“What do you know about music?”

That question was posed to me a few weeks ago by someone who’s opinion I respect. To be quite honest, I had been asking myself the exact same thing in an effort to discover where this adventure will take me next. I mean, it’s a legit and logical question right?

When asked something like that, the immediate response is to list your credentials, background, facts, etc. And that is exactly what I did. However, days later the honest answer came to me…Nothing. I know nothing about music. Nada. Zilch. And that is PRECISELY why I (as well as you) know music inside and out. Confused yet?

Ludwig van Beethoven may have said it best. “Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.”

Every note of every song written by every songwriter and performed by every artist is constantly teaching. It happens every day. Music is a mindset…a feeling…an emotion…a movement. A tune that alters my life, might glide by yours…and vice versa. That is why music is spectacular and no artist, song or songwriter is worthless within the music business machine.

When you live in Nashville, you hear it often…”Music is awful and getting worse”…”There are so many manufactured artists.”…”Talent is gone.”…”The public doesn’t know good music.”…And on and on and on and on and on.

What is forgotten is that someone turned on the radio today and smiled because their favorite song was flowing out of the speakers. Someone put their iPod on shuffle to hear a song that reminded them they are worth something and it’s not as bad as it seems. Someone walked by a store and heard a tune that brought back the memory of a loved one lost. Someone woke up to a song on their alarm clock and didn’t hit snooze because the notes danced them out of bed.

I don’t find the songs…they find me. What else has the ability to pick people up, provide a soundtrack to every priceless memory and force the body to move? That is why I do what I do and THAT is what I know about music. My only goal is that you find some of the songs and artists I tell you about as amazing as I do. All it takes is one.

Do I sense a theme here?

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?!  There are real life gentlemen out there.

And I have been around a few of them this past few months. Thank you for the door openings and coat offerings and dinner invites and general awesomeness. I was beginning to forget what you guys looked like…thanks for reminding me.

FYI…women love this trait in men. It never goes out of style and is NEVER offensive. I don’t care how independent we are. It always matters. If a women tells you it doesn’t…RUN. Don’t say you weren’t warned guys.

As for those guys who think being a jerk is cool. Over. It.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! Christmas is almost here! Cathie decided to be a tree hugger.

It’s one of my favorite times of the year. This year we avoided being tied into the car when buying the Christmas tree. Lesson learned. However, our eyes might have been a little larger then the actual height of last year’s tree. This year’s tree cleared the ceiling by just inches. *whew*

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! Theme songs should never be changed…ever.

I’m am actually shocked at how mad I am at “One Tree Hill” for trying different versions of the theme song each week this season. It’s like fingernails on a chalkboard.

To this day, when I hear THIS song, I think of “Bosom Buddies.” When I hear THIS song, I think of “Friends.” When I hear THIS song, I think of “Dawson’s Creek.” When I hear THIS song, I think of “Growing Pains.” They have ALWAYS been sung by the same people. No changes. There’s a reason for that.

The theme song that is heard at the beginning of the show is like the shot that starts the race. Are you gonna know to run if all of the sudden they use a cell phone ding as the go? I don’t think so. Leave it alone. Gavin DeGraw should be the voice starting the show. *stepping off soap box*

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! People are hilarious.

There are many, many funny websites to view out there. I got sent a couple this week from my friends Marcy and Maggie.

First, Marcy sent me one that specializes in the “Dear (Blank), Please (Blank)” letters. If you follow my Twitter, you know I’m especially fond of these. I laughed often while reading numerous letters submitted by people from all over the world. Check it out.

Here was one of my faves…”Dear Heart, Kick it into high gear. He’s educated, employed and not at all like that d-bag you’re still after. Sincerely, Brain”

Then Maggs sent me one that had me reduced to tears…of laughter. Seriously, I couldn’t breathe. This website specializes in the auto-speller on iPhones and how it can really get you into some trouble. Click HERE and prepare to LOL.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! People are really, really creative.

A film student by the name of Tom Hinueber took two Nike commercials and combined them to deliver one, very effective message. I know I couldn’t agree more. And judging by the over 1.5 million views, others do also.

Well done, Tom. Well. Done.

You can watch “Maybe You Should Rise” HERE.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! BBQ can cause fights (good natured of course).

I have been in a fight for about a year with one of my Memphis clients about who has the best BBQ…Memphis or Kansas City. It’s KC of course, but he won’t give up. Keep in mind, he’s never even tasted KC BBQ. That is why I took it to Facebook for suggestions on what to send him. Oh. My. Gosh.

