J.K. Rowling once said, “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

If you want to learn that lesson first hand, move to Nashville.

How in the heck have y’all been?! Sorry it’s been a few weeks, but I’ve been traveling far and wide to listen to music you need to hear. It takes some time to experience the shows so I can fully express my appreciation in these blogs. AND it requires “choices” when deciding where to go and who to listen to on a weekly basis. I can only hope I chose correctly.

Shall we?

CHOOSE WISELY DURING SEASON PREMIERE WEEK…There are so many choices!!!! I’m like a kid in a candy store during the first week of TV each year. It’s like Opening Day, the Superbowl, March Madness and Harley Day at “The Bill” all wrapped into one.

A quick synopsis of some of my faves…

Monday/Tuesday – “Dancing with the Stars” was AWESOME and maybe the most talented cast ever. However, why do people keep referring to The Hoff being voted off as shocking? He was easily at the bottom of the batch. I’m not judging! I heart The Hoff. It’s just not very shocking he was eliminated. I’m cheering for Jennifer Grey..because “Nobody puts Baby in the corner.”

Tuesday – “One Tree Hill” was stellar as usual. It might technically be marketed to teens and college kids, but I am a fan. The writing is shocking and all-around awesome. It’s soap opera fun!

Wednesday – “Criminal Minds” made me lose sleep again. This is because it is so psychotically believable, it’s terrifying. Tim Curry and the actress who played the little girl were impressive. I still have goosebumps from the show. At least I didn’t have to sleep with my light on this time. *Whew* Don’t laugh! It’s scary!

Thursday – “Bones” was…well…I have to be honest…lame. I keep waiting for it to turn back into the show I know and love. What in the heck happened over the past 3 or 4 episodes?! Please writers…PLEASE bring back my show.

AND

“Grey’s Anatomy” is baaaaaaack. I stand by my statement that last year’s season finale was the best season finale I have EVER seen on TV…EVER. From start to finish, I was on the edge of my seat. It was so well-written and acted, it’s hard to imagine any kind of improvement. The season premiere was not a let down. THIS show is finally the one I remembered from seasons 1-3. Thank you!

Friday – Saturday – Do they have shows on the weekend?! If they do, I missed them.

Sunday – Horatio and his crew are back this Sunday and I cannot wait! *cue music* “YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHH!!!!”

CHOOSE THE CORRECT FORTUNE COOKIE…If you don’t, it will say this: “You will be unusually successful in business.”

HEY! I think my feelings are hurt.

CHOOSE YOUR LABELS CAREFULLY…I like what Ian Williams has to say about labeling groups. “I don’t like giving names to generations. It’s like trying to read the song title on a record that’s spinning.”

CHOOSE KINDNESS OVER RUDENESS AND DISRESPECT…Although I am constantly amazed at the lack of respect and human decency some people show others, I am even more awed by the number of people who pay it forward.

If you haven’t seen the movie, “paying it forward” requires us to do something nice for a stranger without expecting anything in return. This is in the hopes that the person will then do something nice for someone else and so on and so on. It’s a simple and profound concept that is world changing.

Honestly, those little niceties can override any jerk you face on any given day. In general, people are pretty effin’ cool. You just have to give them a chance. Pay it forward today. You’ll be glad you did. Just trust me on this one okay?

CHOOSE TO LISTEN TO GREAT NEW MUSIC…If you want to hear an impressive artist, check out Sharif Iman. He has a new song called “Shine.” It’s excellent AND inspiring! Plus, Sharif is a really, nice guy. That is an added bonus.

CHOOSE TO EMBRACE YOUR AGE…Although I have exited the 20’s, I really liked Amanda Seyfried’s description of the best and worst of that 10-year period.

“The best thing is I’m happy. The worst is that I’m scared; the scariest thing is that I know it can’t be easy — the years to come.”

CHOOSE MUSIC THAT MAKES YOU SMILE EACH WEEK…That is inevitably what happens to me in a seven-day period. This week gave me great tunes as usual.

1. “No Place That Far” by Sara Evans. It’s a sweet and simple country love song that packs a punch.

2. “Open Arms” by Journey. It’s a sweet and simple pop love song that packs a punch. Did I mention, there is NO substitute for Steve Perry?

3. “Fun, Fun, Fun” by The Beach Boys. How can you not smile when this song starts playing?! It’s a classic and it makes me feel summery and beachy and happy.

