Dan mereka meminta kepadamu agar azab itu disegerakan, padahal 4JJ sekali-kali tidak akan menyalahi janji-Nya. Sesungguhnya sehari disisi Tuhanmu adalah seperti seribu tahun menurut perhitunganmu. [qur'an 22:47]

1 hari di sisi Tuhanmu = 1000 tahun di dunia.

Bila rata-rata umur manusia zaman sekarang adalah sekitar 70-80 tahun (anggap saja 75 tahun, penulis). Maka dibandingkan satu hari di sisi Tuhanmu, manusia hanya tinggal di dunia selama 75/1000 hari  (0.075 hari) atau 0.075×24 jam (1.8 jam) atau sama dengan 2 jam (dibulatkan keatas).

2 jam itu jika saya diberi kesempatan hidup sampai 75 tahun, kalau diberi kesempatan kurang dari 75 tahun berarti tak lebih dari 1 jam saya hidup di dunia.

Ups!!! tunggu dulu, saya masih membandingkannya dengan 1 hari di sisi Tuhanmu, lalu jadi berapa kalau dibandingkan dengan 10, 100, 1000      hari di sisi Tuhanmu?

Pada hari mereka melihat hari berbangkit itu, mereka merasa seakan-akan tidak tinggal (di dunia) melainkan (sebentar saja) di waktu sore atau pagi hari. [qur'an 79:46]

Ya, sebentar saja, sungguh sangat sebentar.

Dahulu kaum muslim mengetahui keberadaannya dalam hidup adalah hanya untuk Islam. Namun kenyataan sekarang berbeda, kaum muslim mulai berpandangan tugas seorang muslim adalah mencari kesenangan dunia terlebih dahulu, baru setelah itu sebagai tugas yang kedua menyampaikan nasehat dan petunjuk. Itu pun jika keadaan mengijinkan.

Harta dan anak-anak adalah perhiasan kehidupan dunia tetapi amalan-amalan yang kekal lagi saleh adalah lebih baik pahalanya di sisi Tuhanmu serta lebih baik untuk menjadi harapan. [qur'an 18:46]

Lalu, kenapa hal ini terjadi ?
Menurut Pak Taqiyuddin, bersumber pada satu perkara:lemahnya pemahaman kaum muslim terhadap Islam itu sendiri. Begitu juga menurut Kiai Muhammad Khitab dari Sumedang, kaum Muslim sekarang itu seperti anak kecil. Lihatlah, anak kecil itu suka sekali mainan macan, tapi kalau diberi macan beneran, pasti takut. Kaum muslim juga seperti itu, kalau dikasih Islam beneran takut, maunya Islam main-mainan. Atau seperti penuturan Kiai Al-Hafidz, “Mengapa kaum muslim sekarang banyak yang tidak sholat ?”. Bukan kurang da’i, cukup banyak da’i disekitar kita, yang tidak ada adalah yang menghukum orang yang tidak sholat. Lalu siapa yang seharusnya menghukum mereka ? Bukan ulama tapi Khilafah.

Untuk diri saya dan saudaraku semua, jangan salah menjalani hidup yang hanya 2 jam ini.
Kajilah Islam!!!
One Life, No Regret…

Te urăsc atunci când ştiu că nu trebuie să fi din nou în mintea mea şi atunci când eşti şi totul din jur nu mai contează… dar te iubesc în acelaşi timp…
Mă urăsc atunci când nu am puterea să îţi spun că numai pe tine te văd.. şi te iubesc atunci când îmi arunci măcar o privire…
Te urăsc iubindu-te ca şi cum ai fi ultimul, de-ar fi să fie aşa…
Mă urăsc când te vreau, când îmi amintesc că ai fost şi vei fi al meu când vreau… dar nu cu sufletul
Te urăsc pentru că ştiu că poţi iubi şi tu, şi îţi iubesc chiar şi indiferentă..
.. te iubesc pentru că m-ai transformat în ceea ce-mi doream, pentru că ai reuşit ce visăm… motivaţie, sentimente sincere, din partea mea…
Te am oricând te vreau şi nu mi-e de ajuns, vreau să mă iubeşti… să simţi şi tu ce mai simt eu, atunci când o priveşti, atunci când vorbe le arunci… să te urăşti şi tu pentru ce-mi faci.. să simţi cum arzi de peste tot şi cum la marele final, realizez că te iubesc şi te urăsc.. şi te urăsc iubindu-te!

Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving- a holiday which we’re told was initially celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Indians to give thanks for bountiful harvests.  Today, Thanksgiving is typically a celebration with friends and family where we stuff ourselves full of turkey and other delicious food till we’re in a food coma.  Damn that tryptophan.  Those still awake watch football or plan where they’re going for the Black Friday deals.

Over the last few days, I’ve been contemplating and reflecting over the things that I am thankful for this year.  Some times sarcasm creeps– what can you be thankful for when your world is turned upside down and you’ve lived through the darkest, loneliest, saddest times you’ve ever been through.  I’ve then given myself a mental pep talk.  After several days of  thinking, I’ve found some light in the darkness.

Basically 2009 has just plain sucked since February.  Life was so good before February- I had a husband whom I loved dearly and we were such a happy family with our new son.  Everybody was healthy.  Life was good.

Then along came February and the stage IV diagnosis, followed by our fight and culminating in our lost battle.

But through it all there are things to be thankful for.

Nathaniel.  I have a wonderful easy going delightful son.  He is a pleasure to be around and his growth and development is nothing short of amazing to witness.

John got to be a father and he was a great one.  Some men never have the opportunity to become fathers.  Of the ones that do, not all of them are great.  John enjoyed fatherhood as much as he physically could through his illness.  Mentally it gave him a reason to fight and a reason to live that stretched beyond self.  John loved his boy so much.  He told me that Nathaniel’s laughter was his most favorite sound.

I had a great marriage and was married to a wonderful man.  I’ve been able to experience true love.  There are lots of people who can’t say that.  I have enough wonderful memories to hopefully last a lifetime.

John’s illness has taught me to stand up for what is right and to fight for those you love and to pick up the pieces and carry on.  The Mary of years past, wouldn’t have stood up to the well known and credentialed doctor and told him that we weren’t done fighting and if he was, then he could be forever referred to by name as “the doctor that gave up on daddy and the doctor who let daddy die.”  The doctors and nurses have other patients and rooms to visit.  The patient has one life.  Sometimes you have to stand up for those you love and insist on the best treatment for your loved one.  In the end maybe the outcome isn’t the most important thing, but rather how you life the life you have and the memories that you leave.  We’ve all been born and we’ll all die… really it’s the parts in the middle that we need to really make count!

John’s death has left me with a hole in my heart- grief, heartache, and loneliness like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.  But, I’m getting through it… not over it, but through it.  Some days are like walking through a nice grassy meadow with the sun warmly shining.  Others are like fighting my way through thick mud and slipping, sliding, falling, and getting up and pushing on.  The sun rises.  The sun sets.  Life goes on.  If I choose to live life or not, it still continues- better to enjoy it while I can.  Nathaniel, the horses, and the cats have kept me going.  They all need me and they all love me.  I’m working or re-building my life.  It won’t ever be the same or the happy home and strong fortress that it was with the three of us, but we’re making it.  It’s not always easy, it’s not always pretty, and it certainly isn’t always clean, but we’re making it…. one day at a time.  Life goes on.  We never know how short or long our life will be.  To me it only makes sense to enjoy it to it’s fullest and be happy as best you can.

