Things are already underway in St. Petersburg (thanks, Wyyoming, for screwing up my picks from the get-go and making me late for bowl 2), so I’ll just get right to it.

7:19: Rutgers already up by a score. Since it’s now a commercial, here’s some Irish music for you:

This liveblog is now 100% more Irish than Beef ‘O’ Brady’s. You’re welcome.

7:21: This Beef ‘O’ Brady’s commercial is a frighteningly accurate picture-representation of American obesity statistics (roughly half).

7:26 Apparently the best part about Hodges from UCF is that he’s studying forensics. This leads ESPN to believe he’s a fan of CSI. If real life were TV, ESPN, Tim Tebow really would be Jesus.

7:28: Outstanding miff by Rutgers. UCF takes over at the 9, but can’t seem to figure out this whole “running forward” thing.

7:30: UCF capitalizes, ties it. I sit through another Beef ‘O’ Brady’s commercial. Ribs =/= Irish.

7:31: I feel like I should explain my hate of fake Irish. I eat at Taco Bell and find no problems with it, so it’s only fair I go into detail about this one. Over the summer I studied in Ireland for about six weeks and absolutely loved it. Now, fake Irish bullshit incenses me (probably unnecessarily, I admit). It’s such a great place, and has really good food, but that all gets buried under shit like leprechauns and Beef ‘O’ Brady’s. That joint in particular doesn’t even have Irish food, just a shitty name and a green color scheme. Fuck, even Bennigan’s tries. I can go into this in more detail later if anyone wants, but its basically that that shit is plain tacky, and people think it’s actually Irish. Anyway, back to the game.

7:35: Tim Brown rocks the UCF D, Rutgers back up.

7:40: Unintended side effect of 34 in 20: neck pain. All the looking up and down between the computer and the TV is starting to take its toll. Yet another reason I may quit the liveblogging.

7:45: UCF is making this look easier than I thought it would be for them.

7:46: …I say as Jonathan Davis gets TFL’d, bringing his average to -1.5 YPC

7:50: I was always against it, but now that I think about it, I’m all for a bad Eminem song being used to advertise Modern Warfare 2. Whenever I hear his music I want to blow up the suburbs, and Modern Warfare 2 gives me that chance.

7:55: Assuming bowls, football, and America still exist then, I wonder if, 100 years from now, the St. Petersburg Bowl will have the same tradition and esteem the Rose Bowl has. I’m gonna doubt it.

8:00: I’m smoking far too much. I may need to move this to a non-smoking venue for the rest of the bowl season. Hello, parent’s house.

8:01: I really hope that, despite the claims of ESPN commentators, that these players do not ask their coaches to milk them.

I have nipples, Bob Davies, can you milk me?

8:04: It is apparent that neither of these teams (Ruters on receiving and UCF kicking, in particular) has a clue what to do on a return. Miffs, illegal contact, and general indifference all seem to be the norm here.

8:09: I’m actually getting tired. Watching bowl games back-to-back makes me feel 80. This is fucked up.

8:12: The only thing that’s going to be more annoying than hearing “Wildcat” every 15 seconds during this game will be when “triple option” is said every ten seconds in the lead-up to the Orange Bowl. Well, and the whole Insight Bowl, but I’ll be too filled with hate to be annoyed then.

8:13: I’ve already got the rest of this bowl figured out. Both teams have no pass D, but both offenses choke in the red zone. I’m guessing Rutgers will choke less and keep it out of UCF’s hands.

8:14: Point above proven by a Rutgers TD. 21-10 Scarlet Knights.

8:15: I like the electric guitar Christmas music better than the New Mexico’s flamenco junk. Point, Beef’s.

8:24: Pass defense in this game continues to be terrible. I’m pretty sure the NFL version of Randy Fasani (0.0 passer rating in his only start), could pass on these Ds. Touchdown Aiken. 21-17 Rutgers.

8:30: Hospitalized players are never good. Especially with head injuries. Get well soon.

8:32: Only the first mention of Ray Rice so far. I’m sure it will be the first of many.

8:35: Finally, some pass defense! Rutgers’ Billy Anderson pulls off a pick six to make it 28-17. I don’t know that UCF is going to come back.

8:36: It is of course necessary to mention that said pick-six was overshadowed by Mark Jones trying to act cool by screaming “don’t call it a comeback!” Two problems with this. 1) That was corny as shit, even by ESPN standards. 2) Rutgers was up anyway.

LL Cool J is not impressed.

8:44: Thank God. Halftime. Time to zone out for a bit. I imagine that won’t be much different in the second half. Rutgers up 28-17.

8:47: One more comment re: Beef ‘O’ Brady’s:

This is how you Americanize something Irish.

9:03: If I drank as much as they make it look like the people in that “car filled with hooch” drunk driving commercial did, I doubt I’d know what a fucking car was, let alone how to operate one.

9:05: Didn’t know that UCF’s official team name is the “Dark Knights.” There are two obvious pictures to post here. I’m going to go with the one that best describes how they’re playing.

UCF is playing like this, but with less enthusiasm.

9:08: And they show it by immediately giving up a 62-yard pass to Sanu.

9:12: Sanu is flat out running shit. And catching it, I suppose. 3 of Rutgers’ 5 TDs have gone through him. Rutgers up 35-17.

9:17: Watching UCF play offense is turning me into a nihilist.

9:28: FG Rutgers. Existence is meaningless. Nothing to see here. 38-17.

9:35: Jefferson fumbles, UCF recovers, it will get turned around, ESPN is more interested in showing the tank of rays at Tropicana (I am too).

9:41: Nice pick by UCF. It’s a little late, but they’re showing signs of life.

9:48: Holy fuck there’s still a quarter of this left? I seriously thought it was the fourth already.

10:01: I’m still watching the game, but have no desire to continue to liveblog it. Rutgers is good. UCF not so much. I’ll probably still be on here, just don’t expect too much more during this game.

10:18: Sanu muffs another punt, doesn’t lose it this time. WooHoo. Football. Yay.

10:23 Jones and Davies discussing legislation on coaches leaving. That’s dumber than the whole “legislate a playoff” thing. Brian Kelly left Cincy. Fuck him. He doesn’t get to coach. He can sit on the couch with Charlie Weis and eat potato chips and watch the game, provided Weis doesn’t swallow the bag.

10:35: Woo garbage touchdown. Masked as a possible comeback by UCF, but that’s not happening. 38-24 Rutgers.

10:37: Rutger’s TD. 45-24 Game over. Can I be done now?

10:39: In preparation for the Orange Bowl, and to quell my boredom from this game, I wrote a mock article over at the excellent Black Heart Gold Pants. Check out “GT Changes Offensive Scheme” here.

10:44: And now it’s over. 45-24 Rutgers.

