"I cling to the things that I hold most dear"...

So in keepin' with the title of this lil' ramble...

What are the things that I hold most dear?  For the sake of not boring you to death I will ramble on only one...

One thing that I hold most dear is my love for music.  I am not a musician nor do I work in any music related industry, but what I do have is a passion and deep appreciation for music rangin' from Merle Haggard to Big Mama Thornton to Wilson Pickett to the Grateful Dead to Townes Van Zandt to The Psyatics to Reject Riot to Truth & Salvage Company and damn near everything in between.  However, for the last year and a half, much of my music listenin' attention has been devoted to the local music scene and music created in a city that is but a mere hop, skip, and a jump away from the place I reside.  The band that has peaked my interest...  No More Heroes hailin' from a relatively small and quiet city nestled along Route 66 known as Kingman, Arizona.

Disclaimer:  I am in no way, shape, or form a reputable "music critic" nor do I claim to be.  I do not work for Rolling Stone Magazine, Paste Magazine, Spin Magazine, Relix Magazine nor do I work for any other fucked up flavor of the month, hipster dominated music publication.  I am a music enthusiast that buys and listens to music.  I also attend live shows and support the artists I like.  If you do not like what you have read so far, stop now and go read a polished and edited "review" from one of the above listed publications or any similar publication so you may be enlightened and follow what they deem to be 5 out of 5 stars, 10 stars out of 10 stars or whatever the fuck their scale indicates an album being "good".  The fact is I'm a ramblin' fool who loves music and I do not care whether you like what I like or not.  This is my blog and it is appropriately titled "As I See It".  Love it or leave it, it makes no difference to me.  Without further ado... 

"Hook, Line, & Sinker" - No More Heroes 

Who is No More Heroes? 

No More Heroes is a blue collar, lunch bucket in hand, nose to the grindstone, white knuckled, balls to the wall, full throttle, independent punk band.  Their 2013 debut album release, "Hook, Line, & Sinker" is loaded with infectious sound and catchy lyrics, the kind of lyrics that get stuck in your head.  Their music grabs your ears and slings your heart around the room with songs loaded with a roller coaster of genuine, heartfelt lyrics that leave you with "a mouth full of blood and a fist full of hate".  Crunchy guitar solos, heart on your sleeve style lyrics, and tight sound driven by featured bass lines and dynamic percussion.  This is their recipe for their breed of punk music.  They create punk music on their terms, not on anyone else's and if you don't like it, tough shit!  Their style of punchy punk music provides a listenin' experience that will have you stuck singin' their clever one liner lyrics for days and days.  Upon listenin'...  They will have you... hook, line, & sinker.

"Rule of Five" ...

I have what I call a "Rule of five," meaning if I buy an album and it has at least five songs I believe to be good, I consider my money well spent.  "Hook, Line, & Sinker" falls into the category of an album of money well spent.  Five songs on "Hook, Line, & Sinker" that really grab my attention and lead me to believe this album is money well spent include:

Opening Track, "0 for 2 on Friday Night"  The song title may lead one to believe the song is about striking out in a relationship, a relationship gone awry.  Strike out or not, this song is a home run!!!

2) "For Years" - Who the fuck is Chris Lay?  After listenin' to this song, you will know.  Mr. Lay opens the song with some real catchy guitar licks and a killer lead further into the song.  This gentleman can play lead and this song affirms this!

8) "Bottle Rocket" - The opening line in this song is the in your face, "I got a mouth full of blood and a fist full of hate" sung with conviction from Mr. Lee.  This song will get your adrenaline a runnin', but please, keep your bottle rocket in your pants.

10) "Shipwrecked" - I love the featured opening bass lines provided by Mr. Weiche, the tight drum fills laid down by Mr. Feeney and the so easy to relate to opening lines  "Give me some relief, cause I'm so tired of being tired".

11) "Treading Water/Right Now" -  This song has starts, stops, and pauses that change on the fly and you may need to change your underwear after listenin'.  A tight soundin' song, with a good change of direction near the 1:45 mark.  Mr. Lay provides a hard drivin' lead at the 2:35 mark and Mr. Lee sings with passion that oozes of rage and angst.

Vocally, lead singer/guitarist, Mr. Bryan Lee has an easy on the ears voice and he will shed blood on the guitar. (No bullshit, I have seen this with my own two eyes!!!)  His counterpart on the vocals and lead guitar is Mr. Chris Lay.  Mr. Lay (no relation to Mr. Frito Lay) provides the very distinctive lead guitar parts that give their songs their signature catchy, crunchy, and edgy sound.  Holdin' down the low end notes and providin' backup vocal support is Mr. Jeff Weiche on the bass.  He puts down some sweet bass lines especially those featured in the songs "Bottle Rocket" and "Shipwrecked".  Clangin' and a bangin' on the skins is Mr. John Feeney.  Mr. Feeney knows a thing or two about a thing or two when it comes to music.  He is educated in the art of recording, plays the drums, sings a bit, and can play a lick or two on the guitar as well.  He is also the man at American't Records.

