It's meant to be.

Here's a question for my non artistic (and also non autistic) people out there. Do you ever stop to admire art and beauty all around you? I admit lately that feels impossible to find. Where there used to be beauty,  it's now just darkness. But I meant more appreciating random small moments of beauty. What is art essentially? I like to look at it more fluidly than just a statue, or a painting. A person can be art, don't you think? I found myself at an airport just watching people, observing that small moment of their lives, where for that tiny fraction of time your lives collide and you exist at the same time in the same space. Have you ever noticed too, how a hug goodbye and a hug hello are completely different? That was art to me, I got an overwhelming desire to sketch these random moments in time, before they pass me by. The times we live in are so dark and so overwhelming, we really should learn to appreciate even the tiniest rays of love, hope, sun, beauty, art...

But then again, what do I know about beauty, what does any one of us know? In the words of my dearest Mr. Poe ''There is no exquisite beauty without some strangeness in the proportion''. 

I'm writing this offline, I needed a little breather, to step away from the internet. All the darkness on there is absolutely destroying me. Bit by bit. I have a hard time watching Palestine, I mean it's not like our news or any news is covering it, but I see enough from brave young reporters, and it is absolutely killing me. I am embarrassed to be in the so called sophisticated free world, in Europe that is supposedly evolved and god knows what else, and it doesn't lift a finger to help those people, but as soon as Yemen poses a tiny economical threath they get bombed. Okay. I see how it is. But at least I can be proud of my country today, unlike Germany who is on the fast track back into 1938, we are joining South Africa as the first (possibly only?) EU country. And that, that I am proud of. 

I actually came here to do a quick album review, I didn't have enought time to read, lousy excuse I know, but the time I had, I spent drawing, and playing this album on my iPod. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Bob Seger is such an underrated artist. And I know, I know many of you will say ''you just love him because of that Risky Business'' scene. No. I don't. I actually never watched Risky Business (gasp! the horror I know!) so I didn't even know what songs are in it, I loved Bob since forever, because he always reminded me of Bruce Springsteen, which is kinda funny if you think about the fact that Bruce actually inspired the song ''Night moves''. And I always loved the way his songs are whole movies, and his voice is so velvety smooth...

Against the wind is actually Bobs 11th studio album and I believe the fourth to feature the Silver bullet band (e street band vibes much?). It is unfortunally also the only number one album which spent six weeks on the American album charts. This is my underated artist issue. All of his albums deserve to be number ones. Not to mention that his career started in the early 60's, but he only really gained fame and success with ''Night moves'' which came out in 1976. Did y'all even know that the super famous Kenny Rogers song ''We've got tonight''? Is actually Bobs? Just saying.

Now this album is interesting, it kinda jumps back and forth from upbeat rock n roll kinda songs, to powerful, deep, meaningful ballads. I always loved that about an album, some variety, some diversity, listening to an album where all 13 to 15 songs sound absolutely the same is boring. It starts of with ''The Horizontal Bop'' my mind goes straight to Poison and ''Unskinny bop'' and they're nothing alike of course but what'cha gonna do...Horizontal bop is kinda heavy, bluesy with this extended musical part at the end. I mean I love that I can hear Chuck Berry in this song, and lets be serious we all know this song is about sex right? And that sells, but on the other hand the negative critique also amuses me, the critics that went after him saying this song will have negative ramifications for women such as unwanted pregnancy....ha.ha.hahaha.hahahahaha. Y'all for real? First thing first, is a pregnancy just a womans problem / fault? And also...I mean I don't know what the hell went down in the 80's, but I can't imagine blaming a song for stupid mistakes. It would have to be November Rain and Axl Rose himself singing it to me in the shower, and even then I can't imagine banging someone just because of a good song that implys sex. Ridiculous. Does that mean Prince is responsible for half of todays population then? Just asking. For a friend. 

That aside, the song is fun but for me it loses all meaning because of the second song. Oh my god let me tell you something I absolutely love it! No, still not enough to sleep with someone because of it, but might have it playing while sleeping with someone I already intended to sleep with. ''You'll Accomp'ny me'' is everything I love about music. It has that story, the melody, the love, the passion. The song is all about longing, longing for love, for companionship, and desire to find someone, someone you can trust to be there through all ups and downs in life. Somone who loves you for you, someone who stays when everyone else walks out. It talks about the basic human need of connection and most importantly hope, hope for a better future, hope of finding your person, hope of someone coming along and sharing all of lifes troubles and wins. The lyrics paint so much vulnerabilty and his voice paints so much emotion, that is what makes this song amazing in my book. 

''I'll take my chances babe, I'll risk it all, I'll win your love, or I'll take the fall, I've made my mind up girl, it's meant to be, someday lady you'll accomp'ny me''.

You just can't beat lyrics like this, and you can't beat the message, a man who knows despite all of the obstacles, roadblocks, other directions life may take you or fear that's stopping you, someday him and the woman of his dreams will be together, not because he decided but beacause it's meant to be. Maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic. Blame the part of me that's Italian, but this...this is everything. 

