Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Shinedown - "Amaryllis" is a true work of art by a great band!
Shinedown's new album Amaryllis was up for a free stream tonight on Itunes. I have already pre-ordered it and am planning on seeing them twice at the end of the month but I couldn't wait to hear the new album so I took a listen. I am glad I did. I am just reeling with joy on this one!
So I got onto Itunes and right off the start is a great hard hitting song "Adrenaline" which will have you ready to rock and gives you an immediate shot of sweet adrenaline. You know that Shinedown has been working hard to bring you another Kick Ass Rock Album with this one and you really get ready to rock when you hear this song and the incredible guitar work.
Next of course is the new single "Bully" that has been quickly climbing the rock charts and soon to be Number One. This song will have you cheering for the underdog who has had enough of the bully picking on them. We all may, at one time have all been in that position, suffering under someone else's words and insecurities as they push us all down and rise themselves above us. Well this is the song that will change all that. We gain power and regain our strength in numbers with this song. We will all overcome bullies. This song has a great message and hits a personal chord with me and I thank the band for writing this one. My son's personal favorite. Here is the video of the new single, "Bully".
The next song "Amaryllis" brings beauty and joy to my mind as I hear it. I think of those special great times and am filled with childlike love. It reminds me of first loves filled with innocence and being ready for anything. It is like a new beginning and looking out at a new rising sun with everything at my hands waiting for me. With this song I feel anything I want can be attained as long as I am with that special person.
The next song "Untiy" for me is like a dark side opening up to light for the first time. Feeling regret but wanting so much more. Giving up fears to live your life and bringing hope and regaining strength. This song makes me loved and feel like living my life. The vocals of Brent are so sweet and melodic and actually make me feel safe as his words wrap around me and tell me it will all be ok and bring me hope for my future. It is like the truth coming out and welcoming me to a new beginning. Here is a link to their video for "Untiy".
The next song "Enemies" is ENERGY. ENERGY. ENERGY. This is the pent up emotions finally ready to release. Rough and tumble harsh reality that just makes you want to move your carefree body. It is like a anthem for the new you. This is definitely my favorite song of the album. It has a groove that will make you regain your self esteem and walk as if you own it. Yes, you do and this is the NEWyou. Walk it, Talk it, Live it. Feel the new you ignite, the power is you. When you feel it, you can't stop here; you are ready to go, so dream big and make it happen. This is a kick ass song that will wake up your life!
"I'm Not Alright" is the next track and I think of carefree summer days, summer days where even though it may be all wrong, I just feel right right about whatever is going on. Ya, it may be crazy but crazy is ok! This is how it is supposed to feel. This song brings on a very sexy youthful feel.
"Nowhere Kids" reminds me of a don't piss me off '80s song. It has an awesome '80s feel throwback with fast tempo lyrics that have you feeling the energy of every word. It creates a flurry of emotions that can put you in a swirl and bring you into an uptempo positive energy. Definitely one of my favorites on this album.
The next song is an easy tempo song with a funky groove, "Miracle". For me it brings me to the feel of a small cafe where I finally find all the answers to my questions. It is a feel good love song. Feeling good about love expressed and love returned. Realizing how someone means so much to you and you want to express and share everything with them. Great love song.
"I'll Follow You" is a beautiful love song with great vocals right from the start. A true romantic ballad with that lighter in the air moment. . You feel the emotion of a "Freebird" moment along with a romantic ballad holding the one you love around the waist. Yes, corny but in all the right ways!! Just wanting love and nothing else, Giving up on all things except love. It is like a true proclaimation of love for just wanting to be with each other and nothing else.
"For My Sake" is the next track and Brent's singing is right on and hits you with his emotion with every lyric. Feeling the honesty ring out and touch your soul. It is trembling with emotion. Zach on guitars ties it all in together and sweetly brings the vocals to an even deeper depth.
The next track, "My Name (Wearing me Out)" starts off by feeding my soul. This is a true Shinedown song. It brings me to face all my fears and emotions and let the music take me to where it has to set me free. It is almost a song that can bring a cathartic moment to you. You can release all the negative and just breathe in the energy that the music brings to you. it is as if a renewed life comes from this one. Many of Shinedown's past songs have been told to be a life changer for so many; this is the song on this album that can definitely define that statement! Incredible track!