For some reason, John’s death has chilled me out more and I don’t usually get upset over the little stuff.  In the end, the little things don’t matter.  It’s the big picture.  I just want to relax and enjoy simple pleasures- hug my kid, ride my horses, take a walk, pet the critters, and just enjoy life.  I’m very fortunate that I can do all of those things without even leaving Leaky Creek!  I love my farm, my house, my horses, my cats, and my son.  I truly feel like there is something else out there beyond our realm.  I do think that John has given me signs.  It’s reassuring and gives me an inner peace that I need.  Attending church has been helpful.  I used to fear dying terribly.  After I held John’s hand as he died, my fear left.  Someday, I’m sure we’ll be together again… as long as he doesn’t hook up with some hot angel in the meantime…

Annapolis Fire Department.  They were absolutely amazing during John’s illness and they (along with Community Fire Company of Rising Sun) made his funeral a fitting tribute to a wonderful man and amazing firefighter.  AFD did so many wonderful things that I know I can’t mention all of them.  They covered John’s shifts, so he received full pay.  They allowed him to retire on disability.  They came to visit him in the hospital and were there for his 2nd round of IL2 treatments at 6 AM & 10 PM.  They transformed our half bath into full bath with a shower that John could use.  Sometimes when you’re sick… the ability to get clean just means so much.  Sadly, John was only able to use his shower a few times, but it was very much appreciated!    AFD built a ramp, so we could get the wheelchair in and out easily.  They mowed our grass and did assorted maintenance jobs.  They went with us to many doctor’s visits so I didn’t have to worry about driving on little sleep or in unpredictable traffic.  They sent meals.  They held a fundraiser in Annapolis.  They participated in Team Smitty for the LiveStrong Challenge.  In, short, they took care of their brother.  John truly worked for a topnotch organization.  He loved working there and they loved him, too.  I miss them.

I’m thankful to the wonderful medical personnel that we encountered… from the friendly, familiar faces on the ambulance, to the caring hospital nurses, to our beloved home health nurses, and every smiling caring face in between.

I am thankful to the friends and family who have supported us and were there for John, Nathaniel, and myself.  During times of crisis, you find out who your true friends are.  Sometimes they are who you think they are… sometimes they’re different people.  I  have been very fortunate that no matter how alone I feel, I am not without friends to support me.  Some friendships have strengthened and I’ve even found new friends.  A simple phone call can make all the difference in the world.  Many people have also helped me out with everything from mowing grass, to checking car brakes, to babysitting, to installing ceiling fans, to watching Nathaniel while I got some equine therapy… and just being there when I needed to talk, needed a hug, or needed a shoulder to cry on.  This Thanksgiving, I’ve received so many invitations- thanks to everybody who thought about my boy and me and knew that we might not have a place to go.

I also have the world’s best babysitter.  I can’t tell you how amazing she has been with my son and how much I enjoy and value her friendship.  We’ve known each other since elementary school, but had lost touch through the years.  Facebook re-united us and I consider her to be one of my best friends, now.  We share conversations, hugs, and tears.  There is nothing like having the piece of mind that my son is being cared for as if her were part of her family.  Nathaniel helped carve his first pumpkin and made his first art project with them.  Her daughter is like a sister to him.  Nathaniel adores her husband and I think it is important for Nathaniel to  have a good male role model in his life.  I can go to work and have no concerns and no worries… to quote the credit card commercials.. “Peace of mind– priceless.”   I know John would approve.

I also hope that I can do some things in memory of John to help fight melanoma and fight cancer.  I don’t want his death to be in vain.  Skin cancer can kill.  We need more melanoma awareness and much, much more research.  I’d love to do a memorial bike ride, since he loved to cycle.

So, even in what has been the worst year in my 34 year life, there are things to be thankful for.  Happy Thanksgiving everybody.  Hug your spouse.  Hug your kid(s).  Pet the critters.  Eat up and watch some football.  And if you get a chance before the food coma sets in take at least a brief moment to remember what you’re thankful for.

Se spune că o zi bună se vede de dimineaţă.. pot că contrazic şi să spun că o zi bună ţi-o poţi plănui singur!
Aseară fiind foarte obosită şi adormind devreme, printre ultimele gânduri a fost acela că zis de astăzi v-a fi zi bună, pentru mine aşa a şi fost! Chiar dacă cu trezitul e mai greu, ca în orice dimineaţă, ştiam ce am de făcut şi eram hotărâtă să am o zi frumoasă, începând cu testarea noilor farduri: D!
După cana de ceai fierbinte a urmat ceaţa de afară, întâlnirea cu doi vechi prieteni dar şi senzaţia de siguranţă, că totul este bine!
Mergeam sigură pe mine, cu capul sus şi cu un mic zâmbet pe faţă, uneori oamenii au nevoie de un zâmbet pentru a se însenina!
Cred că şi javra vecinei de la 4 a fost drăguţă cu mine în dimineaţa asta, cu toate că încă nu am curajul să o privesc mai insistent sau să o ating…
Zâmbete în stânga, zâmbete-n dreapta… chiar eram numai un zâmbet şi primeam acelaşi răspuns!
Nimic nu a reuşit să mă enerveze cât de puţin, în afara orei de română, dar cunoscând lipsa de experienţă a profesoarei în cauză şi prostia adăugată în cantităţi necunoscute, am hotărât că nu merită să mă enervez, aşa că am trecut peste!!!
Am fost la biblio şi am început o nouă carte, cu toate că nu am terminat-o pe cealaltă, dar nu e nicio grabă, e timp pentru toate dacă le ordonăm cât de puţin.
E drept că acum am de învăţat pentru teza de mâine, dar mi-e foarte bine şi cred că acum chiar am chef de învăţat!… eu să spun aşa ceva?!?!.. extrem de rar… dar am o zi bună şi asta nu o va schimba nimeni!!

