John Marshall once said, “To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well.”

This blog’s soundtrack is brought to you by Kelly Clarkson (“If No One Will Listen”).

Listen to this…“City of Dreams.” You know in a city full of amazingly talented musicians, some great music was bound to be made after the Nashville Flood. This is one of those pieces of art written by Victoria Banks and sung by singers you know and singers you will know soon. It is touching and true (She said with tears streaming down her cheeks). Give it a listen. “I am your city of dreams. My Faith is just worn. It’s just tattered and torn at the seams. Don’t ya give up…don’t ya give up…don’t give up on me.”

Check out the piles of rubble, debris and trash collected from Bellevue in just a 2 week time frame (I am in shock every time I drive by the area)…

Listen to this…You never know what kind of signs and warnings you will find on a road trip to Alabama.

Some will make you laugh…

Some will make you question the intelligence of anyone who needs that particular warning…

Some will just be a stated fact…

And some will make you look twice because you read it wrong the first time (Ummmm…WHAT does that say?!) …

FYI…it says, “No Hot ASHES!”

Listen to this…As I walked through the mall last week, I had quite a few thoughts and observations running through my head.

Thought #1 – Are they playing Damien Horne music in Macy’s?! Well, that’s just another reason for me to be addicted to the Department Store. Now I can stop blaming it on the shoes. Thanks Damien!

Thought #2 – What is it about the Abercrombie & Fitch store that always smells so good?! Spare me smart alecs…I know it’s the cologne.

Thought #3 – M’am, I don’t think it’s fair to blame Jesus because you can’t find the specific jacket you are searching for in this store. Can you please leave him out of it. Thank you.

Thought #4 – Why doesn’t Victoria’s Secret sell their clothes in stores too?! They would profit more than they already do if that was the case. Please tell me somebody has done some kind of market research. (No, guys. YOUR research doesn’t count).

Thought #5 – Is that couple wearing matching flip flops?! No wait. That couple is also wearing matching jeans! She’s not wearing “boyfriend” jeans. He’s wearing “girlfriend” jeans. Seriously.

Thought #6 – What does the Green Hills Mall have against Food Courts? No…The Cheesecake Factory doesn’t count.

Listen to this…Season finales RULE!

Since I was a kid, I have LOVED season/series finales on TV. In fact, I think I anticipate them from September until May. There have been shockers (Wait…Bobby’s ALIVE?!). There have been duds (Really “Quantum Leap“?! Seriously?!). There have been perfect endings (Thank you “Knots Landing” and “Friends“!).

I don’t get to watch TV much anymore, but there are still a few show I make a point to catch. They are well-written and I’ll admit I am 100% invested in the characters.

Last week produced three season finales that I have anxiously been waiting for all season.

#1 “Bones” – Easily the worst season finale I have seen in YEARS! It was so disappointing, it makes me reconsider watching the show next season. Why “Bones”?! WHY?!

#2 “One Tree Hill” – For seven seasons I have loved this show. It is one of the few shows on the planet that shocks me…often. I am a lover of the unexpected on TV and “One Tree Hill” is almost always unexpected. First they kill off a main character in the middle of one of the seasons (DAN KILLED KEITH?! WHAT?!) then they kill off a main character in a random act of violence right as we all started to love him (Why Q?! WHY?!) and as many times as we think Dan is going to die he never does. The surprises just keep coming.

This season was no exception. Thank you “One Tree Hill.” I have always hearted you and I always will. However, please make sure Clay doesn’t die. Thank you. The end.

#3 “Grey’s Anatomy” – Quite easily one of the best season finales I have EVER seen. I have missed Grey’s a lot in the past two seasons. After this season finale, I will never miss it again. OMG. It was amazing.

We were only 8 minutes and 27 seconds into the episode when the first shot/murder happened and it was non-stop tension/fear/emotional Hell from that point forward. I barely breathed and sat in the fetal position for the remaining 1 hour, 51 minutes and 33 seconds. There was no filler. It was just breathtaking moment after breathtaking moment.

Our favorite characters were put in horrible situations and forced to deal with those situations. In those moments we learned even more about the characters we had grown to love. To Shonda Rhimes, the other writers of Grey’s Anatomy and the entire cast…RESPECT!

Listen to this…I am still shocked by TV shows. However, according to Ashton Kutcher’s character in the movie “Valentine’s Day” there is only one thing that remains shocking in the entire world.