The final song, "Through the Ghost" is gracious exit song. It is almost like getting together after a funeral and just celebrating the person you knew. It is like a celebration of all emotion that you felt from knowing that person, but here it was with an album. It is touching your soul and wanting to know how much it meant to you. It is looking back on how much you enjoyed the album and how it could have affected you,. You glance back and think of it all and this song wraps it all around you. You feel it, live it and breathe it. That is this Shinedown album. The vibe I get is just that; feel the music, live it and breathe it. Don't sell yourself short, don't live behind those words of a bully, don't feel defeated, own it and feel it and gain your momentum. That is what this album bring you; possibly a new you.
I truly can't wait until our upcoming shows to see Shinedown. We are going to catch them first at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco on March 28th, 2012 and then again on March 30th, 2012 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. Make sure to check out the complete tour of Shinedown and get your tickets! This will be a great show....
~ Marisol
Shinedown band:
Brent Smith - Vocals
Barry Kerch - Drums
Zach Myers - Guitar
Eric Bass - Bassist, Piano
Here are some links for the band:
Shinedown Website: Shinedown.com
Shinedown Fan Member Site: Shinedownnation.com
Facebook Site: www.facebook.com/Shinedown
Twitter Site: www.twitter.com/Shinedown
MySpace Site: www.myspace.com/Shinedown
Itunes site: www.itunes.com/Shinedown
Sunday, March 4, 2012
One of our Bay Area legends; Ronnie Montrose passed away at 64.
His first band was Sawbuck in 1969. He later went on to play with such greats like Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, Edgar Winter Group and then finally in 1973 he formed his own incredible band, Montrose which featured Sammy Hagar on vocals. After putting out albums as Montrose or Ronnie Montrose, he then formed GAMMA and then continued on playing with Seattle band; Rail, Paul Kantner, and even added his guitar work to Gary Wright's "Power of Love".
Whatever Ronnie was playing, one thing is for sure; he gave it his 150%. He was someone who would devote his entire passion to what he was doing. That is why he was our Bay Area Legend. We could go see him and always get an incredible show. It didn't matter who or how many people were there, he would play each show as if it was his last. He had energy and vigor and you could see on his face, his pure love of what he was doing.
Ronnie announced in 2009 that he had prostate cancer and was going to battle this head on. I always thought if anyone could beat the battle of cancer, it would be Ronnie. That man had a determination that could not be challenged. It has been reported that he had been in declining health. The following statement was posted on the Ronnie Montrose website:
“A few months ago, we held a surprise party for Ronnie Montrose’s 64th birthday. He gave an impromptu speech, and told us that after a long life, filled with joy and hardship, he didn’t take any of our love for granted. He passed today. He’d battled cancer, and staved off old age for long enough. And true to form, he chose his own exit the way he chose his own life. We miss him already, but we’re glad to have shared with him while we could.”
My son put together a memorial tribute video for Ronnie. I grew up listening to Ronnie and seeing him around at the Bay Area shows. I have shared stories with my son and he has always loved songs like "Bad Motor Scooter", "Rock Candy", "Rock the Nation" and what I think is the fitting song for his tribute; "Music Man".
My husband Stephen shared his story with me of seeing Ronnie Montrose play in the Bay Area. He tells me of how he was amazed by Ronnie's guitar work and his stage presence that let the fans know he was there just for them. He said he is honored to have seen him and wished he could have seen him at his upcoming show right here in Santa Rosa at the Last Day Saloon on April 28th.
Ronnie, you had such incredible talent and a personality that matched. You gave us years of incredible music that will live on in our hearts. Your gift to us will never be forgotten or taken for granted. I particularly love one story that someone shared on my son's video page about how they first discovered "Jump on It":
That is the kind of story that I am talking about. Ronnie was part of our past, part of our present and he will live on in our future.
Here are some haunting lyrics from Montrose , "Make it Last" that remind us of how to live:
But now I live my life from day to day
'Cause I wouldn't have it any other way
Whether I'm twelve or I'm 64,
I spend my time like there aint gonna be no more.