4. “Stutter” by Maroon 5. This song is a fun one that is classic Maroon 5. The new album is EXCELLENT. Go buy it. If you love Maroon 5, you’ll love them even more.There’s always been something about Adam Levine. I can’t NOT listen to a Maroon 5 song…even if I don’t love it. His voice can be intoxicating. I like to call it music speed.

5. “Keep in Mind” by Locash Cowboys. Have you purchased it yet? Well, why not?! Just go listen for me will ya. It’s a hit waiting to happen. Or better yet…request it at your local radio stations.

6. “One Love” by Sister Hazel. I’m just giving you lyrics for the pure inspiration in this tune. “One you. One Me. One chance for us to live. One heart. One soul. One life for us to give. One dream. One mind. One sky up above. One you. One Me. One love.”

7. “It Matters to Me” by Faith Hill. Of all the hits Faith has recorded, I’m gonna say this is her best. It’s great on all levels. “When we don’t talk. When we don’t touch. When it doesn’t even feel like we’re even in love, it matters to me. When I don’t know what to say…don’t know what to do. Don’t know if it really even matters to you. How can I make you see it matters to me?”

8. “Rockin’ Robin” by Bobby Day. It’s just pure fun. I dare ya not to dance. Everybody now…..”Tweet. Tweet. Tweet. Tweet.”

9. “Escape” by Enrique Iglesias. I have an actual dance that goes with this one. Yes. I’m serious. I heart the song a lot. Stop your judging…Judgy McJudgerson. “You can run. You can hide, but you can’t escape my love.”

10. “Keep On Lovin You” by Steel Magnolia. If I hear it, it’s stuck in my head for a week. I adore the catchy, velvety, smooth sound of this tune. The blend is incredible. “So why don’t you lay right here. Let me just ease your mind. I’m giving you all my time. I’m gonna keep on…keep on lovin you. Strong and slow the way that you want me to. Baby, my whole life through…I’m gonna keep on…keep on lovin’ you.”

11. “You May Be Right” by Billy Joel. Is it wrong that I relate to this song? Billy has always been awesome in my book. What can I say? I love a piano man.

12. “ABC” by The Jackson 5. It’s a classic and still makes me get up and dance. Even as a kid, Michael knew how to work a crowd. “ABC. Easy as 123. Ah…simple as do re mi. ABC. 123. Baby, you and me girl.”

CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WISELY…

I remember adults giving me that advice when I was a kid. I didn’t really get it until I got older. To my amazing friends out there…Even though I don’t deserve you, thanks for being amazing. You have no idea how much that means.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT AWARDS TO RESPECT…What can I say? I respect the writer and the songs. Both are important to me. The ASCAP Awards happened a week or two ago and here is who won the big ones:

ASCAP Songwriter of the Year: Brett James

ASCAP Songwriter/Artist of the Year: Dierks Bentley

ASCAP Country Song of the Year: “Need You Now” written by Josh Kear

ASCAP Publisher of the Year: Sea Gayle Music

Those are some amazingly talented people y’all. Congrats and RESPECT!

CHOOSE GREAT ROCK SHOWS TO ATTEND…

If you chose a November show, you chose correctly. It’s been a month since I saw the guys rock Exit/In and rock it they did. Right Cathie?

This is a local band that I have loved for a while. If you’ve read anything I’ve written about them in the past, it’s not a shock that I am about to rave.

November has the “it” factor. Plus, they have this cool blend of 80’s and 90’s rock. That is two styles of music that unexpectedly blend together to create a brand, new sound…a la 2010.

Rock is known more for rhythms, riffs and beats than lyrics in most cases.

However, with November you get excellent lyrics as well. I am constantly shaking my head in amazement about how the words are woven together within each song.

Give this band a listen either by buying the latest CD called “Sugar Free” here or getting to a live show near you soon. This band is rock ear candy. Go listen! Better yet…go buy the music!

CHOOSE TO LISTEN…and that is what you do at The Listening Room.

However, it was not difficult to focus on the music at the show I attended at the beginning of the month. Four incredible singer/songwriters (Ken Hart, Rhean Boyer, Lance Miller and Travis Moon) were on stage having a great time.

Ken Hart had a couple of tunes that stopped me in my tracks. The first was called “If Whiskey Was Her Name.” Ken gives you the answer to that question with the chorus of the song. “If whiskey was her name, she’d still be here today. And I wouldn’t miss the love I threw away. She’d be perfect, if whiskey was her name.”

