Monday, September 26, 2011

Non-reviews

Here are a couple things from my formative years that I'll never (really) review:



Pearl Jam - Ten - perfection...there is no call to write an entire post on the wonders of this album.  They captured lightening in a bottle with this one.  I was 13 when it came out and it has been forever embedded in my play lists ever since.  For me, Pearl Jam only came close to the magic of this record with one song..."Yellow Ledbetter".



Nirvana - Nevermind - there isn't anything I could say about this record that hasn't been said 50 million times.  I'm sad to say that it has almost become cliche, which I'm sure would make Kurt Cobain puke.  I was a devout follower, grungy to my little teenage soul, so of course I ate this record up like crack.



The Beatles - pretty much in general.  Ok, sure, it is impossible to overstate the importance of The Beatles (the band and the individual members, for that matter) in music history.  We have them to thank for paving the way for all that is awesome.  I get that.  And they've done some incredible music (thanks to a past family member, I happen to own all of it), but somehow, I missed that boat.  Sure, there are some Beatles' songs that I love - who doesn't love at least one?  But I just don't feel The Beatles (with the possible exception of "Strawberry Fields").  I hear them, I appreciate them, but I don't feel their music so I'm just not often inclined to listen to them.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Gin Blossoms "New Miserable Experience"

Album: New Miserable Experience
Artist: Gin Blossoms
Release: August, 1992



Another early 90's offering, "New Miserable Experience" captures the angst of the era as well as, or better than any other record.  Several of the songs were written by guitarist Doug Hopkins and chronicle his battle with alcoholism.  Hopkins is not listed on the record as a member of the band even though he played guitar on the album.  Presumably due to his addiction problems, he was fired just as the album was finished and replaced with Scott Johnson who did not play on this record.  Slow to catch on, it was almost a year after its release that "New Miserable Experience" finally picked up speed and became something of a hit.  It was about the same time the Hopkins committed suicide.  I only add this because, for me, the story of it has always added to the feeling of melancholy the record has.

At first listen, the songs are peppy enough with a quick tempo and jangly guitars, but the lyrics are heavy.  Take for instance, 'Hands Are Tied' in which lyrics like "I'm a lot afraid that it'll hurt too much, but I can't seem to stop at all" are mixed into fast, happy sounding music.  This juxtaposition permeates the record, which is a lot of why I love it.

I'm not sure why this album wasn't more popular when it was released.  It is another one that I've been listening to regularly since it was new and I've never gotten tired of it.  I definitely don't want to say that the record is perfect or that everyone in the world would love it, but there isn't a single track on it that I skip.  One thing I find so remarkable about it is how convincing the vocals are.  Robin Wilson's pleasant, dependable voice portrays all the emotion behind the lyrics despite the fact that he only wrote 1 song and co-work 2 others.  Personally, I prefer to hear singers sing their own words, or at least words they helped string together, but I think Wilson does an excellent job of making you forget that he didn't write these songs and that the struggle was not his own.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Foo Fighters "Wasting Light"

Album: Wasting Light
Artist: Foo Fighters
Release: April 12, 2011



I finally got around to listening to this album all the way through.  My first impression was, "this is awesome".  By now, everyone knows that "Wasting Light" was recorded in Dave Grohl's garage (which, something tells me isn't exactly the same as my garage), but what's really amazing about it is that it lives up to the hype.  It really sounds like actual humans playing actual instruments and like a real guy singing.  It doesn't feel like there is a lot of trickery going on when you listen to this one.  You really believe that if you saw them perform it live, it would sound just like this (and I hope that's true). 

This record gives you that feeling you had when you were 17, sprawled on a worn out couch with broken springs listening to that guy you like rehearse with his band (is that just me?).  Only, this time the guy you like is Dave Grohl and he and his friends are genuinely (and unbelievably) talented and the music fucking rocks.

I think this record sounds like it was fun for them to make, and that's important.  It doesn't feel forced or contrived, just natural and flowing.  It is full of familiar Foo Fighters sounds, but somehow they have been made better.  The warm growl of Dave's voice shines on the slower tracks and the fierce screamers. They brought in some outside talent on this one including Krist Novoselic (you know, that tall guy that was in that other band with Dave Grohl) who lends his mad bass (and apparently accordion) skills to 'I Should Have Known'.