Vreau un baiat care sa nu-mi aduca un buchet de trandafiri de ziua mea …ci sa mi rupa o floare de pe strada intr-o zi oarecare si sa mi-o puna dupa ureche…un baiat… care sa ma gadile ..sa ma ciupeasca .. vreau un baiat cu care sa pot sa merg in parc doar pt a sari pe saltele, care sa alerge cu mine prin ploaie fara sa`i fie frica ca`si murdareste adidasii de firma, care sa ma tina de mana, sa ma ciufuleasca, sa ma traga de par, sa ma muste.. Vreau un baiat al carui zambet sa ma topeasca.. care sa ma stranga tare in brate.. care sa se uite in ochii mei fara a-mi spune nimic..iar eu sa inteleg totul, care sa aiba initiativa, sa ma conduca atunci cand am nevoie… Vreau un baiat care sa`mi dea mesaj chiar in timp ce suntem unul langa celalalt, care sa ma opreasca in mijlocul trecerii de pietoni doar ca sa ma sarute, , cineva care nu ma judeca dupa aparente.. Vreau un baiat pupacios si haios, care sa vrea sa mergem pe o strada a orasului a carei capat nu stim unde e..cineva care nu se teme sa se rataceasca, un baiat care sa ma duca la gara si sa se urce cu mine intr`un tren la intamplare.. Vreau un baiat care isi doreste sa ma cunoasca, care isi da seama cat de complicata, ce fenomen anormal sunt. ….. Vreau un baiat care sa ma recucereasca in fiecare zi, care sa asculte o melodie si sa se gandeasca la mine, care apreciaza un curcubeu, care se bucura cand e soare, un baiat caruia ii place mirosul primaverii, care vede dincolo d aparente .. Vreau un baiat cu care sa ma opresc in mjilocul intersectiei pe tocuri si sa impingem la dacia lui 1310, sa ne murdarim de ulei si sa radem ca prostii, un baiat care se chinuie sa`mi faca clatite indiferent de cat fum ar iesi in bucatarie… Vreau un baiat care sa ma tina in brate noaptea si sa se trezeasca cu o jumatate de ora mai devreme doar ca sa ma vada dormind, care sa ma trezeasca cu un sarut, care imi zice atunci cand gresesc si ma ajuta sa repar ce am stricat…. Vreau un baiat care sa nu`mi zica “te iubesc” din prima luna doar ca sa ma bage in pat, un baiat care stie cum sa ma ia atunci cand sunt suparata, un baiat care sa ma faca sa rad, care intelege ca ma supar din orice dar care stie sa ma`mpace…. Vreau un baiat care sa imi pregateasca un ceai fierbinte atunci cand sunt racita, care sa ma sarute fara sa`i fie teama ca se molipseste, care sa tina minte la ce ora sunt programata la salon si care sa nu se enerveze cand vin acasa tarziu .. Vreau un baiat care intelege ca prietenii sunt importanti pt mine, ca uneori simt nevoia sa ies cu fetele in mall sau cu gasca la un suc, cineva care da libertate atat cat sa nu ma simt sufocata si care e gelos cat sa simt ca tine la mine …. Vreau un baiat care sa inteleaga atunci cand nu am chef sa ies din casa, care sa vina la mine sa`mi tina companie cand e urat afara, care sa inteleaga ca ma tem de tunete si fulgere si totusi sa nu rada de mine, ci sa ma apere … Vreau un baiat la care sa tin atat de mult incat sa nu`mi pese ce masina conduce sau cu ce tramvai ma duce acasa, pentru care sa fiu in stare de orice dar sa nu imi ceara nimic, care sa stie ca il iubesc fara sa ii zic in fiecare zi… Vreau un baiat care sa iubeasca animalele, care sa se trezeasca la 6 sa plimbe cainele atunci cand eu sunt prea obosita, care sa ma duca vara la strand si sa se scufunde cu mine, cineva care sa ma sarute sub apa, sa ma stearga cu prosopul.. Vreau un baiat care sa nu se uite dupa altele pe strada cand e cu mine de mana, care sa stie cand sa renunte la meciul de footbal pentru mine, care sa ma duca pe stadion la meciul Stelei, desi e Dinamovist, care sa se bucure de bucuria mea … Vreau un baiat care sa se inteleaga bine cu prietenii mei, care sa nu se laude cu ceea ce are, ci sa se faca placut de ceilalti prin ceea ce este, un baiat care imi faca cadouri cu valoare sentimentala si nu de sute de lei, un baiat al meu.. .. Vreau un baiat care sa ma alinte, un baiat care sa mearga cu mine pe varful unui munte doar pentru a vedea apusul, care vara la mare sa se inghesuie intr`un pat de o singura persoana doar ca sa poata fi cat mai aproape de mine.. . Vreau un baiat caruia sa ii placa sa calatoreasca, care sa fie de acord sa vina cu mine in cele mai traznite locuri, care sa mearga cu cortul fara sa faca mofturi..[..]

O tema “Old Man” do Neil Young perfeito para este video. Magnífico…

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T’was Grace that taught…
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear…
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares…
we have already come.
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far…
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me…
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be…
as long as life endures.

When we’ve been here ten thousand years…
bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise…
then when we’ve first begun.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.”

+++

Friends, let me go over the Message with you one final time— this Message that I proclaimed and that you made your own; this Message on which you took your stand and by which your life has been saved. (I’m assuming, now, that your belief was the real thing and not a passing fancy, that you’re in this for good and holding fast.)

The first thing I did was place before you what was placed so emphatically before me: that the Messiah died for our sins, exactly as Scripture tells it; that he was buried; that he was raised from death on the third day, again exactly as Scripture says; that he presented himself alive to Peter, then to his closest followers, and later to more than five hundred of his followers all at the same time, most of them still around (although a few have since died); that he then spent time with James and the rest of those he commissioned to represent him; and that he finally presented himself alive to me. It was fitting that I bring up the rear. I don’t deserve to be included in that inner circle, as you well know, having spent all those early years trying my best to stamp God’s church right out of existence.

+++

If you are already walking on the pathway, perhaps you could do with a little refreshment.
Come along with me to “Ligonier Ministries Reformed Theology” with R.C. Sproul.