And opposed to everything we get back to the rockerish, some called it ''screechy voiced'' (I'm looking at you Bill King) song ''Her Strutt''. It's been said to be ''objectifying women'' deep sigh. I mean we went over this before with Cherry Pie didn't we? Why is saying you love watching women strut sexist though? I mean...I honestly do not get it? I might be missing some modern woke point of the story, but I can honestly say as a woman, watching a powerful woman in high heels, STRUT on her way to possibly destroy a man who done did her wrong...that's hella attractive, and at the end of the day men will always find women sexual, confident women are always attractive, and I fail to see the problem in that, problem is belitelling women and problem is lack of consent, not enjoying a nice view. In my opinion. And possibly, just maybe, anyone considered that the word strut just sounds grittier and works better in this song? I don't think ''walk'' would have the same effect. 

The other two songs on this side of the album are also ''No Mans land'' which is kinda hard to listen for me, to be fair. It was written in 1980s and honestly the lyrics (if you actually listen to them) they talk about exactly what I feel is wrong with this world today. The land is not literal land it's just a state of loneliness and uncertainty and fear, which is what I feel runs this planet and messes up all our lives. It's about fear grounding us to the same place, and essentially keeping us from real happiness. Maybe that's what we should fear the most? Fear itself. As the song says, we're constantly searching for something better, something different but we're rarely willing to take on fear and risk it all. And the last song, ''Long twin silver line'' is probably a bit of a filler song, I mean okay I like the meloday that goes in a great ascend in the verse but that's about it.

Now side two starts with ''Against the wind'' obviously, as the name of the album says. I got into an argument once with an idiot over this song. Not fully understanding how he could actually take it so literal, this song is just talking about going against the wind, like sailing, you can't sail against the wind. Sure. You can't. But that is not what this song is about. This is a song about growing up, about getting older, not old, just older, about maturing, about pushing through all of lifes bullshit, heartbreak, sadness, love, exploration, betrayal and good things too, good things that don't need pushing trough, lets call them as we Italians call them ''bonaccia'', my sea loving friends will understand. Pretty sure the idea came from his time of running track, he was a fantastic runner, I bet that came in handy with them crazy fan girls huh? Anyways he would literally run against the wind so I take it that's where the idea is from. At the end of the day what we should take away from this song it's not getting older or life changing, we should take away prioritising, what and who's important in our lives. We rarely do that, we keep rocks and throw away diamonds, we lose time on things that don't matter, we prioritise people that don't deserve it and let those that do slip away. Sometimes people love you and sometimes people use you. As Bob said. But people in this song? They survived the storm, they came out victorious and it made them stronger. And just a side note did ya know Glenn Frey sings back vocals here? Them two were literally best friends.

Ok I love ''Good for me''. Like the song aside for a moment, but how many times in life do we actually ask ourselves if something is ''good'' for us? I sure as hell never do or I'd not be chugging down that fourth glass of whiskey, that I know will come back to bite me in the ass later, or keep around toxic relationships that do nothing but hurt me. I sure as fuck haven't learned yet what IS good for me, given that I still despite everything let certain people walk all over me. But lets get back to the song. This is a song about that one special person that brings out the best in you. The person you know you can be you around, no judgement, no bullshit, nothing but love, just the best version of you you can be. He sings about a woman obviously, but it can be applied to a man too, a person who sucks at being phony, doesn't know how to lie, doesn't pretend or play games, a person that understands space and understands needing support. ''Always by my side, always in the right place at the right time''. A person who's presence in your life makes everything better, positive, happier. I love that this song just paints a picture of a happy balanced relationship, both sides supporting and loving towards eachother, making each others lives richer and contribute to each others growth and happiness. I used to wonder if this song is based on a myth. Do relationships like this still exist? No games, no cheating, no abuse, just love? Is that possible in this day and age? It is. Trust me. It so is. But it's fucking rare, if you got it, ever ever let it go. 

I don't think I have to disect Betty Lou's gettin' out tonight'' do I? We were all Betty Lou at some point. Young, rebellious, fed up with our small minded towns or surroundings just wishing to escape. I mean I grew out of my teen angst but the feelings remained, I still wish I could get away more often then not. Betty Betty, with friends who enjoy their mundane lives, their kinder kuche kirche routine, and her, a wild spirit that wants to explore and get away, see the world, have adventures, I get you Betty, fuck societys rules and expectations and live the life non of us could. She's fictional so who else can do it if not her? Are there songs out there btw who don't dream but do? So many small town situations that crave to escape but are there songs of people who got out and are living the best life? Send them my way if you know them, I am a sucker for happy endings. The both kinds ;) 

''Fire lake'' is sorta a sequel to Betty Lou but in a bad way, there's no happy end. It's a place to escape when everyday life is too much, when things didn't turn the way you wanted or hoped for, aka you didn't get to run away but rather got stuck in some limbo that feels like purgatory most days...and all your dreams are slowly dying (this is a song isn't it...another song...about dying dreams?)...I think this is something we all experience, we all have our own dreams, some are big, some are small, some, like children in Gaza and their dreams, make us look like ungrateful assholes, but mostly I'm learning, no matter how hard you want something, and no matter how hard you work for, some things are just so impossible to reach. I'm not here to bring you down btw, you should never ever never let go of your dreams or stop chasing them because then they really will never come true, I'm just saying that things are becoming harder and harder. But that's exactly what Fire lake is, a song about acceptance and redemption and creating a new beginning, it might not be what you hoped for but it's a start. 

