The Most Important Band in the World (part 1)

On Spotify you can listen to Stay Free: The story of The Clash (aka: the most important band in the world). And I highly suggest you do!

From Spotify

It’s a FANTASTIC podcast/audio-documentary hosted by Chuck D of Public Enemy (who while not punk in music/genre, sure af were punk in spirit and ideology).

I love this podcast for so many reasons. While the most obvious would be based on my love for the Clash themselves, there are three reasons I would especially suggest this for anyone.

First is how Chuck D discusses Public Enemy, and, the influence of the Clash on his group. “Elvis was a hero to most but, he never meant sh*t to me” while not political is one of my favorite lyrics of all time—and I actually don’t mind Elvis personally. But in episode one Chuck D addresses how if you TRULY look at music the argument is not The Beatles vs Elvis (The Beatles is the correct answer) because Elvis was a manufactured Star (because he was noted as the “great White hope for music” because white Women in the 60’s were falling for black musicians and that was SO FROWNED upon at the time—tbh has much changed?!). The real argument was (and historically correctly for Rock n Roll): Chuck Berry vs Bo Diddly. The ideas were based not merely on technicalities of musicianship but in the writing of lyrics.

Additionally, Chuck shares how listening to The Clash and—more specifically Joe Strummer—were an influence on the direction that Public Enemy took including the anguish of young adults and anger at their society’s failing systems.

I LOVE THIS PARALLEL!!!

My second favorite part of this is the way this plays as an audio documentary, and not “simply” a podcast. That’s no diss to podcasts as I LOVE them. But the research and archival audio files used in this lend a more, idk “scholarly” feel. I know there are similar podcasts—in fact, I would call those audio documentaries as well for the longer ones. Again: not a diss to either, I just like to distinguish info (old schooling habits die hard).

Lastly: music history!!! It is truly my favorite subject. In fact, all of my research papers and subject throughout college and grad school were based on music history and it’s equal influences/reflections of society!!! [My second fave is general media consumption (movies, books, television) and its influences].

I hope you’ll be sure to check out the series!!

If you have any podcast or audio documentary recommendations please tell me about them in the comments!

My Blog as a Mix Tape vol 2

I chose 7 tracks for Side A, and another seven for Side B. Side A is about getting to a realization point, and Side B is about embracing my weird!

While my original "

My Blog as a Mix Tape

" post wasn't an ode to GotG, I kept meaning to revisit it. But it never

felt

 right. Now it's 2017, and a lot of stuff happened last year (admittedly, most of it was not good). And whether or not this earth is going to hell in a hand basket, I'm determined to make the best of it (hell, so far so good).  And with Guardians of the Galaxy volume 2 out next week it seemed like as good a time as any and a salute to one of the best nerdy movies to date with a bangin' soundtrack, by bringing back the post I'm most proud of in its own sequel!

If you'd like to join me again in a sweet melodic link up, send me your list, either here in the comments, or on twitter, or any social media!

Send me a copy of your #BlogMixTape

Soundtrack to My Life Right Now (52 Lists-Week 4)

This post reminds me that I need to revisit another one.

That aside, here is my Soundtrack RIGHT NOW (i.e.: Things I'm Jamming To)!

What are songs are you really feeling/jamming to right now?

Jareth: The Goblin King (Workout Cosplay)

Today's Workout Cosplay is based on David Bowie's iconic role of Jareth the Goblin King from

Labyrinth!

Jareth the Goblin King from Labyrinth

by

joie-fatale

As you may have seen in my

previous post

, I was a late watcher of Labyrinth, but thanks to

my ride-or-die homey

, I got to see it! It was Muppets! It was magical! And, it was Bowie! The movie's brilliant. I based the outfit on his from

this

scene (Magic Dance), with the sparkly blue headband as an homage to the ballroom scene!

This workout playlist is very dance-dance oriented! I wanted it to be something with David's influence, but, also peppy to run or dance or what-have-you to!

If there are any Workout Cosplays and Playlists you'd like to see, let me know in the comments, or, tweet me

@Joie_Fatale

!

David Bowie and My Nerdy Ties: A Nerd's Tribute/Hug to the Thin White Duke

David Bowie is no longer with us.

