Originally Posted March 17, 2010

Alice Morse Earle long ago said, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.”Well, hello everyone! The past two weeks has been riddled with items from the past, joy in the present and anticipation for the future. Therefore, I would like to discuss all of these things. That’s right…the past, present and future.

There will also be pictures from shows throughout the past couple of weeks (like that one) including a quick trip to Chicago. I LOVE that city.

PRESENT television shows paying homage to the PAST: I grew up in the 80’s. If you were a child of the 80’s, you have an immense appreciation for all that is John Hughes. A sampling of John Hughes movies would be “Pretty in Pink,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Weird Science,” “Sixteen Candles,” “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and “Home Alone” (to name just a few). The man was a genius.

Do you know why John Hughes shaped a generation of teens who adored him? He was quoted as saying things like this…”I don’t think of kids as a lower form of the human species.” And we believed him. Right Brit?

A few weeks ago, “One Tree Hill” had a lot of fun flashing back to those movies and I loved every minute of it. For 60 minutes in the present, I smiled about memories from my past. Thank you “One Tree Hill” and thank you John Hughes.

PAST television shows paying homage to music groups from the PAST: I heart “The OC.” This is one of my all-time favorites for many reasons…the one-liners…the sarcasm…the brooding hero. I probably love it the most for Seth Cohen.

However, I was reminded of how this show not only launched new music, but also paid tribute to great music of the past. When Seth gets a broken heart, he listens to “On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men. Smart man.

Celebrities of the PAST leaving the PRESENT way too quickly: Cory Haim passed away last week at the age of 38. He is one of many actors from my generation who has died far too early. To me, it has seemed like an alarming rate. Suicide and drugs and drinking and accidental deaths. It makes me sad, because I feel like their lives never needed to be that way.

Television shows in the PRESENT that I adore: I love Seeley Booth. The end.

Great Songs of the PAST: You know I have to drop some tunes for you. Here we go…

1. “I Want You To Want Me” by Cheap Trick. “One Tree Hill” reminded me how much I love this one.
2. “How Bad Do You Want It” by Mark Wills. The hook to this song says it all. “It aint how good you are. It’s how bad you want it.”
3. “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera. The once-lead singer of Chicago always gets me. I heard this one as I walked into a store in Chicago this weekend. It always makes me smile. Karate Kid II anyone?
4. “Hungry Eyes” by Eric Carmen. Since we are already talking about all these great 80’s movies I adore, why not throw in “Dirty Dancing”? RIP Patrick Swayze.
5. “Candyman” by Christina Aguilera. The song is not that old, but I adore it. It is one tune that ALWAYS makes me get up and dance. I’m waiting for someone on Dancing With the Stars to use it. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Great Songs of the PRESENT: AAAAAND onto songs in the present. BTW…did you know you can buy these on iTunes? You did?! Well good. How about you go and do that.

1. “Lover, Lover” by Jerrod Niemann. The original tune was sung by Sonia Dada (rock/soul/R&B band from the 90’s). However, Jerrod makes this one his own and does it 500 times better than the original. Do you know what makes an artist? Someone who can hear a song for its possibilities and make it his or her own. Jerrod does this with ease. Seriously. This song is addictive, fun and different. It is smile inducing. As I’ve said before…there aren’t many tunes that can make me want to dance and smile when thinking about how an ex did me wrong. THAT is an accomplishment. For all my Kansas readers…did I mention Jerrod is from Liberal, Kansas? Now you know and don’t we support our own? I’m just sayin’…

2. “You’ll Always Be Beautiful” by Blake Shelton. This is on Blake’s new album. It is a sweet, romantic song written by Lee Brice (artist currently on the charts with “Love Like Crazy”), Jerrod Niemann (Well, what do you know?!) and Jon Stone (who is also an amazing singer/artist). You need to hear this one. Trust me.

3. “Kiss Me When I’m Down” by Gary Allan. Holy HOT song Batman. Let me start by saying, I don’t usually buy Gary Allan music. However, this new album is incredible and this song is…WOW! That voice with these lyrics, “Come on over. Drink my wine. Waste my candles. Waste my time. Tell me lies I won’t believe. Just don’t wake me when you leave. Come on over. Kick me to the ground and kiss me when I’m down.”