The verdict ...

The truth be told, "Hook, Line, & Sinker" is a solid debut album.  Is there room for improvement?  I'd be lyin' to you and myself if I said "no".  The song "Fuck, You Michelle" does not exactly showcase their strong points, especially with the redundant lyrics, "Fuck, you Michelle."  However, the five songs that grabbed my attention make it clear, they have plenty of music talent and a ton of potential.  "Hook, Line, & Sinker" consists of twelve songs by four guys who know how to create and play listenable, melodic, and catchy punk music.  By "play," I mean they create punk music that is more than just hammered out three chord tunes containing predictable drum beats and screamed lyrics. Screamin', three cord playin', predictable drum beat punk bands are a dime a dozen and there are a shit ton of them out there.  The further development and maturity of their songwriting, along with a strong focus on their strength: their individual music talent which translates into their punchy tight sound as a group will be key in the evolution of their music.  The foundation is all here.  I look forward to the follow up.

Please note:  A good portion of the punk bands that follow the aforementioned format for creating punk music, suck!!!

(  ( (Listen) )  ) 

"Hook, Line, & Sinker" in its entirety for your listenin' pleasure.  Their album is available for purchase in CD and download format:

Watch their Official video of "Treading Water/Right Now"...


Video filmed by Mr. Nathaniel "Jappy" Glentz and Mr. Bryan Lee.

An in depth look into the making of the album,

 "Hook, Line, & Sinker"...

Video directed by Mr. Bryan Lee of No More Heroes.

Informative Links...

The following information is where you may hear their music, including unreleased songs, purchase their music, contact, and/or follow No More Heroes:

No More Heroes Official Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/nomoreheroesaz?fref=ts

No More Heroes Official Reverbnation page:
http://www.reverbnation.com/nomoreheroesaz

No More Heroes Official Band Camp page is where you may purchase their cd and/or a download version of their album "Hook, Line, & Sinker" if you feel so inclined to do so:
http://nomoreheroesaz.bandcamp.com/album/hook-line-sinker

"Hook, Line, & Sinker" - No More Heroes 

Stats, most noteworthy people, and etc. ...

"Hook, Line, & Sinker" was released in January of 2013 on American't Records.  The album was mixed and recorded at Kustom Sound and Media in Kingman, AZ by Mr. Shane Sattler who now resides in Oregon.  The original album artwork was created by Mr. Maus Gomez from Lake Havasu City, AZ.

         

Credit given, where credit is due:
All photos are respectfully "borrowed" from No More Heroes and their Official affiliated sites and links listed above, with the exception of the "Support Local Music" photo which was obtained from the internet.  Thank you No More Heroes and Internet.

The video documentary and the Official "Treading Water/Right Now" video were respectfully "borrowed" from Mr. Bryan Lee's YouTube page.  Thank you Mr. Lee.

All That Glitters, Is Not Gold...

Hello pretty people! On Monday, December 5, 2011 I was able to repay, at least in my mind, my Dad for takin' me to see good ol' Mr. Waylon Jennings when I was a kid by truckin' some 680 miles round trip to hear the sweet sounds of a four music acts: Lady Day, Ladies Gun Club, The Deep Dark Woods, and Brian Wright and his band. This wasn't any ordinary trip, this was a quick trip to the sunny locale of Hollywood, California.  When we arrived one thing came to mind, "I've made the BIG TIME!"

Grownin' up in relatively two small cities, the hustle and bustle of Hollywood is definitely eye opening. Although, I have seen quite a bit in my fair fine days. In other words, I know a thing or two about a thing or two. Street raised, no, common sense and aware, yes. The first fuckin' weirdo that tries to fuck with me, will get a leather soled boot in their ass!  Comprende?

The Concert we adventured to see was located at Cahungena Boulevard at The Hotel Cafe and it's cross street, the famous Hollywood Boulevard. Hollywood Boulevard, where "Stars" names are given a star and each of their respective names are stamped in gold letters on the sidewalk. "The Hollywood Walk Of Fame" as these stars are known as. Such recognition and achievement as this surely must define that an entertainer has made a name for themselves! What diminishes these stars are the "Stars" are duplicated multiple times with stars. Are you followin' me? I believe one star per "Star" is sufficient, more than one is overkill. You can not tell me there are not enough "Stars" to fill the stars! Enough about the stars or "Stars!"