Ken also wrote an incredible story song focused on a man people thought was homeless. He actually was extremely rich and had worked his life and all the people in his life away. The tune was appropriately titled “Lonely.”

Rhean Boyer was up next. You know Rhean as the lead singer of the group Carolina Rain. They sang the song “Get Outta My Way.” It is so much fun!

Rhean has a presence and voice that can fill a room. He started out with the cool “spin on cheating” song called “Leftovers.” If you are knowingly cheating with a cheater, what might he say to you? Probably this…”Leftovers aint my thing. You can heat ‘em up, but it’s not the same. They aint as good the second time around so I’ll have to turn you down.” Ouch!

Rhean also provided a sweet love song called “It Just Keeps Comin’” and the chorus said it all. “Like the waves that crash upon the shore. There’s one and then one more. That’s the way she pours her love on me. She gives her love to me. Isn’t that somethin’? It just keeps comin’.”

Plus, Rhean can sing with some SOUL. Just listen to “Make That Mountain Move” and you’ll understand. Right Ashley?

Next up was Lance Miller. Lance is awesome. Flat out…plain and simple. He sings old country loud and proud. And he demands that old school makes a return to the main stage in the song “Put a Little Old Back in the New School.” How? “Let’s put a little old back in the new school. Get that workin man back on the bar stool. Just cause something’s hip, don’t make it cool. Let’s put a little old back in the new school.”

You can’t help but be caught up in every tune Lance sings. I fell in love with another new one of his. If an established female singer doesn’t scoop this one up quickly, there is something severely wrong in the world. The song is called “In Style Again.” A heartbroken woman pleads to no one in particular…”I’d like to be in style again someday. Cause no one wants to feel like they’ve been thrown away. I guess nothin’ lasts forever, but it hurts to be replaced by a younger, fresher, pretty face. Yeah, I’d like to be in style again someday.” Incredible!

Last up was Travis Lamb and he was another old country music lover with songs that reflected the style. I’m gonna be honest. I was so in awe of his tune “It’s 12:01″ that I sat listening with my mouth hanging open and missed writing down the lyrics. The story song discussed a prisoner on death row about to be executed. There is quite a bit of depth in the song. Seriously. Awesome.

Plus, the guys made the correct choices and invited Brice Long up to sing his Randy Houser song “Anything Goes” and Kimberly Page sang her cool, indie pop/rock original tune “Weeping Willows.”

CHOOSE TO WATCH THE MTV VMAs…It’s the only award show I watch every, single year. Hey! I like surprises and fun. There is always plenty of both with anything MTV produced. I’m a kid who literally grew up with MTV…it’s like family (even if they no longer even play videos).

Here’s a quick rundown of my favorite moments of the night starting with…

1. Eminem – It was a pretty cool intro. He started with “Not Afraid” and ended with Rihanna singing “Love the Way You Lie.” I can’t help it. LOVE me some Eminem. The guy is a genius.

2. Lindsay Lohan – She might be totally a mess right now, but I have to give her credit…HILARIOUS cameo.

3. Justin Bieber – I don’t get the whole “Bieber Fever” thing, but the kid put on a great performance and even played the drums. That is all you are gonna hear about Justin Bieber from me.

4. Usher – I love you Usher!!! The dancing…OHHHH the dancing. That guy never lets me down.

5. Taylor Swift – She actually sang live and the song was about (surprise) Kanye. It was about forgiveness and it might have been the greatest business move in the history of the world. Like the singing or not, she chose to sing it live and classy. Props to Taylor!

6. Thank you Mary J. Blige, Drake and Swizz Beatz for your incredible live awesomeness. That was fun!

7. B.o.B., Bruno Mars and Paramore were AMAZING. It might have been the best performance of the show.

8. Hey Linkin Park, you had me at first. It was such a promising start. Did anyone else think they were missing some verses to the song? I’m not trying to be a smart ass. I really like the way the performance started.

9. Although I’m not a Lady Gaga fan, I have to give her credit for busting into one of her (previously unheard) songs from the new album when she won for video of the year. I like those kinds of surprising moments. However, the dress?! WTF?!

10. Kanye was…really great! I just never thought I’d be jammin’ along to a song with these lyrics as the chorus…”I always find something wrong. You’ve been putting up with my s#$t way too long. Let’s have a toast for the douchebags. Let’s have a toast for the assholes. Let’s have a toast for the scumbags…every one of them that I know. Let’s have a toast for the jerkoffs. Baby, I got a plan. Run away as fast as you can.” It’s catchy, fun and a little bit sad all at once.