You don't have to be a die hard Foo Fighters fan to appreciate this album.  It's basically just 48 minutes of good old rock (or, Rock & Grohl, if you like) played by amazing musicians.  I look forward to it blending into my play lists and making it's home there.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Teaser

As I mentioned, I bought the Foo Fighters' new album, "Wasting Light" on vinyl and also got the free digital download that came with.  As soon as I get a chance to listen to the whole thing, I'll give you my initial impression.

Also, coming soon:
Stone Temple Pilots "Purple" - my favorite of their offerings
Alanis Morissette "Under Rug Swept"
Gin Blossoms "New Miserable Experience"
Linkin Park "Hybrid Theory"

Vinyl

After having gone to the "artsy" neighborhood in the city nearest us recently, we found out this weekend that the record store in our own little town has the best vinyl collection we're likely to find.  After much self restraint, we walked out with:

Foo Fighters "Wasting Light" - an album I have actually never heard (well, only a couple songs), but I know it is going to be awesome.  The album came with a free mp3 download which I got last night, so I'll be checking the rest of it out soon.

Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon" - because no self-respecting vinyl collection would be without it.

Also, Matt Nathanson's "Modern Love" came in the mail last week.  Yay!!



This store also had plenty of classics and all the new stuff you could want.  I want to go back, but I better wait until I'm ready to buy some more...I've never been very good at window-shopping for music.  :-)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Doors "The Best of The Doors"

Album: The Best of The Doors
Artist: The Doors
Release: 1985



Everyone should have some Doors in their record collection.  They are an American classic and, as such, will enhance any collection.   This particular record isn't one I bought new...in fact, I didn't buy this record at all, but possession is 9/10 of the law, so let's not dwell on details.  :-)  I came to own this album when I was 16, but I had watched the movie a couple years earlier and that's when I really got into The Doors.  I had several of their tapes, but this one is my favorite.  Probably because it is a collection of some of their best songs and it's a balanced combination of rock, blues, sex and poetry.

It opens with 'Break on Through' and 'Light My Fire', which always makes everyone happy, but you know by now that I often skip those and move on to the deeper cuts.  However, truth be told, there really isn't a bad song on this record.  Is it possible to put these musicians together with that voice and end up with a bad song?  I think not.  I even love the semi-cheesy 'Love Me Two Times' and 'Hello, I Love You'. 

The low points on this record for me are 'Waiting For the Sun' and 'Spanish Caravan'.  Both songs just fall flat somehow.  They pour out of the speakers and just lay there on the floor, wanting more.  Morrison doesn't sing either with any feeling,  so apparently they lacked for him as well.  They're still decent songs, don't get me wrong, they're just not on the level with the rest of the collection.

The Doors don't get really amazing for me until they get all bluesy with it.  So, of course, it really comes home to me with 'Roadhouse Blues' and 'L.A. Woman'.  Morrison could sing the phone book and find the sexy in it, his vocals are not in question.  But in these two songs, they really found their groove and the music finally serves to enhance the sex that drips off his tongue with every word and growl. 

'When the Music's Over' and 'The End' are epic rock songs and deserve posts all their own.  It was listening to these songs that I discovered that, at its best, music is a tangible thing.  It is a place you can walk into...or does it walk into you?  Either way, spaces, vast and cavernous, are created and there are corners, hidden, dark places and only by exploring those places can we come back out to the light.  The music can envelope us, welcome us in and wrap us in its arms.  Before The Doors, I had only listened to music...after them, I learned to experience it.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Live - "Throwing Copper"

Album: "Throwing Copper"
Artist: Live
Release: April, 1994


Another sweet album from my youth.  I was 16 when this one came out and I'm sure I bought it because of 'Lightening Crashes' which was all over the radio at the time.  Oddly enough, it is that very song that keeps me from loving this record now.  Ever since a recent loss of great magnitude that my family suffered, I can't listen to that song without bursting into tears.  However, while the song is kind of off limits to me right now, I think that speaks to how powerful it is to me.  It is a haunting song, but I'm kind of surprised it is so popular on the radio.  I mean, there are not that many songs in the top 40 with "placenta" in them, but hey, whatever works.  Overall, the song is about the shift of energy when one person passes away and another person is born. 