Time to kill...

We arrived in Hollywood in early afternoon, so we had a ton of time to kill before The Hotel Cafe was open. So we decided to park, and walk the famed Hollywood Boulevard. If you're lookin' for a wig, a sequined g-string, fake eyelashes, or any other sexually provocative clothing for yourself and/or for your significant other(s), this street is the place for all your shoppin' needs. There is at least 20 of these shops sellin' virtually the same items. What are these shops sellin' behind closed doors and/or out their back doors? The answer is left up to your imagination...

A place with character or characters?

The people scene on Hollywood Boulevard are significant in number and of all shapes, style, and sizes, not unlike many places in this world. Sadly, there are many homeless and/or people livin' on streets of Hollywood. Each of these people I'm sure have an interesting story to tell and many of them appear to have a sad one. As my Dad and I sat on a bench along Hollywood Boulevard takin' in the scene, a gentleman was sitting behind us up against a building on a black leather rolling office chair, next to him lay a garbage bag surely containing all his worldly possessions. The gentleman paced back and forth behind us and out of the blue appeared to yell at an innocent person standing close by. After a minute or two, the gentleman stopped yelling and resumed his pacing. Then randomly, he started yelling at no one as he stood directly behind us. My Dad jumped about three feet off the bench as it damned near scared the shit right out of him!  My guess is this gentleman is mentally unstable and may be suffering from schizophrenia or some disease along those lines.

Hollywood is not all glitter and gold, as it is filled with empty dreams and restless souls. People seekin' fame and fortune, at what price are they willin' to pay, for their name to be set in lights to shine across the way. 

Hollywood marketing at its finest...

What they're sellin', I ain't buyin'. If you're buyin', go for the " Three Ugly Ones."

Interesting to say the least...

This appears to be what's left of a computer monitor randomly laying on a corner of a side street of Hollywood. Is this the work of a disgruntled employee who said, "Fuck it, I quit!"

I'm not sure?

Beautifully painted mural of The Man In Black on a corner shop along Hollywood Boulevard.


Sweet music to your ears...

Enough with the land of broken dreams shit. It's fuckin' depressin'! On the good side of Hollywood is this quaint and quiet place called The Hotel Cafe, where blue collar minded musicians aim to please, and please they certainly do! This bar is dark and full of mystical intimate character. However, it is the music of artists such as Lady Day, Ladies Gun Club, The Deep Dark Woods, and Brian Wright and his band that makes this place one of magic. All the fore mentioned artists electrified the mellow crowd at The Hotel Cafe on the night of December 5, 2011. The music on this night as a whole, created sort of patchwork made quilt, one only a Grandma could make, with the remnants of many of clothing(genres of music) from years gone by uniquely thread and woven together to create a cherished piece of history. On this night the music was full of indie folk, americana, bluegrassy, Texas Southern rock N roll, rhythm and blues, and Canadian folk rock N roll too. Call it what you will, I call it good!

Self -explanatory picture.

Promo poster from The Hotel Cafe December 5, 2011.

The long night of music started with the youthful and refreshingly vibrant indie folk music by a trio of young ladies known as Lady Day. This trio were like utility baseball players, they could play all the positions, in this case they could play multiple instruments and did, swapping guitars, bass, and keyboards for different songs. Their music was calming and peaceful. Unfortunately, I do not have any links or further information about Lady Day.

The follow up was the sweet sounds and beautiful vocal harmonies of the women of Ladies Gun Club. Lead by the vocals of Sally Jaye and Sarah Roberts, these women together, create a unique blend of harmonies lacking in many of today's modern music. The combination of their harmonies, backed with a great band of talented musicians on the Brian Wright penned tune, "Loaded Gun" are forever ingrained in my memory. Their music is a breathe of fresh air. Let's just say, I will be listenin' to Ladies Gun Club from now until the end of my time.

How does anyone follow the Ladies Gun Club? Well, the answer lies in the sweet electric, yet subtle Canadian folk rock N roll tunes of The Deep Dark Woods. It is no secret that Canada breeds some of the best hockey players in the world, but I am hear to tell you as a witness, Canada has a music revival goin' on and The Deep Dark Woods are on the front lines of this music revolution! These gentlemen brought their mellow, subtle, story-telling tunes to life! Their music and lyrics flow like the Red River of the North, smooth, subdue, and straight north into their homeland of Canada. If I died listenin' their song, "The Banks of the Leopold Canal," I'd die a peaceful man.

The Deep Dark Woods Promo Poster, Album Release Tour 2011.