I’m going to bed now. 8 hours watching football is surprsingly tiring. I’ll be back tomorrow with a look at and potential liveblog of the New Orleans bowl. See you then.

As a part of this experiment, I will be posting previews of each and every bowl. Since I will be making my picks in separate posts, these will focus on the bowls themselves, with minimal notes about the teams in the games. Here is number two of 34.

Football. Florida. Fried Mozzarella.

No, it’s not the Outback Bowl. That’s a New Year’s festivity. No, kids, it’s the St. Petersburg Bowl. Presented by none other than Beef ‘O’ Brady’s.

What is Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, you ask? (I sure as hell asked) Why, it’s only the finest chain of Irish retaurants in all the fat parts of the United States! Except, they don’t appear to serve Irish food. In fact…

…that looks about as Irish as this:

Top o' the mornin' to ya, motherfuckers.

Essentially, it’s a TGI Friday’s that went to Ireland and only ate pizza. Or something. And I’m pretty sure that commercial is narrated by Guy Fieri in a fake Irish accent that makes Speedy Gonzalez sound not racist at all.

Judging by the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s website, it also appears to be the official tchotchke-based theme restaurant of Sister Hazel. Sister Hazel is a band who had a famous song about 10 years ago that you know by heart, despite not having a clue who Sister Hazel is. They’re the Bow Wow Wow of the ’90s, only with a worse name.

Along with the EagleBank Bowl, the St. Petersburg Bowl is the baby of the BCS family, as today’s contest will be only the second game in it’s history. As such, there’s not really much history to make fun of. It’s the Big East vs. C-USA (with the Sun Belt waiting in the wings should C-USA suck more than it usually does).They do have a tailgate competition, (featuring real Tampa Bay celebrities!) which should inspire a fair bit of hilarity as well as sad declarations of utter redneckery as people try to prove that they are the best tailgaters for a pre-Christmas small-market bowl game.

The 2nd annual St. Petersburg Bowl will be played between Rutgers and UCF.The Scarlet Knights vs. …the Knights.

A battle of knights. Sponsored by an Irish restaurant. That serves Italian food. Rutgers will win, but I think everyone who watches this one (myself included) will lose.

Enjoy your meatball sliders. And your heart attacks.

“A crooked chimney standing in the middle of a field once surrounded by walls of work, by laughter and by love…  It once was beautiful, right here.  It still is beautiful, in here.  You once were beautiful, I hear.  I hear it can be beautiful, just remember.”

- “Just Remember” by Sister Hazel

I grew up in the wooded mountains of Alabama, a few miles down the road from DeSoto State Park and the Boy Scouts’ Camp Comer. It was only inevitable that I would forever enjoy hiking and exploring trails, well past the days of Cub Scouting. Barely marked paths are rough draft adventures that offer something more sacred and wild than any tourist attraction I could know.

Whenever I trek through new terrain, I always wonder how few people in the history of the world have stepped where I step. And I wonder how long it’s been since anyone else was there. And what kind of animals cross the path throughout each day.

Saturday my new friend Daniel is coming over. That means two things will happen. We will play New Super Mario Bros. Wii. And we will go hiking in the woods behind my neighborhood. There’s an urban legend that an Indian man has been sighted out there meditating. And wild boars.

I’m not inspired by sporting events where the players and coaches switch teams each new season. So when another guy chooses to hang out with me, I will find a way to incorporate some sort of exploration of the wild.

In 2001 my dad and I spent a Saturday morning exploring the undeveloped, unmentioned land in between the Interstate and main street of my home town. I had never talked to anyone who knew what was back there. Forty-five minutes into the hike, we found what we didn’t exactly know what we were looking for.

We looked up and it was as if it just suddenly appeared. An old abandoned house with no power poles or roads leading to it, but instead, an isolated railroad track ran right in front of the house.  Only a few miles from civilization, yet completely forsaken. The entire house was covered in moss. We dared to step inside.

The front door was already open. The couch in the living room was rotted out. The floor of the back bedroom and bathroom was gone. The only proof of recent life was in one of the kid’s bedrooms. Blue shag carpet. Tinker toys. And the local newspaper, The Times Journal, from 1986.

Mentone, AL

The year I started kindergarten was the last time a family had lived there, evidently. In a way, my dad and I discovered it. If anyone in my town wanted to know details about this forgotten house, they would have to come to us. Otherwise, for all practical purposes, it doesn’t exist.

And it’s that sort of discovery that is the motivation for my constant attraction to hiking the woods. It’s what I do. I thrive on it. Not hiking a three day excursion through Catskill Mountains surviving on Cliff Bars and filtered urine. But just finding simple forgotten pockets of wilderness wherever I am.

Today I spent my lunch break from work hiking in the woods behind my office building and found a mysterious soccer field with no parking lot or road leading to it. And an old pony stall. And a frozen baby snake. Perfect.

And as I was searching for pictures of Canyon Land yesterday I stumbled into a new discovery about myself. I am fascinated with abandoned amusement parks. While I didn’t successfully find many pictures of Canyon Land, I did come across several others that fellow abandoned amusement park enthusiasts have taken the time to post. These wonder-playgrounds that once brought thousands of people joy now sit tucked away on the corner of town.

Maybe I romanticize the situation. I see them like Cinderella waiting for someone to come along and save them, bringing them back to their full potential. Like Jim Carey in The Majestic, I imagine bringing the lost back to life. But for now, these broken-down Ferris Wheels and rusty roller coasters sit quiet like Atlantis.

Below is a collection of the beauty and wonder I see in abandoned amusement parks.  Sometimes creepy.  But what a life they once saw.

Goodbye LA, Hello World: Green River Ordinance Right on Track with “Out of My Hands”

By Denton Ramsey

Hailing from the Lone Star State and playing all around the globe, Green River Ordinance has got to be the best band you’ve never heard of.

With absolutely amazing acoustics and an overall Collective Soul sound, these Texas musicians rock the waves from their first track to their final note in “Out of My Hands.”

From Outside to Endlessly, these guys are the next big thing in music. Think Sister Hazel with a twist of Matchbox 20.

Speaking of Sister Hazel, GRO (as the band is known by their fans) recently played on the Rock Boat.

“It’s a boat full of real music lovers,” GRO lead singer Josh Jenkins told The Dallas Morning News. “We’ve experienced, since the boat, a lot of people coming to shows that had been [on the cruise]. These people tell their friends about you and offer up their homes. It’s just a different level of fans.”

A different level of fans for a different kind of band; and what a great band GRO is.

So what does Jenkins consider to be GRO’s genre?

“We’re definitely a pop-rock band,” Jenkins said. “The 90’s were a huge influence on us.”

And what a great time period to be influenced (by some of the best musicians ever, at least in my opinion).

A question many ask the band, and one I have seen in both reviews as well as radio interviews, is “Why the name Green River Ordinance?”