The war started from there. I got BBQ supporters from Texas and Carolina and Oklahoma and Memphis and Kansas City and even Alabama. Y’all love your BBQ and I love you. It was hilarious debate and I narrowed it down to a couple of places (Gates and Fiorella’s Jack Stack). I’m winning this one…even if the client won’t admit it. KC BBQ forever!

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! Nebraska leaves the Big XII as #2.

I never in the history of my whole life figured I’d be happy with Oklahoma winning anything. That changed when they played Nebraska in the Big XII title game. I was more cheering AGAINST the Huskers than FOR the Sooners, but it worked.

Dear Nebraska, SEE YA! Sincerely, The Big XII

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! It’s Mr. Sauce Packet!!!!

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! There is a list of songs of the week?! No. Way.

1. “Chances Are” by Martina McBride and Bob Seger. It’s off of one of the best soundtracks ever made. This tune combines two amazing voices with a stellar song.

2. “Sing Me Home” by Tim McGraw. It’s always worked for me.

3. “Go” by Shanna Crooks. She wrote this one with Richard Marx. That man does very little wrong in the music world and I heart both of these people. The theme of the tune is important. “It’s like trying to fix of broken dream or save a heart that doesn’t beat. Only one left hangin’ on. Let if fall. Let it fall. When no one’s there to pick you up and you think you’ve had enough. When things are out of your control, let it all…let it all go.” True story.

4. “Sugarcane” by Chris Nathan. You might be listening to it right now as you read. There really aren’t words for how much I love this tune. It’s a love song with some spice. ADDED BONUS: It makes you move. “Oh 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.” Wow.

5. “You Ain’t Doin’ It Right” by Matt Ramsey. This is another song that is priceless. I feel like my words don’t do it justice. How about I let the song speak for itself. “If your heart is tightly guarded, never movin’ bullet proof and you never feel pain…you never taste the rain. Then you ain’t doin’ it right. You ain’t livin’ life. You’re just spinning with the planet, gettin’ older by the minute. Yeah, you might survive, but you ain’t doin’ it right.” Thank you Matt.

6. “Not Afraid” by Eminem. Something about this song says it all for me. I have loved Eminem for years for his impressive ability to artfully state the obvious.

7. “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw. I think I’ve already explained my absolute adoration of this tune. It is the sole purpose I bought his first album. It remains one of my favorites to this day.

8. “Come Home” by OneRepublic. This is one of those tunes that found me. And it won’t go away. In all seriousness, it’s an amazing song. Go listen.

9. “Try the Truth” by Shelly Fairchild. I have been listening to this one non-stop since I heard Shelly a few weeks ago. It’s that song that you really want handy when someone is lying to your face. ADDED BONUS: A fun rocker beat with big band undertones along with the effective lyrics. “You should think it over. Sell me something better. Dig deep. Find a new line…something I’ll believe the first time. Can you be authentic? Say what you mean. Let me know you meant it. Let it out. Let it out. Get inspired. Even if, even if you’re a liar. Try the truth. Try the truth. You’ve tried everything, you should try the truth.” Sing. It. Shelly.

10. “If I Knew Then” by Lady Antebellum. I have been in love with this song since day one. It caused me to turn around and walk back down the street in Key West (mid-conversation) to hear it performed live. The tune is a modern day waltz, laced with romance and meaning. “Cause love only comes once in a while. Knocks on your door and throws you a smile. It takes every breath. Relieves every scar. Speaks to your soul and sings to your heart. If I knew then, what I know now, I’d fall in love.” Please listen to this one…for me.

11. “Stupid Girls” by P!nk. I love everything about this tune AND the video. I think a couple of phrases from the song say it all. The first…”What happened to the dream of a girl President? She’s dancing in the video next to 50 Cent.” and “I’m so glad that I’ll never fit in. That will never be me. Outcasts and girls with ambition. That’s what I wanna see.” Thank you Pink. Times 1,000.

12. “Keep the Girl” by Jason Aldean. I can’t kick this song and I don’t know why (aside from it’s awesomeness). It’s like an addiction…candy of which my ears cannot get enough. It’s all about the tug-of-war between love and dreams.