Mi s-a intamplat de multe ori,sa cred ca sunt indragostita …de vecinul care imi zambeste frumos de fiecare data,de tipul agatat cu prietenele, la un suc ,de baiatul de pe holul scolii,de fostul iubit ….dar niciodata nu cred ca a fost mai mult de atat. Eu spuneam ca sunt indragostita de un el,acest el habar-nu avea,iar eu treceam peste, privind cum altele mi-o iau inainte iaar si iaaar ! Nu mi-a fost niciodata greu sa trec peste aceste indragosteli false ,as putea spune,pentru ca defapt nu era nimic semnificativi,nimic mai mult decat simple incercari ale adolescentei.
Adoram zambetul vecinul, felul cum vorbea baiatul agatat in cafenea sau cum arata tipul nou venit din scoala. La fiecare imi placea cate ceva,dar niciunul nu avea o prea mare insemnatate si poate de asta nici nu m-am implicat,sa ajung sa ii cunosc mai bine,decat din simple priviri si doua trei cuvinte spuse intr-o doara…
Acum cinci luni …
Dupa o zi de vorbit pe net’, o alta la telefon si cateva intalniri, m-a lovit din nou acea “indragosteala” ,culmea,de un cunoscut al fostului meu iubit,cu care ma stiam de multa vreme dar cu care nu vorbisem mai mult de trei saluturi si poate un “ce mai faci? ” asa ,ca sa treaca timpul!….in mod normal ar fi trebuit sa fie tipul de baiat ,mult visat,sau cel putin inchipuit,ar fi trebuit sa fie cate putin din toti ceilalti pe care ii placeam ..pe bucati. Ar fi trebuit sa fie un joc de puzzle,alcatuit din fiecare baiat de la care imi placea numai o anumita parte! Ar fi trebuit … dar nu a fost deloc asa!
Nimic din ce imi place nu regaseam la el,nimic din ceilalti,nimic din ce imi inchipuiam, nimic diferit de altii,atat de comun si totusi atat de special pentru ceea ce se zvarcolea in stomacul meu,atunci cand ii simteam respiratia sau chiar si cand vedeam un simplu apel pierdut de la acelasi el!.. si totusi atat de ciudat… in timp mi-am dat seama ca defapt il plac in totalitate pentru ca e ceva nou,total nou,ceva inexplicabil si atat de original..de la parfum la modul de a gesticula sau de a-mi explica anumite lucruri…Niciodata nu mi-am inchipuit ca voi ajunge sa ma indragostesc cu adevarat de o persoana atat de diferita,la care nu imi placea absolut nimic,dar caruia ii adoram intreaga fiinta!
Probabil e adevarat ce se spune,ca atunci cand te indragostesti,esti orb…. dar inainte sa te indragostesti?? cand te indragostesti fara sa iti placa absolut nimic?? atunci cum e..esti lafel de orb?..nu stiu inca si asta ramane un mister…
De atunci a trecut destul de mult timp,iar totul a luat o intorsatura inexplicabil de ciudata! Poate pentru ca eu nu am avut destul curaj sa ii spun cat de bine ma simt langa el,sau poate ca nu a inteles defapt ce simteam,deoarece acum suntem cei mai buni prieten! In cafenele pierzand timpul cand afara e urat si ploua,la filme siropoase,de groaza sau comedii, jucandu-ne jocuri de copii mici si aruncand cu popcorn unul in altul,razand pana ne doare burta si gura ,de orice ne iese in cale…dar niciodata nu e vorba de sentimente mai complexe decat o sincera prietenie!
Astazi…
Il simt lafel,ca atunci,nu e o “indragosteala” care fuge repede repede!! Sunt inca indragostita ! Iar el… el e prietenul meu cel mai bun si asa va ramane! Probabil pana cand se va indragosti si el de mine,sau poate pana cand voi avea destul curaj sa ii spun inca odata ca ceea ce simt eu e defapt mai mult… cat va dura pana atunci??! nu stiu …dar ma multumesc cu faptul ca il simt langa mine,sau ca atunci cand il vad in preajma altei fete,simt ca iau foc si ard de suparare,el stiind sa stinga focul cu un simplu zambet,din care se deslusesc cuvinte ca ” sti ca la tine tin cel mai mult !”…” esti cea mai buna prietena a mea! ” …
….

Check out the upcoming design by Tim of Our Never Ending Life!

Coming Soon! Go to the shows to buy the merch:) Listen to O.N.E. Life at http://www.myspace.com/ourneverendinglife

Some CDs are extremely easy to listen to.  They don’t require too much thought and can be tossed into the CD player regardless of your mood.  Sister Hazel’s latest release, “Release,” happens to be one of those CDs.  I have listened to this while working on the most boring homework assignment, while I was extremely upset and during a drive on one of the sunniest days of the semester.

It is music like this that I respect quite a bit.  I can’t deny that I like a challenge when I listen to certain music.  I love to analyze the lyrics and try and figure out what the artist/songwriter is trying to say.  However, there are definitely times where I would rather just sit…and listen.  With “Release,” I can do just that.  This rock CD is the group’s 7th release.  Each member contributed at least two songs to the 12 track album, creating track list with a whole slew of full sounding songs.

[Random sidenote: If you can't think of why you know the name "Sister Hazel," look up the song All for You on Google, and relive the memories you created in 1996.  Otherwise, it could be because the band has sold over 2 million records and is on Twitter's "Recommended User's list.  Then again...it could be the mere fact that they have had 7 top 3o singles.  No big deal.]

The “chill” vibe heard on “Release” is addicting.  It relaxes me almost immediately and let’s me truly enjoy what I’m listening to.  Yes, it is possible for music to have a relaxing effect.  Once you sort through all of the computerized music that is attacking radio stations everywhere and take a second to appreciate the full sound a band like Sister Hazel can create, you may take a trip back to the days where instruments created music.  Trust me, it’s better there.

Lead singer Ken Block uses the same conversational tone he used on his solo album.  Just as it did on his own album, his voice makes the CD comfortable to listen to, as if the band happened to be hanging out in your living room with you, performing nonchalantly.

Choosing standout songs made me realize something else about this album.  After looking at my “final list,” I went through and listened to the songs again.  None of them sound the same!  Sure, all of them are the same genre, but the general feel emanating from each song is different.  This truly makes me appreciate the talent the group has in the songwriting department.  They have an understanding of what it takes to make a well rounded album and used each bandmate’s strong points to create one great sounding CD.

The songs that best showcase this diversity are Take a Bow (a song driven by a rock vibe, more reminiscent of their previous work), Run for the Hills (a catchy, upbeat song that will be stuck in your head for days–not to worry, this is a good thing), Better Way (a slower, soft rock piece with strong lyrics and a string section ranging from violins to electric guitars), and Vacation Rain (a buoyant song that makes me want to skip down the street with the shoelaces of my bright pink Converse untied…listen and you will understand).

One song served as a pleasant surprise to me, too, and I feel as though I can’t finish this review without commenting on it.  One Life, an “almost ballad,” flew out of my computer speakers with an unexpected smoothness.  A song that deals with an individual looking back on a past relationship and longing to be with that person once again, One Life made me stop working on outside things for the entirety of the song.  It made me curious, and made me listen to it again…and again.  The vocals and softer instrumentals come together to create a sound representative of the vulnerability the aforementioned individual is feeling.  When the lyrics and instrumentals form a relationship like that, the song leaves me in awe.

If you’re in the mood for an upbeat song, grab “Release.”  If you’d rather take a 5 minute break and listen to a slow song, scroll to “Release” on your iPod and veg out.  If you feel like joining me in running around like a little kid with your shoelaces untied to escape reality for a bit, blast “Release” from a CD player on your front porch and go for it.  The diversity offered on this CD is amazing, and is sure to speak to you, regardless of your mood.

Take a Bow:

Канадское агентство Bleublancrouge разработало печатную кампанию о необходимости регулярного обследования на ВИЧ.

Слоган кампании, созданной для общественной организации по борьбе со СПИДом One Life, гласит: Каждый раз, когда ты спишь с кем-то, ты также спишь с его прошлыми партнерами. Множество прошлых партнеров изображено на принтах в виде большого количества обнимающих рук.
Принты призывают регулярно сдавать кровь на ВИЧ. Кроме того на  сайте кампании можно узнать о том, входишь ли ты в группу риска.

инфо отсюда

Geradewegs nach unten – Welcome To The Dance End floppt mit einem Chartplatz von 26 in den offiziellen Media-Control Longplay Charts, mit Trend nach unten. Der Manager der Engel war Anfangs ganz zuversichtlich, ahnte er jedoch nichts von einem Top30 Album.

Wie geht es jetzt weiter? Eine kleine Club-Tour steht an, eine neue Single wird Veröffentlicht. Mit einem neuen Album wird aber nicht zu rechnen sein, so unsere Spekulationen, berufend auf die Downloads vom Album in Portalen wie iTunes und Musicload.

