Christmas with Tammy

What better a way than to close out the year with my main girl Tammy. While Ill never be one of her husbands, sad I know, I can still admire her and her music. So I wanted to say that while I am not expecting much out of this album, I still think it is a fitting ending you know.

1. Silent Night, Holy Night: This is an ok version of the song, it isn't anything new but I like it. It give you that warm feeling that you are supposed to get from the song. It makes me want to look at a fire and makes me think of christmas. Plus I like that organ. The harmonies and the echo sounds quite good.
2. O Little Town of Bethlehem: This feels like a Tammy version of the song. It's got the twangs that I've grown to become accustomed to on albums like Stand By Your Man. The strings here are phenomenal, and this is possibly the best version of the song I have yet to review. I think her voice works, I like it, the organ comes band and kind of peaks it's head out at different points. The swells are fucking great. Really, there is a punch to it, and the transitions are also very well. Honestly I'm surprised it's this good.
3. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear: A song I love done in a manner that I is similar to that last track but not as effective. I much prefer the last track done in the country manner than this one, or the Nashville Sound rather. That's not saying it's bad I'm just pointing out it isn't anything terrifically mind blowing or 
4. Joy to the World: This is a christmas classic, and it's done in a manner that I think is fitting of the song. This works for what it is, and I think the Jordanaires are for more effective here than on Elvis' album.
5. Away in a Manger: This is a first for the blog. I have yet to review this track, which is kind of weird. I have heard this song so many times at church its weird I am not hearing it more on record. The album is more or less what you'd expect at this point from the sound and style. It's solid enough, maybe like a 6.
6. Gentle Shepherd: I don't recall a song with this title. But it closes side one of the vinyl pressing of the original record. It's not that bad of a song, and it's pretty inoffensive. It's not overtly bad or anything annoying. But I'm pretty sure I'll forget it once the albums over. It's again not that bad.
7. Blue Christmas: I'll have a pleasant experience with this track. Like it's honestly inoffensive.
8. (Merry Christmas) We Must Be Having One: I don't think I have heard this song before. And honestly I don't mind this song, I got to say it's a nice change of pace. I mean it's a new song that works, for me at least. And the harmonies work also quite well.
9. White Christmas: This is another Nashville Sound rendition of a classic christmas tune. I like the strings on this and the arrangement is pretty solid. It's not mind blowing, as I've said before, but I like it. I could see myself coming back to this version.
10. One Happy Christmas: Eh, I don't know if I'm digging this tune. It's okay I guess, but I don't want to get 100 percent on board or give it a complete pass.
11. Lonely Christmas Call: This isn't a bad song, but it's kind of a sad song. Sadly at this point I've run out of things to say other than I like the vocals and the way she says the words. I like the backing instrumentation, but it isn't the best you know.
12. Let's Put Christ Back Into Christmas: I wonder what would happens if someone made this song today. This song is kind of stupid, if I'm being honest I don't really care for it. I mean this isn't really a last track, outside of the title. The rest of the song is a pretty bland arrangement considering what is on the rest of the album. It's not that it sounds bad, but it's just lets go out luke warm.

Overall I have to give this album a 6/10. This is a Tammy album, what did I expect. Something I wanna say is we lost a lot of talented musicians who, while I may not be fans of every single one of them personally, they played on something that some how helped shape the music that got me to where I am today. So I wanted to take this paragraph to just name them as a way of respect I guess and to condense this I decided to mention only those whom I haven't already mentioned earlier in past reviews. Paul Bley, Pierre Boulez, Jimmy Bain, Dale Griffin, Alan Haven, Al Caiola, Ray Colcord, Maurice White, Keith Emerson, Phife Dawg, Merle Haggard, Jimmie Van Zant, Lonnie Mack, Billy Paul, Isao Tomita, Candye Kane, Gayle McCormick, Nick Menza, Marshall Jones, Henry McCullough, Dimitri Tiomkin, Bernie Worrell, Don Friedman, Scotty Moore, Alan Vega, Bobby Hutcherson, Bob Cranshaw, TJ Tindall, Toots Thielemans, Rudy Van Gelder, Rod Temperton, Leon Russell, Mose Allison, Joe Esposito, Allen Zavod, Pauline Oliveros, Greg Lake, George Michael, Alphonso Mouzon, John Thomas, Carrie Fisher, 

Elvis' Christmas Album

So last year I did this Christmas themed thing, and while I did it I came across about a million different Christmas themed albums. Some look like shit, some might be okay (but probably will be shit), and some I don't know why but I want to hear. I'll probably kill myself after this, but why not do Christmas again this year, and maybe I'll get more than four done. This album, being Elvis' Christmas album, released on October 15th, 1957 (I don't really know why), but it is sure to have some classics. I mean look at the track listing. Something I wanna point out too is the last 4 tracks were released on Peace in the Valley Ep that was released earlier that year (in April). Let's see how many songs the albums have in common from this and last year. After looking I saw four songs, one of which was on three of the albums.

