Long Night Moon Album Review

Love at first listen.  Heart-wrenching, longing, sadness.  These words do not even begin to describe Reckless Kelly's new album, "Long Night Moon."  From the first notes of the title track to the last "Idaho," listeners will be spellbound.  The common theme running through this record is that of traveling, lost love, and perhaps a bit of weariness on a traveling musician.

Many artists who have been on the scene as long as Reckless Kelly tend to make the same record over and over again.  Not the case here.  Every album RK releases has a unique sound, none sounding like the others.  This album is a study in subtlety, much more so than their previous records.  Reckless Kelly is David Abeyta (lead guitars), Cody Braun (fiddle, mandolin, guitars, vocals), Willy Braun (lead vocals, guitars, harmonica), Joe Miller (bass, bass guitar), and Jay Nazz (drums).  The instruments are a little more toned down from previous albums, letting lead singer/songwriter Willy Braun's warm, rich vocal shine through.

The album's title track "Long Night Moon" is a lush yet agonizing ballad sung with such conviction, it takes the listener on a trip to another world.  "...And I wonder why I keep torturing my soul beneath this urban sky...but in my mind I know I'll be home soon...surrounded by the Winter....beneath the long night moon..." With such a stunning opening song, a person wonders how the rest of the album can be any better, but every song here is a gem.

"Real Cool Hand," Every Step Of The Way," and "I Can't Stand It" are mid to up tempo rockers, having the classic Reckless sound.  "Every Step Of The Way" snarls its way through almost 4 minutes of hard-driving guitars and harmonica.  "The Girl I Knew" is a gorgeous mid-tempo shuffle that I have on repeat and has hit single written all over it, "Well I don't talk much to strangers...'cause there's no good news anymore...But you sure seemed glad to see me when you knocked on my front door..."  Addictive lyrics and a bouncy chorus I can't get out of my head.

The ballads take center stage on "Long Night Moon," every one leaving a person to wonder how music can be this breathtaking and heartbreaking at the same time.  Each song paints a vivid picture of crumbling relationships, saying goodbye, and an ode to the beautiful state of Idaho and home.

"Irish Goodbye" is a lovely, meandering tune that takes the listener to the Emerald Isle with a torturing sadness, "...Don't say goodnight, just turn out the lights...Irish goodbye..."  This may be RK's saddest song to date but also one of their finest.


"The Last Goodbye" is the lead off single from the album and it's a moody, bitter tune about letting go again, after several goodbyes.  Willy Braun's vocal is almost haunting at times as the song rolls along, a weariness, "...The last goodbye really had me going...pulling my strings all the while knowing...you weren't leaving anytime soon...The last goodbye really had me running hot...You turned me into something I was not...You were determined to make me your fool..."  The song is currently climbing the Texas Music Chart and I predict a #1.

Never a band to shy away from social and political issues, "Be My Friend (In Real Life)" is an anti-social media anthem that many of us could take advice from.  In this technologically-advanced age where most of us communicate in every manner except the telephone and handwritten letters, the singer is simply saying, "...Put down your devices and live your life...Won't you be my friend in real life..."  A strong message driven home with a foreboding drumbeat.

"Didn't Mean To Break Your Heart" is the most exquisite song in the collection.  The play on words is impressive, short, and sweet.  Metaphors abound on this song, the engaging lyrics dance around the harmonica and fiddle.  The instruments accompany the vocal perfectly, never overpowering the sublime delivery of the lyrics.

No RK album is complete without a few road songs, which also happens to be one of my favorite subjects.  "The Only Home I've Ever Known" is a delightful fiddle-driven shuffle.  I can't say enough about the lyrics found on LMN, every song was written by Willy Braun; the songwriting becomes more brilliant with every album.  "...Surrounded by my fears and tortured by the miles...Drowned out by the cheers and all those empty highs..."  This is an exceptional song about a road-weary musician, another highlight on LMN.

A short but lovely instrumental reprise of the title track preludes into the album's closer, "Idaho."  It is the most splendid song I have ever heard dedicated to a state and a place where the Braun brothers hail from.  It is simply beautiful, like the state itself.  The song isn't just a nod to a home state, it's about being home, around the things and people you love, a feeling of being content.  We always leave home but there's a piece of it we keep in our hearts, no matter where we roam.

