Originally Posted April 12, 2010

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman

The question is…are you alive?

I’ve had enough negative news and bad attitudes to last me a lifetime. What’s the point of all that really? This week we are focusing on the positive…100% positive. My smart ass comments will even be on the sunny side…promise.

There will be a song for each situation which will make the review a soundtrack of sorts. A really crazy, wacked out, all over the board, multi-genre soundtrack; but a soundtrack nonetheless.

It was a little less then a year ago that I realized my love of the bad boy had gone a bit too far. I had stepped away from some real-life bad boys and was questioning my taste in men. Then this happened:

While watching “Public Enemies,” I told Brit that was the first time I had ever found Johnny Depp attractive. He was playing John Dillinger. Yes, the bank robbing, murderous John Dillinger. Hey, the guy was charismatic!

As Brit laughed and shook her head, I realized it was about time I changed my ways. No more murderous, bank robbers for me!

All joking aside, it was at that point I began to realize the attractiveness and admirable qualities of the good guy. To make a long story short, I started paying attention. And I think it is extremely important to give the good guys (and girls) the respect they deserve.

Therefore, it’s all GOOD this week (no pun intended)…okay maybe a little pun.

Shall we?

GOOD WEATHER: We got lots of it here in Nashville this weekend. After such a rough Winter, everyone was ready. I saw more people outside in two days then I’ve seen outside in the past three years. The sun made me happy. when I’m happy, I think of Motown.

Soundtrack: “Aint Nothin’ Like the Real Thing” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell…”Aint nothin’ like the real thing Baby. Aint nothin’ like the real thing.” There really isn’t.

GOOD FBI GUYS ON TV - SEELEY BOOTH: It was the 100th episode of “Bones” this week. Booth gambled in love and Brennan showed just how smart she isn’t. WTF?! Marc Broussard had the appropriate question for her this week.

Soundtrack: “Why Should She Wait” by Marc Broussard.

GOOD SOUTHERN GIRLS ON TV - Dixie Carter: She is the actress who made Julia Sugarbaker, of the TV show “Designing Women,” a household name. There was nothing quite like watching Dixie (as Julia) stand up for what she believed in on a weekly basis. The woman was not afraid to speak her mind. Watch as she stands up for her sister here.

Dixie Carter died Saturday after battling cancer. I know this is incredibly sad and it’s supposed to be a positive blog. However, the positive lies in all the good Dixie provided while she was living her life. I know I spent many nights laughing with the ladies of Designing Women.

Dixie, thanks for quite a few years of great TV. You will be missed.

Soundtrack: “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles or “Georgia” by Ludacris and Field Mob (Featuring Jamie Foxx). The first tune reminds me of “Designing Women” and the second song is cool while featuring Dear Sweet Jamie Foxx.

GOOD GUY GOLFERS - Phil Mickelson: Phil won the Masters for the third time on Sunday. However, that is not what makes him a good guy.

Phil’s wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer almost a year ago. He took some time off from the PGA Tour to be with her and their children. At almost the same time, his mother was also diagnosed with the same disease. He continued to stand strong and be supportive of the women in his life.

Needless to say, it’s been a rough year for Phil Mickelson. However, he was there for his wife and kids. When it’s getting really difficult to believe that any celebrity marriage can survive, it’s SO important to see that this one is strong. A man standing by his wife and kids when they need him the most is what truly makes him a good man.

Watching Phil win the Masters and celebrate like THIS, was pretty cool. Thanks Phil. You have no idea how much respect you earned.

Soundtrack: “You Better Believe It” by Jason Sellers. “Do I want you? Do I need you? Is my heart true? You better believe it. If it gets a little hard to bear, will I still be there? And do I really care? You better believe it. What I feel inside stays with me day and night. It takes up all my time. I live and breathe it. Put your mind at ease. I’m tryin’ to make you see. Girl, it’s you and me. And you better believe it.” After hearing Jason last week, I had to go back and listen to some of his albums. I love this man’s voice and this song.

GOOD MARKETING - Nike: They never fail me in the way of advertising. It’s a controversial video, but it did what it was supposed to do. The ad got attention. Last week Nike aired a Tiger Woods commercial with his Dad’s voice doing the narrative. See it HERE.