To put it simply, the band really just thought the name was cool.

“That was just something that Jamey [Ice] and Geoff [Ice] had before I joined the band,” Jenkins said. “It was on a sign in their garage that said ‘Green River Ordinance Enforced.’ It was just peculiar and odd, so it kinda stuck.”

Green River Ordinance is actually a reference to a law that prohibits door-to-doors sales, but regardless of the name’s history, these guys are truly Southern comfort.

“I think it’s inevitable for us to have a Southern twist, being from Texas,” Jenkins said. “We believe our personality comes out in the songs we wrote for the record. Since we were 16, we’ve gone through so much as people. These songs are like babies you give birth to.”

If that’s the case, GRO has some oh-so-sweet offspring, and I personally love every song on the album.

To quickly introduce the band to the general public, the fivesome includes Jenkins (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Jamey Ice (lead guitar), Geoff Ice (bass), Joshua Wilkerson (guitar) and Denton Hunker (drums).

“My dad was a Deadhead,” Jamey Ice told Texas Music. “He’s the one who bought us guitars and took us to lessons.”

The parents of GRO’s members have every reason to be proud of their boys; and with a truly sweet album on their hands, it’s only a matter of time before Green River Ordinance becomes a household name.

“We want to write music that’s real, for sure,” Jamey Ice said. “But we also want to write music that’s hopeful.”

“Out of My Hands” is all that and then some, with a bit of real and a dose of hope mixed together in a guitar-induced sound that will have you hooked in no time…

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

While I’m sure that most of the students reading this blog have locked themselves in libraries and late night coffee shops and have no plans for going out until finals are over, I found a few events worth mentioning. Maybe you could treat yourself to these concerts that bring back the good ol’ days of middle school/high school, perhaps a time when finals were less stressful, or maybe even non-existent…

Bowling for Soup and the Riddlin’ Kids are playing at Emo’s Thursday Dec 3 at 10 pm. You may remember these Texas bands from your  local “alternative” radio station in the early 2000’s. Bowling for Soup had such hits as “Girl All the Bad Guys Want” and “1985″ and were even nominated for a Grammy in 2003. They’ll be promoting their newest album, “Sorry for Partyin’” this Thursday night. Come out and see them with fellow alt-pop band Riddlin’ Kids at one of their first gigs since they got back together. No joke, I heard from a friend of a friend that one of the Riddlin’ Kids band members actually works at a Chuy’s in Austin. Here’s to hoping this concert can help get them back on their feet. Tickets are $12 and doors open at 9pm at Emo’s on 6th and Red River. buy tickets

311 is playing with State Radio Tuesday Dec 8 at Austin Music Hall. I guess technically these guys are still going strong, but you have to admit their better stuff came around in the late ’90s and early ’00s. Doors open at 7pm, the show starts at 8 and tickets cost $39 (seriously?) buy tickets

Sister Hazel is playing at La Zona Rosa Dec 9 at 9 pm. Think back to the mid-to-late ’90s and imagine a world where “All For You” and “Your Winter” topped the chart. Does this bring a smile to your face? Then you really need to put the books down and head to this show. They’re touring to promote their latest album “Release.” Tickets are $10 and only available the night of the show at the door.

Sister Hazel– “All For You”

Our final selection is a bit of stretch. The mid-to-late ’90s also brought about the rise of ska, and who better personifies ska-punk than Sublime. Not to get your hopes up, because, no Brad Nowell is not back from the dead, but Badfish, a band that exclusively covers Sublime songs will be playing at Emo’s at the end of January. Doors open at 9, show starts at 10 and tickets are $15. buy tickets

Badfish covering Sublime, covering the Grateful Dead

Good luck with finals everyone! Hope this list could help you procrastinate a little bit and reminisce about when school was much much easier.

After reading my blog, one of my friends shared a song with me, one with which I was already familiar but had not heard in a while.  It is a very inspirational song and reminds us that we are in control of our minds and have the power to change it.   Habit can seem like a friend because it provides us with a sense of comfort but sometimes we need to kick habit in the ass and try a different way.  Even if it is for the sake of just trying something new.  In the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe , “We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden”.

Listen to “Change Your Mind” by Sister Hazel on lala

Lyrics:

Hey, Hey
Did you ever think
There might be another way
To just feel better,
Just feel better about today

Oh no
If you never want to have
To turn and go away
You might feel better,
Might feel better if you stay

Bridge
Yeah yeah
I bet you haven’t heard
A word I’ve said
Yeah yeah
If you’ve had enough
Of all your tryin’
Just give up
The state of mind you’re in

Chorus
If you want to be somebody else,
If you’re tired of fighting battles with yourself
If you want to be somebody else
Change your mind…

Hey hey
Have you ever danced in the rain
Or thanked the sun
Just for shining- just for shining
Or the sea?
Oh no- take it all in
The world’s a show
And yeah, you look much better,
Look much better when you glow

Bridge & Chorus

Hey hey
what ya say
We both go and seize the day
’cause what’s your hurry
what’s your hurry anyway

The guys in Sister Hazel are veterans on a scene of new blooded musicians seemingly hiding around every corner.� With over 2 million albums sold and 6 studio�releases already under their belt, their 7th�album, Release (released this summer), is sure to appeal to the�most diehard of�Hazelnuts as�Release would be the first album in which the writing credits, for one song or another, belong to every member of the band.

Lead singer, and founder of charity organization Lyrics for Life, Ken Block, says�that he and his fellow�band members -�Drew Copeland, Ryan Newell, Jett Beres, Mark� Trojanowski�- are also closer now than ever before and this disc is the culmination of that bond.� “Everybody has had personal tragedies”�says Block on their official myspace. �”We have had inner turmoil [but] we always had similar goals.� It all made us closer. �We’ve all been able to lean on each other and our friendship has gotten deeper and deeper.”

The�vibe of this set of�tracks is slightly quieter than their last few studio albums.� They almost find themselves in a comfortable pocket for most of the album, but in the midst of a 15 year career, that’s only expected.� And while some people find that to be a negative feature, I think it speaks to their growth as a group which can’t be argued with.�

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The guys in Sister Hazel are veterans on a scene of new blooded musicians seemingly hiding around every corner.  With over 2 million albums sold and 6 studio releases already under their belt, their 7th album, Release (released this summer), is sure to appeal to the most diehard of Hazelnuts as Release would be the first album in which the writing credits, for one song or another, belong to every member of the band.

Lead singer, and founder of charity organization Lyrics for Life, Ken Block, says that he and his fellow band members - Drew Copeland, Ryan Newell, Jett Beres, Mark  Trojanowski - are also closer now than ever before and this disc is the culmination of that bond.  “Everybody has had personal tragedies” says Block on their official myspace.  ”We have had inner turmoil [but] we always had similar goals.  It all made us closer.  We’ve all been able to lean on each other and our friendship has gotten deeper and deeper.”