Rest in Peace Ronnie, you are in our hearts, Music Man.
Ronnie Montrose November 29, 1947 to March 3, 2012
~ Marisol
Friday, March 2, 2012
"Nothing Good Anymore" by Against all Will
What a difference a year makes...
I remember the first time I heard this song, "Nothing Good Anymore" from one of my favorite bands, "Against all Will". It muist have been almost two years ago. I felt lost, subjected to what the world had to offer without say. I just had to deal and listen. I still secretly trusted that there was more out there. This song brought me hope.
I loved this song. I could express how desperate i was and also was drifting in between having something to having nothing. I was on a pedestal tilting between two worlds, just waiting to fall and not knowing if I may fall on the wrong side.
Back then, I sat back and just waited and I hoped against all will, I hoped for something better. I hoped for something brighter, something to bring me a smile. I was not thinking it would turn out, just a little hope.
Then here we are, two years and half later, and I am in such a different place. I have suffered a major loss with my Father that the music from Against all Will has helped immensely!! Now when I listen to this song, "Nothing Good Anymore", it remind me of that dark place I was in with so much hope for so much more. I was there, I felt it, I breathed it, I lived it. I was there. So that song is me. I live in it. It will be in me forever.
Of course, this song is personal for me but I hope you enjoy it for whatever it brings you and also go enjoy some more Against all Will.
~ Marisol
For more information on Against all Will check out the following:
Website: Againstallwill.com
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Have you Voted yet???
The world's loudest rock magazine, Revolver is the proud parent of The Golden Gods Awards which was first introduced in 2009. Back in 2009 some of the winners were: Vinnie Paul (Hellyeah/Pantera) for the Most Awesomely Good Drummer, Slipknot for Best Riff and Best Live Band, Suicide Silence for Best New Talent and Ozzy Osbourne for the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Well, this year the categories host a wide variety of great metal heads and some of them are going to be such a close call! This years categories include:
Best Guitarist, presented by Epiphone®
• Jinxx and Jake Pitts (Black Veil Brides)
• Zoltan Bathory and Jason Hook (Five Finger Death Punch)
• Willie Adler and Mark Morton (Lamb of God)
• Robb Flynn and Phil Demmel (Machine Head)
• Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick (Megadeth)
• Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu (Trivium)
• Zoltan Bathory and Jason Hook (Five Finger Death Punch)
• Willie Adler and Mark Morton (Lamb of God)
• Robb Flynn and Phil Demmel (Machine Head)
• Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick (Megadeth)
• Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu (Trivium)
Best Drummer, presented by Drum Workshop®
• Charlie Benante (Anthrax)
• Jeremy Spencer (Five Finger Death Punch)
• Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters)
• Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
• Brann Dailor (Mastodon)
• Tomas Haake (Meshuggah)
• Jeremy Spencer (Five Finger Death Punch)
• Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters)
• Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
• Brann Dailor (Mastodon)
• Tomas Haake (Meshuggah)
Best Vocalist, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink®
• Sebastian Bach
• Andy Biersack (Black Veil Brides)
• James Durbin
• Amy Lee (Evanescence)
• Ivan Moody (Five Finger Death Punch)
• Jonathan Davis (Korn)
• Andy Biersack (Black Veil Brides)
• James Durbin
• Amy Lee (Evanescence)
• Ivan Moody (Five Finger Death Punch)
• Jonathan Davis (Korn)
Album of the Year, presented by Marshall Amplification®
• Anthrax, Worship Music
• Evanescence, Evanescence
• Five Finger Death Punch, American Capitalist
• Foo Fighters, Wasting Light
• Korn, The Path of Totality
• Lamb of God, Resolution
• Evanescence, Evanescence
• Five Finger Death Punch, American Capitalist
• Foo Fighters, Wasting Light
• Korn, The Path of Totality
• Lamb of God, Resolution
Best Live Band, presented by Samson/Zoom®
• Avenged Sevenfold
• Foo Fighters
• Guns N’ Roses
• Judas Priest
• Seether
• Tool
• Foo Fighters
• Guns N’ Roses
• Judas Priest
• Seether
• Tool
Most Metal Athlete
• Gina Carano (MMA fighting)
• Brian Deegan (pro motocross)
• Evan Longoria (MLB baseball)
• Dirk Nowitzki (NBA basketball)
• Mitch Petrus (NFL football)
• CM Punk (WWE wrestling)
• Brian Deegan (pro motocross)
• Evan Longoria (MLB baseball)
• Dirk Nowitzki (NBA basketball)
• Mitch Petrus (NFL football)
• CM Punk (WWE wrestling)
Comeback of the Year, presented by Eagle Rock Entertainment®
• Anthrax
• Dream Theater
• Evanescence
• Ministry
• Slipknot
• Van Halen
• Dream Theater
• Evanescence
• Ministry
• Slipknot
• Van Halen
Riff Lord
• Scott Ian (Anthrax)
• Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society)
• Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters)
• Munky (Korn)
• Slash
• Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
• Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society)
• Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters)
• Munky (Korn)
• Slash
• Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
Paul Gray Best Bassist, presented by Dean Markley®
• Frank Bello (Anthrax)
• Michael Anthony (Chickenfoot)
• Fieldy (Korn)
• David Ellefson (Megadeth)
• Nikki Sixx (Sixx:A.M.)