I highly recommend buying the physical CD.  Not only are lyrics included, but a fun, celestial game with a little light is included and it glows in the dark.  This is something RK has been doing for awhile with their albums.  Downloading provides instant gratification but possessing the actual CD is a lot more satisfying in the long run.

On September 3rd, find yourself running to the closest record store to buy the best album of the year.  This is what real music sounds like.

1994

There has been a lot of buzz about Jason Aldean's new single "1994" which got me to thinking about the year itself.  Although this new song is the one of the worst ever written in history, 1994 as a year was a great one for myself and in music.

1994 was the year I graduated from high school and started college.  As the year kicked off towards graduation, my life was full of new experiences.  I was going to school, working, hanging out with friends, and listening to some awesome music on the radio.  The 90's may have had flaws in music, but nothing like these days where singers only know how to sing about trucks, beer, and girls.  The year kicked off in grand fashion with a soon-to-be superstar.  Faith Hill's debut "Wild One" hit #1 the first week of January. 5 months later she would hit the top again with "Piece Of My Heart."  Right about the time I graduated, her future husband, Tim McGraw, was at the pinnacle of the charts with "Don't Take The Girl."  My favorite song in the first quarter of the year, however, was "I Just Wanted You To Know" by Mark Chesnutt.  It remains one of my favorites by him.

1994 was all about saying goodbye to everything we knew as teenagers and embarking on new adventures.  Not before an awesome Senior trip to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, however.  A few days later, graduation took place on a sultry, hot Sunday afternoon.  I had 42 in my graduating class.  Living now in a city of considerable size for the geographic region, I miss those small town days.

As the Summer began, I remember enjoying the weather, being 17, and attending as many concerts as time would allow.  There was some awesome music that was coming out of Nashville in those days (now the majority of amazing music only comes out of Austin).  June 1994 brought one of Pam Tillis' best songs, "Spilled Perfume."  It peaked at #5 that month and is one of my all time favorites by the songstress.  It's a classic in my book and it appears on her "Sweetheart's Dance" album.

Rapper Aldean doesn't mention this next song in his ode to 1994, but the year held one of the biggest and most influential songs in modern country music.  "Independence Day" put Martina McBride on the map and created quite the controversy in its subject matter.  It was released in April and peaked at #12 later in the year.  Of all the songs of '94, this is my favorite.  It became an anthem for females everywhere and empowered women to seek help against domestic abuse.

As the Summer faded into Autumn, it was time to start college.  A bit frightening at the beginning for me, I did have some high school classmates join me in some of the courses, making my load a bit lighter and not as scary.  Once I got acquainted to the two campuses I took classes at, I realized college was more fun than high school.  It offered freedom, less structured classes, and various student ages which made for interesting learning.

With the Fall colors changing, as was the soundtrack to 1994.  Brooks and Dunn hit #1 in October with "She's Not The Cheatin' Kind" and Joe Diffie appeared several times with his lame songs about pickups and planets.  Perhaps this is why Jason Aldean's song is full of Joe Diffie cliches, but there were more memorable songs.  Mr. Mullet himself closed out the year with "Pickup Man."  It may have been a big hit, but little did we know it would spin off several truck songs almost 20 years later.

1994 closed out in November turning the big 18.  I remember being so excited to be able to vote in the Presidential election.  However, I had to wait almost 2 years to vote in the next election.  As I remember, though, I did vote for local and State representatives.  

I'm not sure that Rapper Aldean remembers much of 1994, except for Joe Diffie, as it is the only subject in the song.  However, I remember 1994 being full of firsts, as well as more fantastic music from some of my favorite artists, including George Strait, Clay Walker, and Pam Tillis.

Here's to 1994 and all of the fantastic opportunities it offered for my graduating class!

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Red Apple Lipstick

Being the beauty junkie that I am and this being a month of new beginnings, I thought I would take a moment to write about a cosmetics company that is doing great things.  I discovered Red Apple Lipstick several months ago via Twitter and am hooked on their amazing products!

Red Apple Lipstick is based in Houston, Texas, and all of their makeup is gluten free.  Not only is it safe for Celiacs, it is also free of dairy, soy, and other major allergens.  For those who don't have food allergies but are worried about chemicals, Red Apple Lipstick is also paraben free and lead free.  I have several food allergies and do not like putting chemicals on my skin; therefore, Red Apple Lipstick is the perfect makeup for me.  I like that I do not have to read a tiny ingredients list to wonder if a product is safe for me to use.