1. Santa Claus is Back in Town: Not to be mistake with one of a number of songs related to this holiday that makes me want to kill myself. Wow that's a run on. But anyway, this opens and it isn't what I thought it would be. It's a blues number and to be honest it isn't the song I thought it would be. Like I was expecting something horrific. It's well enough, not that the whole album should be like this, but it ain't terrible.
2. White Christmas: Last year I did Sinatra's Christmas album and this song was featured in it. The vocals on this kind of bother me, but again it isn't terrible. I mean it's not like I'll revisit it the same way I do Hey America, but it's well enough. Only real major complaint, why can't my Christmas be yellow or black or red or insert other colour relating to race.
3. Here Comes Santa Claus: This is a song that I never really cared for any version of, this is kind of a bland song that does nothing for me. I could see people eating this up at one point, but I don't. There is a feeling of Christmas though from this song. 
4. I'll Be Home for Christmas: Another song I don't think i ever liked. This has a jazzy feeling, but it's like fucking bland. It's more bland than the Sinatra album. Now that's not to say I hate it, it just doesn't have any flavor.
5. Blue Christmas: This is a famous song that I know without even hearing it. For the review I'll listen, but I've heard this so many fucking times. I don't really care for this song, and I think it's a bit boring. There isn't even anything appealing to me about this. I mean I don't really have anything to say about this. I like the way he sings, and they harmonies. But it's not like I love this. And I guess it's nice to kind of focus on everything going on for once. I think the acoustic guitar sounds pretty good.
6. Santa Bring My Baby Back (to Me): Now I'm pretty sure I've heard this song before, but I do know the title interested me. Like is this song about the war, is this song about something that could be deeper than just a break up. This actually makes me think of Weird Al. Like I could see him doing a parody and this being the outline but instead it's something over the top and absurd. But done straight.... This isn't really anything special. And it's not pulling me in at all. I guess it's nice to hear a new song.
7. O Little Town of Bethlehem: I know this song, and I think it's an okay song in general. There are versions I do enjoy, and this isn't terrible. I feel like the song should be much larger, and the vocals should overwhelm, but in a good way. The organ sounds nice and I like that.
8. Silent Night: So this fucking song, why is this on every Christmas album? Like really I don't quite get it. It's not that phenomenal of a track. This rendition, well honestly, it ain't anything special either.
9. (There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me): While in opposed to reusing tracks, this is nice. In glad it isn't just a spew of the boring Christmas standards. This title also reminds me of the one Dylan song, Down in the Valley Below, or something like that (it's off Desire). This isn't that bad of a song, and to be honest it's probably my favorite song here. It has a gospel feeling to it, but there is also a doo wop feeling to it. So it does pull on my heart strings a bit. But not in the same way others of the style do.
10. I Believe: This track has a very large feeling, and I think works. Do I think it works as well as it could...... probably not. But it is a breathe of fresh air. This song has so much potential, but it just doesn't reach that for me.
11. Take My Hand, Precious Lord: This is another song that ain't half bad. But again, the high I need from this isn't reached. It's so close, and I'm pretty sure if I was to hear a cover or another rendition it would hit that. This isn't terrible
12. It is No Secret (What God Can Do): This is a nice closer, but again nothing crazy

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. So at no point did I really feel anything, outside of feeling of Christmas on a few songs. The only songs of quality were from that fucking EP. But there was nothing at all, like not even me being bothered. By definition I felt what I'd consider a 5. But it just is so bland I don't think I can give it a neutral feeling. Maybe I'm cynical but if I feel nothing then I think that's negative. I like that there might be some originals, as in new songs for this, but yeah. I'm not a huge fan of Elvis, I only truly love a handful of his later songs and some earlier songs but nothing like this early. Ill probably do another Elvis one next Christmas. I mean I probably set myself up for failure considering I'm not a fan of that period of his music or his music in general. I respect him, but next week... Oh boy. I got something good planned.

D-I-V-O-R-C-E - Tammy Wynette

I can't say I like country, it's more tracks. But I do have a bit of a crush on Tammy. I mean for one she's beautiful, and shes a pretty great singer. I contemplated reviewing her best song, Stand By Your Man, but as a while that album isn't that amazing. There were still some stand outs so I may, but who knows. I decided to review this, now, because why the hell not. I'm on a roll baby, and lets see how many I get done this month.