The vibe of this set of tracks is slightly quieter than their last few studio albums.  They almost find themselves in a comfortable pocket for most of the album, but in the midst of a 15 year career, that’s only expected.  And while some people find that to be a negative feature, I think it speaks to their growth as a group which can’t be argued with. 

The title track, which kicks off the record, was cowritten by the band’s guitarist, Ryan Newell, Rock Ridge Music labelmate Pat McGee and Tonic’s Emerson Hart.  It’s a fine intoduction with a poppy backbeat and Block’s unmistakable vocals.

“Take a Bow,” the next track on the record, is definitely a stand-out for me.  Also written by Newell and McGee with Mike Daly, and pressumably about the pitfalls of having drama queens in your life, this track holds a harder rock sound overall which I admittedly prefer for this band.

Not much later on the album is the second stand-out for me, “Run for the Hills,” written by Drew Copeland and fellow Gainesville, FL musician, Britton Cameron.  Another fun one with an almost retro pop beat, some rockin’ acoustic guitar and fabulous sing-a-long harmonies.

To round out the stand-out trifecta is the very next track, “Better Way.”  Lyrically this is a song that could have been inspired by the life of almost anyone listening - and if you have no idea what I’m talking about, you should listen to the lyrics closely because it’s only a matter of time.  Much less of an upbeat rock song, it leans towards the side of a ballad, but still darker than some of the other slow-paced tracks on the album.  Writing credits for this one go to Sister Hazel drummer Mark Trojanowski, Ken Kelly and Lindsey Kelly and I’ll just say it – a female cowriter could just be the reason this song is so lyrically sensible.  Just sayin’.  Stan Lynch (original drummer of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) also shares a co-producer credit on this track in addition to 2 others on the album.

Block’s writing contributions “Walls and Cannonballs” and “See Me Beautiful” are both ironically about perseption, both false and empowering, respectively.  If you enjoy these two musically chill tunes, you’ll love his solo album, Drift. 

“Take It Back” and “Fade” provide a nice little double-header gearing towards the bottom of the album.  Jett Beres’s “Ghost in the Crowd” is no slouch either, especially with it’s out of the blue guitar solo which lasts for about a good, long, gritty minute.  They didn’t take too long trying to get that right.

Sister Hazel is currently on tour supporting this album.  Visit their myspace for dates.  Release is available anywhere music is sold.

My recommendation?  In this economy, a 12 track album for 6 bucks is a steal.  Well lets be honest, that’s a steal in any economy, especially since the holiday season will be here before you know it.  So if you mosey on down to your nearest Target before November 9th, you can pick up a few copies of Sister Hazel’s latest; one for yourself and a few others to leave in the Christmas stockings of your nearest and dearest loved ones.

While you’re picking up Release, keep your eyes peeled for the band’s 2007 Christmas album, Santa’s Playlist, for some awesome rock renditions of old classics like “Run Run Rudolph,” “Please Come Home for Christmas,” and “Silent Night” plus a little ditty for all of the Chanukah celebrations out there!  It’s a fun time all around.

This week was midterms week for me, therefore it consisted of very little sleep, a lot of caffeine, and high amounts of stress.  But! I made it through (did very well on my tests I might add) and this play list helped me through it… I’ll group them into the areas that they helped me in

studying:

• The Way You Make me Feel- Michael Jackson
• Dig- Incubus
• Life is a Highway- Tom Cochrane (NOT the Rascal Flatts version…not that its not a good song, I just prefer the other version )
• Keep on Rockin me Baby- Steve Miller Band
• Ohh Ahh- Gritz
• Sex on Fire- Kings of Leon
• Ventura Highway- America
• Have You Ever Seen the Rain- Creedance Clearwater Revival
• Make Up you Mind- Theory of a Deadman
• Lucky- Jason Mraz and Colbie Callet
• Champagne High- Sister Hazel
• Carry on our Wayward Son- Kansas
• Life’s Been Good to me So Far- Joe Walsh
• Warning- Incubus
• Lay me Down- The Wreckers

Frustrated from studying…

• Bad Girlfriend- Theory of a Deadman
• Sweet Sacrifice- Evanescence
• Show Me How to Live- Audioslave
• Dangerous- Ying Yang Twins (you can tell I’m a little over the frustration here and trying to get back to sane and happy again)
• Patron Tequila- Paradiso Girls
• You- Atmosphere
• Party in the USA- Miley Cyrus (I have an eclectic taste…)
• Who’s Your Daddy- Mook n’ Fair
• You Know I’m no Good- Amy Whinehouse
• Church- T-Pain

Trying to sleep and not think about my test the next day but still doing it anyway…

• Song for a Winters Night- Sarah Mclachlan (its not as bad now that it snowed…)
• Revelry- Kings of Leon
• Time in a Bottle- Jim Croce
• Wild Horses- Rolling Stones
• Raining on Sunday- Keith Urban
• In the Waiting Line- Zero Seven
• Somewhere In Between- Lifehouse
• Hold You in my Arms- Ray LaMontagne
• Storm- Lifehouse (and by now I was fiiiinally asleep)

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:

Written By: Darwin Green
(Reviews Editor)

Label: Rock Ridge Music – Rating:

If ever you find that you need help remembering that the countryside and the Heartland of America still exists, if ever the big cities trap you and close off any memories of the large vast plains that comprises the majority of America where people sit out in lawn chairs next to their trucks to sip on beer and find inner tubing as just another leisurely activity, then put this album on.

Sister Hazel on this album carries people over to the states in America where Country is not just another type of music. It takes one to a place where it’s the only kind of music.

With veins of pop influence coursing through its melodies and lyrics, it’s still not a far cry from cow-tipping and dirty, smoky bars with sawdust on the floor. If the Goo Goo Dolls ever decided to take on country, Sister Hazel would hold their hand. It’s the type of music to fall in love under the stars to, where seldom is catchiness a discouraging word, and the sky is not cloudy all day.

Keeping on the sunny side of life, Sister Hazel illuminates the fun times as a reason to celebrate, and the bad times as a force to reckon with. Love conquers all, sentimentality reigns supreme, and nothing can stop the overwhelming surges of joyousness that pervades the album from the first bar onwards.

Like Sister Hazel? Then you might like Darius Rucker, Goo Goo Dolls, Brandon Stanley.

I watched Dirty Dancing last night. I can cross that one off of the “movies-I-haven’t-seen-but-would-like-to” list. I enjoyed it a lot. Patrick Swayze is beautiful in this film. And I wish that I could dance like that. Maybe one day.

“I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life, the way I feel when I’m with you.”

I’ve come across some great music recently. Sister Hazel’s “Champagne High” is brilliant. Also, I came across an artist by the name of Stephanie Mae (Hilliard) on iTunes U. I’ve currently been listening to her song “Poker Face” over and over. It definitely beats out Lady Gaga’s song. This girl is talented, for sure.

