of them including an electric and acoustic guitar, tambourine, grand piano, various Sundanese kendang percussion, clapping and soundscapes. There are even “toys” listed as an instrument on the CD jacket.

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Irene and Her Latin Jazz Band

2009-06-12T18:06:00.000-04:00

Irene Nachreiner, who comes from a Russian father and an Irish mother, loves Latin music. She finds it romantic and seductive. She grew up in Eastern Los Angeles listening to it along with classical tunes. Her and her band’s sophomore album and latest addition to the Latin Jazz genre is titled A Song Of You.

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Your total is $19.62

2009-05-09T16:01:00.002-04:00

I grew up with a father that loved the Beatles, and a mother that liked them a lot as well. Yea I heard a few songs, mostly the popular Eight Days a Week, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, and such (or maybe those stick out in my memory most). Not too long ago I became quite enamored with them myself after I acquired their whole music collection. It’s fantastic! Though I may have heard them, I didn’t realize I did…songs like Fool On the Hill, Old Brown Shoe, Honey Pie, etc.
Sometimes I feel as though I’m going into a time warp when I listen to these songs. The 60s. Yes, I was long from being born. Not even a thought in someone’s mind. Not even a wee little egg. Whether in reality the 1960s were like this or not, I imagine it was a much better time than today. I imagine it was a time when kids could play outside and they wouldn’t get kidnapped, where kids could explore abandoned houses without their parents being sued, where there was not so much political correctness and people could go a day without “offending” someone and again, getting sued. When people weren’t so consumed with materialistic things and weren’t afraid of terrorists. It makes me think of a time when people didn’t have to have bleached teeth, perfectly manicured nails, tanned bodies, and women didn’t need a 10 inch waist. Botox was not the answer, LSD was. And c’mon, who’s to say one is better for you than the other? Everyone knows the Beatles did a bit of experiencing with the drug variety, but y’know, not all of their songs made it so obvious.
Which brings me to the purpose of this whole blog. Music. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular songs on the radio right now. Right Round by Flo Rida – A take off of the 80s hit by Dead or Alive. But of course it’s 2009, so the lyrics are sexualized: “You spin my head right round when you go down, when you go down” being the main line in the song. How intellectual. And then there’s Kiss Me Thru the Phone by Soulja Boy. Read the title of the song. Enough said. Here’s a good one- If You Seek Amy by good old Britney Spears. Of course, that title is supposed to be If You Seek Amy, censored for TV and radio, though it made news headlines the day it was released so everyone knows what she’s really saying. Spell it out and you have a lovely title for 10 year olds to go around singing. Of course I’m going to dance to Blame It (On the Alcohol) when I go out dancing (if not only because that’s the only thing played), but if I had a choice to listen to one radio station for the rest of my life, it would be a classic rock station. Sometimes I get sad when I listen to The Beatles for the simple fact that I know there will never be a band that can make such simple, lovely, heartfelt, and yet complex, creative, and clever tunes like them. But I know when I get sick of hearing I Do Not Hook Up and Boom Boom Pow, I’ll always have Good Day Sunshine to cheer me up.

Benny Golsen New Time New 'Tet

2009-04-26T22:15:00.001-04:00

Benny Golson’s newest release, New Time, New ‘Tet, is sure to get your toes tapping within minutes of hearing it. This jazz CD is very versatile and includes everything from jumpier beats such as “Gypsy Jingle-Jangle”, to romantic, slower numbers like “From Dream to Dream.”

Read more here

This one made it to Fox News too :) http://www.foxnews.com/blogentertainment/?bbPostId=B9olHn66pfooCz3fcTOrBFCOBB7ZGrRCdV95TCzBPxlx3fmNl6

Cali!!!

2009-04-06T22:02:00.002-04:00

So I'm going to California the day after tomorrow to visit one of my best friends! I'm so excited ~It was kind of a spur of the moment trip- I said "Hmm..I want to go to California" and I booked the flight the next day! It's my first time traveling on a plane alone, so wish me luck- Ciao ;o)

Ronnie Milsap Then Sings My Soul

2009-04-06T21:50:00.001-04:00

Ronnie Milsap has been making music since the 1960s. His musical repertoire includes such genres as rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, pop, and soul, playing with the likes of Ray Charles and Elvis Presley; but his main focus later on in life has been country. A musical virtuoso at a very young age, the blind singer/songwriter/pianist also mastered guitar, and violin along with other woodwinds and string instruments.