How do you try and repair an image? Look the camera square in the eye, admit to wrongdoing (indirectly), apologize (indirectly) and tell the public you have learned your lesson (indirectly). It’s indirect because Tiger didn’t have to say a word. The ad did it for him. Wow.

Whether you believe Tiger or not, the campaign is BRILLIANT. Carry on, Nike. Carry on.

Soundtrack: “It’s the Same Old Song” cover by Boyz II Men. These men can do no wrong in my eyes and ears. Hearing them do a complete album of Motown covers made me question my love for the originals. Yes, the album is that good. “Now it’s the same old song, but it’s a different meaning since you’ve been gone. Sentimental fool am I to hear an old love song and want to cry. But the melody keeps haunting me. Reminding me how in love we used to be.”

Thought I was getting negative for a second didn’t ya? Not so fast my friends…this song makes a U-Turn towards the positive.

“Darlin’, reach out. Come on girl, reach out for me! Reach out. Now if you feel like you can’t go on, because all of your hope is gone. And your life is filled with much confusion. Until happiness is just an illusion. And your world is crumblin’ down. Well, Darlin’…reach out. Reach out. I’ll be there with a love that’ll shelter you. I’ll be there with a love that’ll see you through.” Told ya.

GOOD CITIES - Nashville, TN: About 100 times per week I smile about this city I adore. I could tell you everything I love about it, but that would take too long. Therefore, I will allow Bon Jovi to do so.

Soundtrack: “I Love This Town” by Bon Jovi. “I always knew that I liked this place. You don’t have to look too far to find a friendly face. Yeah, I feel alive when I walk along these streets. I feel the heart of the city pounding underneath my feet. Yeah, let the world keeps spinning round and round. This is where it all goes down. That’s why I love this town.”

GOOD WWF TEAMS - The Bushwackers: While out on a walk this weekend, I noticed how intense some people are when they take to the streets to get some exercise. As I watched the vigorous walkers (a.k.a. “Power Walkers”) pump those arms, it reminded me of an interesting duo from the WWF called The Bushwackers. If you watched the WWF back in the day, you know exactly what I’m talking about and if you didn’t…watch the clip.

Soundtrack: “How Bizarre” by OMC. “How bizarre. How bizarre. How bizarre.”

GOOD GUYS IN MOVIES - Ashton Kutcher: I adore the movie “A Lot Like Love.” I think I love it because it’s a little more accurate than most romantic comedies. It’s not love at first sight and everything moves along perfectly. It’s awkwardness and friendship and missed opportunities before they both discover what had been right in front of them all along.

After screwing up with his true love time and time again and missing opportunity after opportunity, Oliver FINALLY gets it right. I mean, learning the guitar solely to play and sing “I’ll Be There For You” off key outside of the Emily’s window to win her heart?! SOLD!

Soundtrack: “I’ll Be There For You” by Bon Jovi. Well…duh.

GOOD ECONOMY: The Dow closed above 11,000 on Monday for the first time since September of 2008. I have no idea what that all means, but it has GOT to be a good sign right? Right all of you economists out there?! I sure hope so or else what’s the point of making a big deal out of it?

If they economy is bouncing back, then there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Soundtrack: “Carry On” by Tim McGraw. This one got me through one of the worst times of my life. So simple, yet profound and true. “Nobody ever said that life was gonna be fair. You’re never gonna get nowhere by runnin’ scared. If you look down deep inside, you’ll find the Faith to make you strong. Carry on.”

GOOD, STRONG WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD - Sandra Bullock: I feel horrible for all that she has gone through after finally winning an Oscar (deservedly so). To suffer such horrendous heartbreak after so much career success has got to be rough. Even worse, Sandra has to deal with it as everyone in the world watches. However, she has dealt with the current situation in the same way she has conducted herself in every other aspect of her career and life…with class.

There is no need to mention what she is going through right now. I just wanted to point out the good. Sandra Bullock is one of the good women in Hollywood who give the rest of us a celebrity to admire in good times and in bad.