4. “I Will Not Say Goodbye” by Danny Gokey. More on this one in a second. Buy it. Listen to it.

Great Songs of the FUTURE: These tunes are going to be HUGE very soon. However, you can buy them now! WOOO WHOOO! It’s important you check these out.

1. “Happy” by Chris Nathan. Chris is amazing and this is one of my favorites of his. On a girls’ road trip to Chicago this past weekend, my friend Danielle heard this song on my iPod. She bought it upon arriving back in Nashville and has been listening to the tune for the past three days. You should learn a valuable lesson from Danielle.

2. “Wild Honey” by Ray Stephenson. This is a sweet and sexy tune that leaves you swaying to the music. Ray delivers it perfectly with the chorus, “Wild honey. Gotta taste that wild honey. Gonna get real high where the branches bend. Aint afraid to climb way out on a limb. It’s driving me wild honey way up in the sky above me. I’ll brave the steam. I’ll brave the fall. Baby, don’t you know I would risk it all for a taste of your wild honey. Wild honey.” Do you know what’s better? You can download it for FREE by clicking on that link above…you’re welcome.

3. “Bring Down the Fire” by Nathan Lee. He is one of my favorite rockers in Nashville (Well, anywhere). This song is lyrical poetry and it’s one of my favorites of Nathan’s. Give it a listen and then give it a buy.

4. “Take It Or Leave It” by Josh Hoge. Dear, Sweet Josh Hoge…I am STILL rockin to this one. I. Love. It.

Ways of doing things in the PAST are changing in the PRESENT to make way for the FUTURE: Back in the day you could by a record (album)…then an 8-track…on the way to a cassette tape…leading up to CDs…bringing us to digital downloads.

Blake Shelton is one of a few artists who are changing the way traditional “albums” are sold. He released his new “album” which is six songs. They call it a “Six Pack.” It is a new way of marketing music. We shall see how it goes. I’m not sure I like this one since I am a fan of complete albums for their artist purpose. However, I’m pretty sure my parents weren’t all that happy when records lost ground to cassette tapes.

What I’m trying to say is…I’LL TRY IT! But I don’t have to like it.

Good Advice from the PAST is always relevant to the PRESENT and FUTURE: I saw parts of a movie this weekend that was really awesome. The movie was called “The Longshots” and it was about a female football player, her team and a run down community that was in need of some positive energy.

I had to smile at my favorite part. The Reverend stood up to lecture the town at one point when they weren’t sure how to make their situation better. Here is what he said…”Remember what I said in church about if you only focus on what you don’t have, you gonna forget about what you do have? Well, I have another saying when I aint in church. Sometimes, ya just gotta wipe your own ass.” Amen Reverend. AMEN!

What works in the PAST will still work in the PRESENT: I purchased the new OneRepublic album last week. Look…I feel in love with the first album. After hearing “Come Home” on a television show, I was hooked and the rest of the album didn’t let me down. Therefore, I was excited for the second to be released. Now I’m confused.

You see, the second album is good. I’m not saying it’s not. It just doesn’t sound like the same band I fell in love with a couple of years ago. I feel like I had to start all over again and it was work! I’m not really sure why OneRepublic changed a formula that was working. Again, it’s not that I didn’t like the album. It’s just that it wasn’t the band I know. That makes me wonder if the third album will produce another entirely different sound. I don’t think I’m willing to risk it. I miss my band!

Give this album a listen and tell me what you think.

Sometimes a difficult PAST can result in a rewarding PRESENT and FUTURE: My life as a sports fan has been tough. I mean the last time I felt true GLORY as a fan was back in 1985 when the Royals won the World Series. I was 8-years-old.

As a Kansas State fan, we don’t EVER discuss the Big 12 Championship Game of 1998…EVER. Ditto for the 1988 NCAA Tournament Elite 8 appearance vs. KU.

Joe Montana (Post-49ers) was our one shot with the Chiefs and STUPID John Elway was always a thorn in our side.