The album closes with ''Shinin' brightly''. And despite me being the ''spare Addams'' and a literal dark stormy cloud...I still like the positivity that radiates from this song. It's essentially about a relationship, of course as I said above the hopeless romantic in me lives for happy endings when those that are meant to be find their way back to each other. But I like to look at it in a bigger picture too, everything is gonna be okay in life too not just love. It's essentially written about hope, a better tomorrow, a happier future for the couple, everything will be okay right? The dark clouds have disappeared and we'll feel better again. A positive message we all need to hear when we're at a low point or just having a bad day. I see it as reasurrance that it can't in fact rain forever, and all our struggles are just temporary. Like GN'R say in my fave verse ''so nevermind the darkness we still can find a way''. That. There's always light even in the darkest period in your life, there is always that light present you just have to find it, and if you can't, you have to be the light, you have to do better, we owe it to this world, that we completely devastated, to be fucking better. I know better than anyone how this is easier said than done believe me. And I know it's easy to give up, and you don't have the strength to fight everyday, and that's okay but overall we can never surrender and never stop fighting for a better tomorrow, for them ''shinin' brightly'' days. We can't let the bastards win, right Gee? 

Anyways I made this longer than I intended but then again I am incapable of making anything short. You should ask my friends and their novel length emails I write, about everything and nothing. Actually feeling blessed they're not done with me yet. 

So what do you guys think? Does the true amore, the one you'd die for still exist? Morticia and Gomez style I mean. Is Bob Seger underrated? What is art really? In your own words...how do you feel about this album? I'd love to hear your opinion for a change. Alas it's Wednesday, or as I like to call it Wineday so cheers to that and to the end of the week. We got this. 

Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.

I need to start this post with a quick apology. I'm sorry there was no Bob Seger post on Friday. Something came up and usually that would mean a concert, a party, trying 5 types of beer in a local bar…truth is I forgot what a concert feels like and what beer tastes like. What happened was I was held up furiously sketching about 50 sketches of Alexi Laiho. I know. I went a little crazy. But I suppose that's my way of coping with a loss of a brilliant musician. These doodles are up on my art IG (purpleskylineart) in case and of you are interested. 

So, how did y'all survive yet another week in lockdown? Is it just me or they keep getting harder to stand? I mean ''fed up'' doesn't begin to cover the emotion of how badly I want this hell to end. Though there may be a light at the end of the tunnel after all. Government says they might start opening stores and other things next week. God bless, it's been a long ''couple'' of months.  You know me and my ''unhealthy'' obsession with tshirts? I mean I stopped counting at like 600 but I assume I have about 1000 at this point, and do you know how long it's been since I bought a new one? Months. How do I live? Though we all know it's tour shirts I want but lets not go there again. 

Alright without too much ranting and rambling I'll get to the point faster today. Album review but not about Bob. Sorry. Next week. An album showing up in my mail box by an artist I absolutely adore made me change my mind. You guys I cried for good ten minutes when unpacking this album. Lol. I know crazy fan girl and all that. It was a gift mind you and I probably don't stress this enough on here but I really do have the best friends on the planet that know how to cheer up a miserable girl. 

Now off to the artist, if you look at the many GIFs at the side you'll see him on the first one. Dark haired in his movie ''The Devils Violinist''. Mr. David Garrett as Niccolo Paganini, who I also love because Paganini for the time he was in was the perfect bad boy. It's a great movie, acting spot on, music obviously too (lets be serious there's nobody who can step into Paganini's shoes so easily) and I will never ever get over the scenes shot in Vienna when I WAS actually in Vienna, not far from the location. Please murder me. Thank you. Though I aint sure what would happen if that pretty boy stood in front of me, I'd probably freeze, cry, pass out, hyperventilate, get choked up, not say a word or scream, possibly in that order. Lol. 

I was lucky enough to see him in 2018 which if you look back you can read about. It was a whole new experience because in theory he's a classical musician and I never saw a classical concert before. Liking this type of music is not out of character mind you, I actually love Beethoven, Bach especially, Mozart, Brahms, Wagner, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Haydn and of course Vivaldi. These are the most famous classical composers of course and all brilliant musical minds. BUT I will not sit here and pretend that anything but the looks dragged me to David Garrett for the first time. Listen I'm a woman, I bleed red, I confess I watched him smile and got all wet. No censorship here. Lol. I came for the looks but stayed for the music, he is incredibly talented and the way he plays is just enchanting.  And before I get into a long rambling worshipping post, here are a few more unshared photos from the concert, firstly because I am DYING without concerts and second because why not. And yes I am aware that the smiley one is blurry. Shit happens, he smiles – I die. 