1. Gentle on my Mind: This is a Glen Campbell cover, which was the 1967 Title Track off that album. This has some nice finger pickin' in the beginning, and I like Tammy's vocals. This is a nice way to start off the album, and makes me want to.... It makes me feel like this might not be half bad. The drums and percussion have this sort of fun feeling to it. I mean it isn't a fun song, but it is kind of. Like I imagine if I played this it'd be sort of fun.
2. Honey: This song sort of reminds me of a song I can't quite think of the title. MacArthur's Park, the backing track if you took out the twang and country feeling. This is a cover of the Bobby Goldsboro tune from 1968. This song sort of gets larger, but it sounds good to me. It doesn't bother me. Two for two, damn Tammy you're impressing me ;)
3. Legend of Bonnie and Cylde: This is probably the wrong word, but this makes me think of skiffle. Damn, we got some nice guitar work, fills and whoever this session musician kudos bro. This is a solid ass song, all around really. Oh also this is a cover of the Title Track off another 1968 record, this time by Merle Haggard and The Strangers.
4. All Night Long: This is a slower tune, but this isn't bad. On Stand By Your Man I remember there being a few of these. This is nice that there isn't one after another after another. I might be wrong, but I think this is the first original. Even though it was written by Don Chapel.
5. Sweet Dreams: This is a cover of a tune dating back to 1955. I think it said the originally by the songs writer Don Gibson. Numerous artists would cover this Emmylou Harris, Patsy Cline, Roy Buchannon and even a collaboration between Chet Atkins and Mark Knopfler are the ones I know. This isn't that bad of a tune, more or less the same thing as the last track. But it goes by fast, and it doesn't bore me.
6. Yesterday: This is a cover of the famous Help! tune by The Beatles. This is a pretty solid cover, but I think it's kind of a hard song to mess up. I mean it kind of falls in with the other covers I've heard that aren't as good as the original. But at least this has a bit of a country twang and the backing harmonies are nice. Plus, glad to hear Tammy's pipes on this tune.
7. D-I-V-O-R-C-E: Alright, this is a phenomenal track. I've never had a divorce, but I kinda of imagine this would give me comfort if I was going thought one. A great written pop song is catchy, it gets stuck in your head but it doesn't fade. It can also stick to a theme or a style and does in creatively. Now like I said I have never been divorced, I'm not even in a relationship, but this song paints a very vivid image of what it'd be like to have a young child. Be getting divorced and trying to not upset him, by way of spelling out words for him to not understand. This is a very powerful, simple musically, song. And it's odd how much it "hits home" with me, without ever having an experience for this to "hit". I think that's part of being a good writer, you make someone else feel you, feel your situation, make it seem real. It's not fairy tale, not something where everything will be alright, its the end of something.... It's life. The only thing anyone can assure you in life is death, and in which its an ending. And another reason this is great, it isn't a track that asks you to feel bad for it. It doesn't force you, you just naturally feel. It could be me, but as far as country goes this is one of the best songs ever written. 
8. Come On Home: This is okay I guess, I mean it's nothing special. I've heard it before on this record, but he singing is the only thing at this point saving this record. I really hope there aren't any tunes that are in this style after this. Give me something else to bite on.
9. Where There's A Fire In Your Heart: See this is why I love you, and upbeat dancable tune that is pretty damn fun. I'm also digging that slide guitar. The only real complaint is the fade out. It kind of happens quick.
10. Kiss Away: Another sort of slow ballad, well at least I got a change of pace. So I mean.... And this isn't that terrible. Honestly, I'm kind of suprised by how not bored I am. These vocals are killing me, in one of the best way possible.
11. Lonely Street: I wish I knew this track prior to the Magic Whip review, I could have made a "this is not a cover of the 1968 Tammy Wynette track." Although it was Lonesome...... Whatever here we get a track this is pretty nice to close this, and even though it is very similar sonically it isn't to repetitive. It's a nice little touch.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. Okay I'm either loosing my mind, but I liked a country, Nashville sound, record. Yes it was Tammy but still. That music usually bores me. Maybe I'm going crazy, maybe after hearing two days at work of new country and hearing how it is more garbage bull shit than a lot of hip hop music..... I don't know. I do know this is pretty damn solid, and I think you should check it out. Maybe my next review should be Aids-a-delic:D...... By the way, I will do one of those albums, just not sure which I'll do.

J.S. - Justin Stockton

This review as to go up on the 2nd of this month but things happen and I wanted to let this linger a little longer before I do any review. So this is the first Ep by my friend Justin Stockton, and was released independently on my label. Now usually I don't like reviewing anything I've touched, but I can give this a go. This is the first release that he's done with acoustic guitar. I want to say this was recorded and released on February 17th, 2014 and the only thing I did was fix digital distortion, and also resize the artwork and convert the mono to stereo. So I didn't contribute in anyway to the material so I can review this. Oh yeah, he also reviewed my album I did. Which by that way, was his best to date. And the first review of anything I've ever done so, yeah life's good.