When Shaq left the Magic…so did the wins.

HOWEVER, after all of these years…In the past 10 months: 1. The Magic had a legitimate shot at the NBA Title, 2. The Chiefs (Well, nevermind), 3. K-State football gets Bill Snyder back and has a MUCH better than expected rebuilding year, 4. I got to watch the 2009-10 installment of the Magic beat LeBron and the Cavs in Orlando, 5. Kansas State Men’s Basketball is not only ranked…we are IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT again, 6. The Royals (Well, nevermind. WAIT! I mean you never know).

Bottom line…it’s been quite a year.

When an artist from the PAST makes you remember them in the PRESENT you will return to shows in the FUTURE: There are some artists from the past week who I haven’t ever told you about in reviews. With those artists, I will go into more detail.

As for the artists I have discussed before in reviews, we are going to do something a little different. I become an advocate of artists and their music for many reasons. However, those who become my favorites for the duration have one thing in common. I remember exactly where I was the first time I heard them play. Bottom line. I will discuss that concept with some of the artists this time.

Shall we?

Artists from the PAST and PRESENT

On March 6th, Asher from Cumberland Heights put together a fundraiser called “Clean Break.” It was a great singer/songwriter event at Rocketown. The three people I heard sing, you will more than likely know. They aren’t unknown and they all ROCK.

Ken Block form the band Sister Hazel was first on the list. He sang all of the hits I have come to know and love like “Change Your Mind,” “Your Winter” and “All For You.” Do you know what was coolest about his set? Even though 85% of the crowd was teenagers who hang out at Rocketown, they knew the songs. They were singing the songs. These kids were barely walking when these tunes were popular. That is what you call good music. It lasts. “If you wanna be somebody else. If you’re tired of fighting battles with yourself. If you wanna be somebody else. Change your mind.”

Next up was former Tonic lead singer Emerson Hart. The same phenomenon took place with the teenagers when Emerson started singing. They knew all the Tonic hits he sang like “Let Me Go,” “If You Could Only See” and “You Wanted More.” Emerson’s voice was stellar and he had the entire room singing as back up singers…”If you could only see the way she loves me maybe you would understand why I feel this way about our love and what I must do. If you could only see how blue her eyes can be when she says…when she says she loves me.”

Do you know what I adore about Jeffrey Steele? There are many things. However, one of my favorite Jeffrey Steele traits is that he adjusts to whatever audience he is playing for at the time. Everyone loves his live shows because of this. While singing country songs like “These Days” and “What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts, he noticed that the kids weren’t as into the country music. Therefore, when he busted into the Montgomery Gentry tune “Gone”…he threw some Zeppelin into the middle of the song. He had them. NUMEROUS faces lit up as he played the guitar and you could hear things like, “DUDE! Did you hear him bust into Zeppelin?!” Jeffrey…RESPECT. And more on Jeffrey shortly.

Artists of the FUTURE

On the night of March 6th, I got to hear Chris Nathan for the first time in a long time. When did I first hear Chris Nathan? At the Blue Bar…here in Nashville…quite a while back now. I loved the music so much, I was in a trance. I think I even proposed marriage to the guy in the review. Chris. Is. Amazing. It was no different a couple of weeks ago.

He sang all of the tunes I adore like “Words,” “Sugarcane,” “Happy” and “Bonnie and Clyde.” PLUS, I got to hear some great new songs.

If you need sexy, try “On Fire.” I am sold with a chorus like, “On fire…turnin’ up the heat. On fire…dancin’ in the streets. Everybody knows, but do they really know? She’s on fire. Burnin’ it all for me. Burnin’ it all for me.”

If you need an escape for the trapped heart, try “Livin’ a Lie.” Here is what it states: “We keep on livin’ a lie. When we know we could do something better. We could just give this a try. Try. Well, I know we could do something better. We keep on livin’ a lie.”

Finally, look for lost love with “Someone I Used to Know.” There is no use in outrunning a memory…”I took a fly to Las Vegas. Rode a bus to L.A. Hitch hiked to Seattle just to feel the rain. And no matter where I am. No matter where I go. Aint nothin’ changed. You’re just someone I used to know.”