Brian Wright and his band of brothers definitely had their work cut out in following three amazin' groups! Brian Wright and his band of brothers brought his rowdy, energetic, Texas roots rock N roll to the stage and like a Texas tornado, blew through the place like no body's business! Wright knows how to engage a crowd with his witty banter however, it is Wright's infectious honest and trusting music that shines like a pretty little penny. I do not know what it is about Texas born musicians, but they strike a nerve me or in this case strike a match with me, like no other musicians. Texas born, Brian Wright is no different than his predecessors, with his honest to goodness, hard workin', hell raisin', fun lovin' rock N roll and then some. Wright's latest 2011 album, "House On Fire"...

The sticker on this packaged Brian Wright "House On Fire" cd reads,

"The Best Album You Don't Own" - No Depression.

The sticker says it all!!!

Special "Thank yous" to Sugar Hill Records, Mr. Baker @ Sugar Hill Records, Ms. Sheftell @ Entropy Collective, and  Mr. Brian Wright for makin' December 5, 2011 shine.

All photographs taken by Black Crowe Low-fi Low Down Half-Ass Photography except the Hollywood sign image is via:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ce/HollywoodSign.jpg/320px-HollywoodSign.jpg

Roots Radical...

This little diddy features some of the dudes I have encountered on this journey called life... Some of these dudes I went to school with and some I have had the pleasure to have met or know. All are artists in their own right, creatin' music on their own terms. They are all outlaws if you will.

Steve Fontenot

Steve Fontenot - This dude I went to school with, he graduated one year before me. Steve is a stand up dude with a positive vibe and a gentle spirit. His music is simple, organic, real, and good. Steve is a laid back guy, a dude you can drink a beer with, and on occasions back in the day, that is exactly what I did with him. Check out some of his tunes...

A bit more colorful now, but this is Steve!

Westley Allen aka Big Vinny aka Westley Dotson

Westley Allen aka Big Vinny aka Westley Dotson of The Plainfield Butchers, Big Vinny and the Cattle Thieves and The Half Empties - Wes is a filthy garage punk rocker and a radio sensation for Erratic Radio!. One could say ol' Wes and I have a thing or two in common, the ability to baffle people with bullshit and subtly pursuade people to listen to tunes. Here's a tune from his latest group, The Plainfield Butchers...

Plainfield Butchers - Truckstop Urinal by mmcizmar

Westley Dotson aka Big Vinny aka Westley Allen.

John "Douche Bag" Fenney from No More Heroes - Let me set the record straight... John is a only a "Douche Bag" for not invitin' me to a Rancid show! No hard feelins' John! John was unfortunate to become acquainted with me through my family, as I have been dishin' him shit every since! He is a good dude, with a level head, a great sense of humor, and has professional schooling in the art of recording equipment in his back pocket. He pounds the skins in a punk band, No More Heroes from Arizona. I think his playin' style resembles the style of Animal from The Muppets, all over the place!!!

The real John Fenney minus the physician costume! Whata fuckin' poser!!!

No More Heroes are currently workin' on their new album. I for one, am lookin' forward to hearin' what these punkers produce! Check 'em out...

SAVAGEKAT and the LUV THUGZ

Savagekat and the Luv Thugz - Savagekat led by Mr. Savagekat himself, Shawn Maloy, create fun in the sun tunes similar to the music bySublime only with their own style, expression, and a baked in the sun lovin' Southern Colorado River vibe that can't be beat! Shawn has been tearin' up the desert near the Colorado River for years. I was fortunate enough to catch him in the earlier stages of his musical career in the a group he led called Splifrydm.

Savagekat rockin' a red bandana, flyin' V guitar, and a harmonica. Now that's multitaskin'!!!

JESSE DEL QUADRO

Jesse Del Quadro from Thee Swank Bastards and 1/2 AST - I was in the same class with this guy. Now Jesse and his fellow band mates are in a class all by themselves! Thee Swank Bastards stole a page from Pulp Fiction's wardrobe, as they rock the stylish black suits and skinny black ties. Thee Swank Bastards are carryin' the tiki torch The Ventures mastered, that being the the art of surf music. Jesse plays a mean guitar! He and his band mates are currently tearin' up Sin City. Hang Ten Motherfuckers!!! Please check out their website (click on their name): Thee Swank Bastards to listen to their bitchin' surf music!

Jesse Del Quadro of Thee Swank Bastards hailing from Sin City.

That cool dude in disguise playin' the bass is Jesse from 1/2 Ast.

And know this... "Some class is better than no class at all" - Black Crowe '11

A little word of advice for all you facebookers...

If you don't want your shit borrowed, raped, and pillaged then don't post shit public on your page, dumb asses!!! learn it, love it, live it!!!