1. Mary Ann: This opens the EP with a country feeling. It actually sounds like a song that I could imagine being something in the vein of Robert Johnson. Now it's not one of his songs, but very influenced and inspired by. I like that it's only about 1.5 minutes, because the thing about blues is lots of time it can drag on and on and on and on and... you get the point. This song is straight forward and doesn't stay past its welcome. It's also a great way to open this new flavor to incorporate in his material. Also he sings within his range. My only complaint is the vox be clearer, but I can't complain to much because I run into that problem sometimes too.
2. Good Night: Now I talked to him about this song and he told me its dear to his heart. There is a religious aspect in there and this is the deepest he's gotten ever. Thought that chords aren't that drastically different from the prior track, this is the style and I enjoy it. Oh, question Justin is the progression Am-F#m-DMaj. Just wondering if I can hear correctly.
3. Jack: This sounds very similar to Mary Ann, but I think it's a solid track. There is a type of just tongue-n-cheek aspect that I think he did a good job at, but there were certain slips. This reminds me of possibly a cover of a song off Folsom Prison.
4. Gettin' The Blues: This is a good song, just needs to be a little more fleshed out. I think that if he added a guitar solo in there it may have been better, but it's a good track.

Overall I have to give this a 6/10. Now this is by far the best thing he's done yet, it's showed maturation, and is showing artistic growth, which is necessary as a musician. I can't damn him because some of the ideas could have been furthered, this is only his third release. I still make mistakes and fuck up, but he is definatly growing and glad I know him. He's on the right path, also look forward to that album I'm producing for him. PS, click _here_ to go and get a copy yourself. 

Red - Taylor Swift

This is the 4th album by country singer songwritter Taylor Swift. On this album I wasn't sure what to expect. I didn't think much of the We Are Never Getting Back Together single. I actually kind of didn't like it at all. I was nervous to see if the album would be this way. So I am now, today, listening to it for the first time in it's whole. I might listen to it more than once, but I am not sure yet. I have to hear it first. One thing I noticed is that a shit load of people produced for this album. The last album Speak Now only had Swift and Nathan Chapman. On This one there are a total of 9 people credited, one being an executive producer, as producers for this album. And some of the producers have really only produced pop shit. I don't have a good feeling about this, but I'll tough it out... I hope. I do like how her style has changed, as in appearance. I think she looks better with straight hair and not dresses and a ton of make up. I actually think girls look better like the way she does now than almost any other way.

1. State of Grace: This song starts out pretty promising. I actually think that this is a pretty cool song. It reminds me of The Cure. I know I compare things to that band, but I remember hearing Just Like Heaven a ton while in the car with my Dad. This the backing vocals during the chorus remind me of Eisley. I like the bass sound in the song. I also like how this isn't so country? This song also reminds me a lot of the 2005 Paramore album All We Know Is Falling. That's not my favorite Paramore album, but I still think it's a decent album.
2. Red: This song starts out, before she starts singing, with what reminds me of '90s music. This song is kind of like a part 2 of the last song. There isn't much of a difference. Her voice is kinda dubbed weird. By that I mean it kind of sounds like its a loop, but a short thing looped. Either that or Auto-tuned. But overall I still like this song.
3. Treacherous: This song reminds me if the last album. To be honest, this is doing well thus far.This also reminds me of 2009's Misguided Ghosts by Paramore. The "do do do, do do do" reminds me of a song I can't quite think of. This is probably my favorite song on the album thus far.
4. I Knew You Were Trouble.: When I first heard the intro I was afraid. I heard that's he had dubstep on this album, an well the way the song was it could. It wasn't a stretch for it to be there. I don't think that the drop is Skrillex but it isn't bad. I kind is f like the song. The more I hear it the more it grows on me.
5. All Too Well: This song kind of reminds me of the last album also. I like the fact that she kept some of the stuff that was on her last album. Also that she isn't all out Fearless on this. I don't know why, but this reminds me of her county friends that are popular, but I think this song. Have you ever heard the song Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue by Toby Keith. I don't care for that song, but it reminds me of it. I also kind of hear a little synth in the background.
6. 22: All I'm gonna say is this sing is a load if bullshit. I really can't support it are compliment it that much. The beginning of the song...... This is like a Katy Perry's Taylor Swift. I kind of respect that she had a song Fifteen and now 22. But I know how to count.
7. I Almost Do: This song reminds me of like a solo version of the song I Wish by Eisley. Especially at the chorus of the song. Like when it going "Ooooow, Oooooww."
8. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together: This song is an ok song, if it was acoustic. Like if she did it alone with her vocals and an acoustic performance of the song.
9. Stay Stay Stay: This reminds me of the CVS commercials. I like this song though. It's a pretty cool song. I think she uses a ukulele. I really like the way the bass sounds.
10. The Last Time: This song apparently features Gary Lightbody of Snowpatrol. I have no idea who that is, but I do know that there is a Stones song called The Last Time. 
11. Holy Ground: This is an ok song. I didn't really think much of it.
12. Sad Beautiful Tragic: This song sounded in the beginning like Linkin Park's song Powerless. Like the first 3 seconds with that open, before the instruments. This is another Ok song. 
13. The Lucky One: This another OK song. I think they are being a little too consistent.
14. Everything Has Changed: This track features Ed Sheeran. I don't know who he is, but I've heard of him before. I guess it says he co-wrote this with Taylor. I think that this is another Ok song. It is kind of starting to kill the album for me.
15. Starlight: This song kind of makes me wonder if there is gonna be any dubstep. I like how its set up lik its gonna drop but kind of changes up a little. I'm note huge on this, but its a little different from the last few songs.
16. Begin Again: This song is a decent ending to the album. I actually like this. I'm suprised, but for some reason I feel like this might become a favorite of mine.