Red Apple Lipstick offers lipstick, lip gloss, an amazing balm & exfoliating stick, lip pencils, and eye shadows.  Not a full line of cosmetics but they are working hard every day to create new items to add to their already fabulous line.  A foundation is in the works, which is very exciting, and I am hoping for a mascara soon.  

My first purchase of RAL was a lipstick.  Their lipstick is the creamiest, most moisturizing, full color I have ever tried (and believe me, I've tried numerous brands).  A person really doesn't even need a balm underneath.  

However, if you do use balm, Red Apple's Rallye Balm is the bomb.  Ultra-moisturizing, soft, SPF 8, and glides on like a dream.  It comes in a tube or tub depending on your preference.  Something new that I have tried is their Exfoliate Stick.  For those of us who live in a harsh, cold climate and have issues with flaky, chapped lips, this stick is awesome!  It rids your lips of the flakes, prepping and smoothing it for balm and lipstick.  This product is something I didn't think I needed until I tried it.

Red Apple Lipstick's eye shadows are long-lasting, rich and vibrant in color, and easy to apply.  I've been using loose mineral shadow for a long time so it was a little weird going back to a pressed version.  I love the colors and the ease of blending.  The shadows come separately in their own little pans or you can buy a palette and store your pans in it.  The pans are magnetic and clip into the palette.  A very neat idea and you can reuse the palette once your colors are used up, ready for new ones.  Red Apple really has thought of everything creating their fantastic products.

In addition to Red Apple Lipstick's revolutionary products, their online community is one-of-a-kind.  Their website (www.redapplelipstick.com) is full of informative blogs, how-to's, customer comments, and more.  The Twitter (@RedAppleLipstic) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/RedAppleLipstick) media sites are active every day with new product info, customer feedback, and more.  I have found the staff to be very helpful on Twitter in helping me pick out colors and combinations.  They even have a VIP Club for members to receive 20% off every month.

You can't find RAL in stores.  Right now they take online and phone orders.  Some people may find this inconvenient, but their products are well worth the wait.  For those of us with food allergies, it's peace of mind knowing that these products are safe, allergy free, chemical free, and vegan.

With this being January and a New Year full of promise, do yourself a favor.  Throw out all of your old, toxic makeup and treat yourself to some new and beautiful Red Apple Lipstick!

January 2013 State Of Country Music

As January flows along as slow as a frozen river, so does the state of mainstream country music.  With the New Year upon us, I had hoped that some new songs would be released worth listening to.  Never fear, however, because there are a whole slew of substantial releases on the Americana/Red Dirt/Texas side.

As I look through the Billboard Country Songs chart, I am disheartened by how many songs are about trucks, beer, and nothingness.  Given the amount of these types of songs being churned out of Nashville in the past few years, it does not help country's image.  The stereotype of simple, hayseed people will never cease if the genre continues to process this image.

I'd love to call out the horrible songs and artists on the mainstream chart, but I'd rather spend my time giving credit to the artists who are doing excellent work.  Songs that I'm digging on the mainstream chart are Gary Allan's "Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)," "Merry Go 'Round" by Kacey Musgraves, 

"Say Goodnight" Eli Young Band, and "Mama's Broken Heart" by Miranda Lambert.

Looking at the Texas Regional Radio Report, the songs and artists are superb.  Reckless Kelly's excellent "Pennsylvania Avenue"

 is spending a second week at #1, followed by another fine entry "I'll Sing About Mine" by the Josh Abbott Band.  The latter is actually a song about the state of mainstream country radio.  

Other Top 10 favorites on this chart include "Worth The Fight" by The Departed, "Travelin' Kind" by Stoney Larue, Mike Ryan's "The Cold One," and the Eli Young Band appears on this chart, as well.  The Texas chart is full of exceptional compositions.  Chris Knight's "In The Meantime" checks in at #19, a tune that is about real people who live in the country, not the ones singing about trucks, tractors, and beer.  Kacey Musgraves checks in on this chart at #69 and one of my personal favorites, Micky & The Motorcars comes in at #72 with their brand new song "A Thousand Tears."