This is another one of those albums that none of my friends liked, but I played the shit out of it.  If they came to my house or rode it my car, they were going to listen to it.  Apparently it was a major player in the soundtrack of my 16th year.  So much so that, when I listen to it now, it feels heavy.  It makes me kind of nostalgic and introspective, but I still love it. 

To my 16 year old heart, 'All Over You' sounded like a perfect little love song, and it still kind of does.  (That statement probably says a lot about me)  It is up tempo for a love song, but with lyrics like, "Our love is, like water, pinned down and abused for being strange", you cannot deny this song.  My favorite song on this record is 'Horse' (hidden track).  "It'd the middle of the night and you're here, playing dominoes and drinkin' beer.  I try to think of somethin deep to say, but my well is dippin' dry today." How can you not love that??

I hesitate to say that this record should be in everyone's collection.  With songs like 'Shit Town' and 'Waitress', its possible that it won't be up everyone's alley, but I'm pretty fond of it.  It has been in my collection (on tape, CD and mp3) for many years and I've never gotten tired of it.  There are fast, upbeat songs that make you want to turn it up ('I Alone'), songs you can sing along with ('Top'), and songs you just want to close your eyes and let them flow over you ('T.B.D.').  But somehow, Ed Kowalcyzk pulls it all together with his vocals.  He has the kind of delivery that just seeps into your brain and takes up residence.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Vinyl Obession

I've begun collecting vinyl.  Only choice selections though because a) they tend to be expensive and 2) they are big!  :-)

This weekend we hit ear-x-tacy (overrated), The Great Escape, and Electric Ladyland (my new favorite store).  I picked up the following...

Queen - "Greatest Hits II"
Neon Trees - "Animal" [single] - this one I got because the song is super catchy and (mostly) because the record itself is blue and clear!!  Too cool.

Also, I ordered Matt Nathanson - "Modern Love" tonight.  I bought it already on iTunes but now it's on its way to me on vinyl.  Cannot.  Wait.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Queen "Greatest Hits II"

Album: Greatest Hits II
Artist: Queen
Release: October, 1991



There is no logical explanation for not owning this record.  Of course, "Greatest Hits" and "Live At Wembly '86" are pretty essential too, but if you must choose just one..."Greatest Hits II" is the one.  Throughout its 17 songs and over 2 hours, it encompasses the many facets of Queen and Freddie Mercury's amazing vocal range.

This was the first album I ever owned that was just mine.  All the rest had been handed down from my sister or my dad (or were 8 tracks that my parents owned).  I was 13 when I first heard Queen - I was hooked immediately.  I'm sure that, at the time, I didn't really appreciate Freddie Mercury's genius, or the magnificence of his voice, but I knew magic when I heard it.

This album contains songs written by all 4 band members and an appearance by David Bowie...what more could you ask for??  You won't find any 'We Will Rock You' or 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on this album, these are better songs that that radio fodder.  However, if its a rock anthem that you simply cannot live without, 'I Want It All' will definitely satisfy that urge.

One of my favorite things about Queen is evident on this record...their ability to do songs about serious (or at least, potentially serious) topics but still keep all of their campy charm.  Take 'I Want to Break Free' and 'I'm Going Slightly Mad' for example.  Those songs are fun and all, but I'm much more into some of the heavier stuff on this particular album.

'Hammer to Fall' and 'Headlong' are two of my favorite Queen songs and they both make an appearance here.  Even with Brian May's relentless guitar riffs and John Deacon's overpowering beats, both songs manage to be moving - but not nearly as much as some other tracks.  For instance, 'Who Wants to Live Forever' - if this song doesn't strike a cord in you, then you can go ahead and scratch that living forever thing because you are already dead inside, my friend.

From beginning to end, this record is pretty much perfect.   It showcases one of the greatest bands to ever exist and everyone should have this record in their collection, if only to possess a tiny piece of greatness.

Teaser

Coming soon:  the first of a few albums that everyone on earth should own. 

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Blind Melon "Blind Melon"

Album: Blind Melon (you know, the one with the bee girl on the cover)
Artist: Blind Melon
Release: 1993



Another one I came to own when I was 15...apparently 1993 was a good year for me musically.  I didn't actually buy this record originally.  In fact, I had it on cassette and I finally bought it probably 12 years later when I wanted it on my iPod.  My best friend at the time loved, loved, loved 'No Rain', so her boyfriend bought her the tape.  If you've ever heard this record, you know that the rest of it sounds nothing like 'No Rain' and she hated it.  Hated. It.