• Wolfgang Van Halen (Van Halen)
• Michael Anthony (Chickenfoot)
• Fieldy (Korn)
• David Ellefson (Megadeth)
• Nikki Sixx (Sixx:A.M.)
• Wolfgang Van Halen (Van Halen)
Best International Band, presented by Musicians Institute®
• Behemoth
• Lacuna Coil
• Rammstein
• Sepultura
• Meshuggah
• X Japan
• Lacuna Coil
• Rammstein
• Sepultura
• Meshuggah
• X Japan
Most Dedicated Fans
• Asking Alexandria
• Avenged Sevenfold
• Black Veil Brides
• Evanescence
• Falling in Reverse
• HIM
• Avenged Sevenfold
• Black Veil Brides
• Evanescence
• Falling in Reverse
• HIM
I am sure many of you have your opinions on who should win, so make sure to head over to http://www.revolvermag.com/goldengods/vote/ and make your vote count! Voting ends on April 1, 2012 and when you vote you have the chance to win an incredible prize package that can have you sitting right at the Golden Gods Awards as well as a whole mess of awesomely metal goodies like:
• 2 VIP tickets to the Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles
• An Xbox Kinect with Star Wars bundle
• An Epiphone Zakk Wylde guitar
• Tickets to the Metal Masters 3 clinic
• A Zoom Q3 recorder
• A year’s supply of Rockstar Energy Drink and skateboard
• A pair of tickets to your Mayhem Festival stop of your choice, and tickets to kick off party on April 10th in L.A.
• A PDP 20 ply birch 6.5×14 snare from DW Drums
• 10 pack of Helix Strings, a 10 pack of Blue Steel Strings, and a Pro Mag Acoustic Pickup from Dean Markley
• Grammy Museum Membership
• Revolver Golden Gods official merchandise, including a T-shirt and poster
• An Xbox Kinect with Star Wars bundle
• An Epiphone Zakk Wylde guitar
• Tickets to the Metal Masters 3 clinic
• A Zoom Q3 recorder
• A year’s supply of Rockstar Energy Drink and skateboard
• A pair of tickets to your Mayhem Festival stop of your choice, and tickets to kick off party on April 10th in L.A.
• A PDP 20 ply birch 6.5×14 snare from DW Drums
• 10 pack of Helix Strings, a 10 pack of Blue Steel Strings, and a Pro Mag Acoustic Pickup from Dean Markley
• Grammy Museum Membership
• Revolver Golden Gods official merchandise, including a T-shirt and poster
In addition to seeing who will win the honored Metal Awards, there will be heavy hitting rock and metal performances by Marilyn Manson ( his first U.S. performance in 3 years), GRAMMY winning guitarist extraordinaire Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Evanescence, Sixx A.M. and the 2011 Best New Band Golden God Award winner; Black Veil Brides. Additional acts may be announced in the following weeks.
If you are interested in attending the Golden Gods Awards, be sure to get your tickets early! They will sell out! Click here to get your tickets.