I'm a Black Star by Helen Green

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I am not ok. I'm kind of writing this for me, but I'm putting it out there as place to grieve.

I've not been blessed with the ability to see him perform...and now I never will. I cried this morning when I found out. He

just

 had his 69th birthday on the 8th. Like, I'm flabbergasted. I kept having to go back and edit tense from present to past...WTF?! Lemmy, Bradbury, and now David Bowie?!?! As a person who loved alt rock (punk/metal with Lemmy, ska with Bradbury, and glam with David), losing three people who are icons in less than three weeks...crap!

I thought it might be ok for me to share some of my favorite slightly-nerdy-but-very-Bowie-related moments:

1).

Under Pressure

via

Because as a music nerd: this song is everything. My husband I sing this song all the time. They're both great vocalists, and were visual artists. Freddie Mercury is my all-time favorite vocalists, and this song was always just perfect!

2).

Nikola Tesla in

The Prestige

via

Remember that time Batman fought against Wolverine with magic? And Alfred was helping Wolverine, and Black Widow was there too?!?! Well, so was Jareth...only as Nikola-f**king-Tesla!!! I like this movie a LOT! And the random surprise of David Bowie being in it always makes me grin!

3).

That Time Got He to Act With the Muppets

via

Obviously, Labyrinth is on this list. It wasn't a part of my childhood because I just didn't see it. I saw it in college because my best friend showed it to me. And like most ladies, Jareth crush for all time. The hair. The eyeshadow. The Goblin King's goblin (because I'm not going to be a liar). LOL! This is pretty much what I plan on watching today too. Soooo...

4).

Zoolander Walk-Off

via

Fashion! Few musicians are as fashionable as Bowie. He married Iman, a model, and they were both happy, and gorgeous and out of this 'effing world!!! That said, I still can't think of a male musician more fashionable than him. So, in Zoolander, who else but David could judge the walk? NO ONE!!!

5).

Forever Cosplaying His Own Characters/Himself

Bowie Over the Years by Helen Green

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Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Thin White Duke...the man was a musical genius and a gorram chameleon. Not merely monikers, but, other versions of himself come out to play in musical form! I mean: So many musicians have him to thank, from Madonna to Lady Gaga: he was the King of reinvention!

6).

David Bowie and Vince Noir

via

I'm pretty sure Vince Noir is equal parts Noel Fielding, and his obsession with musicians. Most especially, David Bowie. Both have this wicked androgynous hotness (yes! HOT!) and have great outfits they could only pull off.

7). A

s the Sovereign of The Guild of Calamitous Intent (

Venture Bros.

)

So,

technically

 David Bowie did not voice himself in the show. BUT, making him the leader (and a genius villain) of an organization that provides nemesis' to the world's do-gooders was brilliant! This just made so much sense!!! Like, if you want to see this episode it's on Hulu, Season 2, Episodes 12 and 13! It also has Iggy Pop and Klaus Nomi. Their voices are (of course) impersonated. But it was a great moment in the show!

8).

Lord Royal Highness

via

Spongebob Squarepants knows it's royals, and Lord Royal Highness was voiced by Bowie. Him being in a cartoon is always great...even if the particular episode isn't.

9).

Moulin Rouge

 (&

Star Wars

...kind of)

via

From the beginning of the movie we can see Bowie's singing on Nature Boy (with Massive Attack). This song has a beautiful and haunting feel. Additionally, the ladies in the Moulin Rouge are also called the Diamond Dogs. Moreover, "Heroes" is beautifully played in the Elephant Love Medley!

Now you may be asking: "yes, yes, but what about Star Wars?" Well, the set upon which Moulin Rouge was shot was torn down to make way for Star Wars Ep. II: Attack of the Clones! So...6 degrees!

The movie is filled with glam rock references! And like the next bullet point, stars Ewan McGregor.

10).

Velvet Goldmine

via

Velvet Goldmine which is loosely based/fan-fictiony story of Iggy Pop and David Bowie. It also stars Ewan McGregor (as Curt Wilde). It's such a beautiful, 90's-meets-the-70's glam-rock, music video tribute of a movie! The soundtrack is amazing, and the costumes are some of my major cosplay goals! I don't care if no one knows who I'll be!