Reed Bennett (Ashton Kutcher) said this, “Love is the only shocking act left on the planet.” Well said.

Listen to this…A woman in Canada is suing a cell phone company because her husband caught her cheating. I couldn’t make that up if I tried! Seriously, read all about it HERE.

Listen Lady…you cheated. You got caught. You are dealing with the consequences. So you sue the phone company?! You have GOT to be effing kidding me.

Listen to this…Time for the random songs of the week. Here we go…

1. “Not Afraid” by Eminem. Put his albums together and they read/rap like an autobiography. Each album is well done no matter how shocking it may be (and they are shocking most of the time). You get a glimpse inside the mind of one of the greatest artists of our time. He never holds back and is truthful no matter what. It doesn’t hurt that Eminem is incredibly talented in the way of weaving together lyrics, the timing of beats and the extremely difficult/intricate pacing. “I’m not afraid to take a stand. Everybody come take my hand. We’ll walk this road together, through the storm. Whatever weather…cold or warm. Just lettin’ you know that you’re not alone. Holler if you feel like you’ve been down the same road.”

2. “There’s More to Me Than You” (Slow) and “There’s More to Me Than You” (Fast) by Jessica Andrews. It is extremely rare that I like a song redone after I have fallen in love with the original version. The song just doesn’t seem right when that occurs. However, it’s not the case with this tune. Jessica does an amazing job of giving the exact same song two different emotional spins. While the slow version reflects a sad and broken woman, the fast version brings you a feisty and rebellious female. Awesome. “There’s more to me than you. Don’t underestimate what I can do. Well I’m all right. It’s okay. I know I’ll make it through, cause there’s more to me than you.”

3. “Open Arms” by Journey. It’s a classic and no matter how many times it’s covered NOBODY does it like Steve Perry. The end.

4. “Hanging By a Moment” by Lifehouse. Well, hello college! It’s been a while (a LONG while). I adore this song. It found it’s way into my shuffle this past weekend and I wasn’t sorry about that happening. “I’m fallin even more in love with you. Letting go of all I’ve held on to. I’m standing here until you make me move. I’m hangin by a moment here with you.”

5. “Just Older” by Bon Jovi. I don’t even think it was a single, but it’s one of my favorite Bon Jovi songs of all time. There’s just something about the song. I have to say the first time I really attached to it, I wasn’t even that old. Now that I’m older, it makes even more sense. “I like the bed I’m sleepin in. Just like me, it’s broken in. It’s not old. Just older. Like a favorite pair of torn blue jeans, the skin I’m in is all right with me. It’s not old. Just older.”

6. “Iris” by Boyz II Men. I was absolutely infatuated with the original by the Goo Goo Dolls HERE. In fact it’s probably still the best version, but I love what Boyz II Men did with this one. The song is lyrically superior. Bottom line. “And you can’t fight the tears that aint comin’ or the moment of truth in your life. When everything feels like the movies, yeah you bleed just to know you’re alive. And I don’t want the world to see me, cause I don’t think that they’d understand. When everything’s made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am.”

7. “Sweet Southern Comfort” by Buddy Jewell. I may not be from the South, but this song always gives me a feeling of home. It just has that emotion surrounding it. In turn, that feeling surrounds me. “From Carolina, down to Georgia smell the jasmine and magnolia. Sweet be sweet home Alabama…Roll Tide Roll! Muddy water…Mississippi. Blessed Graceland whispers to me. Carry on. Carry on. Sweet Southern Comfort Carry on.”

8. “All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye” by John Mayer. Love the album. Love the singer. Love this song. It’s old-school John Mayer-sounding. He sings the same thing over and over again in the chorus, but I don’t care. I don’t care because the sound is so harmoniously incredible. The harmonies alone give each repetitive sentence a different meaning. “All we ever do is say goodbye. All we ever do is say goodbye. All we ever do is say goodbye. All we ever do is say goodbye.”

9. “Whyyawannabringmedown” by Kelly Clarkson. This so is so freakin awesome for stress. I mean, what better way to relieve stress than sing and dance to an angry girl rock song that allows you to head bang and ROCK for 2 minutes and 43 seconds? “So what’s your evil attitude when you got me taking my time pleasing you? Why must you keep me on the ground. Tell me. Tell me whyyawannabringmedown? Is it too much to give a damn when I’m givin you 110? So quit cause I’m gonna be around. Tell me. Tell me whyyawannabringmedown?”