Check out some great videos to get you ready for the Golden Gods Awards.
Music Junkie Press will be there covering the Golden Gods Awards and stay tuned for more updates as they come in!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Fall from Grace is coming to you!
This is what this band brings, new energy and great sound to those who enjoy rock and alternative. When you listen to an uptempo song like "18 & Out" you can really enjoy the vocals of Tryg Littlefield as he belts out his rebellious anthem along the great guitar work by Brian Olson and Ty McDonald and Jesse Smith on Drums and Justin McDonald on Bass and Vocals.
It is no wonder that these guys from Fall from Grace won the Fuse TV "Bodog Music Battle of the Bands" and beat out 7,000 other bands. They bring energy, excitement and take you by surprise with their feel good music! They have just been added to the Road to Hell Rekkid label, which is an indie label based in Seattle, Washington. They have a new album/CD out, "The Romance Years" which was release nationwide on Itunes on January 24, 2012. Did you get your copy yet? I did!!
Their music is something that can be enjoyed by all ages and I can imagine their fanbase having a wide age range which is a good thing. There is nothing better than going to a concert and seeing that a bands' music transcends the ages and they can all enjoy great music and sing along to "Burned" or screaming to "Hated Youth".
Make sure to check out these guys and if you haven't already, downlowd their new CD, "The Romance Years. "
Website: www.fallfromgrace.us
Facebook: facebook.com/fallfromgracemusic
Twitter: twitter.com/fallfromgrace
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Show us your "Sorry" photo for Art of Dying's new single.
As many of you know "Art of Dying" was number one on my list of bands for you to know in 2011. Well they have just released their latest single, "Sorry" from their major label debut album, "Vices and Virtues". Following the great success of "Die Trying" and my personal fave, "Get Thru This" which topped the Siriux XM Octane Big Uns Countdown for the week of 1/21/12, "Sorry" delivers in a grand way.
This song is a soul searching power ballad that delivers energy as well as great vocals along with some shredding guitar work.You can't call this a simple ballad, it delivers energy, emotion and great rock and roll. Something we could all use a little more of right now. My favorite lyrics of the song;
Now, I'm sorry that I left you
I can't go back
I can't change anything
The song really gets you to reevaluate choices you have made in the past or situations where we all wished could have had different outcomes. But those regrets seem to linger in our minds and how many times do we actually say "Sorry". Well now is your chance! To celebrate the release of their Official Lyric video for Sorry, the band has asked to show your support by sharing a photo of you and the word Sorry. "Don't we all need to say it to someone" as stated on their website.They even have their profiles on facebook updated with their own Sorry photo. So make sure to get your photo uploaded and they will share their favorites in their gallery on their website
Make sure to check out the video and if you have been under a rock and don't have "Vices and Virtues" make sure to pick it up or get it now on Itunes.
~ Marisol
My personal Sorry Photo which is probably the last picture I took of my father was when I would sit by his bedside last year. It was a painful time but I really thought he would pull through and make it. I wanted to take a picture so that one day I would have it made into a tattoo. I miss him holding my hand.
Sorry Official Video by Art of Dying.
Art of Dying
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| Jonny Hetherington |
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| Cale Gontier |
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| Jeff Brown |
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| Greg Bradley |
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| Tavis Stanley |
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
SHINEDOWN always delivers something new!!
I have a special secret for you!! If you want to hear snippets from Shinedown's new album, Amaryllis... read on...
I have been patiently waiting for the SHINEDOWN album, AMARYLLIS. Actually, I have been very impatient! I have loved all my Shinedown music for many years and had the opportunity to see them and meet them on several occasions.
I loved when they released their new song, "Bully". This band not only delivers great music but a message for those who have ever been bullied or who bully! That is right, listen up folks.... we are not going to take it anymore. This was personal for me since I remember dealing with bullying as a young girl in school and then unfortunately as the parent of a victim. Ryan was only in 1st grade when he started complaining of stomach aches and not wanting to go to school. It took us almost two years to get to the real cause of his nervous stomach; he was getting bullied and didn't know how to deal with it. See, Ryan was the tallest kid in kindergarten. In first grade, he towered over all the kids, we never thought of him as the victim and worried he would be a bully because of his size. He was a "gentle giant" and fell prey to the class bully. We tried to deal with the school for two more years and finally in 5th grade had enough and pulled him out. He then went on to another school in 6th grade and flourished. He is always the one to protect or speak up to someone who is getting bullied. So when this song came out, I was glad to hear it and it instantly became Ryan's and my favorite!!