11). 

Guardians of the Galaxy

via

Moonage Daydream was perfectly placed in the most perfect of soundtracks yet to be created. The second I heard the guitar riff in the theater, I got chills! You can't make a movie in/about space without David Bowie (/Ziggy Stardust). So say we all!

I'm sorry if this was a bit a long, but I wanted to get this out. I'm so sad and devastated by this, and the knowledge that I won't get to see him live. But, I am glad that I get to remember him, and think of him fondly not just when listening to music, but, in other mediums such a movie, TV, and even cartoons.

Thank you Mr. Bowie! Thank you for the music you made, and the things you made us feel that no musician before you had before, and that no other musician will!

Wednesday Workout Cosplay: Unicorn Magic

Sometimes, we just need a little magic and sparkle in our lives. Something other to spark our inspiration.

And sometimes, you just need a unicorn that inspires you!

I've been inspired (surprisingly) by not so much a character, but by a mythological creature. Also, I tend to call people magical unicorns when they do something I find impossible in myself.

I'm prepping to wake up and run and cycle tomorrow! And since I've never taken (see: can't afford) horseback riding lessons, well, dammit! I'm pretending that cycle is my own, Magical-Fat-Burning Unicorn equestrian riding session!

Basically, I'll be doing something similar to this:

Wish me luck cause the cycle/spin class is "Extreme Spin" which also has: push ups, ab stuff, and spin cycle. Its actually more fun then that reads (except for the cold, hard, unloving bike seats...those hurt).

Have you done spinning before?

Wednesday Workout Cosplay: Briar Rose

Today's workout cosplay is inspired by Briar Rose! Or, Aurora...or Sleeping Beauty. I chose Briar Rose this time around, and I distinguish between the two since she really didn't know she was Princess Aurora until she was 16 (side note: Princess Aurora is kind of  gangsta-esque...I mean, she has two nicknames and Briar Rose is just shy from Little Tweety, eh? But I digress...).

Sleeping Beauty was such a beautifully stylized film. While Aurora was a bit...*couch*lackluster*cough*. But it was one of my favorites as a wee little lass because of the animation and of course: MALEFICENT!!!

Anyway I had been planning this one for a while now (since March [:  actually)!
Here's the cosplay!

Briar Rose by joie-fatale

1). Sweating Beauty Tank- I LOVE Activate Apparel's fitness gear! I like how nerdy and funny they can be! This one is perfect Briar Rose AKA Princess Forest Cardio (oh hey, another nickname!).

2). Rosie Earbuds- I love how beautiful these earbuds are! They'd be great for jogging and listening to the below playlist!

3). Nike shorts- I like the multiple tones on these shorts since they fit right in with Briar Rose's dress!

4).Adidas shoes- besides the iconic neutral dress, there is a pop of color in the forest scene (pic at the top for reference) where BR is talking to the the animals. I thought these Lavender and rose running shoes fit quite nicely. ALSO they have a sole that is bouncy and light for running!

5). Sleeping Beauty Socks!- I LOVE fun socks! Working in an office, fun socks can be one of those last vestiges of awesomeness that you can rock in secret! (I happen to have a set of similar socks from next week's workout cosplay!).

6). Sleeping Beauty Sports Bra- Ok...prepare yourselves for a pun! This sports bra is not only cute, but we could call it: Sleeping Boobies, or (to run with the nicknames gag) Bra-er Rose! Eh? Eh? Ok, I really just thought this was punny, and perfect for this workout.

And of course, we have our "Once Upon a Workout" playlist:

Lastly a little sing-a-long! Goes to this song: 
I wonder.
I wonder.
I wonder what character is up next.
To cosplay.
For workouts.
Tune in next week to find out!
 ('tis a short song)

Have you seen Sleeping Beauty? I'm curious what is your favorite part? Least favorite part? And most importantly: why is Prince Phillip so darn good-looking?

Wednesday Workout Cosplay: Marceline the Vampire Queen

My favorite character from Adventure Time will be today's Workout Cosplay character.

Marceline: The Vampire Queen!