Just like the Chris Nathan songs I’ve loved for a while, I adore the new ones too. It’s the future people. The future.

Speaking of the future, last week I got to hear my favorite rock band in town…November.

When did I first hear November? It was about a year and a half ago at 12th & Porter here in Nashville. I was musically starving to enjoy some great rock music. I found it that night. I was in awe by the lyrics (they were poetic, cheese-free, insightful and ROCKIN’) the music (it crashed and burned and left you wanting to move) and the band (each band member was a strength with their individual talents making the whole unstoppable).

Tuesday was no different. I got to hear my November favorites like “The Grind,” “Jaime,” “Plain View,” “Amanda” and “Sugarfree.” PLUS, I fell in love with a new one called “Imagination.” The music was rockin with an ever-changing chorus. However, the first chorus was rock cool “I’m feelin’ good. I’m feelin’…I’m feelin’ good. I’m feelin’ like a child on Christmas Eve who just learned Santa’s make believe. Oh no.” WHAT?!

Go listen to this band and buy the music. They are the future waiting to happen.

Artists of the PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE

Thursday night took me back to Rocketown to experience “Jeffrey Steele and Friends.” This is an annual fundraiser for the “Remember Alex” Fund. Alex LeVasseur was Jeffrey’s son who died tragically a few years ago at 13-years-old. The family started many fundraising events to honor Alex’s memory. This event did just that.

Let me start with Jeffrey Steele. There is no one like this man. He is a songwriting legend, an unmatched artist and a really, nice guy. That night he sang in between other artists and with other artists. I got to hear many of my favorite Jeffrey songs (because there are so many, he couldn’t possibly sing all of them). Here is what he sang: “Every Day,” “My Wish” (his daughters sang with him) and “These Days” by Rascal Flatts; “Somethin’ in the Water,” “My Town” by Montgomery Gentry and “Shot Glass.”

I also got to hear Jeffrey sing “Will You Still Love Me?” with Jason Sheff (the lead singer of Chicago). I was in Heaven! Seriously. I just sat there with this dumb smile on my face. Have I mentioned before that I adore Chicago? Oh, I have?! Well, then…carry on.

This is when we get into the “and Friends” part of the show. I’ll make it quick.

Friend #1 = The Locash Cowboys. I got to hear their new single “Here Comes Summer” (Keep your ears tuned to the radio soon) and a new one they recorded of Jeffrey’s called “Friend.” They sang this one with Jeffrey and it was…well, WOW. “In the dark you were the light when the truth was hard to find. When I needed someone to call me on it, you called me on it every time. Through all the good…through all the bad. I always knew you had my back. The best part of being who I am is that I get to call you friend.” Love. It.

Friend #2 = Michael W. Smith. Yes, THAT Michael W. Smith. He is the man who founded Rocketown as a safe place for kids to fall. He has done amazing things for the Nashville community, this country and the world in which we live. That night he raised $2,000 for the event by singing two of his hits…“Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord” and “Place in This World.” I adore them both and I respect this man so much for all the good he does.

Friends #3 and #4 = Kansas native Sarah Buxton and Australian Jedd Hughes. These two sang the fun tune “Sweet On You.” Their voices blend well together and the song is as sweet as it states. “I’m gonna be sweet on you, Darlin’. I’ll be sweet on you. Sweet on you, Baby. Oh, don’t you know I’m sweet on you?”

Friend #5 = Danny Gokey. I don’t even know what to say. I quit watching American Idol quite a few years ago. Therefore, I had heard of Danny Gokey (all great things), but I had never actually heard him sing live. There are no words for what I experienced Thursday night in the form of Danny Gokey. I really don’t know how to put it into words. If I would have been standing, he would have brought me to my knees. There were no light shows or gimmicks. He just stood looking the audience straight in the eyes and sang one of the most heart wrenching songs I’ve ever experienced.