Some people in the Texas music industry feel that their genre is in a slump.  There are some less than stellar songs right now, but it's nothing like the depression going on over in Truckville.  Many of the Texas artists sound a lot like mainstream; however, the edgy artists who aren't considered "country" but more of roots rock/Americana, are doing the best work.  The Departed, Reckless Kelly, Micky & The Motorcars, Turnpike Troubadours, Josh Abbott Band, Chris Knight, Stoney Larue, the list is endless.  These artists don't sound like anyone else, their sound is unique, the songs are about real life, and they don't adhere to "rules" set by the Nashville music processing machine.

If you're in a mid-Winter funk, do something different and treat your ears to some new, refreshing music.

Tony Logue Band Album Review

I recently discovered the Tony Logue Band through Twitter and have been enjoying their "Reckless Kind" album.  Upon first listen, I knew I was going to dig this CD.  I don't want to compare voices but the vocal reminds me a bit of Jason Boland and The Stragglers; however, these guys rock a little harder with a grittier sound.  All for the better, as this is real, rocking country music.

The Tony Logue Band consists of singer/songwriter Tony Logue, guitarist Dylan Driver, Jason Munday on drums, and Kyle Robertson on bass.  Formed in 2008, the band released a seven song EP titled "Calm Before The Storm" in 2009.  "Reckless Kind" followed in January 2012.

The album kicks off with "Down The Line."  A hard-driving anthem for those of us from small towns who yearn to get out.  This song introduces the Tony Logue Band as a group of guys who love singing about real life, love, and being on the road.

"Hangin' On" is a delicious, twisted love tune about being led on in a relationship that is going nowhere.  It doesn't cover any new ground, but it is radio-friendly with the uptempo beat.

The title track is a mini-movie that plays out about a man who has always been wild and crazy.  Reckless driving, drinking, fighting, and losing a love.  The song flows along beautifully despite the sad subject matter, a ballad that begs to be listened to over and over.

One of my favorite songs from this collection is "Nowhere USA."  "...I wonder if I'll ever break these chains...and I wonder if I'll ever get away...well I can't stay right here, stuck in yesterday...here in Nowhere USA..."  This tune describes those of us dreamers who are always looking for something better, somewhere bigger, a place where we can find ourselves somewhere other than the middle of nowhere.

"Dues" is reminiscent of Waylon Jennings.  The road-weary musician singing about the hard road life and urgency of delivery makes this sound like a live show favorite.

Another one of my favorites is "Road I Chose."  I'm a sucker for road songs and this mid tempo tune captures the singer's love of freedom; however, you feel the regret in his voice and the lonely guitar closing the door on the past.

"Burn It To The Ground" is about burning all of the memories left behind by a bad lover.  It's a dark song, it's almost as if the songwriter had no remorse about losing everything, trying to forget everything.

Another painful song about love gone wrong is "Walk Away."  The band sings this with such a forlorn, unvarnished feeling.  It's a simple tune that you would expect to hear on mainstream country radio, but it has raw emotion that unfortunately is missing in today's robotic song machines.

"State Line" reminds me of another Kentucky artist, Chris Knight.  An uptempo song about being poor, working hard, moonshine, and living with what you have.  The band entwines their vocal through the lyrics and rocking instruments to portray a rough and tumble region long forgotten by the rest of the world.

Closing out the CD is "Times Have Changed," a bitter love composition set to an energetic instrumental.  Short, sweet, and bad ass; a fantastic way to finish up this 10 song set.

The Tony Logue Band is still a little wet behind the ears but make no mistake, this band from western Kentucky is making awesome music destined to be heard.  Do your ears a favor and check out this CD.

Music Year End Review

With 2012 coming to a close, I've decided to write about my favorite songs of the year.  So many excellent selections, mainly coming from the Red Dirt and Americana genre; but also a few mainstream country songs that deserve recognition.

After #1, I'm listing in no particular order because it's too difficult to choose the best song.

1.  "Pennsylvania Avenue" by Reckless Kelly - Defines the year in regards to the election and our future.

2.  "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" by Eli Young Band - Smash hit, amazing lyrics and soaring chorus.
3.  "In The Mean Time" by Chris Knight - Raw, real, another song that is defining 2012 in its lyrics regarding government, God, and the economy.
4.  "Merry Go 'Round" by Kacey Musgraves - Plaintive, simple, this is country music.
5.  "Give It A Try" by Reckless Kelly - I'm biased.  Damn good song.
6.  "Love Don't Let Me Down" by Hayes Carll & Caitlin Rose - The most lovely duet I've heard in a long time.