Adventure Time is such a zany show, and Marceline is my FAVORITE character (followed very closely by Lumpy Space Princess). She also voiced by Olivia Olsen, whom you may remember from Love Actually (one of my favorite Christmas movies) as the little girl who sings "All I Want for Christmas (Is You)." Also. Marceline sings and has an alto voice...so for me, her little songs and ditties in AT are songs I can actually sing a-long to!

Also...that AX! Like...litteral, ax+bass= the most awesome of animated guitars since...IDK what! Seriously...Marceline...you are my vampire queen!! And since we're talking about the ax, here's your playlist!

I decided that if Marceline particiated in a team sport (I've only seen seasons 1 and 2...lemme know if she's played anything else) it would be a something, fun, but would allow for mischief, and some aggression.
And of course, something you could play air-bass and air-guitar with (**raises hand** I'm so guilty of this)!

Enter, Field Hockey Marceline cosplay!

Marceline the Vampire Queen by joie-fatale

1). Under Armour Red Sonic Print Shirt- This shirt boasts the ability to beat the heat from this springs beating sun--you know, something vampires like to avoid--and has the ability wick away sweat and fight, well, odor. Also I think the print is really flashy!
2). Marceline Necklace - While I don't often workout with jewelry the only thing I can really ever handle is a necklace (I even had a "lucky" necklace I hid in my suit for water polo sometimes). And This neckalce is too adorable not to include!
3). Basic Blue Team skirt- While field hockey does allow for shorts (I mean, this IS the 21st century eh?) I chose the skirt for this as when I managed, our team had this universally flattering A-line kilt for the uniform and we had ladies of ALL sizes, and all the girls looked FANTASTIC...and well, I wanted to join the team so I could get one of these skirts...but I was too late.
4). Nike Compression Shorts - And while I like the skirt, I do like to rock that late-80s/early-90s look whenever possible and these fun shorts would be great to layer under the skirt, and would bring in the signature grey of Marceline!
5). Nike Storage Band - I think I'm in love with this thing, so don't be surprised if you see it again! This thing is pocket that you can wear around your wrist like a sweatband. It can hold keys, chapstick, a small snack...or if you're on an all red diet, you can sip at the red dye! ;)
6). Brine Vintage Field Hockey Stick - Like Marceline's sweet ax, this beautiful red hockey stick is going to slay the opposition, and totally provide some fun pretend air bass/guitar playing (don't judge me).
7). Adidas Women's adiZero Cleats- Playing on a field you could be prone to some serious slipping and sliding on the grass, so cleats are completely necessary in games such as Proper Football and Field Hockey. This pair seemed like a really cool fit!
8). CranBerry Glitter Practice Ball - to practice for this sport a ball is required. And this one is super cute and sparkly! You know, adding a little glam to the ultra rockin' Marceline!
9). Shock Doctor Mouth-guard - Marceline would need to protect those fangs, and you should protect your chompers as well! With sticks and a hard-as-a-puck ball flying around the field, a mouth-guard is a necessary piece of equipment. But this guard is the coolest since it's flavored as Fruit Punch--the quintessential "red" flavor!

And (since I'm in a Field Hockey mood) some fundamental drill sets for this sport.

That's this week's workout cosplay PLEASE be sure to check out the Ice King cosplay debuting today on PonyChops!!!

Wednesday Workout Cosplay: Fa Mulan

Of all the Disney Princesses, Fa Mulan was the first bad-a$$! (yes, I too could argue the "princess" semantics but in the words of Captain Jack Sparrow "for what point and purpose" savvy?)

via

The movie had this great animation style, and a great message about being true to you!!!

via

I always thought the songs were great because "I'll Make a Man Out of You" was hilarious because there were all these preconceived notions of strength being something only a man could have, but Mulan (a young woman) aced all of these "manly requisites." Your strength, is your ability to persevere, and in turn, you succeed.
Also Reflection hit me on a pretty emotional level too. I digress...let me just end the feels here and...

heehee...see what I did there? (if you made the GIF lemme know!)