11. Chelsea Handler was pretty funny all night long and ended the show by screaming, “Everybody go get s#$t-faced!” I thought it was an appropriate ending for an MTV show. If you get offended easily, you shouldn’t watch MTV. It is not for the faint of heart.

CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE SINGER/SONGWRITERS AND SUPPORT THE TALENT…

And a bunch of my favorites got together to support a friend in need a couple of weeks ago. It was down to the Tin Roof for a fundraiser and do you know who was playing? Chris Cagle, D. Vincent Williams, Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann. Told ya it was good.

Chris Cagle’s first album is one of my all-time favorites. If you are a country music fan and don’t own it…buy it. It’s well worth the money. It had been a while since I’d heard Chris play and he was just as good as I remembered. The crowd got to hear the one that put him on the map (“My Love Goes On and On”), the get over a rough break up song (“Breathe In, Breathe Out”) and the happy love song (“Beautiful Day”). Plus, Chris sang an excellent new tune called “Just Enough.” Check out these lyrics: “Like a sip of whiskey to a drinkin’ man. Like a post card picture of the promised land. A piece of candy from an old dime store. It was just enough, just enough. It was just enough, just enough to want me some more.”

D. Vincent was up next singing the mega hits he wrote for James Otto (“Just Got Started Loving You”) and Rascal Flatts (“I’m Movin’ On”). Plus, the proven entertainer got the crowd going with a fun tune called “A Beer and a Bud.” There is NEVER a time I am disappointed when D. Vincent sings. That guy rocks my face off every time.

Lee Brice was third in line with the history making song he wrote for Garth Brooks (“More Than a Memory”), his first charting single (“She Aint Right”) and his brand new single (“Beautiful Every Time”). Have you seen this guy live yet? If you haven’t…why in the heck not?!

Jerrod Niemann wrapped up the evening with HIS Garth Brooks hit (“Good Ride Cowboy”), fun drinking song (“One More Drinkin’ Song”), #1 charting single “Lover, Lover” and current single (which will be a smash hit) called “What Do You Want.” Mark my words…Jerrod is the next, big thing in country music. I just wanted it documented.

CHOOSE GREAT CONCERTS BY ESTABLISHED ROCK BANDS TO ATTEND…

The only thing I’m mad about the show I attended two weeks ago is that I missed the Buckcherry part. DAMN IT! I adore the song “Crazy Bitch” and they are a fun band. What?! I do and they are.

However, I wasn’t disappointed about the rest of the night. As I walked in the door, Three Days Grace took the stage. They are one of those bands that you forget you like. You know what I mean. The songs are being played and you think…”I love this song. AND this song. AND this song.” Pretty soon you are inadvertently dancing and singing along.

The whole crowd was singing along to “Pain.” It’s a true rock song with great lyrics. “Pain without love. Pain. I can’t get enough pain. I like it rough cause I’d rather feel pain than nothing at all.” AND the entire arena was moving with the tune “Without You.” My very favorite from the band was the part of the show with the piano, Adam Gontier and his guitar singing “Last to Know.” The entire band joined him for the end of the song. It was excellent.

And then came the headliners…Nickelback. Let me start by saying this…Never, in all of my years making comments about music, have I heard more disdain than the night I left a positive comment about Nickelback. To be honest, I’m still in shock. Every Facebook comment made me smile because this band drew opinions from so many. Hey. It’s always better to have people either love or hate you then fall somewhere in the middle. Let’s just say with 21,000,000 albums sold in the U.S. alone…they have just as many people who love them as hate them.

Next, I want to say that I love this band. I wouldn’t say I’m a fan exactly, but I adore Chad Kroeger’s voice and the songs make me smile. This is another band who starts playing and I forget how many of the songs I love. It was the first time I’ve ever seen Nickelback live and I was impressed. Judging from the crowd at Bridgestone Arena…so were most others there.

Point #1…the sound just as good live as recorded. That’s always a big test for me.

Point #2…There was a cool slide show with the song “Photograph” that included photos of Nashville and Tennessee. This can obviously be switched out for each city and the crowd LOVED it. Artists who learn to make the shows personal to the crowds always win me over.