Credit where credit is due:

Animal from The Muppets photograph via:

http://www.motifake.com/tags/muppet

All other photographs are from each of the respective artist's facebook pages. One could say I stole them. I merely borrowed them, so fuckin' get over it would ya!!!

All music is from each of the respective artist's facebook pages, also borrowed.

Thee Swank Bastards website:

http://www.theeswankbastards.com/bio.htm

The accumulation of stuff...

So those who know me and know me all too well, may just say that I am a hoarder. To those who believe this, I say total fuckin' bullshit!!! I am eclectic! I have a fascination with all kinds of stuff. I'm not gonna lie, I like a variety of items rangin' from baseball cards to empty beer bottles to cigar boxes. I my friends, have spent the better part of my life accumulating a plethora of possessions, some near and dear to my heart and some with little or no meaning at all. My burnin' desire to collect and gather useless stuff is completely random. If somethin' catches my eye, I purchase it, pending approval and release of funds from my Chief Financial Advisor/Accountant/Trustee of the Bank Account.

Many women in committed relationships have elaborate sitting rooms, elegant formal and informal dining rooms, fully equipped kitchens, bountiful sewing rooms, craft rooms with enough ribbon to tie a bow around the planet, and libraries with every Daniel Steelbook ever written etc. All the fore mentioned rooms, are predominately decorated with a woman's touch. What should a man get as a consolation prize? And no, it's not a piece of ass! Every good man should be able to have a "Man Cave"!!!

Definition of a "Man Cave":

A Man Cave is a mutually agreed upon designated safe haven for those of the male gender to privately enjoy some of the finer things in life: relaxin', listenin' to music, and drinkin' good cold beer. It is a man's place to retreat to, unwind, collect his thoughts, and reflect upon the trials and tribulations of his everyday life.

Note: Definition taken from Black Crowe's Dictionary, currently out of print.

I have a "Man Cave" and I absolutely love it! It is the one place I have proudly decorated completely by myself. Hell, I may have stumbled upon a new career avenue to pursue, "Professional Man Cave Interior Designer Extraordinaire." Fuckin' genius!!! I am totally qualified!!!

A Man Cave is the crim de la crim of rooms for men! My Man Cave just happens to be a spacious multipurpose facility, serving as my garage, tool crib, and storage area. It is an office of sorts. Where do you think I conjure up these crazy ideas for blog posts? I think of a Man Cave as kind of like Custer's Last Stand, me being, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and my significant other being, the mighty Sioux Native American Warriors minus the bloody loss of Lt. Col. Custer and the men of the 7th Cavalry. A Man Cave is a man's last stronghold on what was once his glorious and esteemed bachelor pad and/or animal house.

The top ten things a good man cave should have:

1) A working refrigerator. Nothin' beats a cold beverage.

Here's a quote for ya with regards to drinkin' and minimizin' trips to the refrigerator...

"A beer in the back pocket is as good as a beer in the hand." - Black Crowe 10-16-11.

2) A working stereo. I prefer to have a cd player and ipod access for the maximum rock N roll experience.

3) Music. Lots of it! CDs and grip loads of tunes on the ipod. A variety of music is always good.

4) Chair(s). You need some kind of a seat(s) to gain the full relaxation effect. An old couch would be awesome, but lawn chairs will suffice. Seating allows you to relax, put a cold one in your hand, enjoy the freedom of your space, the fruits of your labor designin' and creatin' your pristine palace!

5) A dartboard. I prefer the electronic variety. These are especially great for when you have guests! Dartboards are also great to kill time while you are comin' up with an idea for the next addition(s) to your Man Cave.

6) Sports memorabilia. Support and show pride for your team(s)!

7) Miscellaneous shit hangin' and displayed on the walls. This stuff not only serves as decoration, but also provides good topics for conversation. Posters of naked women (if you are married, display at your own risk!), photographs, beer signs, sports memorabilia, antiques, concert posters etc. Small trinkets and odd ball items are good too. Shelves work well to better accentuate some of your more prized possessions.

9) A Television. This is the one item I do not have in my humble abode. I say 9 outta 10 ain't bad! Honestly, a TV is not required. For some, I can see it as a necessity, so to prevent those who need it from gettin' their panties in a wad, TV made the list.

8) Storage space. Do not be a fuckin' slob! Store your miscellaneous stuff where you can easily access it when needed. Note to self: Work on this, ZOINKS!!!

10) Cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages stocked in the refrigerator. Need I share with you what kind of beverages I prefer? I didn't think so!

Some ideas for your Man Cave: beer bottle collection, sports memorabilia, concert posters.