Liegt es denn an der fehlenden Albumpromo, oder einfach daran, dass das Album unglaublich mies war? Wir werden sehen, wie es weiter geht. Vielleicht raffen sich die Engel ja nochmal zu einem 3. Comeback auf – mit einer neuen Besetzung?

Quellen: Chartposition – noangels-inside.de
Cover – Amazon/Universal Music – Veränderung durch Spread the Musiq

Prima zi de şcoală!
Emoţii, flori, curiozitate, colegi, diriginţi, directoarea cu discursul plictisitor şi Preotul cu Sfinţirea şcolii şi Binecuvântarea elevilor şi a profesorilor… vremea urâtă şi ploioasă!
… şi acum adevărul..
Emoţii.. aiurea, am mai făcut asta şi anul trecut, şi acum doi ani.. etc etc.
Flori… ce bine că am diriginte!
Curiozitate… nonCuriozitate… nimic nou, doar boboci debusolaţi.. neinteresant!
Directoarea şi Preotul… ce bine că nici măcar nu am mai trecut prin sala festivă să îi aud… aceleaşi lucruri an de an… cred că am fost Binecuvântată destul, iar discursuri citite de pe foi am auzit destule!
Vremea urâtă… singura chestie adevărată.. a venit toamna şi odată cu ea şi şcoala… pentru majoritatea elevilor un motiv de tristeţe, resemnare…
… şi uite aşa a trecut şi prima zi şi chiar şi prima săptămână de şcoală…
Aş putea să scriu atâtea despre ce e nou, cum ar fi o profesoară de română care nu ştie ce înseamnă “a pregeta ” sau că Dostoievski a scris “Fraţii Karamazov”, despre proful de eco’ care e simpatic, dar la care probabil toată clasa v-a avea 5, precizând de la început că 5 elevi vor fi lăsaţi corigenţi, deoarece statul Român îl plăteşte doar pentru 25 de elevi, acelaşi diriginte ” pe treaba lui “… doi colegi noi… dar cunoscuţi deja, ceva mai multă minte în capul unora (cred şi sper), aceleaşi antipatii faţă de unii, aceleaşi diaboliciuni cu colega’, lipsa profei de română, pe care O VREM ÎNAPOI, multe tocuri pleoscăind în noroiul făcut de muncitorii de pe marginea drumurilor, o plictiseală îngrozitoare şi o stare de oboseală permanentă, ca la 80 de ani, trezitul la 6:30, excepţie fiind mersul pe jos, care e total nou, 3 ore de germană.. îngrozitor!… etc.

A început şcoala! Deci.. în PLUS o porţie de negativism, cel puţin la mine!

Take care:*:*
See u soon >: D< :*

“There’s nothing amazing here, just the norm”

I first heard that quote from Ta-kun from FLCL. I just watched the first episode even though I have all the episodes. I think It’s a great anime but I still do not have the time to watch it.

I’ve been a little depressed lately but I don’t know the reason why, there’s just a lot of mixed feelings that’s difficult to understand. Thinking about that quote made me think that there’s nothing amazing happening to me or around me, just the norm. I do not have anything amazing that I want to do, sometimes I want to scold or blame myself because of the simple-minded person that I am. Having these thoughts gives an aching feeling inside me. In the end, I’m just making myself confused.

I am currently listening to the song of “The Pillows” entitled “One Life”. I heard this song in the first episode of FLCL. I really like the lyrics of this song, especially this

No matter what kind of shoes I wear, if I walk, I leave footprints
And until one day they stop, they’re the proof that I’ll finish…
…One life

Everyday I try to live my life as easy and comfortable as I can (hindi naman nangyayri T_T) and at the same time put up with all the responsibilities I gave to myself. I’m still struggling, doing what I can while I’m still here. Even though in my life, the things that I do are just small, I still want to think that I am leaving footprints behind even though small they’re still there, just like other people in this vast shore. Even if the time comes that my footprints stopped, I know that I left my mark, my life.

Cărţile sunt ca oamenii. Pe multe le întâlneşti la tot pasul, dar nu-ţi produc nicio impresie: le uiţi imediat.Cu unele te întâlneşti de nevoie. Sunt altele pe care îţi aminteşti că le-ai iubit, dar nu-ţi mai spun, şi câteva care pur şi simplu n-au vrut să te iubească. Dar sunt şi cărţile de care rămâi cumva îndrăgostit: crezi că le-ai uitat şi totuşi le duci atât de tare dorul… sau cărţile cărora le-ai simţit miracolul, fără să le fi cunoscut vreodată… (copertă Maestrul şi margareta – Mihail Bulgakov)

Stăteam zilele trecute cu un prieten, pe o bancă şi râdeam unul de râsul celuilalt, niciunul neştiind de ce râde el, sau celălalt… iar apoi întreaga seară am râs, amintindu-ne că nu ştiam de ce râdeam… şi am ajuns într-un final la concluzia că râsul face foarteeee bine şi mai ales când e aşa molipsitor, şi când eşti cu prieteni lângă tine !.. prietenii care te ciupesc sau încep să te gâdile când mergi pe stradă.. prietenii care îţi spun k te-ai murdărit la gură după ce ai mâncat îngheţată.. prietenii care te ajută să ajungi până în celălalt capăt de oraş.. prietenii care îţi mai suportă şi crizele şi te înţeleg când eşti supărat… prietenii care ştiu că nu a fost un lucru rău să îi spui vecinei de la 2 că nu ai inundat-o tu, când de fapt ai uitat apa deschisă.. prietenii care te încurajează când ţi-e greu şi lângă care poţi fi tu însuţi cu bune şi rele… prietenii care îţi spun „creaţo ce te îndrăgesc” fiind doar prieteni!!!.. şi apropo de defecte.. mi-am descoperit un nou defect, dacă se poate spune aşa… nu îmi place să fac ceva de care să ştie prea multă lume, sau lucruri pe care alţii le-au făcut.. un exemplu fiind, că nu pot să citesc o carte dacă a citit-o prietena mea şi mi-a spus oricât de puţin despre ea… nu mai pot…
Mă tot gândeam să fac cumva o legătură între ce scriu pe aici, dar nu găsesc.. şi cred că totul până la urmă vine la de creier.. şi uite şi legătura… am reuşit să fac chestii pe care mi le doream dar nu m-am străduit să le fac niciodată.. şi nici acum nu m-am străduit foarte mult, pentru că, să fim sinceri, să îţi laşi unghiile să crească nu e un lucru aşa măreţ… dar niciodată nu spus GATA!.. STOP!… şi de la o vreme, am învăţat să spun şi asta şi cred că e un fel de autoeducare, pentru că eu una, nu pot să învăţ din vorbe, şi un alt defect cred că ar fi acela că până nu mă dau eu cu capul de pereţi, nu mă lecuiesc… şi aşa m-am lecuit şi acum am unghii lungi şi frumoase!
Şi toate astea cred că vin numai din capul nostru, deci se poate, dacă chiar vrei să faci ceva.. şi eu vreau muuulte.. să văd şi cât de repede le voi putea face:))…
See u soon: *: * take care