There are a few Disney Princess inspired shirts for working out in, and when I saw this one, I knew I had my muse!

via

Since it's winter, I would put this long sleeve tee beneath it to keep a bit toasty:

via

And to match her skirt were these gym shorts. I like that the band looks thick on these as, I like to have my shorts stay still when I work out, and don't have to worry about them slipping, or riding up (while running).

via For cold weather, check out these cool and fun printed thermal leggings!

Since the weather is about to be RAINY (huzzah!) I figure a hoodie is rather apt...and this looks like a good fit!

via

I think these shoes are a good wrap up in the Mulan workout scheme! The red laces are the perfect touch (to me) in bringing things together!

via

Like I said...I love the Mulan shirt because it reminds me of squats. But you know what?

I HATE squats. I really do. I don't ever do them correctly. I don't mind that they hurt, but I don't know what's wrong with me. Luckily, Nicole at Pumps and Iron puts some AWESOME workouts on her blog for free. And this one's only 25 minutes! You can do this at home, or  in a gym!

via Click for larger

And when you get back from the track/trail/weight room/etc.: relax with this Fa Mulan inspired candle. Because if you do squats, the above exercise: I promise you'll be sore!

from Walter and Rosie listed here

Finally, we wrap up with what I like to call: "Bad-A! Mulan Playlist" just so you know, its gunna hit you hard like a sword from a warrior princess! (Also, I feel like its a good pre-board meeting/school presentation/running hills/lifting weights type of playlist--I was a bit selfish this week :P)

Birthday Wish List!

This is my birthday week and I've seen some of my FAVORITE bloggers post birthday wishlists, and since I REALLY like the idea, I thought I would do the same! (Thank you ladies!)

Joie's Birthday Wishlist!!!

Birthday Wishes for 2014! by joie-fatale

1). Ok, so MAYBE I already got this for myself for my birthday. And MAYBE I'm a bit obsessed with of a CatBug fan. But can you blame me?!?!

2). I'm in need of a biker jacket to deck out, and purple or green are the colors I need!

3). If you haven't seen The Mighty Boosh...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. But you know what? It's ok, cause you can get the COMPLETE series and catch up! (just buy me a copy eh?)

4). This is out of my budget, but damn! This ring is wicked sweet! I have a costume Nana Osaki ring that's based on a previous Vivienne ring and I LOVE wearing it. But, this one is purple...so, I mean, I'm just saying.

5). I love the Island of Misfit Toys, and the little elephant (and King Moonracer) are my island faves. Since I've been collecting POP! Figures since my dad bought my first one a few years back, I've had an addiction to them. And I just can't say no to his little face!

6). I got a free sample of this for my birthday month from Sephora. It's Make Up Forever: Rouge Artist in "N9 Copper Pink" and I REALLY like it! Alas, they are perpetually out of stock on the darn thing!

7). Oh, sweet, sweet Disneyland pass...*sigh* you are what my dreams are not-so-secretly made of! If only petrol prices would decline; then, land of Disney; you would be mine!

8). Grape Docs = life goal/bucket list item fulfillment! I have two black pairs that I bought the moment I knew I was done growing. I just want my purple ones!

9). I am sorted Slytherin (like Merlin, and a wizard I won't talk about) and this swimsuit would TOTALLY be awesome to wear. School Spirit and junk you know!?

10). I love this bag! One day Vivienne...ONE DAAAAY! **shakes fist**


I'm excited for this week! I took my birthday off (my own personal holiday)! I honestly have NO IDEA what I'm going to do, but, I'm going to do something in my city I've never done before, so, yeah!

What's something in your hometown that you've always wanted to give a shot, but haven't done so yet?

Fun Finds

Have you seen this trailer for Maleficent?! Lana del Rey's cover of Once Upon a Dream is PERFECT for the darkness of the fairy tale. It's haunting, luring, and beautiful! I can't wait to see this and I apologize in advance should my excitement become...repetitive.

Cait at Kitsch Vixen posted a link to this AMAZING post about Smash[ing] the Scale (Please read it and SHARE it!). She also shared the below video featuring styles throughout the last century, and both of them make me smile!