We are excited to see Shinedown on the Avalanche Tour with Adelita's Way and New Medicine at the Regency Ballroom on March 28th!
So we went to buy our pre-sale tickets since we are members of the Shinedown nation and there it was; the cover of the new album AMARYLLIS.. But then when you click on it, you will be able to hear audio clips from the songs! What an ingenious idea! These guys are always on the cutting edge of delivering excellence in music and here they go again. LOVE the SNIPPETS and can't wait!!
Here is the link to the album cover... happy hunting/listening!!
~ Marisol
Monday, January 30, 2012
Win an autographed guitar from Adelita's Way
Would you like to win an autographed guitar from Adelita's Way??
I think you do! Well, Adelita's Way is putting on a Fan Photo Contest and the winner will take home an autographed guitar by Adelita's Way. What you have to do is go to their facebook page that has all the details, upload an app and share a photo of you and any Adelita's Way item. Share it and get the most likes and you win!!!!
Here is the link on the contest and happy sharing!! Good Luck!
Friday, January 27, 2012
RIP to one of the great Metal Guitarists, Mark Reale
Mark Reale was born June 7, 1955 and only at 20 created the band Riot which is still active today. In fact, in August 2011 they had completed the final mixing of their album hauntingly "Immortal Soul" and were soon touring. They were getting ready for another round of shows and Mark then suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage that resulted in a coma on January 11, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. He remained in the coma and subsequently passed away on January 25, 2012.
Mark Reale was often dubbed the Metal Warrior or one of the most underrated heavy metal guitarists. He really was incredible when he played. He was an excellent composer and created timeless metal music which would be enjoyed by many years to come.
Mark's bandmates released the following statement shortly after his passing: "To friends and fans of Mark Reale and Riot, we are deeply saddened to confirm that Mark lost his battle with a lifelong illness. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated by Mark's family, friends, and bandmates at this difficult time."
My son Ryan who is 14 was familiar with Mark Reale and Riot. He of course got his interest in music at the young age of 7 or so. He had often listened to Riot's album "Fire Down Under" and instantly loved it. He was also hopeful for Mark's recovery from the coma and when he learned of his untimely death at 56, he quickly went to make his fan tribute video for Mark.
His song choice for the video is "Rain" by Riot and can be found on their album 'The Brethren of the Long House". It is a beautiful song and to see Mark's images throughout reminds us of what a great loss he is. But Mark's music will remain in our hearts as we pay homage to a great heavy metal guitarist!
Shine on Mark, Shine on!
~ Marisol
You can visit Mark Reale's webpage and leave your condolences or messages. www.MarkReale.com
Here is the video that Ryan made for Mark Reale.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
David Rosales brings Hope and Love to feed your Soul with Smile.
SMILE by David Rosales.
Music that brings Hope and Love to feed your soul and make you Smile. That is how I can describe the romantic and beautiful debut record, “Smile” by David Rosales. David brings together a well crafted arrangement of songs that highlights love, loss and life after.
“Key to My Heart” is the first song I got to hear from the record and if ever there was a song where the vocals could touch your soul and bring the emotion of love to life, it is that of "Key to My Heart”. David’s vocals are like a safe haven for a warm heart and Olivia May’s vocals are the sweet touch of innocence wrapped in your arms.
David expresses himself eloquently through his deep vocals and his storytelling as heard in ‘Wedding Day” or “All that you Love”. In "Wedding Day" , we are given a glimpse into the special day with his captivating lyrics such as “pedal covered soft parade”. The romance of true love dance through the lyrics and sweep you off your feet. In “All that you Love”, they lyrics “I will see you all again, I won't leave you all alone, I'll be watching, I'll be there” gives a promise of peaceful comfort .