After an eternity of waiting for more CMJ bands to be announced, CMJ leaked the news on about 150 other bands that will be playing this afternoon.  The lineup is filled with unknowns and buzz bands, just how we like it. Polyvinyl and Park the Van are both doing showcases as far as we know. Polyvinyl will have Headlights, James Husband from Of Montreal, Cale Parks and Japandroids. Park the Van has the Spinto Band, and well we got really excited and didn’t get to read any further. The marathon will also feature some new kids on the block (no not those new kids on the block) like Cymbals Eat Guitars , Princeton and the Depreciation Guild. Oddly it also features a couple old timers like Sister Hazel and Vertical Horizon. Really? We’re not sure how we feel about those choices. After all it’s supposed to be about new emerging bands, not 1995’s leftovers. Below is the list released so far, and kids it’s only going to get better from here. We highlighted our favorites and must sees, we suggest you do the same.

A Million Years – Acrylics – Adam and Dave’s Bloodline – Adam Matta – Adam Tensta – Adventure – Alex Gopher – Alexandra Hope – All Day Holiday – Aloha – Amber Rubarth – Amy Kuney – An Albatross – Anamanaguchi – The Antlers – April Smith and the Great Picture Show – Atlas Sound – Bear Hands – Beat Radio – BELL – Benjamin Wagner – Benji Cossa – Bermuda – Big Takeover – Birds of Avalon – Black Hollies – Black Taxi – Blacklist – Blood Warrior – Bloodsugars – Body Language – Bonerama – Break Science feat. Adam Deitch – Brit and the Calvary – Broadcast – Brother Josephus & the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra – The Budos Band – Cale Parks – Calypso – Casino vs Japan – Choir of Young Believers – Chris Barron & Friends – Chris Kasper – Christopher Denny – Clare and the Reasons – Claymation Velociraptor – Clinton Curtis – Cobra Skulls – Corridor – Crystal Antlers – Cymbals Eat Guitars – Dada Life – Danger – Dan Torres – Dang-It Bobby’s – Daniel Pujol – Dark Meat – Dark Room Notes – Darshan – Darwin Deez – Das Racist – Deer Tick – Denney and the Jets – Dent May – The Depreciation Guild – DeScribe – Diane Birch – Dick Prall – The Dig – Dinowalrus – Disciplines – Diwon – Dizzy Gillespie™ Alumni All-Stars – DJ Jonathan Toubin – DJ Odd Nosdam – Dolorean – Drawlings – Dred Scott Trio – Drink Up Buttercup – Drug Rug – Dum Dum Girls – ear pwr – ECHOecho – Electro Morocco – EOTO – Eprhyme – Ethan Lipton – Every Avenue – Excepter – Eyehategod – Fanfarlo – Felix Cartel – Fervor – Fieros – Fionn O Lochlainn – First Aid Kit – Flexions – Floating Action – Fool’s Gold – Foreign Echange – Frat Dad – Free Energy – French Horn Rebellion LIVE – French Miami – FUCT – The Fumes – Furcast – Generationals – Gentleman Reg – Gigi Fouquet – Goat Whore – Golden Boots – Golden Triangle – Grammar Debate – Great Republic of Rough and Ready – Greg Davis – Guyora Kats – Hank and Cupcakes – Harlem – Headlights – Heath Brandon – Heavy Cream – Heavy Weather – Hecuba – Helado Negro – Hesta Prynn – Hey Champ DJ – Higgins – The High Strung – Higher Giant – The Hi-Risers – Hockey – Holiday Shores – Hollerado – Hollis Brown – Holy Sons – Home and Garden – Hospital Bombers – Hot Panda – HotChaCha – Ian Axel – Ian Thomas – Immaculate Machine – Inlets – Ivan “Funkboy” Bodley – Ivana XL – J. Dash – Jaguar Club – James Husband – James Maddock – Janel and Anthony – Janelle Monae – Japandroids – Javelin – JBM – Jeff Taylor – JEFF The Brotherhood – Jess King – Joey Cape (Lagwagon) and Jon Snodgrass (Drag The River) – Jonny Hirsch – Josh Mease – Julius C – Jupiter One – Kaiser Cartel – K-Holes – Kosha Dillz – Kria Brekkan – LA Riots – La Strada – Las Rubias Del Norte – Laura Marling – Laura Warshauer – Lemon Bell – Leslie Mendelson – Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez – Lia Ices – Like Bells – Lisa Bianco – Local Natives – Lost In The Trees – Lovvers – Lynch (ft. Jim Loughlin of moe.) – Marcus Johnson – Margaret Cho – Marianna Falusi – Math the Band – Mere – Michael Daves – Michal Towber – Mickey Factz – Midnight Juggernauts – The Mieka Canon – Mighty Five DJ – Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – The Minutes – Miz Metro – Modern Science – Modern Skirts – The Moi Non Plus – Mon Khmer – Montag – The Moore Brothers – Mr. Move – Múm – Mumford & Sons – Mutlu – Mystery of Two – The Naked Hearts – Nate Campany – Nathan Corsi Band – Natural Child – The Neanderthals – New Villager – Ninjasonik – NLX – Obits – The Octagon – Owen – The Pack A.D. – Paleo – Papa – The Paparazzi – Patrick Watson – Pela – Pepi Ginsberg – Pete & J – Pig Destroyer – Pill Wonder – Pissed Jeans – Pitbull – Pocketknife – The Polyamorous Affair – Portugal. The Man – Princeton – Puba – Ravens & Chimes – Red Wire Black Wire – Richard Julian – Right On Dynamite – Rings – Rob Roy – Rumspringa – Saul Williams – Savoir Adore – School of Seven Bells – Screaming Females – Sean Bones – Selmanaires – Shaky Hands – Shayna Zaid and The Catch – Shout Out Out Out Out – Signer – Silver Starling – Sin Fang Bous – Sissy Wish – Sister Hazel – Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds – Slow Club – So Many Wizards – So So Glos – Social Hero – Sonya Kitchell – Souljah – Space Capone – Speech Debelle – The Spinto Band – Squaaks – The Stalkers – The Star Department – Stationary Set – Still Flyin’ – Still Life Still – Strong Intention – Subplots – Suckers – Sugar & Gold – Super Extra Bonus Party – Superdrag – Superhuman Happiness – The Surrender – Sxip Shirey – Takka Takka – Tall Tall Trees – Taylor Barton with GE Smith – Teenage Bottlerocket – Telepathe – The Temper Trap – Terry Poison – Tickley Feather – Timber Timbre – The Title Tracks – The Toby Lightman – Tommie Sunshine – Toro y Moi – The Trashmen – Trouble Andrew –True Womanhood – Twi The Humble Feather – Two Man Gentlemen Band – The Uglysuit – U-God – Underwater People – Unnatural Helpers – The Unsacred Hearts – UUVVWWZ – Val Emmich – Vega – Vertical Horizon – Very Best – Via Tania – VIKING – Wallpaper – Warpaint – We Are Country Mice – We Are Enfant Terrible – We Are The World – We Should Be Dead – The Wheel – White Tie Affair – Wild Light – Wild Yaks – Wiyos – The xx – Y-Love – Yes Giantess – Zac Brown Band – Zaza – Zeus – Zs – Z-Trip – Zuri Star – ZzZ

OK, so, removing the Preamble entry, this is the 100th post on The Buzz!!