Perfect aye? Now before I get into the album review, few quick facts about my pretty boy. Musical genius and prodigy of course. German. Record breaking violinist. He held the record for the fastest violinist on the planet, preforming Korsakov's ''Flight of the Bumblebee'' in one minute and 5,26 seconds. Are you aware of how fast that is? 12 or 13 notes per second! Per second you guys! I heard someone topped that record by a second. Not cool man just saying. Not cool. 

David started playing at the age of 4 and plays a Stradivari. I think the violin might be more famous than he is to be honest. Lol. Such beautiful instrument, the craftsmanship, the sound, everything is amazing. They don't make them like that no more, but then again they don't make such masters like Garrett or Stradivari either. Fun fact. David might be the only man my grandmother and I agree on being attractive. Literally she complains over every single man I like, too skinny, too muscly, too tattooed, too blonde, too whatever it is but this one? This one she likes a lot. Lol. Face carved by angels themselves as I always say. That smile you guys. Holy shit I melt. And the style. Sigh. Pull up youtube type in David Garrett Bitter sweet symphony. You're welcome. 

Can I bring back how cutely he learned words in Slovenian language at the show? So if I bring him home for dinner that should be fine with non English speaking family? Right? Oh shut up let a fan girl dream. I can see my boyfriend chewing angrily on a pencil right now on the other side of his Mac. Hah. Think David actually said that Slovenian language is harder than playing Purple rain. Lol. 

I had to chose at the time if I'm seeing Maiden or Garrett, couldn't buy both tickets and my friends are still shocked that I chose David without batting an eye. Well. They don't understand the level of my obsession with this perfect blonde cupcake. 

Right album review, before I get too carried away and end up vividly describing one of my fantasies or fever dreams in which we shower together. It was bloody amazing mind you…

I love all his albums but I think if I had to pick this one might be my favourite. Look at it. Seriously. LOOK.AT.IT. The cover art back and front. The smile you guys. The tattoos. I can't breathe. Now what do you think happens when you put together something this pretty, so gifted and rock music? Absolute freakin perfection of course.

I was actually always all for crossover because it is a way to bring classical music to wider audiences particularly younger generations who lets face it don't have a musical bone in their body to appreciate the perfection and beauty of something like Tchaikovsky's ''Concerto N1''. Playing songs we all know, songs we all love that are on all radio stations all the time, in a new and different and exciting way, might intrigue enough people to actually take a little look at other styles the same musician plays. 

This album was quite highly anticipated. It came out in september 2017. Didn't have to look that up, I remember because I wanted it badly. Lol. Never got one and now that I do, yes currently it's open in the corner of my desk and I might be staring at that back cover. Shut up. Let me be. 

The album obviously contains some of my favourite songs as is but also all the best songs. You've got Phil Collins, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, The Verve,...as well as Concerto N1 and with Davids own unique way of preforming said songs you really see the extraordniary talent.  He once said that each song can be considered as a classical song but the songs that are really melodic and it takes a great deal of effort to turn them into what we can hear on this album. The interpertaion, evolution, discipline, and talent he displays in each and every one of his songs is something to marvel over as is, but he is especially proud of his work on ''Rock Revolution'' and for a good reason. Obviously. The classical interpretation of rock songs is absolutely phenomental. 

You would not believe how much emotion, artistic talent and passion he can pack up in everything he does. It's amazing and he obviously deserves every bit of worshipping he gets. Listen, how many artists can blur the lines completely between Mozart and Metallica? And also how many artists feel completely at home both in classic and in hard rock? And how many artists look quite as gorgeous, perfect, with Prince Charming hair and long lashes and eyes you get lost in like I did just now when I was supposed to write about his playing…playing when his shirt rides a bit higher and you see that tattoo and underwear on full display. Sigh. Is it hot in here or is it me?

Here's the deal if you put this record on, and you listen to his interpreatation, his passion, his moving way in which he delievers his songs, it feels like he's right there with you. The notes just consume you and it's an out of body experience if you allow yourself to really feel the music, to hear each note, to really get lost in the song you listen to. Mindblowing. The type of music that reaches in, touches your soul, rattles your bones, awakens your spirit (awakens something else too, am I right ladies?), I'm not even exeggarating, it really is ALL that. 

Did you know though that there was a cruise ''Stars ar sea David Garrett''? omg. Like it's a boat. At seas. Where he can't run away from crazy fans. Excuse me while all my fantasies run wild. Has anyone ever been at any of these cruises? I honestly never felt the appeal beyond ''getting rid of a body''. Lol. Idk I don't like big boats. We had a sail boat which I loved but these huge cruise ships, packed with people are just not my taste. BUT I may change my mind if one of those passengers would be David. I love the ocean, I love him, it's meant to be right? A romantic ocean sunset and those pretty eyes and hair blowing in the ocean breeze. 