My personal favorite on this record is “Ponderosa Pine” which is a touching sentimental song that reminds us how quickly and fleeting time is and again David feeds your soul with his awakening lyrics of “Well, I've missed so much, please forgive me, Father Time won't take such pity”.
David is quoted as saying, ““Everything had to be completely genuine -- the lyrics, the sound, the vibe.” Well, he truly exemplifies this as all the songs bring raw honesty and heartfelt emotions to life. None more so than “Kiss Me”, a tale of love lost in an instant and the yearning to feel their touch and wonder if you can ever go on after the loss. The heartache and pain that one feels is insurmountable after such a loss and his tender vocals embrace your heart.
As David said, “I wrote this record without reservation and in the process a very personal story began to surface.” Listening to this record reminded me of my own personal journey of love and loss and led to quite a discovery of emotions and soul searching which revitalized my faith.
It truly is a work of art that provides a peaceful solace in a time when we are all hoping for brighter days. It will be hard to find another record this year that can match or challenge the passion that David Rosales gives us with “Smile”.
To find out more about David Rosales and his debut record visit:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Drosales
Official Website: http://www.DavidRosalesMusic.com
SMILE by David Rosales.
ALBUM/COVER (Photo) Dori Savino Lawrence
(Art Direction and Design) Chris Nagle.
Produced by Mark Renk
All Songs written by David Rosales.
David Rosales (Vocals + Guitar)
Olivia May (Vocals)
Zac Rae (Organ)
Vern Monnett (Dobro, Pedal Steel)
Mark Renk (Percussion & Piano)
Steve Abel (Bass Guitar)
Phillip Peterson (Cello)
Jeff Kollman (Nylon String Guitar)
Kevin Chown (Upright Bass)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Vinyls are back and I don't mean your couch!
I remember years ago when my oldest son Ryan was going through our CD collection and came across our box of Vinyl Records. I think it was maybe 4 or 5 years and he might have been 9 or so. He loved the big pictures and thought they were so "Cool" to hang on the walls of "his" garage. He was getting into Rock and Roll Music and had reclaimed our family garage as "Rockin' Ryan's Garage". His musical Man cave, cross that out, BOY CAVE. It had guitars on the wall, a seven piece Pearl drum set that he got from his cousin Elyse and stacks and stacks of CDs and music magazines on the shelves. The little Rocker was born.
He would listen to our Motley Crue, Poison, Ratt CDs but when he found this big box with these big pictures on it and we tried to tell him that is what we used to listen to for music, he thought the photos were so cool. We had organized lots of our CDs into these nice big black leather binders sorted alphabetically with the CD covers in front of the pockets. But here were these big record cases ranging from the 1970's to the 1990s. His favorites he picked out were Led Zeppelin; "In through the Out Door", Quiet Riot; "Metal Health", Guns 'n Roses; "Appetite for Destruction", Nirvana; "Nevermind" and Sonic Youth. These he took out and hung proudly on the garage walls. They would sit there for years and travel throughout the house moves, never to be opened and discover the LP inside.
Fast forward to November 2011, Ryan now 13, pulls out my old LPs and finds our old turntable that I have sitting around. He plays Guns n Roses and sits back and listens to the whole album. He then proceeds to pull out all the LPs and randomly plays songs from them. He has this look like he has discovered something special. He cranks up the speakers, he listens carefully and he then comes inside as if to tell us he has some very important news. He then sits down to ask what happened to Records? Why do we not listen to them if the sound quality is so much better and crisper. He goes on to tell us how he discovered new music on so many songs that he had heard hundreds of timees before. Stephen and I looked at each other and smiled, a big Cheshire cat smile. "Our son is a true music aficionado", we exclaimed! We knew long ago the difference of the sound quality and how as soon as CDs and Ipods were the norm, people had settled by replacing "quality" with "convenience".
Ryan had then demanded to replace his 1000+ CD collection with the Vinyl LPs. Of course after we told him how that might be impossible since many CDs do not come on LP version, we decided to take him to all of our favorite used record stores. These are the same stores he would go to in search of used CDs of 80's Rock, Glam, Heavy Metal Bands. Now he was in search of Vinyl and he was hooked. He first bought up all the "Motley Crue" section at Vinyl Solutions, our favorite home town record store. He now has a 200+ long list of his "Wanted" LPs and takes it with him whenever we shop in the city at Rasputin, Amoeba Records, The Last Record Store and of course online via ebay and craigslist.