10. “All We’d Ever Need” by Lady Antebellum. I cannot get away from this song (in a good way). It keeps coming up and I truly get lost in the tune. It asks the questions we all ask at some point. It pleads. It breaks your heart. It gives you closure. All in under 4 minutes. Did I mention that the vocals are masterfully done? They are. “I should have been chasing you. I should have been trying to prove that you were all that mattered to me. I should have said all the things that I kept inside of me and maybe I could have made you believe. That what we had was all we’d ever need.”

11. “Hold That Thought” by Chuck Wicks. I told you about this one a few months back when I heard Chuck sing it live. Holy Hot song Batman! WOW! I mean WOW! Did I mention Wow?! “Hold that thought. Hold it right there. Let your mind keep runnin’ wild ’til I get there. Just imagine me lovin’ on you all night long. Can you see it? Feel it? Girl are you there yet? Now, hold that thought.”

Listen to this…Quality LIVE music from amazing local artists of all genres. It’s what I do…and I love it.

A week and a half ago was the first time I’d been out to hear live music in a while due to spending quality time with my computer for this website.

Standing in the Rutledge that Friday night felt like home. I was also lucky because I got to hear one of my favorite singer/songwriters in town. Matt Ramsey was also my very, first “Rock On Together Featured Artist” (May 2008).

The show was what I have come to love from Matt. He brings all levels of emotion to each individual song in his catalogue. There is the laid-back, summer love song that makes you sway along to the music (“Sippin’ On Summertime”). There is the song that pays homage to the physical scars that remind us of emotional memories (“I Want That Scar”). There is the fun “roll your windows down and speed down a country road” song that has always been one of my Matt favorites (“Come With Me”). There is the broken-hearted lost love song that delivers the pain of heartbreak effortlessly (“It Still Hurts”). Finally, there is the song that allows the sad to sneak up on you (“I Wake Up Lovin’ You”).

Matt Ramsey is incredible with a hook. He is unstoppable (and very modest) with vocals. AND he has the ability to craft songs in ways that make you come back for more. Matt is one of those artists that I will seek out on my iPod any given day.

Have you listened to Matt Ramsey yet? If not…WHY THE HECK NOT?! Go listen to any of those links now. Hey! If you don’t, you’ll only have yourself to blame for missing out on the best thing your ears will hear in a while.

Next up was some good old ROCK ‘N ROLL BABY!!! Sorry. I got out of hand there for a second.

A couple of Saturdays ago took me to 12th & Porter to the CD Release party for November. Plus, I got to hear an opening band named The Villebillies. Oh my! Good, good times my friends.

The Villebillies are such an interesting blend of genres. The music is different and that’s what I loved about it. These guys were out of Louisville, Kentucky and served up a cool, rockin’ blend of hip-hop/Rock/Rap.

I adored their phrasing and pacing. There are seven band members in total with three lead singers/rappers who switch off vocals, an electric guitar an acoustic guitar, bass and drums.

If you want something a little funky and interesting, check out these lyrics in the song “Flask and a Gun.” “I wish I had a flask and a gun. So I could drink myself in the head and load another bullet in the glass so this day would finally pass cause I’m havin’ so much fun. I wish I had a lady and the tramp. Bitch I was talkin’ to the dog.” Listen to it. I’m STILL jammin’ to the tune.

All of the songs have that kind of different feel to them and that is what makes The Villebillies so cool. I liked it. I liked it a lot.

Next up was November. Y’all know how much I love this band and it was great to see them in their element at 12th & Porter that night. If you want a little background of what the guys have been up to, check out the story HERE.

This was a SHOW ladies and gentlemen. The guys are known for dressing to the nines…which includes ties. It works well for the band. I love the image projected. This show included video and cool lighting and items of clothing that glowed. November just knows how to entertain a crowd. From the moment they played the first note, the crowd was moving.

I have always been impressed with this band for many reasons. One of the most important reasons is this. Although it’s rock music and that usually focuses much of the attention on what is being played musically, November does not abandon the lyrics. There is just as much focus put on the words in every song. I’m a lyrics girl so I appreciate it…a lot. In the song “Start From Zero,” Hunter sings “Confusion’s over. Delusions take control. The room got colder, but the fire will fuel my soul.”