Overall I have to give this a 7/10. This was a lot better than I expected. I planned on not liking this at all. The reason was because of the more commercial shit. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together is a good song. But the album version kind of sucks. If she did a pure acoustic version that'd be awesome. This album sounded like a country-esque Paramore, for at least a lot of the songs. I plan on getting this CD. No matter what I was gonna buy this Cd, but yeah. I think some of the songs dragged on a little. I also am gonna listen to the deluxe tracks, but not now. I'll give a short sentence or two about them after I hear them.

No Secrets - Carly Simon

I'm been completely and utterly obsessed with Carly Simon. I've tried to listen to all of her 70's album, and plan on listening to her 80's and 90's and 2000's stuff to. This is her third album and this has one of the sexiest album covers I've ever seen, in my opinion. She is fricken beautiful, not so much today, but this picture is one of my favorite album covers of ever. Nobody Does It Better is my cousin's favorite Bond theme. And after hearing it a couple times and seeing The Spy Who Loved Me, with the beautiful Barbra Bach, who is the wife of Ringo since 1980, I've been obsessed with Carly's discography.

1. The Right Thing To Do: This song starts out as an easy listening song. I could see this being played in a bar scene in a movie. I could actually see this being a Bond theme. This song is a pretty song that also kind of reminds me of Linda's vocals and the music to Get On The Right Thing off Wings 1973 sophomore effort Red Rose Speedway. This song came out first though.
2. The Carter Family: This song reminds me of Red Rose Speedway but without Paul's vocals. Kind of like a cover off that album. It's actually bizarre how similar theses albums stylistically sound and resemble each other.
3. You're So Vain: The song starts out with this bass riff thing. It surprised me when I first heard it, and I thought that it was a different song. Its kind of creepy sounding. But then the song starts up. This song is a really cool sounding. It's a country song, but it has this Bad Ass feeling to it. It's supposedly about one of three people. I don't know exactly if that's true, but I love the idea about it. And during the chorus if you listen you can hear an uncredited Mick Jagger backing vocals. The lyrics in the song reference a solar eclipse. That's insane to me. Most country artist would reference like a beer or a breakup, nothing really special. She referenced a fricken' Solar Eclipse and where it occurred at. The more I hear this song the better it gets.
4. His Friends Are More Than Fond Of Robin: This song is a pretty song. It is more soft and pretty sounding than You're So Vain. There is this synthesizer sound that sounds really sweet. I don't really know how to explain it more than just it's a pretty sounding song.
5. We Have No Secrets: This song starts out, and kind of reminds me of, T Swift. The guitar part. This is more of an upbeat song, but it's kind of eerie to me. Especially since it is upbeat and its about sharing secrets in a relationship, and that she didn't want to know all of them. I think that's a neat angle to look at. I don't know anyone else who has a song about sharing secrets, and kind of regretting knowing some of them.
6. Embrace Me, You Child: I think that this song is a pretty beginning. It kind of reminds me a little of the beginning of Uncle Albert off 1971's Ram by Paul & Linda McCartney. Just the beginning though. I think that the chorus to this song is really cool to. I think that the strings help make this song sound calm. The line "The Devil Doesn't Get To You" in the chorus is sick, I love the way it does that. This song lyrics are pretty to. This song has a type of epic feeling. But the level of epic isn't achieved as much as it could have been
7. Waited So Long: This is a honky tonk vibe to it. It kind of reminds me a little of Honky Tonk Woman. I think that the way her vocals sound in the chorus is pretty cool. I guess it says that James Taylor did backing vocals for this song. And supposedly James Taylor is one of the three in the You're So Vain song could be about.
8. It Was So Easy: This is a sweet and cute little ditty. I could see a little kid walking in the park or something like that happening in a movie to this song. Like a possible reflection about her childhood. I think its a cute song, and I like it for that.
9. Night Owl: Funny enough, you know how I've made some Red Rose Speedway comparisons, well Paul and Linda actually did backing vocals for this track. James Taylor made another appearance to this album. He wrote this song. This is a cool song. I think that James did a good job on this. You can tell Paul and Linda in there. This is a gospel type of song. This song reminds me a little of Roadrunner by Bo Diddley. Just the way the chorus is and the song is. I don't not like the song for that, but I think that it's a good song. Not amazing though.
10. When You Close Your Eyes: This song is a good way to wrap up the album. I think that this is the best way to end an album like this. I think that this is one of my favorite songs on the album. I don't think that it's an AMAZING ending though. I wish there was a tiny bit more excitement going on here. This is a pretty song though.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. I like this thing. This is the 2nd time I've heard this in full. And I think it's better the second time through. This is a solid listen, and a decent album. I don't think that you have to necessarily like country to like some songs on this album. I think it's funny that I've made a few Wings comparisons. Another funny fact is that this album has Klaus Voormann on bass for all but 3 tracks on the album. Klaus helped out John, George, and Ringo, among other artists. He even did the artwork to The Beatles Anthology's and 1966 album Revolver's album cover. I am still going to buy this album on vinyl though. Maybe over time this will grow on me more.