I keep getting carried away damn it. Get it together girl. Listen, here's the point he could be one of many standard violinists with recitals and concertos, classically trained so he never really steps out of his comfort zone, they always did classic so they always will BUT he took the alternative path. Which is besides a way to bring music to new audiences, and a much more creative way to express yourself probably also more profitable. Though I'm quite certain he doesn't care much about that. Y'all seen him right, ripped jeans, scuffy boots (once taped together with silver tape lol) which is oh so sexy but I doubt a typical style for people who care about money much. Speaking of his style, LOVE the bling, some by the Great Frog, the skulls the silver. Beautiful. 

If you like him or not, there's some things you can't deny him, he posseses a level of skill that can't be anything else but respected. He plays violin at a speed that makes your hair stand on end. 13 notes per second. 13! I'm sorry but I literally can not process that.  And then when you think about it, it's one thing to play fast but to play with this technique and feeling? It's completely out of this world. You know how short a single second is? And then rock music? The way he turns any song into a classical version? Amazing. Or simple the instrumental skill and giftedness that he displays in pieces such as ''Carnival of Venice'' or the ''Hungarian Dance No. 5''. That my friends. That is music and a musican who clearly enjoys what he does and actually not enjoys but loves his art with all his heart. And is there anything more attractive than the confidence he displays and a man that has so much passion and also looks like a rock star? I think not. You guys? The eyeliner! I can't breathe.

I do have one complaint or well remark more or less, or suggestion even better. Lol. Since David is German and he plays these amazing rock songs, did a song with Rammstein just recently (Alle tage ist kein Sonntag) I would just love a classical version of a Rammstein or Scorpions song. Imagine his version of ''Wind of change'' or maybe ''Rock you like a hurricane'' I am trying to bite my tongue so hard right now on all possible ideas and scenarios and filthy fantasies ''rock you like a hurricane'' awakens in my mind, because completely random but do you know what his favourite thing to do on a date is? A walk. He loves to take a walk even more in a city like Rome or Paris when it's snowing. Imagine that. The very post under this one I wrote how amazing walking in Rome after rain is. With the glistening pavement and fresh air. Sigh. 

Now to wrap up this post. David is a beautiful man, but lets not just dwell on that. Besides his looks what matters more is his talent and his passion. His music. There are people out there that tend to not take him seriously because of his good looks and general style of clothing and playing and I think those people are just ridiculous. Judging such talent on such superficial things? Proposterous. David brings passion, emotion and a type of musical and artistic insight into everything he does and that should matter much more than his looks. And if that doesn't speak to you about his gift then 16 platinum and 23 gold awards so far should. If you feel like you could give a different artist / music style a chance then you should give one to him, if you can appreciate good music you surely won't be disappointed. Now excuse me while I go feed my fantasies a bit more and watch the Devils violinist again and end this post with the full tracklist of this album, enjoy.

 

A1 ''In the air tonight'' Phil Collins

A2 ''Born in the USA'' Bruce Springsteen

A3 ''Stairway to Heaven'' Led Zeppelin

A4 ''Superstition'' Stevie Wonder

A5 ''Bitter sweet symphony'' The Verve

 

B1 ''Killing in the name'' Rage against the machine

B2 ''Purple rain'' Prince

B3 ''Eye of the tiger'' Survivor

B4 ''Fix you'' Coldplay

C1 ''Concerto N1'' Peter Tchaikovsky

C2 ''The well dressed guitar'' Deep purple

C3 ''You're the inspiration'' Chicago

C4 ''Duel guitar vs. violin'' David Garrett

C5 ''Bohemian Rhapsody'' Queen

 

D1 ''Earth song'' Michael Jackson

D2 ''Baroque reinvention'' David Garrett

D3 ''One moment in time'' Whitney Houston, Albert Hammond

D4 ''Nah neh nah'' Vaya con dios

Jaz nimam noč za spanje ponoči se znorim, ne maram le sanjati jaz sanje rad živim.

I guess I never said, but those of you who know me better than just from these posts know that I despise Facebook. Like honest to god hate it. It's became a pool of negativity, people moaning and bitching and complaining on it all day. So much hate, so much anger,..ridiculous. I recently found out another reason to ''fuel the flames of my fury''. I mean, I suppose it's not a recent thing. It's recent to me because I barely use my profile these days. The thing is there's a ''memory'' option now that allows you to scroll through posts on the day through the years. Now I've been a member of Facebook for a damn long time, and a pretty active member in the early days, so you can imagine that there's a shit ton of highly cringe worthy posts. But what really set me off was the fact that it was my birthday last week which I spent pretty much channeling my inner Bridget Jones. Cake and wine on the sofa, bitching about how last year I was celebrating at a Cher concert. Fuck you Corona. Anyways, scrolling through posts on my birthday, those ''memories'' posts? God good that was a stab to the heart. Messages from people that are no longer in my life, people that are long gone. Friendships that didn't work out…it sucks. So thank you Facebook for this ''brilliant'' idea. Can't wait for more memories I most definatelly DON'T want to see.