P.S.: am luat-o razna acum, cu True blood.. e un serial Hbo cu vampiri )… am început cu seria Amurg.. da ştiu.. şi eu… abia acum le-am citit şi trebuie să recunosc că m-au captivat, cu toate că stilul în care e scrisă mi se pare cam banal, dar acţiunea face totul..! Cred că în fiecare zi mă redescopăr/reinventez… un fel de Madonna.. că tot a fost în românia de curând… aaa… şi tot bătând apropouri.. am văzut un titlu de articol, într-un tabloid, la chioşc, care suna ceva de genul.. „Madonna a făcut sex înainte de concertul din Parcul Izvor „… sincer în prima fază m-a amuzat… dar gândindu-mă câte mii de oameni cumpără ziarul ăla pentru acel articol.. şi cât de interesant sună pentru unii, ce a făcut femeia aia… mi-am dat seama că probabil mentalităţile de pe plaiurile mioritice nu se vor schimba prea curând şi că unii oameni încă mai cred în tot ceea ce mass-media debitează pe nişte bani frumoşi, bani tot ai oamenilor.. dar în fine.. era doar o părere.. scurtă, boţită şi pe dreapta … bbyee: *: *

Pareciese que fuese un copy genérico y todos se encargan de buscarle una gráfica: “Cuando te acuestas con alguien, te acuestas con su pasado”.

I don’t know if there’s a better reason for being up this early other than I can’t fall back to sleep, but I didn’t want to take the chance that there was. It sounds stupid, but I don’t want to miss a thing… I’m reading The Irresistible Revolution right now and Brendan was right, it does change you. Already I am searching hard at my life, looking for ways that God can use me. I have the inkling I’m looking a little too closely, but I’d rather try and look too hard than not at all. Although, isn’t God the one who will find service and drop it in my lap? See, I don’t know. So I’m confused and starting to get eye and soul strain, here.

Oh, and I think I was trying to text in my sleep again. Cait wasn’t here last night to check on me, but I woke up and my phone was next to me instead of shoved back way under my pillow, so I was moving around pretty forcefully, at least.

I love sleep. I don’t want to give up sleeping because I act like a moron and can’t stop from growling out names and trying to contact people in the dead of the night. How absurd.

The word “absurd” makes me think of “Titanic,” and Rose. “Why that’s absurd!”

I wish I had a Jack (preferably one that wouldn’t sink). I think he’d be a lot of fun, and he’d think I was fun too so there would be no issue. He wouldn’t be too hesistant or too much of a whore. He would want to talk to me or screw me in a car, depending on the moment. We’d have a lot of good times. He wouldn’t expect commitment or a solemn vow of dedication and devotion– he would adore me in the moment, just as I would him. He would understand that there was only one life to live and enjoy, and he’d want to spend a few short moments of his with me.

That, to me, is the perfect balance in a guy. Not too flighty, so I think I’m cheap, but not that willing to settle down, either. I don’t want to feel trapped. I don’t want to have to spend every waking moment thinking about one person and how they feel and what they think and how best to please them. I want, for once, for someone to want to please me but not want to commit to anything serious. I thought boys liked to be considerate sluts?

I’m not saying I want someone for a fuck-and-run. I don’t want to spend time with a guy I can’t respect or have a decent conversation with. But there should be some kind of happy medium, an easy chemistry that doesn’t require too much input from either of us. I want a friend who likes to kiss me, I guess. Haha.

Whatever, I don’t know what I’m talking about. I’m probably not posting this. At least not until eight o’ clock, anyway. I might go back to sleep. God will find me, I hope. Or else I’ll keep searching, just not when I’m on six hours of sleep on a Sunday morning. Good night.

Parcul unde dai de toţi îndrăgostiţii, visători şi puerili, cu sclipiri în ochi, ţinându-se de mână, care din loc în loc se opresc pentru încă un sărut, vorbind despre lucruri aberante.. abstracte, fără sens oricum… o imagine obişnuită pentru acest parc.. o imagine trăită pe propria piele, imagine din care culmea nu îmi amintesc prea multe. De data asta.. eram eu.. în parcul îndrăgostiţilor.. eu.. eu şi o carte pe o bancă oarecare, aleasă după inscripţia cu cheia ” te voi iubi mereu “… ah.. când ne îndrăgostim nu mai gândim ??!?!?… cred k nu.. dacă aş fi gândit poate că îmi aduceam aminte, sau poate nu ţine neapărat de gândire ci de ceea ce nu realizăm în momentele alea, când totul pare roz şi perfect.. (încă nu mi s-a întâmplat)… dar.. eram eu… şi cartea proaspăt achiziţionată… pe o bancă lângă un copac scrijelit.. sărmanul copac.. clar îndrăgostiţii nu gândesc când distrug aşa ceva… dar cred că face parte din euforia indragostelii… pe altă bancă, doi tipi… la agăţat??!.. mda.. slabe şanse să găseşti o fată singură în aşa parc… pe altă bancă.. evident doi îndrăgostiţi, care nu erau perfecţi.. el e drăguţel.. ea nu… dar chiar dacă poate nu se iubeau erau măcar îndrăgostiţi… eu eram tot singură… pe o alee în spatele meu cădeau frunze… aurii… cred că vine toamne aşa încet… era plăcut să simt mirosul ploii după atâtea zile de caniculă, la umbra unor copaci înalţi, auzind numai preludiul păsărilor, care parcă cântau pentru tot cei care îşi declarau iubirea prin priviri pătimaşe şi plie de amor inconfundabil… da da.. sigur.. aproape că m-am convins şi pe mine… da totuşi, e mai bine singură pe banca aia.. mai mult loc pentru mine, mai mult gândit şi nimeni care să mă contrazică… să fim serioşi.. cum fac îndrăgostiţii ăştia când se vor certa??!?!!… ah.. nu mai vreau să ştiu.. poate par paranoică şi îmi pare rău că am rămas cu ce e mai urât dintr-o relaţie destul de lungă.. nu a fost să fie… asta e.. dar e normal oare să îmi amintesc numai de lucrurile urâte, de parcă cele frumoase nu ar fi existat?!?!.. probabil că nu e normal.. sau până la urma urmei ce înseamnă normalul.. ce face toată turma ??… atunci mă bucur să fiu altfel.. mai ne”normală… mi-am dat seama că mă simt foarte bine în preajma îndrăgostiţilor şi mă bucur când îi văd, pe stradă, sărutându-se şi ţinându-se de mână, îmi sunt tare dragi dar problema e că nu îmi doresc deloc să fiu în locul lor sau să fiu ca ei… e adevărat că după o lungă perioadă am descoperit cum e să poţi respira în voie, să ai totul pentru tine, să nu ai grijă nimănui şi nimeni să nu aibă grijă ta… fac ce vreau şi mi-e extraordinar de bine… da.. dansez, visez, zbor.. ieşiri, petreceri cu oricine.. prieteni pe care i-am îndepărtat de dragul “dragostei”… mă simt bine alături de cartea mea, unghiile portocalii !!! NU REGRET NIMIC… DAR.. a trecut… e timpul să îmi trăiesc viaţa şi să las în urmă trecutul.. am auzit că “cei mai frumoşi ani sunt cei ce vor veni”… vreau să îi trăiesc la maxim chiar dacă v-a apărea din nou “indragosteala” sau poate “dragostea ” în viaţa mea.. m-am schimbat mult şi ştiu ce vreau pentru mine şi pentru “noi”.. libertate deplină.. aahhh.. mă iubesc deja…:)):)):)) =))

So… iubiţi-vă.. dar nu uitaţi să respiraţi şi nu uitaţi niciodată de propria persoană… e cel mai important lucru!!