Keep on readin

http://www.foxnews.com/blogentertainment/?bbPostId=B9olHn66pfooCz3fcTOrBFCOBCzBkrs2mjbCdUB5dvTFBX1Ge9

The honey WAS snatched from the bee- Quite obviously

2009-03-25T21:21:00.005-04:00

So I got my first taste of being critized for critizing music in a review. The CD was so morose it made me want to jump off a building. Is music supposed to make you feel that way? No. Okay, I'm exaggerating just a tad here, I would never jump off a building because of a song. But c'mon.
The caviler had a lot of moot points, but the most entertaining was in regards to my discussion of the song titled "Joy" in which the singer makes you want to slit your wrists. The response to my review says, "LaFond fails to see that the song is indeed about joy. Not the possession of joy, but the loss one feels seeing it slip away. The honey was snatched from the bee. That's the point."

How senseless of me.

Read the review here!

Told ya

2009-03-12T21:34:00.002-04:00

So Kyle informed me that it was about 3 weeks since my last post....

Since the last time I wrote, I've though "Hey! That'd make a great blog!" at least 5 times, but just couldn't get myself to log in and write the thing. Isn't amazing? I go to work, go to the gym, shower, clean, and then when it comes to writing a 5 minute blog, I just can't seem to motivate myself to do it.

It's 9:38 pm and I'm exhausted. I'll write a blog entry later....

Timothy Cooper East Wind

2009-03-12T21:32:00.000-04:00

“I want to help our global society become more peaceful and harmonious, and one way to do that is to release gentle and positive music into the world,” Timothy Cooper explains. His album, East Winds is inspired by the Far East and how the winds are blowing new sensibilities, trade, and global power around the world. On this release, he wanted to emulate the songs of Asian winds, swishing through bamboo forests, across green seas, and around the Great Wall.

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Pieces of a Dream Soul Intent

2009-03-12T21:31:00.000-04:00

Originally not knowing anything about Pieces of a Dream, I picked up Soul Intent and by looking at the cover and songs, guessed it would be an R&B album. I was wrong. While there are R&B elements present, the CD is soothing jazz. The group is no newcomer to the jazz scene. Pieces of a Dream have been together since 1976, writing and performing music.

Keep on keepin' on....

Buddy Ivory Rough Cut

2009-03-12T21:30:00.000-04:00

Buddy Ivory boasts a variety of musical influences and genres mixed to create their unique sound. From rock to country, blues and R&B, Rough Cut has it all. The guitar licks are sharp and the drums do what the band set out to make them do – keep the beat lively and have the listener at least tapping their feet. Dancing would be much more satisfactory for Buddy Ivory, as they try and produce music that “will make you want to get up and dance.” They want you to “get your groove on.”

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Oogley Googley

2009-02-23T20:23:00.003-05:00

Have you ever Googled yourself? Since my name isn't Mary Smith, thankfully (no offense, Mary) when I look up my name something pertaining to me actually pops up. I can see articles I wrote for my college newspaper, my music reviews, my Facebook, an unfinished Linkedin profile, and probably everyone I'm friends with on Facebook eventually shows up. Not to mention some dude named Christian LaLonde. I search for my name...Google asks me "Did you mean Christian LaLonde?" "No." Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Google: "Did you mean Christian LaLonde?" Still no. But the user friendly search engine still gives me results for good old Christian before mine.

Having the name Christen spelled with a "Ch" proves to be VERY confusing for some people. I have to be called Christine, or Christina, Chrissy, Christian...there can't possibly be a differen't way to spell Kristen, can there?! Sometimes I get frusterated with my spelling. But then I remember how lucky I am because I can Google myself a lot more easily than Kristen LaFond can. Nah nah :oP

Cappuccino or Bust?

2009-02-17T20:08:00.003-05:00

I really think that drinking coffee is as much a social activity as it is drinking it for energy. When I got my first office job, I felt pretty sophisticated. I was no longer waitressing or cashiering. I was a real working woman! Since then, I've noticed that my coffee intake has significantly gone up. I don't want to be the only one at the office not sipping my cup of joe while having our morning chat! Though I only really drink iced coffee, I have been throwing a few warmish coffees in every now and then. And I'm not even actually sure caffeine does anything for me - I'm acquring a taste for coffee, something I'd of been ashamed of not too long ago. Coffee breath rivaled onion breath in my book.