Point #3…The are getting a WHOLE lot more hard core on the latest album (although it was released in 2008) and I like it! Many of the songs are not the “family friendly” versions from past albums. “Shaking Hands” is my new fave. This was a single and awesome!!

Point #4…They had the guts to play “Friends in Low Places” in Nashville. It worked. The entire rock crowd was singing along. THEN they had Joe Nichols come out to sing with them on the tune “Rock Star.” Once again, the crowd roared.

Point #5…The drummer is bad ass and they had an entire additional drum set built into the foot of the stage for him to play. What can I say? I heart the drums.

Bottom line…it was a great show and a great time. I stand by my original statement. Nickelback is a band worth seeing live. Good times y’all! And let the comments begin.

CHOOSE TO VISIT COLLEGE BARS OF THE PAST…

When an artist I’ve been writing about decides to play at a college bar from my past, OF COURSE I’m going to be in attendance.

Manhattan, Kansas…September, 16th…Longhorns…Lee Brice. How can you get much better than that combination? Add in a great red dirt music country band named the Turnpike Troubadours from Oklahoma.

The Turnpike Troubadours got the crowd warmed up with great tunes like “Gin and Smoke and Lies.” It was all about good, old school, country music. “If you’ve been true, you better look me in the eyes. All I smell is cheap perfume and gin and smoke and lies.” If red dirt music is what you like, give this band a listen! There is a really cool mix of bluegrass too. It’s so original, the music is hard to explain. That is even more reason for you to go listen and enjoy.

Lee then took the stage to a crowd who loved him. The bar was singing back “She Aint Right,” dancing along to “Picture of Me” and silently swaying to the hit Lee wrote for Tim McGraw called “Still.” Plus, I got to hear a new one called “Over in the Morning.” As usual…two thumbs up.

The night also brought new friends in the form of Courtney and Misty. These are two awesomely hilarious people I now call friends. Cheers ladies (SHHHHH! Don’t tell anyone they live in Lawrence)!

CHOOSE TO CHEER FOR YOUR TEAM…

I also got to take in a K-State game with Mom and Dad while I was home. The Wildcats took home a win and played at Arrowhead Stadium. I like to think the purple heels had something to do with it.

CHOOSE TO TAKE COVER WHEN STORM CLOUDS LOOK LIKE THIS…

Just a friendly PSA for y’all.

CHOOSE TO VISIT NEW PLACES FOR MUSIC (AND AVOID GUN FIRE AND GIRL FIGHTS)…

That’s right. I said “gun fire” and “girl fights.” It was off to Columbus, Ohio I went for work, fun and an awesome show.

I got to watch a hockey game with some of my favorite people. They posed for both a nice picture…

AND a fun picture…

The fun ones are always my favorites. Aren’t they cute?!

Then, Becka and I went to see quite a show including Jerrod Niemann, Randy Houser and Gary Allan. Told ya it was good.

Jerrod has a way with a crowd. It truly is impressive. He can sing his ass off, but is also extremely witty and entertaining. Everyone was thoroughly enthralled and involved the whole time he was on stage.

Randy can consistently sing country music better than anyone I’ve ever heard. He sings what he loves and what he believes in and there is respect that goes along with that philosophy. It is so much fun to watch him enjoy doing what he’s doing. Plus, I get to hear that amazing voice.

Headliner Gary Allan was incredible. I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never heard Gary live until that night. I am totally in love with his new album and couldn’t wait to hear him sing those songs. It sounded just like the recordings. The man has a very distinct voice and style that people ADORE. If you love Gary Allan…you LOVE Gary Allan. His fans are loyal. After hearing him sing live, I can see why (Yes. I am aware of the lameness of this photo. However, it’s the only one I got. Ohhhh…the pretty lights).

Did I mention he is also just one of those cool people. Truly cool people don’t have to try. They just are.

Apparently, there was gun fire inside the stadium that night that Becka and I didn’t witness. AND there was a girl fight in the bathroom that we did. People are NUTS! Entertaining, but NUTS! Ummmm…could you warn me next time Columbus?

Did I tell you there was a LOT to tell you about over that past three weeks? Good times were had by all…at least by me.

CHOOSE FUNNY TWEETS…

This week’s “Tweet of the Week” comes from Owl City. “Whenever I’m tempted to fight fire with fire, I remember the Fire Department usually uses water.”

THE ONLY CHOICES THAT MATTER…

“To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there.” – Kofi Annan

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K

P.S. Already saw a great show this week by Jon Stone that I will tell you about in the next review.