Miscellaneous stickers will transform a beat up refrigerator into a vibrant collage of memories.

I prefer stickers from various music artists I have seen perform live,

from shoe and clothing companies, and stickers from places I have been.

Dartboards are bitchin'! My suggestion is to mount your dartboard to a cork bulletin board to protect the wall from drunken stray flyin' darts.

"It's only rock 'n roll, but I like it, like it, yes, I do!" - Jagger/Richards

Beer signs make great additions to any Man Cave.

Parting thoughts...

The old saying, "One man's junk, is another man's treasure," is a true statement!!! The sky is the limit! Reach for the stars, spread your wings! Fly motherfucker! Fly!!! "To live is to fly" -Townes Van Zandt I apologize, I was feelin' inspirational for a moment. Good day.

Credit where credit is due:

"Stuff" cartoon image via:

http://integral-options.blogspot.com/2010/04/peter-d-kramer-one-mans-trash-on.html

Modified George Armstrong Custer poster image via:

http://www.mathewingram.com/work/2009/11/14/is-rupert-murdoch-stupid-like-a-fox/

All low-fi 1/2 assed photographs provided by Black Crowe.

Special thank yous:

Dartboard installation idea, my Dad's great idea. Thanks Dad.

Inspiration for designin' and creatin' my Man Cave, my Dad. Again, thank you Dad.

Funding and support for my Man Cave, my Hunny Bunny. Thank you.

I am a fuckin' music sponge!!!

Serious Shit, I tell you!

Please let me start out by stating the truth, AM and FM radio suck!!! I can't stand to listen to the same shit over and over day after day on AM and FM radio stations! I am also too cheap to pay for satellite radio. Besides, why would I pay for satellite radio when there are far better alternatives.

My musical listenin' pleasures have progressed to the technological advancements of mp3 players, my ipod, internet radio, Pandora, and my personal favorites, daytrotter.com, free music downloads/streaming and hearya.com free music downloads/streaming. The ipod is the best invention since cold beer! You can quote me on that line too!

My absolute favorite music format, is the good ol' trusty LP format. A LP is a vinyl album for those of you too young to know what the hell vinyl is and for those of you too damned old and senile to remember! I also have a substantial collection of cds and they are listened to regularly as well. If not for anything else, cds make good coasters.

And to the dip shit out there who is thinkin', "What about tapes, eight tracks, and/or reel to reels?" From what I have been told, reel to reels have good sound. I would love to own a reel to reel and grip loads of music to go with it, but unfortunately, they are not as readily available as turntables and LPs are. Vinyl is the total package, rich textured sound and great album art to fully appreciate! If you don't appreciate the art that goes into the package of an album, well then you are missin' out! Cassette tapes and eight tracks are junk. Eight tracks are for mullet head speed freaks and I am not a mullet head speed freak.

True story boys and girls...

Some of the last cassette tapes I owned ended up somewhere on the center median of the Las Vegas Strip between the Venetian Hotel & Casino and the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino. My good buddy, whose name will remain anonymous, decided my cassettes were unplayable and therefore, expendable. He proceeded to throw them out the window like he was tossin' candy to kids standin' on the sidewalks watchin' a North Dakota Potato Bowl Parade.

So I got this crazy idea to share with the world some of the best albums I have heard released so far in 2011. Music brings peace to my mind, body, and soul. Music can do the same for you, if you let it.

This is an interactive blog people!!! You are only get what you put in to it. This means spend the time to click on the highlighted names, watch the videos, and listen to the tunes. You might learn a thing or two about a thing or two. I mean really listen!!! Focus, FOCUS!!!

Some of the best album releases of 2011 so far...

Artist (click on the artists' name to visit their official website) /Album Title/My Thoughts On The Album

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears / Scandalous /

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears are funky soul garage rock N roll. This album will blow your fuckin' socks off!!! Think James Brown and Wilson Pickett with a pinch of the rhythm & blues from the pages of The Rolling Stones' "Exile On Main Street," "Goats Head Soup," and/or "Some Girls" albums. Check out the sweeeet ass video to Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears' song, "Mustang Ranch" It's da bomb!!! ...

Lucinda Williams / Blessed /

Lucinda Williams hit a fuckin' home run with this album! I absolutely love the track, "I Don't Know How You're Livin'." This lady has a great story tellin' voice, with a worn and weary sound. Imagine a female Ryan Bingham voice. I am not crazy about the following video, but I do like the song, "Copenhagen" from her lastest album. Check it out...