I have always gravitated toward the song “Jaime.” There is something about that one that has always caught my ear. The band also has a new single out to radio stations now that is incredible and called “Plain View.” Call and request it now!

The new album employs some slower music as well with a sixties groove song called “Longer.” I also have to mention “Imagination” that weaves many interesting lyrics throughout the song including “I can’t afford imagination. Hope is a word that brings me down.”

Check out the entire November CD titled “Sugarfree” on the MySpace Page now. It is a rockin good time. If you love rock music that makes you move, gives you poetry in the form of lyrics and is just flat out cool…listen to this band. You’ll like it. How will you know unless you try? I’m just sayin’…

Last Monday took me to Limelight for the first part of an all-night Flood Relief Benefit called BANDing Together. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay longer. I heard there were some kick ass performances after I left as well!

I got to hear two amazing performers that night.

What is great about Billy Dean? Everything. The man is a true class act with a voice and songwriting talent that impresses. Every time I hear him sing, it brings a smile to my face.

I got to hear Billy sing his great hits like “We Just Disagree,” “Let Them Be Little” and “Billy The Kid.” Plus, he had the whole crowd singing on the John Denver cover “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.”

Next up was Jeremy McComb and this guy was a welcome surprise. I fell in love with the voice and song as he sang “Easy as Breathin’.” Jeremy explained loving a good woman is “easy as breathin’. Lovin’ you baby is easy as sittin’ on the front porch swing.” and “Your love’s like lemonade in the dead of summer when there aint no shade.” Awwwwww…

He also sang a lost love song called “The Man From Tennessee” that I adored. AND according to Jeremy, “This Town Needs a Bar.” It explained why bars are necessary in dealing with heartbreak. “This town needs a bar. ‘Cause I need a drink. Little place not too far where I don’t have to think. I wonder who you’re with. Don’t wanna wonder where you are. That might do the trick. This town needs a bar.”

Great music from a great country artist. Thanks Jeremy!

Listen to this…Random road trips are always necessary.

The week ended with a trip to Valley, Alabama. Yes. Valley, Alabama.

Where there was a river…

Fireworks…

And ducks…yeah, ducks.

It was an interesting combination along with one kick ass show!!

As I was getting back into a regular music listening/watching routine, I needed something familiar and great. That always leads me to see/hear the Locash Cowboys.

What is it about this duo that is so entertaining, people keep coming back for more? To be quite honest…everything. It is a perfect storm of all the necessary essentials to gain loyal fans.

There is a band backing them up that is top-notch and seasoned. They can take even the smallest cue to guide the show in a new direction when necessary. Chris and Preston have the ability to read a crowd and make the crowd do whatever they want them to do. The songs are getting better and better by the day. The Locash Cowboys aren’t afraid to cover anything and have a great time doing it. I could go on and on, but you’ve heard it all before now.

This show was no different than all the others I’ve seen in the way of results and happy concert goers. At the end of every show, there is a smile plastered to my face. I watch people who have never seen this band turn into fans throughout the course of an hour and a half. It never ceases to amaze me. This crowd started out by sitting in their lawn chairs to take in a show that they assumed would be low key. That crowd ended up doing this…

Needless to say, good times were had by all.

If you haven’t yet, go vote for the new Locash Cowboys single “Here Comes Summer” on GAC HERE and on CMT HERE. AND get out and see this duo when you can this summer. It’s more than worth your time. Promise.

PLUS, I want to send a big hello out to Jeff with the ABI…Alabama Bureau of Investigation. Y’all are awesome! Thanks for showing me Alabama is pretty, freakin’ cool.

Listen to this…It is getting a little ridiculously late. Sleep might be a good idea. It’s time for me to wrap it up. I will let Karl Menninger do the honors tonight…

“Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.”

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K

P.S. I almost forgot the tweet of the week…This one is by Blake Shelton (He’s BAAAAAACK. Thank the LORD!) “Morning Thinking…by Blake Shelton…Motivation = Medication” AMEN!

P.P.S. I saw a show last night that I cannot WAIT to tell you about. It’s gonna take time to process the awesomeness of that one, so it will be in the next review. Thanks to Shanna and a bunch of other artists for rockin’ my face off! Just a head’s up.