Through The Rough - Merriment

This is the debut Ep by the band formed by Christie DuPree and her brother Colin. They are the siblings of the Elsley band members. The first releases was credited to Christie DuPree. I haven't really given her a chance. So why not do this now and review it today. I hope it's good because my favorite song off the Eisley Christmas Ep thing was her cover of Oh Come Emanuel. I recently saw these guys, along with Eisley on July 10th, 2012. They were way better live than on the Ep. So I'm re updating the albums review.

1. I Give Up: This is the first song that I heard of the Ep and I didin't like it. I gave it a couple tries and spread them apart, but I can't get into this song. And it only gets harder from here on out.
2. Blessed Soul: This song sounds like Stacey singing someone who can't really write music's song. There is also a country feel to it, and it isn't fun.
3. Through the Rough: This song kept up that overall boring vibe I get from this Ep. It isn't a fun listen.
4. Rewind: I am completely serious, I fell asleep to this song. That's how good I thought it was.
5. Sunday Morning: This song went over my head. I just didn't like it, I couldn't pay attention

Over all I unfortunately give this a 3.5/10. I wasn't interested in this and probably will be timid to check out anything Christie does like this again. After relistening to this, and having their live performance I hav to give this a 6/10. When you see them live you gain a new appreciation for them. Not a live video, a live performance.

Hotel California - Eagles

I have been obsessed with Frank Ocean's mixtape Nostalgic, Ultra. I should be uploading that review up on Monday. My favorite song so far is American Wedding which he pretty much reworked Hotel California, by that he took the original track and just took out the vocals. Don Henley threatened to sue him for using the song, for a free mix tape. But long story short he can't play the song live. That is a load of crap, #Beach Boys and Katy Perry. I can't stand it when people sue people because they want more money. This was, at one points, one of my favorite albums I'd ever heard. But that was pre-Bungle and before I began experimenting with music. So at that point in my life I only knew old music, it was even before I was into Avenged, I was a little, no where near as much. But I remember that this album had this over all warm feel to it. I don't remember the last time I listened to any song off this album by choice. I vaguely remember all the songs and how they go. So I am excited to review this 1976 Classic. And I don't think that I really need to give the Eagles an introduction, If you don't know who they are, google Eagles and it will probably have like 100 different links to them.