I want this wallet and bag from Loungefly! They are simple enough for dressing up, but they have a cute Tinkerbell print on them!

via LoungeFly

via LoungeFly

Think Geek has this Dalek watch (and this amazing T.A.R.D.I.S. watch...but it's already sold out) and I feel as though I could use this timepiece:

via ThinkGeek

And for something completely unique for valentines day--especially if you're like me and not really a roses person--Think Geek has a bouquet of plush kittens, or this plush of UNICORNS!!!

via ThinkGeek

be sure to check out this post about Moffet -era companions by Amber West of A Day Without Sushi wrote. She makes some great points so check them out!

Last but not least, a friend shared this with me, and yeah...I cried along with the girl at 8:46!

"Great job" I say to their parents! 

It's my Birthday month, and it's going to be so busy! I'm super excited! Have a great weekend, and welcome to February!

Albums of Awesome Part 2 - Dookie

II.

Dookie

by Green Day

While this is my favorite album, of all time, this get’s #2, as the album above I feel has a slightly better track listing and theme.

Ok, technicalities out of the way:

Dookie is the album that shook my world and being. Good or bad—I like to think it’s mostly good—but on the cusp of teenager-dom (maybe this should be: teenager-dumb, as I was heading to junior high when I first heard this) this album had questions that mirrored my own growing pain questions.

The inevitable onset of teenage angst was somewhat subdued by this record too. This probably made my parents somewhat happy. I did however keep things inside to bubble…eh, who knows the correct way to handle things…ok, never mind, we know these things, but who can execute all of that…really?

Anyway, my favorite songs by and far are:

Having A Blast

,

Basket Case

,

When I Come Around

, and

Coming Clean

. But overall, it’s a SOLID offering of self-analyzing love, and confusion over what we are supposed to be, who we

think

we are, and who we really are and who we will end up being.

A few excerpts:

1). Burnout: “

Apathy has rained on me

”, “

I’m not growing up, I’m just burning out, and I’ve stepped in line to walk amongst the dead

”

2). Having a Blast: “

Do you ever think back, to another time? Does it bring you so down that you thought you lost your mind?

”

3). Chump (this song became most poignant in 2009): “

I don’t know you, but I think I hate you. You’re the reason for my misery. Strange how you’ve become my biggest enemy and I’ve never even seen your face. Well, maybe it’s just jealousy, mixing up with a violent mind a circumstance that doesn’t make much sense. Or, maybe I’m just dumb.

”

4). Longview: “

Peel me off this Velcro seat, and get me moving. I sure as hell can’t do it by myself.

”

5). Welcome to Paradise: “

Dear Mother can you hear me laughing!

”

7). Basket Case: The entire song…It’s my favorite. One of my theme songs!

8). She: The entire song. Also a theme song!

10). When I Come Around: “

I’m a loser and a user, and I don’t need no accuser, to try and flag me down because I know you’re right

”

This album changed my life. It’s my favorite of all-time, but my favorite band of all-time. Dookie was my perspective changer.

Up until that point I had been trying, REALLY trying to like R&B and other music, that—up until I first heard Billie Joe sing; “

Do you have the time, to listen to me whine?

” —I had never even realized I felt I NEEDED to fit in to some concept that race was not only my defining element, but also the guide by whom I could choose the things I liked. It was that moment, at a 6

th

grade “promotion” (from elementary to junior high) party that I thought: “why am I trying to fit this mold? I like this way better than Toni Braxton!” (I brought my mom’s Toni Braxton CD to said party, because I didn’t own any of my own music, or own any of me).

Maybe that’s it too.

Dookie is where I first took ownership of me. As stated previously, I first heard it on the cusp of teenager beginnings, and so its timing was perfection. When I listen to it, I think in part I get nostalgic. I feel like it’s taking me back, but at the same time, the ideas on the album became more important, because I understand the words more, or the words change

for

me

, because it’s something I feel I need to hear, and it always applies.

Albums of Awesome: Part 1- How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Yesterday I was feeling VERY down—the day before, and for quite some time actually.

And so, I listened to one of the albums, guaranteed to cheer me up. As I was driving home I came up with this idea for a post. And, I kind of wanted to tag others in this.