Thank you to everyone who has read, shared, inspired, and commented here.  It’s been an absolute thrill to get to know you (or know you better!).  I try to provoke discussion, so I definitely appreciate people who tell me I’m wrong!

I gave a lot of thought on what to do for the big 100th post, whether it be a list, a retrospective, etc.  As you know, we cover a lot of different ground here, from PR, social media, sports, pop culture and more.

Music, however, is very important to me.  I was a bar mitzvah DJ when I was in high school, and transitioned to radio while I was in college.

I’ve always been fascinated with a concept I call “The Soundtrack of My Life.”  The jist is, you pick 18 songs that MUST be included in a biopic movie about your life.  No other rules apply.  Any piece of recorded music is fair game.  I made several CDs trying to capture this essence, and every one of them was different.  Of course, the 18 songs will change as you have new experiences, are exposed to more music, have more life to cram into 18 tracks, and so on.  This IS not a favorite songs list.  This is music to be played in your life story.  Some of them are included for instrumentals, others for lyrics, and most, hopefully, for both.

I hope you will place your 18 songs in the comments section!

One more thing: Here are my personal favorite posts!

1) The Sports Man-Crush

2) The Currency of Pop Culture

3) The Does/Is Wall

Without further ado, the 100th Buzz – The Soundtrak of My Life (in no particular order):

1) “Chelsea Dagger” – The Fratellis

2) “All For You” – Sister Hazel (acoustic version)

3) “Apache” – SugarHill Gang

4) “For Once in My Life” – Stevie Wonder

5) “Hole Hearted” – Extreme

6) “Life is Wonderul” – Jason Mraz

7) “Big Time” – Peter Gabriel

8 ) “Crazy” – Seal

9) “Don’t Stop Believin” – Journey

10) “The Way You Make Me Feel” – Michael Jackson

11) “Rock & Roll” – Eric Hutchinson

12) “Glow” – Alien Ant Farm

13) “Everything” – Michael Buble

14) “All You Need is Love” – The Beatles

15) “I Need More Love” – Robert Randolph and the Family Band

16) “Metallingus” – Alter Bridge

17) “Will I Ever Make It Home?” – Ingram Hill

18) “Drive” – Incubus

Hidden Bonus Track: “What Is Love?” Haddaway

Hidden Bonus Track: “Can I Get Get Get” – Junior Senior

by Katie

This week saw new releases from late-90’s, alternative-radio staples Third Eye Blind and Sister Hazel. I was perplexed too, as I always am when mildly successful but unremarkable bands turn up ten years later, still making the exact same unremarkable music. Is it fun to play the same shit year after year? Don’t you want to challenge yourselves as songwriters and musicians? Do people buy your records?

Listen, Third Eye Blind. I know you meant well, but do we really need another trio of guys who refuse to grow up writing political songs that lack nuance? Also, haven’t you heard? George Bush is back in Texas, and he’s laying low. Hurray! I look forward to your song commenting on Obama’s health care reform efforts in 8-10 years.

I can’t even comment on this. The lyrics mean NOTHING!

After the jump, a bit of nostalgia. Because it was ok to have bad taste when we were kiddies, right? RIGHT??

It’s hard to tell if it’s 23-year-old me, or the 13-year-old-me that still resides somewhere deep inside my brain with my other repressed memories… but I actually still kind of like this one. Ken Block’s voice had a lot more character back then, that’s for sure. (I had to make sure that Sister Hazel wasn’t responsible for this monstrosity before I gave them some props.)

I am not going to make an objective statement about the good/badness of this song, because any time I hear it, I start rocking out. HARD. The kiddy version of me definitely didn’t use drugs (neither does the grown-up version, actually) so lines like “I was taking sips of it through my nose” meant nothing to my innocent brain. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go jump around my office after hearing this one.

I was working on writing up a big post on District 9 and critical analysis but instead I got sucked into watching Sister Hazel live on SyncLive.  Great show.  I highly recommend their new album “Release” which came out yesterday as I am really enjoying it.

I suppose I’ll finish writing the other post up tomorrow although maybe not because I am easily distracted by stuff.

Off to download Shadow Complex now….

Sister Hazel               Release, 2009               12 tracks, 46:06 in length

Genre: Rock

There were a couple of Sister Hazel songs that I liked from previous releases, so I was a bit interested when I saw they had a new album that had just been released. I thought it was okay. There was nothing especially compelling about it, and nothing really grabbed my attention. While there are a few tracks I wouldn’t mind hearing again, I wouldn’t be brokenhearted if it never happened.

Would I listen to this album again?

By happenstance alone.

Would I spend money on this album?

No.

Will I add any songs to my collection?

No.

Here are this week’s new music releases:

Herb Alpert & Lani Hall – Anything Goes
The Antlers – Hospice
Brendan Benson – My Old Familiar Friend
Terence Blanchard – Choices
Breathe Carolina – Hello Fascination
Broadway Calls – Good Views, Bad News
Cascada – Evacuate the Dancefloor
Clan of Xymox – In Love We Trust
Joey DeGraw – Say Something Strong
GWAR – Lust in Space
Colin Hay – American Sunshine
Joe Henry – Blood From Stars
Hiroshima – Legacy
The Hot Club of Cowtown – Wishful Thinking
Inward Eye – Throwing Bricks Instead of Kisses
Ledisi – Turn Me Loose
Nathen Maxwell and the Original Bunny Gang – White Rabbit
Delbert McClinton & Dick50 – Acquired Taste
Reba McEntire – Keep on Loving You
MUTEMATH – Armistice
David Nail – I’m About to Come Alive
New Tales to Tell: A Tribute to Love and Rockets
Christopher O’Riley – Out of My Hands
OTEP – Smash the Control Machine
Sean Paul – Imperial Blaze
Jack Peñate – Everything Is New
Pissed Jeans – King Of Jeans
Rasheeda – Certified Hot Chick
Jay Reatard – Watch Me Fall
Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae
Brady Seals – Play Time
Sister Hazel – Release
Sugar Red Drive – Sugar Red Drive
Third Eye Blind – Ursa Major
Loudon Wainwright III – High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project

Sister Hazel - Your Winter

 

Grey ceiling on the earth

It’s lasted for a while

Take my thoughts for what they’re worth

I’ve been acting like a child

Your opinion, what is that?