7.  "Fastest Girl In Town" by Miranda Lambert - Edgy, fun, makes me feel like hitting the road.
8.  "Alabama Pines" by Jason Isbell - Splendid, flowing, pure Americana.

9.  "Touch" by Josh Abbott Band - A lush Texas country ballad.
10. "Waitin' On The Sky" by Steve Earle - Americana at its best.
11. "Fly Over States" by Jason Aldean - I love to travel, I love America, I love the fly over states.
12. "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson - The female anthem of the year.  I'm not a pop/rock fan but I love almost everything the future Mrs. Blackstock sings.
13. "Hobo" by The Departed - I'm a sucker for traveling songs.
14. "Hell's Gates On Fire" by Josh Abbott Band - 2012 has been a year of drought and massive wildfires across the West.  Written about the wildfires in Texas a couple of years ago, but so fitting for those of us in the Rocky Mountain West this year.
15. "How Far I'll Go" by Micky & The Motorcars - Again, I'm biased.  Pretty ballad by one of my favorite Roots Rockers.

The crop of great mainstream country songs continue to decline year after year, meanwhile, down in Texas they continue to churn out stellar song after song.

I know I've missed numerous great songs, if I have, leave me a message.

Here's to 2013!

Adventus Album Review

"Adventus" is the brand new second album from The Departed.  This is their first album of all new songs.  Coming off their first stellar release "This Is Indian Land," they had some pretty tall shoes to fill and have done a fantastic job of doing just so.  Unlike Indian Land, though, this album rocks from start to finish.  Their debut release was a tribute to the Red Dirt songwriters mainly from Oklahoma and leaned more country.  "Adventus" is a rock record with a few glints of country and a lot of bluesy soul.

The Departed is Cody Canada (guitars/vocals), Chris Doege (drums), Seth James (guitars/vocals), Steve Littleton (keyboards), and Jeremy Plato (bass guitar/vocals).  If their sound is a bit familiar to you, it's because of Cody Canada's distinctive voice you know from Cross Canadian Ragweed.  After Ragweed parted ways a few years ago, Cody and Jeremy, along with the other members, formed The Departed.  Along with Seth's bluesy vocals, this rounds out the sound of the band.

The album kicks off with the first single, "Worth The Fight," a hard-driving rocker that sails along at top speed, "What am I doing...same old place... must be something in my way...I gotta keep moving...I can't help myself...I wanna be someone somewhere else..."  One can take the lyrics and apply them to just about any situation, making this an awesome song for fighting for what you believe in.

Something different this go around is the fact that Cody and Seth split lead vocals, as well as one sung by Jeremy, and an instrumental track.  It's hard to choose a favorite sung by Seth, as they are all equally good, but I think "Hard To Find" and "Prayer For The Lonely" are my favorites.

"Flagpole" just plain rocks, it's one of those songs you listen to with your windows rolled down speeding down the road.  Meanwhile, the very next track slows it down.  "Cold Hard Fact" is reminiscent of Ragweed with the harmonica and Cody's laconic delivery of the lyrics.

My favorite song on this collection is "Hobo."  Perhaps it's because of my gypsy nature and love of travel, but this is a gem!  Lead vocals this time from Jeremy Plato, the tune takes the listener on a trip, traveling along at perfect speed, driven by a sweet harmonica and Jeremy's fine vocal, "...Feel the sun shining on my back, see what I can find down the line..."  I love every part of this song.

The very poignant "250,000 Things" is a song written about having a ton of things to do but yet only wanting to spend time with family.  A very sweet ode to families everywhere and in light of the recent Connecticut tragedy, this is especially appropriate.

The album closes out with an instrumental-only tune "Mark It Wrong" and "Sweet Lord."  The latter is a gospel-tinged song that will have you thinking you've been to church just by listening to an album.

Something about Roots Rock/Red Dirt/Americana/Texas music that thrills me is the fact that there is no set sound.  One song can be completely straight ahead country such as "250,000 Things" while "Flagpole" or "Set It Free" leans more rock.  With that said, this is a solid album of impressive songs, one of the best releases of the year.