For his 14th birthday in December, he didn't ask for a new guitar, or a new bass drum for his set, or a jacket from Forgotten Saints (that he asked for Xmas!) this time he wanted his own Record Player, not a USB turntable. His own Record Player with Speakers. The special thing was that my Mom gave Ryan my father's Record Player that he had in his house for many years playing his Bobby Darrin, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Records. My father passed away in September 2011 and Ryan was very close to my father so when he got the record player he was doubly excited. To have a piece of his grandfather's history and be able to create his own history playing his favorite Vinyls, that was a dream come true. He has made us proud. So now, when one of his favorite bands comes out with a new CD, he checks their website to see if they have an LP of it. If not, he has begun emailing them with requests. The other day, we caught him doing a blind sound test with his friends playing Motley Crue's "Shout at the Devil" on his record player versus his Ipod. Afterwards, his friend came in to tell us that he is going to ask his parents for one of those record player things.... Ahhh... so maybe all things do come back into style. Ryan now has over 150 LPs and is growing that collection strong. Now let me see if I can find my roller skates and pull out some Xanadu... well maybe not. Hope he never finds my brother's 8 tracks.
~Marisol
I couldn't finish this without listing my top 5 Records that Ryan found of mine:
5. Gary Wright "Dream Weaver" I think I stole this one from one of my older sisters. I loved the title song!
4. Def Leopard "Pyromania" - This whole album reminds me of my times cruising the El Camino in high school. Those were the days back in San Mateo.
3. Andy Gibb - "Shadow Dancing" - Still inside to this day is my handwritten note to Andy Gibb asking him to go to the Winter Formal with me. I never finished. I reread it and decided, I was such a dork!!
2. The Rolling Stones "Sticky Fingers" I think this was one of my brothers, I think I almost felt like I owned "pornography" when I had this one hidden under my bed for years!
1. Eddie Money "No Control" This was my old life history rapped up on a record.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
BlackBox 13 is hitting heavy with it's Rock
Several of you have asked for more information on a couple of the bands from my Top Ten Bands of 2011 List. I wanted to formally introduce to a Kick Ass Rockin' Band that hails from the city lights of Las Vegas.
As you know the saying, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". Well if you get to see Black Box 13 you better not keep it a secret. This band is making headway fast in the hard rock scene even though they only formed in September of 2011. BlackBox 13 is Cory Kay, Joe Nassar, Joe Wiehl and Todd Turgeon. Talk about a perfect fit and jumping right into the fire. These guys definitely deliver. You have Joe Wiehl delivering powerful guitar riffs, Cory Kay with his pounding basslines, heavy hitting drumming by Todd Turgeon and top it off with the deep yet smooth vocals by Joe Nassar.
These four guys came together and immediately began writing their own songs. It is a collaboration that has quickly paid off since they were soon booked at several spots on the Strip shortly after their formation. So many bands struggle right out of the gate and it takes months to get a booking. Well, these guys made their presence known on the Vegas scene and word is quickly spreading about them.
It is refreshing to see a new band come out with a wealth of talent and energy that is easy displayed through their 3 song EP. I was excited to hear that they will be playing at The Whiskey in Hollywood on January 20th. This is right in the middle of the NAMM show that I will be attending and it will be quite a thrill. To be playing at The Whiskey during NAMM week is quite an honor. Last year, during the NAMM show, Steven Adler with Adler's Appetite played at the Whiskey. It is not only a time where other musicians go to enjoy and hang after long days at the Convention. If you are planning on going to NAMM, make sure to mark your calenders and be sure to get tickets early. I have a feeling these are going to go quick.
For more information on tickets for BlackBox 13 show at The Whiskey; click here.
So now that you know them, go get your fix of some good true rock and crank up some BlackBox 13.
~ Marisol
Additional information on BlackBox 13 can be found on the following sites:
Photograph courtesy of Karen Mandell Photography
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