So Let me start with Number 1:

I.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

, by Bouncing Souls (2001)

By far, this album, above all fills me with peace, joy and just, the desire for fun. The album came out

right

before I graduated from High school (less than a month before) and was one of those pivotal moments in my timeline.

I had listened to Hopeless Romantic by the Souls, and really liked it. But it was this album that cemented, nay!

ENDEARED

them to my heart. While Green Day is my favorite band, the Bouncing Souls…well let me give you a different song, that they helped (in part) answer a question I knew nothing about:

“I want to know what love is!!! I want you to show me!”

 LOL!!!

The kick of the Mike’s drum, the strum of Pete’s guitar, Bryan’s bass-line matching my heart beat, and Greg’s easy-going, sing-a-long voice. To me, it was pitch perfect! The songs seemed like everything I had and would experience at that point in life were put into words, JUST FOR ME!!!

From the first song,

That Song

it says the very line I am thinking in these times:

“

I put that record on,

just to make a sound…”

Some of the songs that are highlights for me are

That Something Special

,

True Believers

, and

Late Bloomer

; though part of

why

I am writing this is because the idea of album. As a collective idea and concept,

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

 is what I call the perfect album. Songs are in proper order, I cannot skip any of the tracks, as I feel like there is something missing from everything, it fluctuates between mellower parts, and faster pace, with enough anthems that by track 3 and 8, you’re ready to hug someone standing next to you in the pit!

This album gives me goose-bumps, the way great motivational speakers and love does. It’s just…Ok, so you know when you are feeling ill, and the only thing you want is chicken noodle soup?

And then, you have chicken noodle soup, and your insides go from that icky-cold-flu feeling, to being warm and happier?

Well,

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

is the chicken noodle soup feeling, but 100 times better, and not only do you feel better, but it

cures

your cold!!!

Here are my favorite lines from some of the songs:

1). That Song: “

I put that record on, just to make a sound…The soundtrack, of what I want to be

” and “

…the music shaped our lives. So tell me why, our movement’s out of time. Are we so out of line?

” and finally, the last words:  “

…We stand tonight hearts in our hands!

”

2). Private Radio: “

I like to rock, and I love to roll, when the music’s running through my soul! I got no, no place to go but my own private radio!

” (Get the mp3 FREE here:

http://www.epitaph.com/artists/album/48/How_I_Spent_My_Summer_Vacation

)

3). True Believers: …actually, the whole dang song to be honest.

5). That Something Special: “

I managed to be a jerk anyway. It doesn’t have to be this way. Forget about the things I said. I make no, excuse for me. I want to start again!

”

6). Broken Record: “

I love you all, but I got to get out and change this scenery. I’ve got to find what I’m living for. I’ve got to change this life that I’m living.

” “

I’ve learned the hard way, when you give yourself away, you give away, your life too!

” “

I tried to find someplace, that seemed right for me, I walked the streets, until lost my mind. And that was the best place to be. When I lost my mind the truth set me free!

”And the chorus: “

Nowhere to run, from myself, nowhere to hide, from the truth!

”

8). Manthem: “

He’s my friend, he’s my alibi. My accessory to the crime. A bond that will never die, until the end of time!

”

9). Break-Up Song: “

Sometimes when I just can’t sleep I hear the words you said to me. Sometimes it takes a painful loss to realize you weren’t free. How did you get so deep, inside of me?

”

11). Late Bloomer: “

smoking cigarettes, your girlfriends by the pool. Your smell I could not forget, that's as close as i could get you were so fucking cool. I'm no good, you're no better, wouldn't we be perfect together? All I wanted was a piece of your heart, you left me torn apart. F**k the rest before me and their crimes, for your love I'll serve their time I'm no good, you're no better wouldn't we be perfect together?

”

13). Gone: “…

I felt so lost, I couldn’t say why. I needed strength to change my mind, but those ghosts stick to me like glue. Hating life, believing I was no good.”

“

It was a darkness all my own.

a song played on the radio.

it went straight to my heart.

I carried it with me.

Until the darkness was:

GONE!!!!!”

Seriously, I frigging LOVE this song!

You can love it too! Download it here: for free:

http://www.epitaph.com/artists/album/48/How_I_Spent_My_Summer_Vacation