Dawes / Nothing Is Wrong /

When I read a magazine article about these Southern California dudes workin' with Robbie Robertson, I had to check them out. Great discovery! If you don't know who Robbie Robertson is, he is only one of the greatest guitarists of all-fuckin'-time!!! He is famous for being a member of The Band, only one of the greatest bands of all-fuckin'-time!!! "Nothing Is Wrong" is their second release, following their 2009 debut album, "North Hills." This four piece band make music with beautiful harmonies and a real 70's throwback sound. Their music is nothin' like the shit of today's modern rock music. Their music really comes alive when played live! They put on a great show!!!

I could not find any audio only links, so here is the next best thing the song, "Million Dollar Bill" from their new album with no video, only a picture of the album cover ...

Farewell Milwaukee / When It Sinks In /

Farewell Milwaukee, not from Milwaukee. I'm not sure where their name originates from. Minnesota the land of 10,000 lakes, the home to several marginal college hockey teams, like the Minnesota Gophers, and great American music by Farewell Milwaukee. "When It Sinks In" is the title of these darlings from the great Upper Midwest's second album. This album is simply easy to listen to with good guitar licks and keys. Similar to some of Ryan Adams' music.

Lovable/Kind by Farewell Milwaukee

Jonathan Wilson / Gentle Spirit /

This album is akin to the late 60's and early 70's era music, when fuckin' music sounded pure and not over produced. These groovy songs folkish rock songs will take you on a musical journey. This album has an airy molecular vibe similar to some of the work of The Black Crowes, Pink Floyd, and I even hear a hint of a little Robin Trower. If you have ever heard the tune, "Bridge of Sighs" from Robin Trower, listen to the song, "Natural Rhapsody," then you should totally understand my comparison.

Jonathan Wilson - Gentle Spirit by jonathanwilson

Robert Earl Keen / Ready For Confetti /

The state of Texas has produced some of the greatest musicians in America: Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Bob Wills, Lightnin' Hopkins, Doug Sahm, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Townes Van Zandt, Waylon Jennings, Joe Ely, Guy Clark, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and the listen goes on and on...

If you need to know anything about Texas musicians, it should be that they have a special uniqueness to them, Mr. Robert Earl Keen is no different. Keen is a singer/songwriter and his new album, "Ready For Confetti" is feel-good easy to listen to music. Key track for me is the upbeat country rocker, "Play A Train Song." I have no music sample for Keen, but I'm real keen on Keen.

Ryan Adams / Ashes & Fire /

To say Ryan Adams is a strange dude may be an understatement. He is a strange dude. I have heard at times, he can be an asshole, but ya know what? I really don't fuckin' care if he is or isn't an asshole! Mr. Adams is a great singer/songwriter and for him to share his writings if the form of songs is mighty tall of him. Adams' music and voice at times sound hauntingly familiar to Neil Young and Gram Parsons and that my friends is a goooooood thing! For his latest album, for whatever reason, Adams recorded without the great, great band The Cardinals. The first song, "Dirty Rain" is awesome and from there the awesomeness continues. Here's a stream of the album...

Ashes and Fire by ryanadams

Chuck Ragan /Covering Ground /

Another true story, I was drunk as fuck when I saw this dude rock a Social Distortion crowd with an acoustic guitar, harmonica, and his heart felt emotional country/folk/bluegrass music combined with the edginess and intensity of punk music. Being punk is less about the mohawk one rocks, the studded belts and chains one wears and more about one's state of mind. That being said, Mr. Ragan is punk as fuck! His music is amazin'! In my drunken stuper that night, I managed to buy his previous released album, "Gold Country" and I have been hooked on his music ever since!!! Mr. Ragan is also known for his contributions as a member of the punk group Hot Water Music, whom I know virtually nothin' about. Listen to a couple of the tunes...

Chuck Ragan "Covering Ground" Full Album Stream by SideOneDummy

The Deep Dark Woods / The Place I Left Behind /

Where do I start with commenting on these guys! The Deep Dark Woods are north of the border Canadian beauties!!! Their music is absolutely, positively beautiful! Eloquent keyboards and wonderful lyrics. I hear influences of Townes Van Zandt and The Band in these guys' music. Their new album is great from start to finish! Please note: THE ALBUM IS CURRENTLY ONLY RELEASED IN CANADA. October 18th, 2011 IS THE TENATIVE U.S. RELEASE DATE. BUY THEIR ALBUM!!!!!! It will be available through Itunes.

Here is a song off their new album...

The Deep Dark Woods - West Side Street by Sugar Hill Records

All the albums above are available on vinyl with the exception of Farewell Milwaukee's "When It Sinks In" and The Deep Dark Woods' "The Place I Left Behind," it is available through Itunes and in cd format. Ryan Adams' "Ashes & Fire" will be released on vinyl November 1, 2011.

