Wild Cat from Dixie

Oh my god. The last post on here is 14 days old, and can y'all believe how much has changed in these 14 days? If I'm allowed a little joke, can't believe it took a world crisis to finally accept my lifestyle. Don't hate me for laughing at this ''stay at home'' crap, I already am at home all the time, on tumblr 24/7 or binge watching a new obsession, cough Stranger things cough. Anyways, in all seriousness, quarantine / social distancing (says a girl who avoids humans everyday all the time) is needed for our own safety, because a collapse of the entire health system is something we can't afford.  And of course in these turbulent times we get hit twice as hard with new government, led by the spawn of Hitler and Satan. Ugh. This and people throwing punches over toilet paper makes me believe that an apocalypse is upon us.

Taking a break from reading Scooby Doo comics and trying to finish one of the MANY unfinished drawings, I'm going to continiue the thread from the post below and do another similar artist review. This album though might actually be my favourite country album ever created. It's brilliant, first second to last. Brilliant.

I have a ''problem with Kip. Huge one. A huge crush kinda problem. From his personality, face, angel voice, it all fits. Perfect baby angel. He pretty much stormed the music scene in 2012 when his album ''Up all night'' came out. I remember hearing the very song that shares the albums title in a TV show I loved, ''Heart of Dixie''. Y'all be serious, country boys driving Chevelle SS, small town vibe. Y'all know I'm all over that. And having a cute, happy ending didn't harm either. I'm disappointed with tv show endings too often, yes I'm looking at you Game of thrones, and also Vamp diaries, and also The Originals, and also Sons of Anarchy.

There's a little detail I love about him, after college he sold what he had told everyone to fuck off and moved to a ''hut'' on the beach in Hawaii, lived there for a year, did surfing and stuff. And here I am thinking how badly I want to do that too. Well I'd probably chose Fiji not Hawaii but you get the point. No worries, no stress, no drama, just you and the beach and the ocean. Must be magical.

Wild Ones was released in August 2015 and actually the start up for this album wasn't too good, in October 2013 ''Young love'' was announced, barely made it to 22 on the charts. Having underpreformed like it did, (which I still don't get, I mean it's a great song, and the video is perfect) it was followed by ''Dirt road'' I can relate to that one, some of my happiest memories happened on dirt roads. But ''Dirt road'' didn't even make it to top 40. I repeat the fuck is wrong with people? After that the album was scraped and new material was written. ''I'm to blame'' (me too Kip, all the time) was the lead single for the album. Maybe rewriting wasn't such a bad thing, it gave us an amazing album but I can't help and wonder, what if the original work was even better? I mean ''Young love'' and ''Dirt road'' are still on Wild ones, and I love both songs.

Of course as per usual I read way too much negativity about this album. The lyrics being vapid? Right okay, I'm sorry but country music never was particulary deep and some of us like to relax with songs about raising hell on the weekends, getting busy in those backseats and drinking moonshine by a bonfire. Sometimes simple is the best because let's be serious, I don't always want to think, and search for higher meaning and purpose, sometimes I just want my windows down, cruising around, lipgloss on and loving life. You're right, wondering when did I ever do that, but close enough.

This album in general is not that much of a country album, it's really more of an easy rock album. Kip is not what you'd really expect when one says ''country artist'' for some reason instantly Willie Nelson pops into my head, and Kip is more…I don't even know, Bon Jovi when he went solo? That's the vibe he's giving me anyways. So really Wild ones? It's a rock album.

It starts with ''Wild ones'', and he's been opening shows with this song as well. And I imagine it must be amazing live, not that I'll ever get the chance to see it. That's the problem of country fans in Europe, these artists just don't play here. Sigh. The song starts off slow, and slowly grows up to a stronger beat which shows clearly that this is not another ''Up all night'' album. I like the lyrics to be fair because we're all a bit ''Wild'' sometimes and we need to blow off some steam.  And the lyrics ''with the ones your mama said to run from, the ones your daddy kept you from'', that's something ironically people say about me too. I guess being constantly dressed in leather, black, and biker boots is paying back.