My mom pointed something out - adding coffee to my daily intake is something that I don't need. I take my iced coffee light and sweet, so there is a lot of extra calories I do not need! (Especially on the days that I *gasp* have two cups) I'd better start having my coffee darker, because you know I can't stop now and have everyone think I'm uncool!

Young Memphis Bout That Time

2009-02-17T20:06:00.001-05:00

From looking at the cover of Bout That Time, the kid has the right idea when it comes to proving his status with bling – he’s got huge gold rings, grills showing, even a backwards baseball cap that proclaims he’s “Iced Out.” But someone has got to tell Young Memphis that Flava Flav called – and he wants his big clock necklace back.
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Say What?

2009-02-03T21:21:00.003-05:00

Can I just say that Vietnamese people must have exquisite hearing. Now, I must admit.. I must be pretty uncultured because unfortunately, I don't have any Vietnamese friends, so I can't ask them directly. But how is it, at the nail salon, that the person looking down at your nails filing them can talk so quietly, and still be heard by their co-worker across the room? I can barely hear them! I swear they're wearing headsets...they must be. When they ask me a question about the length of my nail, sitting less than 2 feet away from me, I have to ask them to repeat their question. And I know they asked me in a louder voice than when they're chatting with each other. How is it possible?! I wish I could hear that well!

AG Silver Love Keeps No Score

2009-02-03T21:05:00.001-05:00

AG Silver’s style on the EP Love Keeps No Score isn’t something we have never heard before, but it is so polished and finely cultivated that it grabs you and makes you listen. Singer Jon Ornee’s poignant vocals and soothing voice mesh with the music so well, sometimes you think they are one. The guitars, piano, drums, and bass run together like a well-oiled machine. Nothing is out of place.

Read Mooooooore.....

Duffy - Rockferry

2009-01-30T22:28:00.000-05:00

When Welsh singer Aimee Duffy was 11, she was thrown out of her school choir for having a voice that didn’t fit in with the rest of the group. She certainly has a unique voice, that’s for sure. Her debut album, Rockferry, includes a variety of genres such as pop, Motown, soul, blues, lounge, and even some rock. All in all, it’s like a 1960s album produced in 2008.

Read it Alllllll

Smashing success? I think not.

2009-01-25T21:10:00.004-05:00

This is a video of Pete Townshend smashing his guitar. I can't stand when artists do this. Carlos Santana has never tried it and says, "I'll sacrifice other things, but not my guitar." That statement is dead on. Why would you want to ruin something that has been with you through so much! Rehearsals, concerts, recordings... My guitar is special to me (it was the last blue sparkle one left in the country, yknow!) I get upset if I bump it into the wall. I'm sure it adds to the fact that I don't have millions of dollars to buy endless amounts of guitars, but still. Especially for famous guitarists...this magnificient instrument got you to where you are today! If it weren't for the guitar where would you be? (Probably playing something else like the ukelele but that's a different story....)And the thanks you give it is to smash it on the floor into smithereens just for 30 seconds of an adrenaline rush?
I was at a Maroon 5 concert last summer. It was fabulous of course. Adam Levine was looking good, paying homage to the acoustic guitar by sporting a tattoo of one on his forearm. Well, I guess he doesn't like the electric kind too much because at the end of the set he starts smashing one! I was outraged! What the HECK!? That immediately made me like him less (crazy, I know).
After he was finished making himself look like an idiot and the poor guitar was more dead than roadkill, he went on to hand what was left of the guitar to an elated fan in the front row. I have to admit, I did feel a twinge of jealousy that I was only 5 rows behind her and didn't get it myself...but would I really want a destructed, pathetic pile of wood, plastic, and steel? How sad.

Hitler is sooo much better than Hussein

2009-01-21T22:32:00.003-05:00

Everyone knows the story about the poor little boy named Adolph Hitler. I'm talking in this decade. What is wrong with people? How can they think that it is normal to name your son Hitler? I watched the news maybe a week or two ago when this story was current, and the mom was crying saying "why are people making a big deal of this?" I cannot even fathom what could be going through someone's head to make them, on a day that should be so joyful...the day your baby is born...to name him after one of the most hated persons in history. Now I know naming your kid Apple or Zuma like celebrities do isn't the most thoughtful thing on a parent's part, but they will be teased a lot less than this poor kid.

This is what an article on MSNBC revealed....