13. “Take It or Leave It” by Josh Hoge (Featuring Marc Broussard). Even though I’ve loved it since my first introduction, the song has slowly become a theme song for me. It’s rockin and fun and honest. Plus, it’s really difficult to not fall in love with any tune of which Josh and Marc a part. “I don’t pretend to be pretty. Sometimes I tend to talk dirty. I can be country or city. Welcome to my world. If you wanna play it safe baby, my life will drive you crazy. You know I want to call you my Baby, but that’s who I am…take it or leave it.”

14. “Silent Night” by Boyz II Men. You know I had to give you a few great Christmas songs to enjoy. NOBODY does this song like these guys. I still get chills every time I listen. Unreal.

15. “Where Are You Christmas” by Shanna Crooks. Shanna just covered this one and did a wonderful job. Give it a listen. You will be in the Christmas Spirit in no time.

16. “O Holy Night” by Martina McBride. No explanation needed. If you’ve heard her sing, you know how incredible this is. No words.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! Sometimes a change of scenery is a great idea. Work can be a good for you in this environment.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! K-State Basketball Greats from the past can show up in the future.

It’s always great to see Anthony Beane. I mean COACH Beane. I will always remember January 17, 1994. THAT was a great day to be a Wildcat.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! You can go back in time for future inspiration.

You might have noticed I’ve been taking some time off to work on different things that are coming in 2011. I’ll be honest, I’m excited…and terrified.

Inspiration has come from so many places the past few months. I decided to go back and listen to live shows of the artists who inspired me to do all of this in the first place. It was a good decision.

Shall we?

November 23rd took me to 12th and Porter right before Thanksgiving to hear Josh Flint. Everything I’ve written about Josh Flint in the past, is still true. The only difference is he keeps giving me great new songs.

Here is a description of Josh and his music from the past that is true to this day…

“It’s old school music with a new school spin. That spin is completely Josh Flint. The listener hears bits of Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Otis Redding and even some newer Amos Lee-type sounds. It’s just bits and pieces of the people he listened to growing up. The difference is Josh also has a talented ear that finds new sounds and combines them in a way completely outside of the mundane.”

And I leave Josh Flint shows awed.

The end of last week took me to Douglas Corner Cafe to see The Levees play (to a full bar of course). They are one of my favorite live bands for a reason. So. Much. Fun. As with Josh, they are still as amazing as they were the first time I heard them.

Here is the description of The Levees and their music and why it’s still true today…

“The Levees aren’t just an incredibly talented band, they are performers. These guys can transform an entire room of passive observers into dancing machines. It is impossible to sit still when they play. Every song dares you not to move. It was no different on Friday night and they left me dancing uncontrollably in my seat at Douglas Corner.”

Still true. Ask Lep. He was laughing at me.

And I leave The Levees shows energized.

Last night, I was blessed to hear Dear, Sweet Chris Nathan. It’s like a dose of medicine for me. Every month or so, I am revived by this artist and his music.

Here is the description of Chris and his music from that past that is still true today…

“It all happened a couple of years ago and I remember it well. A friend (Thanks Brian!) told me to get to a local bar and hear this massive musical talent. I did as I was told and walked in the door to be stopped in my tracks. It was unique, impressive and just plain good. My jaw hit the floor. I was quickly dancing to the music and my eyes were locked on the stage for the entire show. Let’s put it this way…I eventually proposed marriage in a music review (which is strictly against professional rules!). In all seriousness, I was moved by the music and the artistic way Chris delivered it that night. He is original and that is hard to find.”

This is all still true. Last night, included a room full of people singing back a song to him that has not even hit radio. Everyone knows and loves the music that much. Note to all music business professionals: There is absolutely NO REASON “Happy” is not a huge hit on the radio right now.

And I leave Chris Nathan shows happy and moved (as do Janice and Brit).

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! The “Tweet of the Week” is hilarious.

If you watched any of the college basketball tournament at the Sprint Center in Kansas City a few weeks back, you would have noticed that the ENTIRE court was filled with company logos. I swear. It was so bad, I was laughing about it. How in the heck can you even tell who is the sponsor?! I mean can you see all the logos on that court?

This brings us to the “Tweet of the Week” which addressed that very issue.

“The CBE Classic, brought to you by…well…everything.” – Jet Roberts

Soooo….

WHAT DO YOU KNOW…about life? I know David Foster usually has some brilliant ideas about how to live it. It was no exception this week.

“No dreads. No doubts. No defeats.”

Amen.

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K

P.S. A big thanks goes out to Misty and Courtney for Rockin’ On Together in Oklahoma (I think). These girls are awesome! Thanks Ladies. I hope the show rocked your face off…twice.