Although I didn’t watch American Idol last season, I knew Danny’s life story. It had been all over every news outlet during the taping of AI. You see, Danny lost his wife just one month before he auditioned for American Idol. It was a tragic loss for a man who had loved a woman so completely since he was just a kid. I cannot fathom what it would feel like to lose your lover, best friend and other half at the same time and I hope I never have to do that.

I’m giving you this background so that you truly understand the impact of the song he sang that night. Danny put every ounce of emotion into every note and breath of the song “I Will Not Say Goodbye.” Here is why the song hurt…”I don’t wanna feel better. I don’t wanna not remember. I will always see your face in the shadows of this haunted place. I will laugh. I will cry. Shake my fist at the sky, but I will not say goodbye.” You could SEE the pain in his voice. I was so blinded by emotion, I couldn’t move. On top of everything else, his voice was perfect…the entire song. My life was altered for the better by that one performance.

Danny…RESPECT (more than I’ve dished out in a LONG while).

Friend #6 = Heidi Newfield. I adore Heidi’s voice and her song choices. It’s always great to hear her sing any song. Thursday night I got to hear one of my favorites by her. You might know it. It’s called “Johnny and June.”  However, the song that stopped me in my tracks was her (soon-to-be) new single. It’s called “Why’d Ya Have To Be So Good?” This one is goosebump inducing. I think we’ve all been here: “Why’d ya have to be so good? Why’d ya have to love me so much? Why’d ya never let me down like everybody else in this town? Just when everyone was leavin’, you finally had me believin’ when I didn’t think I could. Why’d ya have to be so good?” Ummm…WOW! I cannot wait for this one to be released to radio. Go Heidi!

Friends #7, #8 and #9 = Pearl Heart. This harmonious trio of sisters was amazing! They were on Nashville Star last season. However, I had never heard them sing until Thursday night. Awesome. I adored the bluegrass sounding “Mama, You’re Driving Me Crazy.” They also infused some fun into the Jeffrey-penned tune, “Goin’.” Overall, I enjoyed the entire performance. Carry on ladies!

Friend #10 = Bob DiPiero. This is another songwriting giant. He was the last friend to take the stage. It was a blast watching him and Jeffrey sing and play guitar to the Montgomery Gentry hit “Gone” and Tim McGraw’s latest “Southern Voice.”

Jeffrey ended the night by proving why his is one of the best singer/songwriter/performers you will ever see/hear. He sang a brand new song called “Hungry.” It was a hopeful tune about making a positive difference in the world. “And I lay me down. And I go to sleep. And everything’s all right, but that’s just a dream. ‘Cause there’s something more my heart is starving for and it always leaves me hungry.” WOW! Jeffrey…once again, RESPECT!

Artists who have made me travel in the PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE

There are very few singers/duos/bands I will cross state lines to see. This is because they have to be worth the trip. Time is precious. There is one group who I’ve seen/heard in numerous states because it is ALWAYS worth the trip.

This weekend the girls and I traveled to Chicago for some fun, shopping and a show by The Locash Cowboys at Joe’s Bar. I also got to see my “little” brother, Kerry (by “little” I mean younger. He’s REALLY tall).

The show was incredible and we got to see a bunch of policemen and security guys chase and arrest a criminal…awesome!

If you’ve never seen a Locash Cowboys show, you are missing out. It is an experience that I cannot explain, but that I adore. These are very talented men who work harder than almost anyone I know. They haven’t waited for the dream to find them. They went out and got it. That deserves respect. I cannot wait for you to hear them on the radio and see them in a city near you soon. It is worth crossing state lines. Trust me.

Plus, I got both Jason

AND Lefty

to “Rock On Together” with me. They were the only ones who hadn’t done it yet! Mission accomplished.

An added bonus is that they were having the “St. Patrick’s Day Parade” the next day. We got to meet cool people like these two….

AND we got to shop!!! Oh how I heart Chicago. It is one of my favorite cities on the planet. GO!

Okay, it’s almost 2am. I have GOT to get some sleep or my PRESENT is really going to eff up my FUTURE.

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K

P.S. I almost forgot the “Tweet of the Week.” It comes from John Mayer and is inspirational. “Whenever they say it can’t be done, remind them that they make a jellybean that tastes exactly like popcorn.”