“A name is a name,” Heath Campbell said last December.

Jeanne Coverdale, the kid’s aunt, offered an analogy to people who feel the names are in bad taste.

“What about tomorrow night when the President of the United States stands up and say, is forced to say, my name is Barack Hussein Obama. How’s that going to hit the world?” Coverdale said. "I'm saying the one with the middle name he has, was a terrorist.”

Coverdale says it’s “no different” than having a name like Adolf Hitler.

Deborah insists they are not part of the Aryan Nation or fans of what Hitler is famous for and said the swastika tattoo her husband displays on his arm is simply art.

Read the whole article here

The aunt is saying that Hussein was a terrorist so people will react negatively to the name...but it's fine to name your kid Adolph Hitler- Makes perfect sense. I just hope the kid can get his name changed somehow before it ruins his life.

Composing The Beatles Songbook: Lennon and McCartney (1966-1970)

2009-01-21T22:24:00.001-05:00

Composing The Beatles Songbook: Lennon and McCartney 1966-1970 provides a refreshing, different spin on the usual Beatles documentary. Instead of generally speaking of The Beatles' lives or pathway to and through success, the film covers the collaborations of Paul McCartney and John Lennon and dissects their songs.

While discussing the songwriting that made the most successful band in the world, the film simultaneously encompasses their lives, but not enough to make it the sole topic. We see interviews with band members' friends, writers, authors, and broadcasters who are more than qualified to share their views of the musical compositions.

The panel members discuss.....

You know you want to Read More!

Baby You Can Drive My Car..Just don't do it like an ultramaroon

2009-01-15T18:55:00.004-05:00

So I'm driving home from work. Should be an easy task, right? No way. The morons on the road drive me crazy! Didn't they take driving lessons? I need to vent for just a minute on this topic...Let me preface this by saying no, I'm not always in a HUGE rush but c'mon- Why take 30 minutes to get home when it should actually take only a measly 15? First of all, people, there is a turning lane for a reason. You pull up into the intersection, wait for your chance to go, and do it! Go! Drive! Why do you feel the need to sit behind the line when the light is green? It will take all day. You will never get through the light, and neither will anyone behind you so take the plunge and turnnnnn. Speaking of turning...why do people feel the need to bring their car into a huge half circle when making a right? You aren't pulling a tractor trailer. You don' t need to make sure that the back end of your car doesn't swing out wildly into traffic if you don't give the curb an extra 30 feet of space before you approach it. It won't.
However, what will wildly approach you, is another vehicle if you're trying to get into the passing lane on the highway. They will see your turn signal, realize you're trying to pass the little old man going 15 mph on the highway, and say "Hellllll no, you aren't getting in front of me, buddy!" All because you didn't want to get stuck behind the little old man. But now you're done for because Mr. Hell No is going to speed up so you can't do anything. You're trapped. Now you're stuck behind both Mr. Hell No and Little Old Man! So Little Old Man finally rolls down the exit ramp and you are free. Freedom awaits- you're no longer stuck! But you aren't supposed to pass someone in the right lane and Mr. Hell No is just itching for a race. Can't you just drive in peace? " Leave me alone!" you scream in your car. But it won't end, and that nutcase will be going to the same destination you are - 2 hours away.

International Beatles Freak Day!!

2009-01-14T16:48:00.003-05:00

So Today is International Beatles Freak Day! Take a look at the holiday's website.

In honor of the fabulous day I've created a little story. It's kinda corny, but was fun to write- Enjoy!