She was actually going to throw it away and I asked her if I could listen to it first.  I remember, we were upstairs in our high school, at her locker, and she gave it to me right in front of the boy who had bought it for her and said to throw it away if I wanted because it was awful.  Well, I took it home and listened to it and I loved it.  At the time, I loved it as passionately as she hated it.

So is this an important record in the grand scheme of music history?  Perhaps not, but it is important to me. It was then that I realized that it didn't matter what my friends listened to, or what they thought, all that mattered was the music.  If I loved it, if it moved me, then it was cool (to me) and it didn't make any difference what anyone else thought of it.

Keep in mind - that was some pretty profound thinking for a 15 year old.  So, empowered by this new revelation, I embraced the album and with it, my freedom from the constraints of my conservative friends.

What of the album itself?  Its crushing.  It chronicles Shannon Hoon's battle with addiction (one he lost only 2 years later) and with himself.  The pain in his voice is enveloping - you can't escape it.  This album is driven by guitar riffs and unique, melancholy vocals.  The songs (except for that 'No Rain' crap) have a similar feel, but it feels right. 

It is not my favorite album, although it might have been for a little while when I first listened to it, but I still listen to it.  I kind of have to be in the mood for it though, because Hoon's haunting voice and lyrics are going to take you on a journey and its best if you're prepared for it.  You're not going anywhere happy, but it is somewhere real.

This record was perfect for me at the time I found it, as a result, I have become pretty attached to it.  I mean, what teenager can't relate to 'Tones of Home'?  "What do you think they would say, if I stood up, and I walked away?  Nobody here really understands me, and so I wave goodbye and I'm fine...I'm fine..."  An angsty teenager's anthem if ever there was one!  And if your heart doesn't break when you hear Shannon Hoon sing 'Drive' then you need to check your pulse, my friend. 

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

My Grand Plan

So, since I've been tweaking on Matt Nathanson records for the past month or so like a meth addict taking apart a radio, I've decided to formulate a plan for this blog (that does not include every single entry being about his songs).  Well, a near-future plan...nothing far reaching or earth shattering.  I'm going to lay down some groundwork - the albums that have gotten me where I am today.  The stuff I listened to as a kid and, generally, still listen to today.  I'm a child of grunge rock, so expect a lot of that for the next little bit.  Basically, I just want to let you know where I'm coming from, then I'll get around to the newer stuff (new to me, at least) and when I discover new things, I'll take you on that journey too.

These will be records that I don't really even have to listen to again to be able to discuss - they are just part of the playlist in my brain.  So come along with me on this little trip down memory lane.

Next up: "Blind Melon" by Blind Melon...a record that was perhaps more imporant to me than to anyone else in the world.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Counting Crows "August & Everything After"

Album: "August & Everything After"
Artist: Counting Crows
Release: September, 1993



I just typed this post, a long, drawn-out explanation of all the things I love and...well, don't love about this record.  Then the interwebs ate it (bastards), so this will be the Reader's Digest condensed version of that post. 

Anyway, since August is officially over and fall appears to be settling in (albeit a touch early), I thought now was the perfect time to review "August & Everything After".  I bought this record when I was 15 years old.  It had just come out, 'Mr. Jones' was ALL over the radio and I loved it.  Of course now, as so often happens, the song I bought the record for is my least favorite.  In fact, 'Mr. Jones' has been so over-done, I'm totally over it.  I often skip it altogether.  The rest of the album though, what can I say?  It destroys me.  It tears me down to the tender little bits.  It pulls out the pieces I try to hide, the parts that are hard to look at and shows them to me in all their glory.  And it makes me love it.  Every minute.

'Time and Time Again' takes me back to every time a relationship just couldn't be made right and every time I felt like I had fallen short.  'Anna Begins' makes it clear that none of us are alone in our struggle to accept love when it is given, to allow ourselves to be changed by it.  Probably because it has essentially been part of the soundtrack to my entire life (or at least the last 18 years), this record seems able to fit every situation in some way.