''Come and get it'' is next. Which is basically about ''Girl what's the matter with you, can't you see it when I'm standing right in front of you?''. Well. Honestly, I ask myself the same question, what is the matter with me? Kip, love, all you have to do is ask, and I'd come ''Running for you''. It's a strong song, great drums, great guitars, and a very Springsteeny voice. I'm telling you this is a rock album.

Album goes on with ''Girl of the summer''. Before I actually heard this song I got the whole Don Henley ''The boys of summer'' vibe, which funny enough is one of my songs. I really like it, that one and in different versions too. This one is not like it at all. It's a bit like the ''old Kip'', from his debut album. The theme is familiar, you know missing a summer romance (Grease much?) but I suppose for me it's more, missing summer time. I get serious seasonal depression when summer ends each time. I am not a cold, wet, winter, autumn being. I'm only ''happy'' or something close to it anyways, during spring and summer. Gray, murky, weather is killing me.

''Magic'' is epic. You close your eyes and listen and you can just imagine a packed stadium, with everyone singing along. Well maybe not these days, concert dates being cancelled left and right. While we're at it, it's so hard to explain to people why this is so hard. Of course I understand why it's being cancelled, and I wouldn't have it any other way, there's no need to risk anyone's health but what's hard is, concerts are something I plan ahead, to have something to look forward to, to have something to ''keep me going''. Some days to keep me sane and breathing, and it's hard when that security is shattered. To some people music is very important, not just noise, not just, something to fill boring, quiet days. ''Magic'' is a magical song, it describes a love like fairy tale. Brings us back to my ramblings of, don't we all want that? A love like fairy tale.

''That was us''. Oh my god! I love that song so much. Because as much as I love things being fast paced and loud, I love it just as much if not more when things slow down. This is a song where his voice is really on the stand, vocals have the center stage and you just hear the pure talent. Angel voice like I always say. It's amazing. The song it self might be more of a pop song than say a rock ballad or even a country song but it's amazing non the less. Same old story about having a good time with old friends. ''Glory days''. There's a reference also to the friends being on their way to shoot a guy, for in Brantleys words ''putting his hands on a woman''. Violence and murder aside these lyrics always make me restore some faith in humanity, because there's still men who are gentlemen out there, who don't abuse women, who don't threathen and punch, are not sleazy, who don't send you dick pics or think you're flirting with them and leading them on simply because you're being nice.

''Lipstick'' is an 80's anthem type song. Traveling all over the world (well USA in this case) just to get back home to his lady. To ''Kiss her lipstick''.  I mean the point is more focused on where he's been, all places listed and a bit less on the woman, but still, which girl doesn't want that? A man that says he could be anywhere in the world but he choses to be with her instead? Hint. Every girl wants that. The song is probably more a song that shows a glimpse into life on the road.

Next song is ''What ya got on tonight?'' and it's one of my faves too, because it's a fun, upbeat, dancey song. If this song doesn't make you get up and dance nothing will. Song sings about several women which he most likely sees on the road, on tour, but still missing the most beautiful one of all at home. I particulary find myself in the lyric ''I bet you're wearin' that ball cap, Top Gun Ray Ban, lookin' like a star from the 1980's, tell me honey, how did I become your man''. If only, if only, hah, that last part. Else this is a line for me, I love ball caps turned backwards, I love Top Gun, I love aviators especially Ray Bans, and I always tell everyone I'm basically stuck in the 80's. Obviously this is my song. Mostly when I'm alone, in my underwear and actually pink knee high socks like he sings, making food in the kitchen, dancing along to it and a dog looking at me like l lost my marbles. I'd say this is as close to carefree as I know to be.

''Heart's desire'' is a song, well obviously it's a song, hah, a song that makes you feel all the feels. You know when you fuck up bad, and lose the person you love? And how it feels like choking and shaking in cold sweat? Yeah that's what the song is about. But it's maybe also a little hopefull, okay he fucked up, he's sorry but she's still his hearts desire, maybe there's still hope for a happy ending? Yea, I hate Valentines day with a burning passion but yet I'm still a hopeless romantic and hope for happy endings in everything.