1. Hotel California: This song starts out with the acoustic guitar that everyone seems so familiar with. The bass, That I have now realized is bass is perfect sounding. I put on my headphones and this song is much better. There isn't that much open space in this song. I actually like the way this seems to be produced. The harmony vocals and everything else go together so well. This song is an instant classic, and pretty much irresistible to not like. I have given the song my time and those "Over Played Wounds" have been mended. I remember being a Scout Camp about 4 years ago and hearing this song and not being able to wait to get home to buy the song. I kept telling my self the name of that song, along with some other songs. That was when I was a "one song" type of a guy. Before I liked or would listen to a full album. This song is just so perfect and gos by so quick. It is a really quick 6:30 minute song. The bass at the ending is a fricken bad ass riff. I love that and the guitars solos are complimented by it. Everything in this song works together so well, I just can't explain it to those who haven't ever heard it, the "irony" is that everyone has. {9.5/10}
2. New Kid in Town: This is one of their country songs. I used to like this song a decent amount. I think that this song is ok. The one thing is these are some of the classic rock songs where I can't stand it anymore. The production on this song is pretty good. There is a little more open space on this song than the previous track. I think that the bass is pretty solid. This song drags a lot for me. I couldn't wait for this song to end.
3. Life in the Fast Lane: This song has this "bad ass country man" feel to it. The intro riff is a pretty cool one. I really like the distortion used on the guitar on this song. What this song is about isn't really that tricky and hard to get. But what songs about sex are. There are more songs that don't talk about sex in a clever way or try to not make it so obvious (I try to make it less obvious too, but it becomes more blunt than probably almost anyone else). The singer on this song has this raspy feel to it. The one thing that bugs me about his voice is that it sounds distorted weird. Like I don't think his voice is loud enough because if the music were a little louder than it would be over powered by the instruments. I still think the solo to this song is ok. Like I said I used to like this song more than I do now. {7/10}
4. Wasted Time: I've never liked this song. In fact I still don't, but I think that this song is a good example of how there are songs that I don't like on this album. The intro to this song tries to hard. It has strings and all this other instruments to accompany it, but It doesn't work for me. I mean someone else might like this song more than me, and might think that it's better than I do, but this is my opinion. This song also sounds like it would be a Styx love song or like some attempt, during the '80s to make an emotional power ballad, except with out the guitar part so much. The guitar solo's/fills are actually pretty buried and hard to heard. This song is a good way to end the first side though. The guitar is less buried toward the very end. But there is a part where I could barely heard it.
5. Wasted Time (Reprise): This is just an instrumental orchestral part play the parts of Wasted Time. Actually I like this one more than the non reprise version. I think that this song would be good on a movie soundtrack or score. {8/10}
6. Victim of Love: This song is a return to the heavier parts of the album. This is a pretty ok song. I don't think that it's as good as before. I think that this song is a cool song but I don't really think that I like it. I mean the vocals are ok and the instrumentation is cool to. It's just... it hasn't kept it's power from before like it used to for men. This song also kind of reminds me of the type of '80s songs where now I would make fun of them, not in a review, but in real life because of the song/video.
7. Pretty Maids All in a Row: This song starts out with piano. This is a ballad type of song. I really didn't have interest in paying attention to this song. I did and I kind of regret it. It dragged on like a bitch. So this is a big bad no good part for this album and helps give this album it's impending rating.
8. Try and Love Again: This song can join the list of boring songs. It was just... This song is boring and bores me. Like I want to skip this song and listen to the next one in order to finish up the review and post it up. This on also drags like a mother fucker, it has like a good minute outro that annoys the fuck out of me. It is pretty much drone to me, but not good drone. {4/10}
9. The Last Resort: This is a good way to wrap up a good album. Emphesis on the word GOOD. I really can't say more about it than that.

Overall I have to give this a 4.2/10.  This album is not what I hoped for. I think that it is what I thought that it would be. I knew from he start it wouldn't be a 10/10. But I was hoping for an 8/10. Looks like it's not. Also they went over board with the ballads on the album. I don't really like ballads as much as I used to. This album, as for any other if you like it, that's your opinion. But I don't so yeah. I don't like the way Glenn's voice sounds, it really bugs me. This song has the set up of a Classic Rock Album. But you can only take so much from the similar production and sounds. I have no interest in revisiting this album in any way, except for the title track. This album is a classic, just not for me.

Speak Now - Taylor Swift

Now I've never really been a huge fan of this girl. Actually there were like 2 songs that I liked by her. Well my cousin Stevie showed me the videos of Better Than Revenge, Speak Now, and Haunted. I thought that those were really cool because I'm used to hearing Taylor sing about being sad, and something that is, for lack of better word, "cute". The first song I heard of this was Mean and I really liked that song. So I decided to someday listen to the whole album, but I never really got to it. Today that's changing. I heard 77% of this album before I started reviewing this and I have to say I was, well....