See you soon: *: *! Take care

Linda Teodosiu a revenit cu un single care transmite un mesaj direct si cat se poate de sugestiv. Este vorba despre piesa “Reprogram my heart”, iar toata presa germana se intreaba actualmente daca Linda sufera dupa cineva. Din punctul meu de vedere e o piesa buna, merita pusa pe repeat atunci cand ajungi sa te gandesti la cineva mai mult decat la propria persoana…

Desi nimeni nu se mai astepta la vreo revenire a lor dupa scandalul in care a fost implicata Nadja (s-a presupus ca ar fi intretinut relatii sexuale cu un barbat, stiind ca are HIV+, motiv pentru care a fost si arestata, iar in momentul de fata eliberata, desi cercetarile decurg in continuare) si dupa despartirea lui Sandy de cel cu care are un copil, No Angels au pregatit in secret un nou single extrem de optimist (iar in septembrie e planificat deja albumul), care iti da buna dispozitie si iti aminteste ca ai o singura viata si aia trebuie traita! Pentru toti cei care au nevoie de mai multa energie pozitiva…

Vineri o sa aiba loc premiera noului single/clip Scooter la piesa “J’adore hardcore”, fiti pe faza!

Ein Leben und das sollen wir leben! Schönes Lied, toller Text und hammer Video! Was die Engel hier aus dem Hut gezaubet haben ist wirklich erste Sahne! Nach all den Negativ Schlagzeilen über Nadja haben die Engel trozallem zu Nadja gehalten und es hat sich gelohnt! Nach dem Eurovision dilema wollte man sie schon abschreiben, jedoch lassen die No Angels eine solche Niederlage nicht auf sich sitzen und geben uns was auf die Ohren

Erstmals auf dem Konzert in St. Pölten präsentierten die No Angels ihren brand neuen Song, der am 21.08 in den Läden steht und das Album Welcome to the Dance wird anfang September veröffentlicht.

Power song und power Frauen!

Singel Cover

No Angels One Life am 21.08.2009 im Handel

Songtext:

I don’t wanna hear another voice
sayin there’s nothing more
I should be the one to make the choice
to open another door
But I was moving in the right direction
I thought I had it all, figured out,
but now I’m feeling like there’s something missing,
I just realised

[Refrain]:

I only got one life, one life!
Tonight I’m gonna live mine, live mine,
www.musicloversgroup.com
I’m gonna have a good time, good time,
i wanna be free.

I only got one life, one life!
Tonight I’m gonna live mine, live mine,
I’m gonna have a good time, good time,
i wanna be free.

Why was I afraid to take a chance, knowing that I am strong?
Take me to the floor and I will dance
watch me go on and on
Yes now I’m heading in the right direction
don’t need to have it all figured out
and when I’m feeling like there’s something missing
I’m gonna remember

[Refrain]

I’m feeling it with confidence
I don’t care about consequence
I’m gonna do what’s best for me
Reaching for my destiny
Hold on – I feel it
I’m pushing to the limit
I’m working my ass off – forever I will bring it

[Refrain]

Written by: Nasri Atweh, Hakim Bell, Nadja Benaissa, Lucy Diakovska, A. Dunkley, Adam Messinger, Sandy Mölling, Jessica Wahls

It’s All For New: Hazel’s Latest Release Breaks The Norm, Molds A Form…

By Denton Ramsey

Fifteen years and seven studio albums into their career, Sister Hazel is soaring to new heights — and from their self-titled white album days to their latest Release, these guys don’t miss a beat. Ken Block, Drew Copeland, Ryan Newell, Jett Beres, and Mark Trojanowski are the masterminds behind the magic — running through new musical scores like an All-Duke Basketball Team led by Coach K.

The five Hazel members are more than just band buddies — they take music and their passion for writing and composing music to a brand new level with Release, breaking the norm by a long-shot in their approach to their newest album, due to hit stores on Aug. 18.

With Release, Sister Hazel has jumped into a category that may very well stand alone. This musical masterpiece, the bands seventh disc of original material, was a true team effort in its creation.

All five band members came to the table with numerous songs, and each member was given two tracks for the album, with Copeland and Newell garnering three apiece.

“We felt it was time for a different type of record, and we figured the best way to make a different kind of record is to change the record making process,” Newell said.

The band also used a similar approach when recording their 2007 Christmas album, Santa’s Playlist. In addition to contributing a song, the songwriter would then guide his design through the recording process.

“The concept worked so well for us,” Trojanowski said. “We thought we’d use it on our studio album.”

Compiling their songs and meeting at the band’s favorite Gainesville rehearsal place, these five amazing musicians played through the material before traveling to Nashville to demo the tunes prior to Newell working on the tracks at his home studio, with band members dropping in from time to time.

In my opinion, the concept worked to perfection — and I hope to see a similar approach in future records from the band. It’s just amazing how much talent each and every Hazel member brings to the table. They’re my modern-day Pink Floyd. I love these guys…

Newell’s Tracks

I had the wonderful privilege of interviewing Newell a few years ago when Absolutely came out [“Hazel High: A Newell Kind of Cool,” September 2006]. What’s also truly amazing about these guys is their interaction with their fans, from the Rock Boat to Hazelnut Hangs. When they say they look at the Hazelnuts as their friends, they mean it.

With the release of Release, the publicity department for the band came up with a wonderful concept of releasing a new band member’s phone number every few days to the public for fans to call in and speak with the guys. What a promo!

When I spoke with Ryan, he remembered me — and it was great to talk about life and changes in the past few years as well as the awesomeness of the new album. We also talked about upcoming shows and I can’t wait to see these guys live in Texas!

Newell, Hazel’s lead guitarist, won the title track spot with his song “Release,” a country-infused hit that highlights his multiple talents – including solid lyrics, beautiful banjo playing and a debut on the cello.

The band also released an exclusive download of an acoustic version of “Release” which focuses on the raw sounds of music that Hazelnuts have come to love and adore. The acoustic version of “Release” is one of my favorites by Hazel in quite some time and brings back memories of Lift: Acoustic Renditions.

The second track on the new album is also all Newell, a guitar-grown tune called “Take a Bow,” where Block’s phenomenal use of voice and harmony come to the forefront in what will surely be a repeated radio request. It’s no surprise that the formation of these first two hits came after a songwriters’ getaway where Newell collaborated with the likes of Pat McGee, Emerson Hart, and Michael Daly.