Good Morning Good Morning!
Yes It Is but Tell Me Why you woke me from my Golden Slumbers? It was a Hard Day’s Night! I worked like a dog!
I Should’ve Known Better. I thought the Two Of Us could walk The Long And Winding Road to the shoppe. I think it’ll be fun In Spite of All the Danger!
I’ve Got a Feeling I don’t have a choice.
So how are you doing today?
I Feel Fine. Lend Me Your Comb so I can get ready. And can you give me some Help! I can’t find my other Old Brown Shoe.
Sure no problem.
-Ahh! What was that!? I’ve Just Seen a Face!
Oh, it’s just Michelle. She Came In Through The Bathroom Window.
How peculiar. Natural occurrence though, I suppose. Can’t we just Drive My Car to the shoppe?
No!
So what’s new? How is Julia?
Well, I told her ‘I wanna Be Your Man’ and she said Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby and walked away. I Just Don’t Understand. I thought I was a good guy So How Come No One Loves Me?
Cheer up, I know She Loves You. But what do you expect? She’s A Woman. Why don’t you ask a female for advice? Your Mother Should Know something about her own kind.
That’s a good idea. Hey! Slow Down you Little Child! You Can’t Do That! Wow…can you believe kids these days? Running around with the old Fool On the Hill’s dentures. I hope When I’m Sixty Four my grandchildren behave better than that.
Gee, Penny Lane sure is long. Took a good half hour to get to the shoppe. Say, can I borrow a fiver for this notepad? I need it real bad.
You didn’t bring any Money??
Oh c’mon. You Never Give Me Your Money. It’s gonna burn a hole in your pocket. Oh! I need some Cayenne pepper. I almost forgot. Fine, here’s five bucks but next time I’m not coming if you’re gonna ask me for dough, know what I Mean Mr. Mustard? Ooh what’s this….
Will you Let It Be already? I’m So Tired and When I Get Home I have to sleep Because tomorrow is a very special day! International Beatles Freak Day!
Didn’t you tell me The Night Before that it was Yesterday?
No I didn’t…but anyway, you have to rest too, because it won’t just be This Boy that’s wearing a mop top wig – You, me, and Beatles fans from Across The Universe will be celebrating!

The Dali Dimension

2009-01-13T20:57:00.001-05:00

The Dali Dimension
Decoding the Mind of a Genius (DVD)

If you’ve ever associated the words crazy, weird, or just plain strange with Salvador Dali, you’re not alone. The opening image of The Dali Dimension shows the famous painter throwing paint-filled eggs at a canvas while standing in a huge egg-shaped structure. However, this documentary proves that Dali was not only far from a crazy person; he bordered more along the lines of an eccentric genius.
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* Is this for real? *

2009-01-11T21:31:00.002-05:00

Sex Offender Wins Raffle for Abuse Victim Charity

Sunday, January 11, 2009

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A convicted sex offender won a $500,000 Alaska raffle that was a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization that helps victims of sexual abuse.

Alec Ahsoak of Anchorage, 53, came forward Saturday to collect his prize.

The state sex offender registry lists Ahsoak as convicted of two counts of sexual abuse of a minor in 1993 and one count in 2000.

The raffle drawing was Friday night.

State law says all games of chance must benefit a charity. The designated beneficiary for the half-million dollar raffle was Standing Together Against Rape, or STAR.

Ahsoak says he plans to use the money to buy a home and to improve his life. He tells KTUU-TV he will donate $100,000 to STAR.

2009-01-10T20:03:00.000-05:00

New Year. New Blog. It is my umpteenth attempt at having some sort of identity on the Internet besides Myspace or Facebook. I've been trying to make websites since probably the age of 13. I struggled with the html codes for hours until I finally had 3 things on my webpage- victory!
Now, you copy and paste one huge code and *poof* your page is instantly transformed into a beautiful work of art. No work needed on your part at all. I must've started up 5 different blog pages in the past just to lose interest within a week.
But it feels better because I already have something on my blog to get me started. My music reviews. It's a lot easier to continue something once it's already started (as obvious as that sounds). So here is my "introduction" to my blog. I'm excited to have it and keep it going this time :)

The Manchester Orchestra I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child

2009-01-08T22:38:00.002-05:00

The Manchester Orchestra
I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child

Andy Hull, front man of The Manchester Orchestra, though only in his early 20s, has a lot of ambition musically. He originally intended The Manchester Orchestra to be a solo project; the ‘orchestra’ being his friends contributing to the album, but eventually it morphed into a five piece band. He is also the Co-President of Manchester’s label, Favorite Gentlemen. His voice is soft and although it sometimes doesn’t fit with the music perfectly, still works with, rather than against it. This is evident from the first song, “Wolves at Night”, which contains lyrics translated into the name of the album.

The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour Memories

2009-01-08T22:25:00.002-05:00

The Beatles
The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour Memories

The cover of The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour Memories reminds one of the Magical Mystery Tour (MMT) itself, with psychedelic colors and bubble letters. The first thing that stands out, though in tiny print on the back cover, is that none of the songs on the DVD are performed by The Beatles. That’s disappointing.