1. Mine: This song starts out the album. I think that this song doesn't nessicarly foreshadow how good the rest of the album is. It starts out cool and it isn't bad, but well it doesn't have that umph!. I think that the chorus is good but this song just doesn't leave that amazing of an imprint on me. This song reminds me too much of what I would of heard on Fearless.
2. Sparks Fly: This song isn't that amazing either. Trust me thought, try to forget about these songs if you don't like them. The album gets a ton better. It bugs me that these sound like Fearless leftovers. You know like outtakes or extra unused songs from Fearless. And it really doesn't, at least to me, like she tyred to change them up that much.
3. Back To December: There is this sound that sounds like it is tremolo. This song kind of reminds me of winter and December.This song also really reminds me of an orchestrated take, with different lyrics, of Mean. I'm not huge on it, but I still kind of like it. This song is cool, I'm just not digging it for some reason that I just am not. {4.6/10}
4. Speak Now: This song is a song that I could picture on Fearless but revamped for this new album. I'm not IN LOVE with this but I like it. I also like the idea of the song and the whole feel. I think that the instrumentation of the song is cool and think that the. I like this song I'm just not a psycho for this song as much as some of the songs after Mean. This song also has the overall old school country feel to it. For that reason it will get a {7/10}
5. Dear John: This is a long ass mother fucker. I was not looking forward to it. This song is neat in the fact that there is a big story behind it. Like a wedding and the man left her. I think that the music fits the song but for now I'm not crazy about this song. It does pick up pace but it has that country ideals feel to it. This is a pretty song thought and I think that a country music fan would very much so like this song.
6. Mean: I'm pretty sure I saw this the day the music video came out. I thought that this was a little different for T. Sweezy because I actually liked it. I wasn't a big fan of her. But this song was a little different. I really liked that the lyrics weren't so cute and they were more aggressive and it was more uplifting than some of her other love songs. Like your mean, but I can over come that and as long as I love myself I can accomplish anything.
7. The Story Of Us: This song picks up and goes. This song is also where the power of the album comes in. Mean was soft and not powerful, in the fact of the loudness. This song is the first fast paced song. This is a really good song. I like also how at the end of some of her chorus she says like "Next Chapter". I think that this is awesome. The way she sings it and the way the instruments are in this song are also really cool. This also has a really fun feel to it. Like though it is aggressively lyrically it seems like it would be fun to play live.
8. Never Grow Up: This song is complimented by the end of the last. This song is pretty. There is finger picking in this song and it still has that young feel to it. This song sounds like it is a person singing and saying to not leave their childhood. This song is very pretty and reminds me of being my age. It is nice to hear something that is so real to me. I think growing up is important, but you can't be an adult. You need to still have that kid in you and it means a lot to hear a song about wanting to stay young and a kid. There are so many people around me who are either immature or maturing. But on both sides they will grow up and lose their childhood and their inner kid. That's really no fun.
9. Enchanted: This song acoustic guitar part made me cry. The beginning made me tear up. It so strange to think that it is that way. It sounds so pretty and is just an emotional song. The part where the chorus comes in isn't as powerful to me. But the beginning and the verses is the part where it hits. It is just like "BOOM" on my heartstrings in the very beginning. I don't really know how to better explain it.
10. Better Than Revenge: This song is  bad ass. I mean seriously she fucking says "She's better known for her roles on the mattress" that's a pun. That is super sick, I didn't Taylor had that in her. Goes to show that people aren't always what you think. This is a fast song and catchy. It is also very powerful and has a hard chorus to get out of your head. This is more of a rock song than country, though there is still country sounds on it. The lyrics are just so, for me, mind blowing aggressive for what I thought she was capable of. I mean some of the lyrics are said pretty angrily. Just listen to this song, even if you don't like her music. You might be surprised, I was. {9.5/10}
11. Innocent: This song has a feel that reminds me of Paramore's 2009 song Misguided Ghosts. I really like that song. Part of the reason was because it was so different from the rest of that album. This also continues the themes of "revenge". I mean that in the way of angry and why did you do this. Your as Innocent as you claim to be. This song is still pretty and touching. There is like this buried guitar solo under everything else going on it the song, which fits perfect. I think that it's cool that they did that and how it sounds.
12. Haunted: This song is also way more mature than some of her other stuff. This song also has the huge orchestral sound to it. Some groups try to use strings to sound big and better, well Swizzle pulls that shit off in this song. This song's chorus is so fricken catchy and is hard to forget. I still remember when I first heard it. And that was at least 2/3 weeks ago. Seriously, I mean I don't constantly think about it, but when I do it hits. The guitar solo is short but it works. After the solo there is a breakdown that starts with her singing along with a piano and then come the strings and everything else. I seriously could see this being played at like the Super Bowl or something. Another thing too, there is like this electric guitar power chords and it is more supporting her voice along with the string and the drums and bass and everything fits. Prefect {10/10}
13. Last Kiss: This song is sweet and reminds me of Innocent. I like this song, because it is pretty. But I don't like this song because it is too similar to Innocent for me. As you see there are conflicting feeling to this song for me. This is also a nice love song, and is a pretty song. I like it, just not love it. Also this song is a little long for me to love.
14. Long Live: This song is better than Last Kiss. I like this song. I feels like it builds and it is a more upbeat than the last song. This song makes up for the last track It isn't huge, like I want it to be, but it is still pretty good. It also is meaningful and makes me think of running around with a life long friend that you love and it doesn't work out. And remembering the fun you had and trying to stay together. It is a good way to end an album.

Overall I have to give this album a 8.1/10. I was extremely surprised that I liked it so much. I very much dislike country, for the most part, and epically new country rock. It isn't that appealing to me. Well this album was very appealing to me, and I think part of it is because it is more mature than most country. By that it's not She Left Me, or Lets Get Drunk. It's more meaningful and aggressive. If those first 3 songs weren't on this album then that would of helped me out big time with the way that I rated this album. Possibly a 9/9.5 instead of an 8.1. I'm getting this on CD and if they make it, on Vinyl. I hope she keeps up this new sound/style, so to say.