Think old-school Tim McGraw for the first two tracks on Hazel’s new album, with a twist of Ken Block’s amazing voice (hopefully the band won’t mind this Texan comparing their songs to country music).

Newell’s tracks on Hazel’s new album speak volumes to what he has personally been through lately and rings “breakup songs.” Regardless of what you want to call Newell’s recent tracks, they are destined to be Hazel hits for a lifetime.

“This has been a crazy year for the band,” Newell said. “We’ve gone through my divorce, Drew lost his father, [and] Mark had a baby. You really find out who your true friends and family are when you go through life changes like that. You really find out who is special to you. We’re tighter as a band than ever before, and I think we’re not taking each other for granted.”

The other track by Newell on Release is song number 11, called “Fade.” This guitar-driven tune reminds me of the 90’s music I grew up with and should make most Hazelnuts feel like fading away into the sweet sounds of music on Sister Hazel’s latest recording.

Copeland’s Tracks

The third track on Release is a song written by Copeland called “I Believe In You,” and Block’s vocals again shine brightly in this track. In all actuality, Block dropped one of his songs to work on this Copeland cut — and in return, Drew allowed Ken to captain the track.

Think Jack Johnson meets Brian Wilson for “I Believe In You,” once again with a twist of Ken Block’s amazing voice. When I spoke with Drew as part of the Release promo, I could tell he was very excited about the new album — and you could also tell how much he enjoys interacting with the fans.

Although this tune also has a country feel to it, Block’s sweet sounds of Hazel bring this on home to Hazelnut fans and truly ring Sister Hazel from start to finish – especially in the way Block stresses the “I-I-I-I Believe In You” in the chorus of the song.

“Run For The Hills,” the fourth track on Hazel’s newest album, is a Copeland classic that brings Drew’s voice to the lead and again centers on the incredible harmonies made by this group of very talented singer/songwriters.

This track bleeds Drew Copeland, and for anyone that has heard his solo country album, No Regrets, this track will make you feel right at home.

“Ken has always been our main songwriter,” Copeland said. “It was nice this go-around to take this off his back, because all five of us have grown as writers, and we were able to really contribute on the songwriting front. It really makes a diverse record.”

I meant to ask Drew when I spoke with him on the phone if he has ever crossed paths with my good friend, Todd Fritsch — an up-and-coming country musician — as their records were likely recorded in Nashville around the same time. In addition, I believe Copeland and Fritsch have a very similar sound in terms of how they approach country music.

The ninth song on Release is also Copeland’s — a beautiful piano-laced, guitar-induced, and harmony-driven song called “One Life” that may stir memories of the Eagles or Tom Petty. Or think old-school John Michael Montgomery meets Garth Brooks.

With Copeland in the lead and Block filling in with backup vocals, this is a two-stepping tune that could do very well in the country music circles. Which, with Copeland having released a solo album already classified in that genre, doesn’t surprise me one bit as an avid Hazelnut.

Trojanowski’s Tracks

Mark Trojanowski’s first track on Release hits the airwaves with song five on the album, a true to form Hazel hit called “Better Way.” And maybe a better way to describe this song, to steal a line from Krista Mettler’s press release on the band’s new album, would be “orchestral.”

Just over two minutes into this song, the music begins to rise and fall like an old-school Beatles hit rocking the airwaves in the 1970s — with Trojanowski steering the yellow submarine through the land of Hazelnuts…

When I spoke with Mark on the phone, music was actually one of the last things we talked about — we got lost in conversation about Duke Basketball, kids leaving early for the NBA, and Coach K and the Blue Devils winning the 2001 Championship.

Trojanowski also wrote song number 10 on the new album, “Take It Back.” And Mark helps take us all back to the early 90’s in the style and rhythm this tune takes.

“Not too many bands have been around for as long as we have who have come up when we started,” Trojanowski said. “A lot of that has to do with us having a true sense of a band, and not just one person fronting the band and everyone else treated differently. This new album demonstrates that democracy even more.”

Block’s Tracks

Song six on Release is the first on the album written by Block, a down-to-earth classic called “Walls & Cannon Balls.” For those growing up listening to these guys play, this one will definitely bring back solid memories. It’s a classic Block hit and truly is in tune with 90’s style Sister Hazel music.

“Everyone got their fingerprints all over the record,” Block said. “The ownership that we always felt on other records went to a different level on this one. Because of the way we completed this album, we were able to tap into a lot of different things sonically, vibe-wise, and thematically.”

Song eight on the new album, “See Me Beautiful,” is also Block’s — and boy does this one ring Drift. From beginning to end, I am (as always) amazed by what Block can do vocally and how amazing his voice mixes with the rhythmic beats his band mates produce through their instruments.

“Mark’s songs tend to come in at one end of the spectrum where they’re a little heavy and layered a lot more, and Drew, on the other hand, really likes to use a lot of space and a lot of intimacy with the words,” Block said.

Talking to Ken as part of the Release promo was truly amazing. Not only have I always wanted to get some talk-time with Block, but it was a great conversation!

From discussion of the excitement for the new album to reminiscing about how my passion for Hazel began back in the mid 90’s when Block and the rest of the band met with and comforted my friend Tracie Laymon after she had been life-flighted to the hospital in Houston, it was awesome talking to Block.

On top of that, Laymon was recently responsible for directing Block’s first solo music video [“I Don’t Mind,” from Drift], which was shot in Los Angeles, California — a fantastic video, might I add. However, I digress…

Beres’ Tracks

Save the best for last, right Jett? To be perfectly honest, Beres’ final cut — “Ghost In The Crowd” — is an absolute favorite of mine off the new album. Think Pink Floyd meets Eric Johnson. Ryan’s riffs on this piece blow me away — they are incredible, especially for a studio album.

With band mates dealing with issues such as birth, death and divorce, this song was a unanimous pick to conclude the record. With a solid mixture of powerful lyrics and a remarkable melody, this Beres track truly hits home with Sister Hazel.

“We had a lot of personal stuff going on — ‘Ghost in the Crowd’ was my interpretation of life that was happening within the band,” Beres said. “The album was an opportunity to say, ‘I have a vision for these songs and I’m going to see it through,’ [and] the other four saying, ‘I trust that you are able to do that and will facilitate you in any way I can.’”

The other song by Beres on Release is song number seven, “Vacation Rain.” This is a great song with a very memorable melody (think John Mellencamp meets Jackopierce). And this is a track I foresee many Hazelnuts quickly falling in love with…

It’s absolutely amazing how much these guys have grown since first forming in the early 90’s in Gainesville. And from the Rock Boat to Lyrics for Life, these guys give it their all — and that’s why I love them. So what’s next from this group we’ve all come to know as Sister Hazel?

“Right now, we’re on a tear,” Block said. “And we hope to keep things really rolling.”

Roll on, Sister Hazel. Rock and Roll on…

*****

For more information on the band, including how to purchase their albums and to check their tour schedule, visit their website at www.sisterhazel.com.

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at denton.ramsey@gmail.com

Como já havíamos dito, as meninas estava em Berlim gravando o bendito clip. Parece que já está quase pronto e algumas fotinhos vazaram, no mais puro estilo… Spice!

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