If you are a music sponge like me, let me know what you are listenin' to. I'm all ears...

Credit where credit is due:

All videos via youtube.com

Farewell Milwaukee, Jonathan Wilson, Ryan Adams, and Chuck Ragan, and The Deep Dark Woods music via:

http://soundcloud.com/farewellmilwaukee/lovable-kind

http://soundcloud.com/search?q%5Bfulltext%5D=Jonathan+Wilson

http://soundcloud.com/ryanadams

http://soundcloud.com/sideonedummy/sets/chuck-ragan-covering-ground/

http://soundcloud.com/sugar-hill-records/01-west-side-street

A song for you...

I am not unlike many music enthusiasts, I listen to many "genres" of music. However, I have a particular fondness for music from the decades of 60's and 70's. This is in large part due to my loving parents raisin' me on tunes from the likes of The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Statler Brothers, Merle Haggard, Don Williams, Gene Watson, Waylon Jennings and the list goes on and on...

One of my fondest memories of my youth is goin' to see a Waylon Jennings concert with my Dad. Thanks Dad. I am fortunate to have an older sister who influenced my musical tastes too. I credit her with bringin' the sweet sounds of the Violent Femmes into my life. Growin' up, my Dad sat many a day singin' and playin' tunes on a guitar. On many occasions, I remember askin' him to play the song, "Proud Mary" and boy let me tell you what, he could strum the rhythm of that song like no other. If you ask him, "Who is your favorite music artist?" undoubtedly, you will receive the answer of, "Merle Haggard." I come from a family of six, two sisters and a brother. Both sisters have beautiful voices and a brother who plays a mean guitar. My Mother can sing and play guitar as well. I my friends, am the odd ball. Oh, I sing... to myself, but that is the extent of my musical talent. I like to think of myself as more of a student of music and recollections of its storied past.

A song for you...

This guy is a what I call a reclusive musician, a musician at heart, in mind, body, and soul. What he lacks is the courage to embrace the mentality of, "fuck it, I'm playin' whether you fuckers like it or not! So listen up you sons of bitches," in order to share his talent in front of a live audience(s). The talent is apparent, unless you are a fuckin' idiot! His videos can be found exclusively on youtube under "DukeMac4" playing creative, low-fi, and low-down renditions of some good cover tunes. Some of his covers are half-ass, as they are only partially completed, but nevertheless, the music is good. Music isn't about makin' pretty videos, its about creatin' good music! Learn it, love it, live it! If you are fortunate enough to have gotten a hold of a few of his bootleg cover tunes in the form of mp3 format, good for you! I do tip my hat to him for postin' this video and his others on youtube. Hell, the talented singer/songwriter, Jackie Greene posts unplugged home videos of himself singin' and playin' guitar on youtube, so why the hell not!!!

If this mysterious musician ever gains the self-confidence needed to sit in a bar and/or a coffee house and play the tunes he knows, who knows... ... ...

youtube.com

Please allow me to introduce myself...

Good mornin' to you all!

All this technology/computer shit is a bit overwhelming to me with facebook, twitter, and blogging, having to post this, blog that, tweet here. Shit, I can't keep up with the times! One could say I am outta style. Hell, I have never been in style! Unless, you consider someone who regularly wears blue jeans and a white t-shirt in style. My opinion on all this technology/computer stuff can be summed up best by Mr. Merle Haggard, "I wish a buck was still silver." If you are wonderin', "Who in the H -E - Double Hockey Sticks (translation, L - L) is Merle Haggard?" then I highly suggest you google him, I will leave it at that. A wise man once said to me, "Simple, is better." I am your garden variety family, beer, sports, and good ol' cosmic rock n' roll, shit-kickin', boot-in-your-ass country music kind of a dude. In summary, I am a simple guy.

Rules of Engagement of "My" blog:

My blog is, just that, my blog. I will be honest in my thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics. Hence, the name of my blog, "As I See It." This means I'm not gonna sugar coat shit, love it or leave it. I do however, welcome all others to express their comments and opinions. We all are entitled to our own thoughts and opinions and it is our differences that help distinguish us as individuals.

I believe in "The Golden Rule," "Treat others the way you want others to treat you." I have never encountered a single person who wanted to be treated like shit. I make a conscious effort to treat all people with courtesy, dignity, and respect. On occasions, I do fall short of this, as I am human. If you leave my blog and never return, please leave with "The Golden Rule." If you make a conscious effort to live your life in accordance with the wisdom of "The Golden Rule," your life will be better because of it and so shall the lives of all others you encounter.

Oh yeah, by the way... I'm Black Crowe. May peace be with you all...