Adam Duritz has a voice like I had never heard before (or since) and I could listen to it all day.  Is it the most beautiful?  The most melodic?  Maybe not, I don't know, but it gets to me.  His vocals, his lyrics, they get under my skin and make a nest there. This record has climbed inside me and became part of my fabric.  Not to mention, 'Perfect Blue Buildings' is a perfect little song.  Full of the angsty goodness appropriate to the era.
"I wanna get me a little, oblivion, baby, and try to keep myself away from myself and me." I mean, who can't relate to that??  And besides, isn't settling into a good record (or even just a good song) and letting it take you over all about finding a little oblivion?

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Matt Nathanson "Some Mad Hope"

Album: Some Mad Hope
Artist: Matt Nathanson
Released: 2007
Rating: Love It



Even though I actually got to this album second I want to talk about it first.  I will try hard not to compare it to Modern Love which didn't exist in 2007 when this one was released. 

Taken as a whole, this album feels like a memory.  There is a sense of longing - to get back what has been lost, or perhaps to attain what never was.  Overall, it has a very emotional, singer-songwriter feel to it, but with a lot more soul than anything John Mayer or Jack Johnson has ever put out.  There is a sincerity to Matt Nathanson's voice that just cannot be faked or mixed in on a soundboard.  (If you doubt me on this point, I highly recommend you see him live...you will believe.) 

Another thing that stands out to me is the natural feeling of his lyrics.  They never seem forced, or contrived.  The words just flow so effortlessly, like breathing.  It never feels like he was just searching for words that would fit, or rhyme, or whatever.  I read somewhere that he writes the music first, then the lyrics, which makes this fact even more amazing.  These feel like perfect little stories that had music written for them, instead of the other way around.

While this record is overflowing with melodies and beautiful, sincere moments (see: "Bulletproof Weeks"), what it lacks is passion - he needs to bring the sexy.  There is an aching, a longing, a kind of sadness that permeates the vocals, but you're left with the feeling that the passion he sings about is in the past, that it does not exist for him in the present.  Only in "Come On Get Higher", at about 3 minutes, 10 seconds in on the lyric, "so, right", you can hear the sexy dripping off his tongue.  So we're left knowing it is possible, that he has that passion in there somewhere, but it really doesn't come out on Some Mad Hope.

While I love this record for its quiet, introspective vibe, there are some peppy moments ("Come On Get Higher" and "To The Beat of Our Noisy Hearts") that let us know that Mr. Nathanson is not all about strumming his acoustic guitar and pining over lost love.  If we listen closely, it is clear that this record was inspired by some truly magical moments ("Still" - "tangled in hotel sheets, you wore me out, wore me out...").  The memories of these moments are mixed in with accounts of the devastation when a relationship crumbles- or when we crumble in the face of love ("Falling Apart") or we are defeated by the struggle to hold things together ("Sooner Surrender"). 

In the end, we're left with "All We Are", which gives us hope that, if we can just get our shit together, then maybe something wonderful can happen for us: "All we are, we are, and everyday's the start of something beautiful...something real."

Somewhat off topic point of reference: I was listening to Some Mad Hope on iTunes while writing this post and the next song after "All We Are" was "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star...the vibe of the 2 songs is very similar.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Let me start with the most recent live show I've been to - the Matt Nathanson, Train, Maroon 5 show at the Kentucky State Fair August 28th. 

Ok, some background.  My sister and I drug our husbands to the Train show at the Louisville Palace Theater in 2006. It was wonderful.  Even the men were into it and we were all blown away by Pat's voice and his ability to completely own the shit out of that place.  Then, we took the men folk to see Augustana, Maroon 5 and Counting Crows at Riverbend a couple years later.  Another awesome show.  Adam Levine totally stole the show from Adam Duritz (who I love) and showed him how it was done. 

SO, when we heard, way back in February, I think, that Train and Maroon 5 were going to be on the same stage...IN LOUISVILLE...there was no freaking way we weren't going.  So we got our tickets in March - floor, 20 rows back. 

The night before, we found out that Pat had blown a register in his singing voice and had postponed the show in Erie, PA.  Because Train never cancels a show and that's his hometown, we feared for our little Kentucky State Fair.  Of course, we wanted him to take care of his voice because we want new Train albums for many years to come and he seems like such a nice guy you never want to see him suffer, but we were also DYING for this show.  Luckily, the show went on.