A different point of view

What else, what else can I do?

I said I’m sorry, yeah, I’m sorry

I said I’m sorry, but what for?

If I hurt you then I hate myself

I don’t want to hate myself,

I don’t want to hurt you

Why do you choose your pain?

If you only knew

How much I love you

I won’t be your winter

I won’t be anyone’s excuse to cry

We can be forgiven

I will be here

Old picture on the shelf

It’s been there for a while

A frozen image of ourselves

We were acting like a child

Innocent and in a trance

A dance that lasted for a while

Read my eyes just like a diary

Oh remember, please remember

Well I’m not a beggar, but what’s more

Baby, if I hurt you then I hate myself

I don’t want to hate myself,

I don’t want to hurt you

Why do you choose your pain?

If only you knew

How much I love you

It may seem that I have stopped blogging but I have not.  In a mix of me being lazy, uninspired and flat out busy with other things (currently my quest for 50,000 Gamerscore, amongst life in general) I have neglected my poor blogs and the adoring fans I have.  OK so I made the last part up but a guy can dream right?

Anyway, this post isn’t meant to be a triumphant return to form, after all I am quite lazy but a few things have popped into my head over the last little bit and I felt maybe I should lay them down for you as proof I still know how to take words and form complete (if sometimes nonsensical) sentences.   But be forewarned this post has about as much substance as an empty bottle of water.

MUSIC

Gigapoodle’s recent discovery of the Beatles has me thinking about them more and more.  I am still not a fan.  I appreciate their contributions to the industry and I do like some of their music but I just don’t dig the music.  It’s cool we don’t all have to like the same stuff, after all many people think “Chinese Democracy” is a pile of crap but I personally think it is the bloated, pompous, self-referential masterpiece that Axl Rose was always destined to make.  Anyway back to the Beatles, I recently watched Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and despite it being an awful excuse for a comedic endeavor it did feature an awesome scene involving The Beatles as played by Jack Black (McCartney), Paul Rudd (Lennon), Justin Long (Harrison) and Jason Schwartzman (Ringo).  I don’t recommend watching the film but if you can find the clip somewhere it is comedic genius.

Outside of that my musical infatuation for the week is the band July for Kings, in particular their 2002 album “Swim” but that will probably change next week with the release of Sister Hazel’s sixth studio album “Release”.  In anycase, for me July for Kings comes across as a musical mix of Live, Matchbox Twenty, Our Lady Peace and the Goo Goo Dolls, which is cool because I like all those  bands.

Oh and I’m pretty pumped about going to see one of my favorite guitarists, Mark Tremonti, tomorrow night in Camden when the re-formed Creed makes their obligatory Philly stop in Camden, NJ.

MOVIES

As I stated earlier I watched “Walk Hard”, it was worse than what I was expecting (which honestly wasn’t much).  I also watched a Steven Seagal movie where he fought vampires called “Against the Dark” it was about what I was expecting.  I’ll be heading to see “District 9″ this Saturday and if you want my impressions on the film be sure to tune into next week’s About 12 Minutes podcast or maybe I’ll post a review, who knows.

The summer is almost over and I have to say I was kind of disappointed in this summer’s efforts.  It wasn’t quite as bad as the summer of 2007 where we had three straight third film stinkers in a row but overall Summer 2009 was, at least for me, mediocre.

GAMES

I’ve been on a tear recently and am now within a little over 4000 points to my goal of netting 50K Gamerscore.  I’ll be happy when the quest is over because I have  other shit I have to do.  I have however gotten to play a ton of games during this endeavor, some good and some bad but all games I wanted to play.  Like X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which I finished last night (the 26th game I’ve finished this year).  It was a blast.  Would I purchase it?  Probably not but if you are a fan of games like God of War you should probably play it.  It’s ten hours of straight on gory as all hell shred-em up action.

I’m also currently, and slowly, playing through Resident Evil 5.  Its not the masterpiece some people tried to convince me it was but it is also not just RE4 with a new coat of paint.  I like it, I just don’t love it.

Purchasing season is just around the corner, starting September 1 for me with Guitar Hero 5 and I’m quite pumped for it as well.  I’m not exactly sure why I am pumped for it but I am and I am quite happy that if I get it day one I will get a copy of Guitar Hero: Van Halen for free which I had absolutely zero intention of buying because the game is not an indication of Van Halen’s career.  It seems mighty stupid to me that the game is going to pretend that the Hagar era never happened.  Regardless of if you liked Van Halen with Sammy or not, there is little denying that some of their biggest hits came during that time and don’t even get me started on how they are completly slapping Michael Anthony in the face by having Eddie’s 18 year old kid, Wolfgang, in the game.

POLITICS

I’m not going to get into a whole lot about the Healthcare debate.  President Obama recently stated, “”For all the scare tactics out there, what is truly scary is if we do nothing”.  I generally agree with that statement but what should be done is where I may disagree with him except he doesn’t even seem to know how to go about changing the system.  The government (both sides) needs to give the people some options to take a look at and decide what is best.  Those voted into office were put there to represent us not make decisions based on party allegiance, loyalty to lobbyists, or just their gut.  They need to be educated on the matter and bring it to the people.  I urge all politicians to read all 1018 pages of the Health Insurance Reform Bill because most of you (on both sides) don’t seem to have read much, if any of it.  And guess what when someone starts yelling at you about a certain section of the bill, show them the bill, read them the bill and help them understand the bill because mostly people are scared of the unknown and if you could explain to them what something they have an issue with means maybe we as a country could be more productive.

———————–

Anyway, maybe a post about critical reviews and analysis is in the cards soon.  Who knows?

Oh and I have a Twitter account.  I originally thought it was stupid.  It is not.  Follow me (Kariyanine).

Sabado, luego del chuchaqui, de entrar a The Matrix Facebook y de leer el ultimo post del monopastuso, decidi tirarme la pera del proyecto de grado, y sentarme a ver la television local no pagada.

Tenia buenas opciones como Click en el canal de Nobita, Bedazzled y Sexo con Amor en el canal que odia a Correa.

Bedazzled mas conocida como ‘Al diablo con el diablo’ es una de esas peliculas gringas que nunca me canso de ver y eso que tiene un final fresa. No soy religioso, pero me gusta la abstraccion humana de Dios y el Diablo. Si se me diera la oportunidad que se le da a Elliot (Brendan Fraser), ya se imaginaran lo que yo haria…

If you want to be somebody else,
If you’re tired of fighting battles with yourself
If you want to be somebody else
Change your mind…

Antes de que empieze la otra pelicula, perdi la nocion tiempo-espacio, hasta cuando recibi una llamada de Japanese Whisper. Conversamos un buen rato, compartiendo ese “deseo innato por seguir viviendo en este pais”

Ya llegada la noche, era el turno de Sexo con Amor, pelicula chilena que no la habia visto pero moria por verla. No me llego mucho el mensaje subliminal, pero estuvo bien para terminar el sabado y empezar el domingo.