Thanks Sandra and hang in there!

Soundtrack: “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child. “I’m a survivor. I’m not gonna give up. I’m not gonna stop. I’m gonna work harder. I’m a survivor. I’m gonna make it. I will survive. Keep on surviving.”

GOOD GUYS IN MOVIES - Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen): He might be a blood-sucking vampire, but Edward is a good (and extremely hot) one. I can’t help it. I fell into the “Twilight” craze. I didn’t mean to do it! It was like a virus. However, have you seen that guy?! Vampire or not, he makes me want to experience his “good.” Team Edward!

Soundtrack: “Sugarcane” by Chris Nathan. “Your love is sweeter than anything I’ve tasted. Well, I would dig a hole to Hell and fight the flames. If the Devil shackled me, I’d break his chains to taste your sugarcane. You’re sweeter than a summer rain. Cuts through you like a windy day. And nothin’ is sweeter than your sugarcane.” Listen to it. You will like it…a lot. Better yet…buy it.

GOOD GIRLS ON MORNING SHOWS - Hoda Ktob (Today Show: Hoda & Kathie Lee): She is co-host of the fourth hour of the Today show and a two-year breast cancer survivor. Hoda teaches us what the good fight is all about in this world. While battling breast cancer, Hoda found inspiration from a Jo Dee Messina song. I understand why. Watch the video and you will see why too. Hoda…respect!!!

Soundtrack: “Was That My Life” by Jo Dee Messina. “I don’t wanna be the one who’s old before their time and lose the wonder that I felt as a child. I can’t run this race believin’ I might lose. Still so much to see and so much left to do. Yes, I’ll fall before I fly, but no one can say I never tried. Oh we just get one ride around the sun in this dream of time. It goes so fast, that one day we look back and we ask…was that my life?” Jo Dee is the one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen…hands down. She is also the most underrated singer/entertainer in the business. Not only has she produced #1 after #1, she sings songs that matter and delivers them in a way that you feel. I cannot say enough great words about the talent that is Jo Dee Messina.

GOOD GUYS IN THE FORM OF INANIMATE OBJECTS (Mac): Mac…the computer. I’m no longer a PC girl. I will never go back. In only two days, I am in love. Do you know what I have to say about that?

Soundtrack: “Escape” by Enrique Iglesias. “If you feel like leavin’, I’m not gonna make you stay. Soon you’ll be findin’, you can run. You can hide, but you can’t escape my love. You can run. You can hide, but you can’t escape my love.”

GOOD GIRLS WHO CAN SAAAAANG: Last week I found myself back at The Hard Rock Cafe. I accidentally heard the group Like Candy Red. They. Were. Awesome.

I have to be honest about this. When the three Collier sisters (Hailey, Bree and Lyndee) took the stage, I was apprehensive. Usually, I go into every show with an open mind. However, I was tired and cranky that night. Therefore I jumped to conclusions…the WRONG conclusions.

The three sisters switched off on lead vocals. At first, I was worried this would leave them without a concrete identity. By the third song, I realized the vocal diversity was the identity. Each girl had a different style and tone to her voice, but when they blended on harmonies it was a blend only sisters could have.

They were the new and updated version of The Supremes. Each and every song had choreographed dance moves for every beat. The moves were simple, but perfectly timed. It was old school, but fresh. When they started, I crossed my arms and prepared to not like it at all. By song number two, I was dancing along. It was contagious. The precise dancing actually made you watch them as well as listen to them.

They were sassy and strong with songs like “Try It On Me.” The song opened with a line like “I used to let your insults take a toll. I let them take control until it broke me.” However, within 30 seconds this happens: “Try it on me now. Try to bend me…break me…Try to shove me to the ground. Try it on me now. Try to tell me those same lies, get me to another round. Try it on me now. Then I got it through my head what you were all about. If you think that you can still break me down, try it on me now.”