So instead of more complaints…I decided that sometimes you gotta write about things you know best. Well, actually, I had quite some issues writing about my own country the other day. I suppose knowing it well and looking at it differently makes it hard to really decide what to write about to make it interesting to other people. There's 50 plus pages I could write on my favourite towns in this country alone, so narrowing it down? Or even deciding which photo to post…yeah that's hard.

But this post shouldn't be. It's about my favorite Slovenian band. And though we have / had quite a number of amazing bands (especially in former Yugoslavia where there was pretty much nothing but rock bands) this one will always remain my favorite band. Plenty of reasons for that but I suppose the strongest one being that they are just badass.

''Šank rock''. The word ''Šank'' translates to ''bar''. Poetic isn't it? What do you need when you're leaning against a bar drinking a nice cold beer? Rock of course. Brilliant name to be honest. Easy, funny, cool. I wrote a bit about them before when rambling about their shows and ''my favorite boys'' but honestly I'm too lazy to check back what I wrote so if some facts repeat I apologise. Else, learn it, live it, love it right?

Now the band formed in 1982 and just looking at them would give you an idea right away why I'm obsessed. You know, leather, Harley shirts, long hair. Though this was in the 90's but… ( click me )

...you get the idea right? Hah. some things just never change. Rock ballads and singers with pretty long hair and I'm dead. While we're at it, I said it before and I'll say it again 2020 sucks so if you need me I'ma head back to the 80's if that's okay with all y'all. All the music! All the musicians! The high waisted jeans and short leather jackets with big hair. Ah! Paradise right there. Young Axl Rose, Sebastian Bach, Jani Lane, Richie freakin Sambora? I'd be a band whore we all know it. Lol. God knows why he put me on this earth 10 years later.

Ok so the band formed in 1982 as I said in a town few km away from me. A town I actually despise and always say that they are the only highlight in it, which believe me is true. First album with the original lineup titled ''Pridite na žur'' (the cover makes me crack up everytime I see it. The hair, the clothes, lol) was released in 1987 soon after they got a manager who was a musician himself. Don't you think that that is how it should be? Only actual musicans or say ex musicians should be managers? Because like there's so much exploitation and abuse of musicians by their managers it's ridiculous. So people who understand them should be the ones to manage them. People that care about music above money. Yeah I'm a dreamer I get it but it sure as hell would be nice.

Anyways with the manager the band really took of, they had a huge media breakthrough and were suddenly famous all over Slovenia while playing mostly down at the sea side. No surprise there, if I was a musician so would I. The nicest places in this country as I said are down by the sea. Is this a good time to say I miss it terribly? Not the band, sea side. Well the band obviously too, no concerts a year is worse than a death sentence for me believe me, but atm I meant sea side. The salty air, sunny skies, nicer people…sigh.

I keep getting sorta carried away, hard to stay on topic. After 1988 when first lineup changes happened and two members left, the band did two more albums ''Dobro in zlo'' which translates to ''good and evil''. I suppose I best shut up right now else I'd have a ''couple'' of things to say on that topic.  In 1990 the third album came out ''Jaz nimam noč za spanje'' / ''my nights are not for sleeping'' I guess, close enough, hard phrase to translate. It's my favourite album in my own language by far. BY FAR. All of the songs are great, all of the music is great, the picture on the back is bitchin. I love everything about it.

In 1991 they decided to replace their guitarist and brought cough my baby cough Bor Zuljan to the band. OH MY GOD you guys he is amazing. I keep saying he could chew an apple with one hand and play with the other.  Or in a naughtier version he could play with one hand and choke you with the other hah. Seriously the man is amazing, he has a god given gift. All other band member changes aside, they actually made an album in the USA back in 1995 called ''Shut up and play'' and there were some disagreements about whether they will stay in USA to continiue their career or go back home. Thank fuck they came back just saying because our music scene sucks enough on it's own without losing literally the best band we have.

It's kinda driving me mad you know. This illusion and drive and obsession with USA. Okay if you're a musician in my country and get the chance take it but say, Finish rockers? What's the point in recording in America that's already over flowing with music? Finland it literally the best country for rock and metal scene and you wanna go to US and create generic mainstreem music? Kill all your originality? Now that I just don't understand. I guess I should go see LA for myself and see what's so fascinating about it. Though I doubt I'd like it. I'm just a small town girl, pretty sure I'd be far more fascinated by the small towns down south. But never mind that back to the band.

Band broke up twice, once in 1998 and once in 2011, then in 2014 they played an ''exclusive show'' on the local festival (yearly event and I am still moping because we didn't have it this july. Fuck you corona), it was supposed to be a one time thing but thank god they decided to continiue their work together because it resulted in an album called ''Restart'' Brilliant aint it? And also my second favourite album titled ''Nekaj več'' (something more) in 2017. That album had the best tour. I saw ''a couple'' concerts and each one was too perfect for words. Wait a second, I just counted past members, literally ten of them. Lol. That's kinda crazy.