When we finally found how who would be opening for them (about a month ago) I am deeply ashamed to say that I had never heard of him.  Who is this Matt Nathanson guy?  So I googled him and found out that I should know him, but I have been so wrapped up in stuff I already loved that I hadn't listened to the radio in literally years, so it was tough for me to hear new and different things.  I raced to iTunes and grabbed Faster & Modern Love.  I wore them out over the next week or so, so I decided to go ahead and download the entire album. My eardrums were in heaven!!  This guy could not only put together some beautiful lyrics, he could straight sing the shit out of them too (but the review of that album is to come, so I'll stop there).

After a month of OD-ing on Modern Love and Some Mad Hope (which I also snagged asap), I was pumped to see what this guy could do live.  He opened with Mercy (one of my faves) and the drum was doing that beating in your chest thing that makes your heart go along with it and I was in love.  Love at first note, you could say.  Then he sings and, oh sweet mother, he sounds like...no,no, he sounds better than the recording!!  The only other time I've witnessed that is when Pat Monahan sings.  So not only does Mr. Nathanson have a beautiful voice the he seems to have total control over, but he is also very personable on stage.  They flat blew the roof off that place, and even though only a handful of us seemed to be of the knowing-all-the-words devotee variety, he got an enthusiastic standing-O.  I was transported.  I had read somewhere (his blog, probably) that he was embracing the sexualty of things and he is not kidding.  I wish it had been an over 21 show so we could have gotten a more uninhibited view of his personality, but somehow he even made scrabble sound sexy.  :-)



Then comes Train.  We feared for our beloved Pat's voice, but he did not disappoint.  His speaking voice was scratchy and when he sang you tell he was working hard, giving it all he had and sure, maybe you could tell that it wasn't exactly like he'd want.  But his voice is such a beautiful instrument that it was still an absolute pleasure to hear.  His showmanship did not disappoint either and, once again, this itty bitty dude became a huge presence on stage and wrapped us all in his energy.  He came around through the crowd while singing "Merry Me" and TOUCHED MY HAND!!!!!  (ok, fan girl moment over)  (but it was pretty cool).  Jimmy was looking great, as always, and played his ass off for us.  It was a great set - it was dancing and singing along and sweating and being overcome by every sweet, warm, fuzzy emotion that Train music brings on.



Then comes Maroon 5.  Ok, we all know that Adam is attractive (what can I say, the night was full of hotties) and believe me, when he is on stage, he knows it too.  They ran through their songs like they had somewhere to be (of course, they did - Florida, the next day).  But I had to drive 2 hours home, then get up at 6am and I wasn't in a hurry for them to get off stage.  I don't really recall him even talking to the crowd until they came out to do their encore.  At that point he had a lot of personality and was very friendly but it was almost too little too late for me.  They sounded good, rocked the house, all that, but I could have used a little more of him acting like he cares about the crowd and the fact that we're there supporting his band.  Don't get me wrong though, I'm still a major M5 fan and I will sing (off-key) at the top of my lungs and seat-dance in my car to their music for as long as they keep making it...and then some.



Overall, it was an amazing show.  The amount of talent that crossed that stage is staggering.  Train and M5 did enough old stuff to please those of us who have been fans since the first record and Matt Nathanson played a set that far outshined any "opener" status he might have had.  I hope to get down to Nashville to see him headline at the Cannery Ballroom in November (a small venue...standing room only...awesome!!).  I would highly recommend going to see any of these guys if they come within driving distance.  They are true artists and amazing showmen and you will not be disappointed.

Introduction

Here's the introduction post.  The disclaimers.  The plea of insanity. 

I have been a music fan forever (possibly literally) and I have opinions about everything I hear. I bestow these opinions on my friends and family (mostly my long-suffering husband), so I've decided to set up this blog in order to unleash these opinions on the interwebs.  I cannot promise that you'll agree with me.  I can't promise that you will love what I love or dislike what I dislike.  I cannot promise that my opinions have any merit, but I can promise that I believe it to be true.

I feel the music.  The lyrics, the voices, the riffs. 

There is nothing better than a live show.  When the music beats in your chest and makes your heart beat to their drummer...that is perfection. 

I'm not sure yet where I'll start, or how often I'll post, or the format or anything yet.  Whatever it turns out to be, I hope you enjoy it.