Imperial Vipers Broken

2009-01-08T22:23:00.002-05:00

Imperial Vipers
Broken

Rock n’ Roll. Clever lyrics. Memorable compositions. Imperial Vipers bring all of this and more with them on Broken, their second studio album. Hailing from Dunstable, England, the five-piece band has been out on the scene for almost four years, but sound as if they’ve spent their whole lives together, collaborating and writing songs.

Sweetmeat and the Silverfish

2009-01-08T22:22:00.002-05:00

Sweetmeat and the Silverfish
Sweetmeat and the Silverfish

With a name as intriguing as Sweetmeat and the Silverfish, it might be hard to not see what the band has to offer. Will it be ear candy or somewhat hard to swallow?

The first track, “Can’t Start” in fact, does start, and very nicely, indeed. A mix of saxophone, acoustic guitar and keyboards flow into a toe-tapping steady beat. Michael Stefanski, the lead singer, has a voice that sometimes can leave something to be desired. While his voice has a huskiness that fits in well with the rock genre, sometimes it can sound a little strained and not flow particularly well with the music. “Too Much Talk” brings with it a ska feel, especially with the fast piano chords. The whole CD has ska and reggae elements such as accented offbeat’s, bluesy chords, and a few horns thrown in here and there.

“Texas” might be the most fun track on the album. The guitar riff and beat in the song is very reggae and has a feel-good style, whereas “Grey Mourning” is sort of depressing, not only by the title but also by the sad musical composition and lyrics.

Aeolian Race Landlocked Nation

2009-01-08T22:20:00.002-05:00

Aeolian Race
Landlocked Nation

Aeolian Race’s Landlocked Nation most certainly lives up to one of its genres: experimental. The album begins with “The Caspian Sea” consisting of sounds that could come from space: high-pitched tuning of an aerial and laser beams. That eclectic mix takes us into “The Hidden Queen of the Drone Throne” which has keyboards sounding as though they may be being played by a toddler, banging and playing around. Later in the song, some guitar riffs change the sound altogether to a more rock genre, which is carried over into the next track.

Jakob Dylan Seeing Things

2009-01-08T22:18:00.002-05:00

Jakob Dylan
Seeing Things

Looking for something besides the as-of-late computerized, synchronized, digitalized music of 2008? Pick up Jakob Dylan’s Seeing Things. He brings back the simplicity that music began with - only a guitar, some drums, and vocals.

Maybe it is that rawness, or the themes of working for what you have that bring up the feeling, but the album brings to mind an old America, working on the farms and the idea that good does actually exist in the world. If you’re looking for sounds indicative of The Wallflowers, you’ll be disappointed. Whereas Dylan’s voice seems to be surpassed by The Wallflowers’ fast-paced, upbeat guitar riffs, this album has a tempo that he can keep up with. It gives off a very bluesy vibe that would be well-suited for sitting back and relaxing with a glass of wine after work.

“Evil is Alive and Well” composition-wise, is put together very well and has lyrics that make you think –

Royal Hunt Collision Course

2009-01-08T22:17:00.002-05:00

Royal Hunt
Collision Course

If you’re a fan of music that sounds as if it comes from fantasy or role playing games, you will probably enjoy Collision Course by Royal Hunt. The album is one long chain of rock, all songs blending together from beginning to end, which gives a sense of comfort in knowing what to expect.
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Presence Evil Rose

2009-01-08T22:10:00.002-05:00

Presence
Evil Rose

Presence’s seventh album, Evil Rose is anything but humble. Whether it is with good reason is up to you. For me, it wasn’t. Before even listening to the music, read the booklet and find such lyrics as “The hate you’re talkin’ wonder me I’ve never thought this might could be in you the love you’ve talkin’ too my dear is just be blessed with domineering”. Presence is an Italian group, and deserves full credit for attempting to translate their lyrics into meaningful English prose. Singer Sophya Baccini’s voice just has a quavering quality that doesn’t suit my fancy.
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The Shoreline Out Of Nowhere

2009-01-08T21:16:00.002-05:00

The Shoreline
Out of Nowhere

If you like bands such as Jimmy Eat World, Mae, and Paramore, then you will probably enjoy The Shoreline’s debut album, Out of Nowhere. By the second and third listen of the CD, the hint of sameness fades away and it is easier to pick out different elements in the music and lyrics. Singer Jose Solorzano’s voice can sound grungy, at times nasally, and sometimes reminiscent in both sound and style of Coheed & Cambria lead singer Claudio Sanchez, though not as high-pitched.