This album was recorded in ''Studio Tivoli'' in Ljubljana, which was founded in 1973, it moved some time ago into a smaller location but today it's a studio with 40 plus years of experience and it produced some many albums we love. I think it actually may be the oldest studio on this side of Europe. Thing I read that somewhere. Gosh imagine being the owner of that. The studio written down on the biggest names in music business. Or just records everyone loves. Hell. Must be amazing.

Some of the songs on this album are literally songs you can't listen to online. As incredible as it sounds but they're not on youtube. How crazy is that? Like is there anything that is not on youtube? Clearly these songs.

You can however find the three of my faves ''Le 17'', ''Jaz nimam noč za spanje'' and ''Vse je odšlo''. Le 17 of ''Just 17'' is perfect. Funny lyrics, great guitars, amazing voice and you just have to love it live. Obviously everything is better live but this one really is because the band sounds better live and they're rather ''playful'', teasing eachother, they're funny, adorable and not to mention talented af of course.

''Jaz nimam noč za spanje'' the title track of this album is just beyond badass. It's my jam you guys, the song I love most in this language. Well okay there are some I like more but this one is a solid top five fave. I love the lyrics about the lifestyle that would kill me, same days at work everyday, running home after it to catch the evening news, ''slave of life'' during the day and letting lose during the night. Washing the day off with a bottle of beer, turning the music up and turning the bullshit (politics and news in general these days) down.  Yeah okay we weren't doing much letting lose these days and we'll be doing even less of that in the following weeks if we're to believe the dark ominus things our government is saying these days. The news literally sounds like that final transmission in MCR's music videos (dramatic eyeroll). But point was, this is the song I love to scream along to most on their live shows and thank fuck they play it each time. So when it comes on, you know where I'll be. Front row, screaming along, hair flipping about hah.

I'm so used to seeing them at least once a year. Or twice…or like 10 times. Move along okay, true love is true love. it's been hell this 2020 I tell you. I keep saying and I'll say it again, I don't know how people live, without concerts, without culture, without events, because I swear on all the gods I'm about to jump out of my skin. Everything and everyone annoys me at this point. Like, I gave up on that dream of seeing My Chemical Romance next year in July or Guns N' Roses again, but I actually bought tickets to see Steel Panther. Small show in a club, which maybe, possibly could go through and I swear if anyone or anything fucks that up for me this entire city will burn. Assuming the show goes through though, still means that my first concert since last October will be in June next year…and I will die before that comes along. So y'all, pray for me. Thank you.

New world order.

I wrote and deleted the first line three times now. Something I never do. I suppose it's hard. Starting with a ''bad day'' or a ''bad week'' seems silly. It's not a bad week or a bad month. It's a bad year, it's a bad life. Things have just been going wrong so much lately. I'm sure many of you can relate. I remember each time I write a new years post I write ''please *enter year* treat us better'' or ''please be good'' and despite it all I think 2020 just fucked us most. It may seem crazy or unbelievable but what's really killing me are concerts. My own personal and best therapy and having it taken is just the worst kind of punishment. Yes I get it, things could be worse, and concerts will be back, but y'all read my blog, you know what and how much they mean to me and without that sort of outlet, that happy place, well I'm pretty lost. 

I tried to do something fun this weekend for a change. My annual favourite event ''Night at the museum'' was going on on Saturday. But this year all the fun was taken out of it. It's been one hell of a weather with the pouring rain and weird humidity that makes people with allergies like mine choke but also the masks in the museum, the keeping distance, the depressed tense atmosphere and people glaring. It's rough. Life goes on sure, but if life goes on like this…I'd rather it stopped for a little while longer. 

While most exhibitions are permanent and I know them by heart by now, I still go check them out each year. Some things I enjoy watching all over again, like the big bear or the painted ceiling and the best preserved Roman street on this side of Europe. And there's always some small new surprises to see. Our town has very rich Roman history so each time something is repaired, a hole is dug, the river is searched, new findings pop up. 

This time there was a new exhibition I was looking forward to. About rock music in our country and former Yugoslavia. It's amazing just how many amzing musicians we have, how much good music, but it's just lost in the floods of recent crap we tend to call music. So many bands broke up by now, some died, some still exist but they weren't just musicians, at some point in time they represented hope, rebellion, change,…

It's a brilliantly set exhibition, highlighting musicians that left a statement on the Slovenian music scene, ours and those from countries around us. And the whole lay out of the exhibition is probably the closest to a concert I'll get in a long while, the rooms you walk around follow in a particular order. Like a festival it starts with a little stage where it's musicians country wide, big stage with names that are from all around former Yugoslavia, in between you find a so called ''political stage'', which may be my favourite part, showing and explaining the spirit of rock, the like I called it earlier, rebellion, being different, offering a different outlook on things and offering a way out of the boring and normal. The room layout obviously ends with a ''backstage'', that one is dedicated to our local bands, from our hometown. Might be the most important part. We have so much good music here too.