''All I know is sometimes you love it, sometimes you hate it, but what good's love if it ain't a little complicated?''. ''Complicated'' describes everything perfectly, about how sometimes love is great and sometimes love is hard, and relationships are hard, and your special someone can drive you crazy, but then when things are good, they are really good and worth all the trouble and heart ache. It's a bit more realistic, comparing it with Magic, because in Magic love is a fairy tale and we all know not many people actually experience that, ever. And here in ''Complicated'' things are as they are, not everything is always perfect and that's okay.

The albums lead song ''I'm to blame'' is perfect okay? Not taking any critique at all because it is perfect. It's more country  than anything on this album because there's a very strong sound of banjo coming through, and it's all about this perfect badass angel that is Kip Moore. I find if awfuly relatable, specially in it's begining ''If it ain't broke, you can bet that I'm gonna break it, if there's a wrong road, I'm damn sure gonna take it. Where there's smoke, my pocket lighter sparked the fire, where there's blue lights, just read me my rights''. Yeah. That. I find myself in it a lot, breaking things mostly relationships, taking a hundred wrong turns and roads just to you know ''be sure'' and never mind them blue lights. We're not on friendly terms. The video for this song is so cool, the wedding crashing, the whole ''we just have to show up in suits not wear them'' thing, the shirt Kip is wearing, and lets not even start with his gorgeous baby blue eyes. Sigh.

''That's alright with me'' is another typical country anthem, about loving whiskey and women. Hey I get it who doesn't? I love Tennesse whiskey, and tight denim clad women? Hey don't judge, if it's a pretty girl, I'll turn around to admire in the streets any day of the week. I love the message that shines through here, about being who and what you are and making no apologies for that. I respect that, too few people are bold and brave enough to be who they are these days. Stay just as you are babe, ''country, hippie, a wildcat from Dixie'' that's how we love you most.

Oh my gosh ''Running for you'' is the same thing as ''That was us''. Slow song with powerful, beautiful vocals. You can clearly see growth in his voice since the first album. This is a love song. Saying he would never stop you or stand in between your dreams, but if things go wrong, if it turns out those ''big city lights'' are not what you thought, kinda like in Poisons Fallen angel, all you have to do is call his name and he'll come running for you. Romantic. That Disney happy, perfect, forever ending. The type of ending that in real life just doesn't exist no more. I guess that's why we need music, art, poetry, we're desperate to know that these things still exist, or desperate to know that we're not the only ones feeling like we do.

Album closes with ''Comeback kid'', which for a change has a piano intro and a voice that sounds a bit different than it does on most songs.  It's more emotional and raw and that's exactly what makes it a perfect closure for this album. ''Comeback kid'' is a theme that we all can relate to at some point in our lives. It's about a man struggling to get back on his feet after going through some hard times and asking his lady not to give up on him. True love doesn't give up right? True love is patient and kind. I don't know if it's true or not, he never said, but the piano and the emotional way this song is presented with raw vocals, it feels personal, like there's some deeper meaning to him than just a song with a story.

There is also a deluxe version of this album that has a couple more songs. It's not a country album, Dolly Parton is country, Johnny Cash is country, this is more rock than anything. It's modern, it's fun, it's upbeat, makes you sing and dance along. The type of music that lifts your spirits, and if that doesn't help, then hell Kip's smile sure will. I loved every single second of this album and if you're ever interested in trying something new then pick it up, maybe you'll be surprised.

Else the quarantine, lockdowns, avoiding social contact (basically everything I've been doing all my life) here's a little advice where you can run off to these days; Asgard, Narnia, Middle-Earth, Hogwarts, A galaxy far, far away, Alicante or possibly Arendelle. Stay kind and safe out there you guys, we're all in this crap together. Keep an eye on your neighbours and family and mostly stay healthy.

Oh baby, let me love it gone.

I'm sitting here thinking how much I'm missing concerts. Last time I saw a good rock show was last year June 20th when I saw Def Leppard and Whitesnake in Milano. Then of course Cher on my birthday and lastly a more or not local band which is a Beatles tribute band on December 7th. But really I'm missing the ''thrill and the action''. How do people live not going to shows at all is beyond me. I miss it so much. But concerts these days are just crazy expensive (what the actual fuck ticketmaster?!) and also the bands I want so bad (except GN'R) not touring EU properly (I'm looking at you All time low and My chemical romance). Funny concerts were my ultimate happy place, the only good things in my life. And then when I put the darkness aside I can actually see that there are other happy parts of my life still. Little rays of sunshine in a sky that seems permanently dark.

