Originally Posted: May 18, 2008

I have to issue a Public Service announcement (or P.S.A. if you will) for all of the men out there who feel the need to use pick up lines. After years of collecting them from personal experience or friends of mine telling stories, it is time to blow this wide open. I’m not a fan of the lines at all unless they are used only for comedy. However, guys here are some you should NEVER (for any reason) use…

1) As he slides his business card across the table…”This will make all your dreams come true.” (What she’s thinking: “Unless my dreams include acquiring drugs from a pharmaceutical salesman, probably not.”)

2) He asks, “Do you chew Redman?” (What she’s thinking: “WTF?!”) This story got even worse, but it would take way too long to tell.

3) When a friend of mine tells a funny story about what she looks like when she first wakes up in the morning, he says…”Do you think there is any time in the near future when I could see you first thing in the morning?” (What she’s thinking and actually said: “Nope.”)

4) After admiring a woman’s shoes, a guy said…”Baby, if you were with me I could buy you Jimmy Choo’s all the time.” (What she’s thinking: “Sweet. Could you have them shipped to me so I don’t ever have to see you again?”)

5) A guy asks…”Were you a cheerleader?” she says, “Yes.” Then he asks “Were you in a sorority.” She says, “No.” Here comes the line (wait for it)… “Damn! That means only half of my fantasy would come true.” (What she’s thinking…she isn’t thinking because she has high tailed it to the bathroom to throw up.)

Since we as females don’t usually have to do the approaching, I can’t imagine how hard it is to for you guys to walk up and start up a conversation. However (for your own good and ours), don’t EVER, EVER, EVER get anywhere near using those lines and you will be better off…I promise. : )

Sorry, I had to get that out and also assumed you would enjoy some of the classics. They still make me chuckle.

This week I got called out. My edginess was questioned and although I’m not a whole lot like HER, I’m also not exactly HER. However, the reverse psychology worked (as it did in one of my favorite movies) and it was off to The Rutledge to hear a band by the name of Hurricane Doyle.

It was a new brand of country for me and I liked it. When I say a new brand…think alternative country or Southern country infused with rock. Lair is the lead singer and this is Lair (who rocked on together with me this week)…

Lair has a gritty southern voice that is right on the mark for every note. As far as the live performance, he keeps the band rockin’ with a sense of humor and the ability to interact with the crowd.

When it comes to the music, Hurricane Doyle delivers something unexpected and deep. When you have country songs that speak not only in metaphors, but also about them…it’s different. The language is direct and hard core (edgy you might say). The beats are catchy and varied. The lyrics not only carry meaning, but also humor.

“Jesus Help Me” has garnered the most controversy for the band. However, doesn’t controversy help the listener to think about and stand up for what they believe? Isn’t it a good thing if music is making us think?

“Baby Likes the Cocaine” is about a woman with an addiction (a little more serious than too much shopping) and the man who loves her.

“Got a Gun” is the most rock song of the batch. Lair’s voice, the rhythms and bass were incredible on this one. It was a song with interesting layers and held the crowd.

“Death of Me” was the fun, fast-paced song that was perfect for dancing. I could hear this one being played in bars around the country.

I have to admit, my favorite of the set was “Die Like a Rock Star.” As crazy as it was, the concept was on the money. Basically, the song tells the listener to suck the life out of every, single moment. Amen! We might not all be living the EXACT rock star lifestyle, but make sure you’re having fun (at least a little bit).

Hurricane Doyle is the band for those of you who have been begging me for something a little different in country music. Red Dirt Road fans and alternative country fans will love these guys. They are extremely talented and the sound is different. My sidekick Brit Brit liked it.

After a great night with Hurricane Doyle on Friday, it was pancakes at the best restaurant on the planet on Saturday (that would be The Pancake Pantry). Anthony, Copper, Christian, Paula and crew are awesome! We also love Albert.

After that it was off to Smack.

Have you been there? If you are a musician and you haven’t been to Smack (2201 Elliston Place)…there is something wrong with you. CHECK IT OUT! Rob and William are two of my favorite people in Nashville. Although the clothes at Smack rock my face off, these guys make shopping there even better. Thanks to William for rockin on with me as well!

That should about wrap it up for me. For all of you e-mail list people, have you checked out the MySpace page yet at www.myspace.com/rockontogether? If not, COME ON!

I saw an amazing songwriter tonight that I will tell you about very, very soon. I’m still too impressed to write about him yet.

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K