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

Now in its third year, Operation Swan Dive, a festival of skydiving and music, is set to jump on August 15th and 16th at SkyDive Pepperell in Pepperell, MA.  Again, the event, which raised $110,000 the past two years, will benefit Lyrics for Life, a cancer charity founded by Sister Hazel front-man Ken Block.  Daytime skydiving will take place both Saturday and Sunday; interested divers should visit www.operationswandive.org for more information and to register.  A special Saturday night barbeque and concert experience will take place under the big tent at the Pepperell, MA, drop zone, and music fans interested in attending this portion of the event can purchase tickets for $40 in advance on the www.lyricsforlife.org website.  Beer, wine, and food will be served, followed by a concert courtesy of Ken Block of Sister Hazel (making an extremely rare Northeast solo appearance), Andrew Hoover, and Alexis Babini.  The Saturday evening festivities begin at 8 p.m.

“We’re excited be participating in Operation Swan Dive once again this year,” says Lyrics for Life Executive Director Cynthia Cochrane.  “The event organizers do an amazing job convincing people to jump out of an airplane and we’re hoping that those who want to keep their feet on the ground will come out in support of both the jumpers and the cause at our Saturday night barbecue and concert (no jumping required!). “

“I am amazed at the generosity of the local community in this economy,” says Jenny Amidio, Operation Swan Dive organizer.  “My hope is that this year we will surpass the last two and reach our goal of raising over $150,000 for cancer charities!” 

In addition to benefitting Lyrics For Life, the event’s proceeds will also be shared with two local New England-based charities: Camp Sunshine (Casco, ME) and Jaiden’s Angel (Milford, NH).

About Operation Swan Dive:
Operation Swan Dive is an annual two-day event benefitting Lyrics for Life, a non-profit organization that raises funds for cancer research and to enrich the lives of those suffering from the disease.  The event weekend, which will take place rain or shine at SkyDive Pepperell (www.skyjump.com) on August 15th and 16th, 2009, will be filled with skydiving, music, friends and fun.  For more information on the event, visit www.operationswandive.org.

About Lyrics for Life:
Lyrics for Life is a non-profit organization created by Sister Hazel front-man Ken Block.  The charity unites musicians and celebrities for concerts, auctions, and other fundraising events. These efforts raise money for children’s cancer charities, funding groups that work to find a cure and enrich the lives of patients and their families.  Lyrics for Life was started in memory of Ken Block’s younger brother Jeffrey, who ultimately lost his four-year battle with cancer when he was a teenager.  For more, visit www.lyricsforlife.org.

About Camp Sunshine:
Camp Sunshine supports children with life threatening illnesses and their families.  The camp has the distinction of being the only program in the nation whose mission is to address the impact of a life threatening illness on every member of the immediate  family­the ill child, the parents, and the siblings.  Families have an opportunity to rebuild their relationships together and meet other families facing similar challenges.  Free quality services are provided at the camp including accommodations and meals, onsite medical services, counseling services, and recreational facilities.  www.campsunshine.org

About Jaiden’s Angel:
Jaiden’s Angel is a non-profit organization that provides services and support to local New Hampshire and Massachusetts families with critically injured and terminally ill children. Their mission is to offer non-traditional outreach to these families such as providing assistance with memorial planning, funeral expenses and insurance co-payments. www.jaidensangel.org

About Ken Block:
Ken Block is the lead singer of Sister Hazel, a band that has sold over two million albums and co-founded the Rock Boat (www.therockboat.com), the world’s largest floating music festival in 2001, which they also host annually.  Also in 2001, Block and the band established the charity, Lyrics for Life, which benefits children with cancer. Their forthcoming album, “Release,” is due in stores on August 18th.  Block’s debut solo album, “drift,” was released in 2009.  Block can be found online at www.blockville.com; Sister Hazel can be found online at www.sisterhazel.com and www.myspace.com/sisterhazel.

About Andrew Hoover:
Hailing from Fairfield, Connecticut, singer/songwriter/guitarist Andrew Hoover brings to the table a pot full of home cooked acoustic soul, R&B, blues, and sprinkled with some tasty flamenco. Andrew takes his cues from a variety of his heroes including but not limited to Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Marc Broussard, Ray LaMontagne, Raul Midon, James Morrison and Martin Sexton.   Andrew has released two solo-acoustic EPs since July 2007 and is scheduled to release his debut album, “Chances, Stances & Romances,” September 22nd.  He can be found online at www.andrewhoovermusic.com and www.myspace.com/andrewhoovermusic.com.

About Alexis Babini:
Boston-based singer-songwriter Alexis Babini released his EP “Breaking It In” in March.  His songwriting is a diverse blend of modern day pop/rock, with an occasional nod to folk classics. Northeastern Performer Magazine describes Babini’s music as, “…filling the audience’s ears with lyrics of love, flirting, and a little heartbreak.” He was a recipient of the Berklee College of Music Performer Songwriter Award for “Easy On the Eyes.” He has shared the stage with Benjy Davis Project, Dan Hicks, Blues Traveler, and is scheduled to perform with Boz Scaggs in September.  His online sites include www.alexisbabini.com and www.myspace.com/alexisbabini.

Submitted by Rock Ridge Music

During six entertainment-packed weeks September 25 through November 8, 2009, Epcot guests can taste fine cuisine and wines from the top “foodie” cities in the world at the 2009 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Care for a taste of Camaroes com Palmito (shrimp with palms) from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? Or how about a sip of the trendiest wine from Buenos Aires, Argentina? They are examples of the flavors of more than 25 international marketplaces from six continents that dot the World Showcase promenade during the festival.

Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $2 to $7 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk. Live regional entertainment is scheduled throughout each day along the promenade. Daily wine and beer tastings serve up sips from around the world, and culinary demonstrations dish up featured taste treats. A series fo special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

Live music kicks the festival up several notches each evening during Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring acts from many musical genres, including classic rock, jazz, R&B, funk and soul. Scheduled to appear to the first time on the Eat to the Beat! stage are Richard Marx, Better Than Ezra, Vanessa Carlton, John Waite and Billy Ocean. Returning acts are Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Starship, En Vogue, Sister Hazel, Kool & The Gang, Spyro Gyra, Jon Secada, Sister Sledge, Taylor Dayne, Boyz II Men, Night Ranger and Los Lobos.

Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your stay in Orlando to attend the 2009 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers spacious villas, first-class amenities and convenient access to Orlando’s Disney World theme parks and area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.