A lot has happened in the past two weeks. Well actually these past two months. It's been a rough start of the year in many views. But actually, it's been a very good start of the year in many other views. There were a lot of small personal victories that may seem completely unimportant or ''no big deal'' to outsiders but honestly, for me? They mean the world. I'm too bothered by the society and what it thinks is important and a milestone and blah blah blah. And that gets in the way of me enjoying what really matters. To me anyways. To be fair some days even getting out of bed can be an achievement on its own.

Distancing yourself from the ''normal'' and what you ''should be'' and ''should do'' is probably the only way to be happy. I lived my life in the past two years only going three steps forward and two steps back. Nothing really worked out right. And to be fair I think my negative energy and approach contributed to it. I think it really is true that you attract what you give out. Anyway point of this is that last week something I was so afraid of was happening. I was dead scared of failure and this time I literally gave myself a stern talking to, ''you got this'' ''there's no reason to be afraid''. Which is both true and also false. I had a lot to be afraid of. But then, looking at it back now, what the hell was I so afraid of in the first place? Failure? Yeah it sucks but you pick yourself up and you try again, and again, untill you make it. Fear will pass, meet it head on and get the fuck over it. It's hard I know, believe me I do. But, the things we're most afraid of end up being the best things in our lives.

Fear almost stopped me from doing a lot of things in my life and looking back now I am so glad it didn't. So glad that I was brave, so glad that I pushed through because it really paid off. It wasn't easy but it was worth it. And you're gonna think I'm either drunk or crazy or suffered a severe brain injury when I share this with you. In moments like these, fear, anxiety, tension, it's actually not hard rock or heavy metal what I ''run to''. It's different kind of music. Easy, simple, fun…I can just repeat my friends horrofied words ''who ruined you'' I guess living in the country side for so long ruined me and being stuck in the city makes me appreciate things I miss now a lot more.

I guess you figured out what kinda music I have in mind by now but in case you don't. Country music. Looking it up online you see the definition of it being ''western'' or ''hillbily music''. But did you know that it actually originated from folk music and blues in the early 1920's in the southern USA. It's actually the kinda music that consists of ballads and dancy songs with simple lyrics mostly about trucks, dogs, girls, beer which trust me is better than Anaconda and Yummy every day of the week (seriously Justin Bieber? What the fuck was that?). But seriously today, the genre evolved so much that it doesn't even sound country anymore, more like easy rock, easy pop. I mean you got Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton (all amazing artists) and you got new artists like Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Brantley Gilbert, who sound nothing like them and yet amazing in their own way.

I have a lot of country artists I love, some even more than rock musicians (enter horrofied gasps). My best friend used to say that country music can teach women how their men should treat them. True story. Southern gentlemen type. And to this day I still believe that every bad day can be fixed by getting out of the city, driving down country roads, windows down, country music up and there's that. Nothing more I need.

So here we are for one of such cowboy angels with a beautiful voice, whos CD was quite overplayed in my car. I really like this album as a whole. It's Luke Bryan's fifth studio album and it's all about working hard, playing hard, loving hard, drinking hard and I love it. The album wasn't overly popular with the critics, I mean I keep saying they're assholes don't I? But really that's how it is with country music, you either love it or hate it no gray area in between.

The album starts with ''Kick the dust up'' which was a huge hit, his 2015 tour was called ''Kick the dust up tour'' and actually it produced rave reviews from the fans and three sold out shows in NH. It's such a fun song, catchy, and it does make you want to dance. Possibly dance with Luke, y'all seen him dance? No joke strippers and pole dancers should take notes. Hot.

Album goes on with ''Kill the lights'' which is both kinky and romantic and it's hard to actually strike that perfect combo and make a song that can be both and this one is, you know, a boy and a girl and a truck parked on a country road or a farmers field, and you ''Kill the lights'' and you know how it goes from that point on…I got to say it brings out quite a lot of memories, fun ones, in trucks and dirt roads after dark.  ''We can feel all the way through, let me just hold on to you, baby trust my hands, live it up while we still can.''