Then the girls take responsibility for love lost with the slow, seductive tune “When Can I See You Again?” The harmonies are spot on within the chorus. “When can I see you again? I don’t know what was goin’ through my mind. How could I look you in the face and lie? It was only once. I’ll never break your trust again. So I’m askin’ you to take me back. I’ll do anything to show you that there’s no better love and no better friend. Tell me when can I see you again?”
Next, they take you toward revenge in the song “Cry.” It is slow and gets the point across. “Just go ahead and cry. you get to see the way it feels to stay. No one here to help you ease the pain. I think you ought to know what it feels like. Just go ahead and cry, cry, cry, cry.”

Finally, if you want to hear rhythm and fun wrapped all into one. Tune into the song “Outta Your Mind.” It’s fast and rhythmic while being rooted in drum beats.

These ladies sing intoxicatingly catchy songs that make you move. The show is seamless and they are prepared to a fault. The hard work is evident. Every note, movement and segue is right on cue.

Bottom line…the future looks bright for Like Candy Red. Get to a show and see them or download some music. It’s worth your time!!

GOOD GUYS WHO ARE MUSICALLY BREATHTAKING: After settling into Monday, my co-worker and friend Mark stopped by my office to see if I had any interest in an acoustic show that was happening in a few hours. I am ALWAYS interested in live music, so I said of course. That is when he told me who it was. It was Rob Freakin’ Thomas. My interest went from average to extreme in about 2.2 seconds.

I adore the man’s voice and ability to craft a song. Being able to hear him sing with just a guitar was more than a treat for me.

First of all, Rob Thomas is a rock star in the truest sense of the word. The Matchbox 20 frontman who is also a solo star in his own right, just has that “it” factor. He doesn’t have to say or do much. When he walks into a room, people are aware of his presence and it’s kind of cool to watch.

He started with the hopeful tune (that is perfect for this blog) called “Someday.” As his voice sent these lyrics across the crowd of eager and mesmerized fans, you couldn’t help but feel some optimism. “You can go. You can start all over again. You can try to find a way to make another day go by. You can hide. Hold all your feelings inside. You can try to carry on when all you wanna do is cry. And maybe someday we’ll figure all this out. Try to put an end to all our doubt. Try to find a way to make things better now. Maybe someday we’ll live our lives out loud. We’ll be better off somehow. Someday.”

That voice is just as incredible live as it is recorded. In fact, it’s even a little more goosebump inducing in live form. The vocal sound projects feeling and that is a gift.

In between songs, Rob answered questions from the crowd. It was a little surprising to find out that the rock star’s musical idol is Willie Nelson. However, he answered without missing a beat. He also talked about the power of a good song and that there was so much good stuff out there to listen to every day.

Rob then transformed himself and the audience as he started singing the song “3am.” He wrote this one about what his mother was dealing with as she fought cancer years ago. When you know the story and then hear that tune, it means something altogether different. He makes you feel that with the delivery. In a stripped down acoustic environment, it’s all the more haunting.

Just when I thought I couldn’t love him anymore, Rob discussed the importance of appreciating many types of music. They all have their purpose and we need them each genre. One person’s most hated band could be another person’s favorite. Oh so true.

The crowd also got to enjoy “Lonely” and “Her Diamonds.” There is such cool imagery in the second song (written for his wife). “She says. I can’t take it no more. Her tears like diamonds on the floor. And her diamonds bring me down ’cause I can’t help her. Now she’s down in it. She tried her best and now she can’t win it. It’s hard to see them on the ground. Her diamonds fallin’ down.”

Thank you Rob Thomas. Your music has mattered to me for quite a while now. However, in the live form…it matters a little more.

Also thanks to good guy Mark. You rock my face off my friend.

GOOD GUYS WHO TWEET: There are few celebrities I find as humorously awesome as Kyle Brandt. I just recently found him on Twitter (Thanks Kim!) and he provided not one, but TWO great tweets this week:

#1 “Blackberry Users – is there a more annoying sound than the default ‘Antelope’ alarm tone? If antelopes sounded like that, they’d be extinct.”

AND

#2 “Drunk arrested for giving mouth-to-mouth to a dead possum. There’s getting wasted & calling your ex and then there’s resuscitating roadkill.”

HAHAHAHAHA!

GOOD GIRL ADVICE: “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” – Audrey Hepburn

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K