The mood continiues with ''Strip it down''. I'm seeing a pattern here, stripping, sexy dancing, making out in cars,…Luke you bad boy! Hah. but well I wouldn't mind him stripping for me. Possibly with some sexy dancing, on the hood of that pickup. Shut up and let a fan girl dream will you? I actually love the video as well, just naughty enough and creative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2BWyY4B36Y

Y'all know which of the two would win with me don't you? Hah.

''Home alone tonight'' is a duet with Karen Fairchild, great song, parts of it really show that he's not just some ''hillbilly singer'' but has some serious vocals, strong, powerfull and yet a ballad can melt your heart. Lyrics are a cliche sorta, breakup, drowning misery in booze and meeting someone new while doing so. We've all been there weren't we? Hell, I was drowning a breakup, met someone while doing that and caused myself another heartbreak years later. Funny how life changes huh?  But this has a happier ending, two people meet and nobody goes home alone. And really, their voices compliment eachother so nice, which makes this a great song.

''Razor blade'' is my song. '' You're blindfolded walking south down the whiskey tracks,…''. Yeah. I get a Bruce Springsteen vibe with this song. The story telling, the walking into a dark part of the town. It's obviously a song with strong emotion written and preformed very emotionally, that's probably why people can relate. Why I can relate.

How about ''Fast'' though? Life goes by too fast kinda thing. Yes, it does. The good things you're looking forward to, counting down to, they end up too fast. You're hating every day of high school and then bam it's over with a blink of an eye. We all find ourselves wishing we'd be back in Bruce's ''Glory days'', back when things were simple and easy and fun. This song was written by Luke, because you know, he doesn't write all his music himself, but it's songs like this one that show that he could, should, write all his music.

I also love ''Move'' even if the video was disappointing. I mean Luke, if you can dance like THAT, then why on earth are you such a good boy in the video? I mean sure the lyrics aren't too deep, just a guy probably staring a girls while she's dancing, but you know what? I get it, I get a bit lost watching him dance too, so really, it's a fun song, I enjoy over playing it, dancing along to it. Actually there was an occassion when I danced to it and clothes were coming off. Uh oh.

And then there's ''Love it gone'' which may be one of my favourite songs by Luke. He didn't write it though but you know it still screams Luke. We all know how amazing his marriage is and I can just imagine that things this song sings about play a part in it. I know he is like that. I often say it's all I want. What this song is about. There's not much more a woman wants from her man, so boys pay attention, play the song, and learn a thing or two. Ladies do the same but maybe with ''Strip it down'' instead. Hah. Seriously though if this song doesn't just make you melt into a puddle of unicorn glitter then please move to Jötunheimr because that's where your cold heart belongs.

Other songs on this album are ''Just over'', ''Way way back'', ''To the moon and back'' and ''Huntin', Fishin', and Lovin' every day''. I love all except that last one. Cons of loving country music, it's creators are usually hunters and we all know how I feel about that. But you know, I'm not a raging vegan I respect other peoples way of life even if it goes against everything I believe in.

Album closes with ''Scarecrow''. OH! Like MCR. Kinda. Hah. Another very typical song, small towns, country life, dirt roads, no matter where you go, your heart will always belong home kinda thing you know? And I get that, I miss that too. I miss long warm summer nights out in the bed of my daddys truck, watching the stars with no place to go. I miss that ''freedom'' we had, I miss sneaking out booze and bonfires. I miss the music, the laughter, the happiness. It feels so far away when you're stuck in a cold, dark city. Which is perhaps why I love this album, it's a mix of everything the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. It can make you dance and it can make you bleed on the inside. I loved every single moment of listening to it for the first time and still enjoy it now.

Won't tell you to play it because you'll love it this time, we know how it goes right. You either love it or you don't hah. So if you're into this type of music then you already know this album and love it as much as I do. And if you're not, then, seriously, what the hell are you still doing here?

Alright, here's to new small victories, hope you all manage to overcome a fear or two, believe me it feels amazing and one day when you look back, you'll laugh at how silly being afraid was in the first place.