Obviously what the exhibition shows in the first place are guitars, drums  and other gear, clothes, records, some personal items from the musicians that changed our world in the time period between 1960 and 1991. I am a strong believer that music and especially rock music has the power to change the world and this is a clear back up of that idea, music can break barriers in people's minds, in politics, in cultures in everything really. It's an universal language and a statement like no other. 

It's a funny feeling walking through an exhibition looking at things and pictures of people you actually know. I don't know, should it make me feel old or…? Going through this, remembering how it's set into stages, the barricades, the guitars, the lights…fuck me I miss concerts. I don't get how people live, how do you live never going to concerts? I can't seem to understand it…

The rest is business as usual, the paved Roman street which come to think of it after seeing Pompeii last year is not as fascinating no more and I'd actually need someone to explain to me why is ours different and ''one of a kind'' in it's way. I mean in Pompeii all Roman streets are preserved and you obviously also can walk on them. I think I heard once that it's special because it's a ''highway'' in a way. And it's supposed to be unique because of that, not sure though. Gotta look into that, I suppose it's time to bug museum employees yet again, by now they all know me and by some miracle they're not sick of me yet. 

Business as usual means also going to see my bear again. Can't do without the bear…

As always the night has to end with a drink but believe me even that one feels bitter when your favourite places aren't even open and won't be anytime soon. I guess is the new ''normal'' we have to get used to now. Actually, fuck that, it's not normal, it's crazy, it's madness but I guess this madness is our new reality.  It's a fucked up world as I said so many times before but I think this kinda fucked up I didn't even dream of.

I suppose this is it for today. Another long Monday and I'm ready to fall into bed. It might be true that you don't hate Mondays but your life but so help me Jesus it feels like Mondays never end. Have a good week guys, I hope you find some sort of fun to make things seem less gloomy. I'm actually going to a local concert on Wednesday. Tiny event not even comparable to what I miss so much and I don't even know the band but I'm having such a withdrawal crisis from concerts that I'd probably go see Justin Bieber should he play here. Gonna be ''fun'', muzzled and annoyed but I'm willing to try. 

P.S. All but one picture of me are taken of my butt because I have a problem of being pictured muzzled. Feels and looks dumb...but it's okay because it's been a good hair day...

Wild, wild horses couldn't drag me away.

There's a song by Niall Horan titled ''Put a little love on me''. And there's a line in that song ''I look around as my heart is collapsing, 'cause you're the only one I need, to put a little love on me.'' I thought that was beautiful. The way it's sung with emotion, the words...I'm not a fan of his music, but when a song is good...I can admit that even if it is by Justin Bieber. Ha no not really, him never, though let's be serious we all got our guilty pleasures and that's okay. All I'm saying ''Put a little love on me'' is a beautiful song, I listened to it on my headphones on reply along with Styles' ''Falling'' in the middle of the night and honestly it took a little strength to keep the tears at bay. Not because of the songs but because of the emotions they brought up. Isn't that what good music is supposed to do? Make you feel…

Don't worry though, this week it's business as usual, with an album that someone I love very much loves most. We're both huge fans of this band and this album so here goes…(I might love the cover most just to fuck around with the picture, there's been a lot of ''PG18'' pics on my phone with this cover and also Motley Crues cover. I obviously prefer Vince Neil's crotch over Joe Dallesandro).

You can't actually expect me to look at the title ''Sticky Fingers'' and not think of dirty things straight away? Which is exactly what they wanted anyways. I mean a cover with male genitalia. Literal rock n roll symbol I'd say. The back part aint bad either though I've yet to see a sexier rocker's butt than Springsteen. Tight. Lol. Back to the ''famous crotch'', I mentioned above the man behind the picture, Joe Dallesandro. Can y'all imagine that? Instead of the ''shot heard around the world'' it's the ''bulge seen around the world''. I mean we never saw his face but his dick got some serious fame. That much more making it shot by Andy Warhol. Wild.

This album was released in April 1971, I can literally hear my mother in my head just now going on about how I only love old cars, old men and old music. Makes my eyes roll all the way back into my skull. First off not my fucking fault new music and cars suck and also, y'all seen Nikki Sixx right? Fucking stud. I get off topic easy when it's about classic rock stars yes. Obviously.

While we're on this ''stud'' topic. I've seen the Stones in 2014, ironically in just 4 days it's going to be 6 years since I saw them. My dad once said ''days are long but years are short'', I never understood that better than I do now. I haven't written about this concert in detail on my other blog like I do now. Only shared some pictures. But shit it was an amazing concert. I mean not my favourite, that throne happens to belong to someone else, but this concert? Close second. Man, the energy, the music, the crowd, the fact that they have someone announce them…all of it is beyond perfect. And the fact that I the idiot am walking around the stadium foolishly thinking I'll get to ''randomly bump into Mick Jagger like he's some local wanna be singing in a bar'' and then it actually happens? Seriously, there I am walking around, a huge Mercedes with tinted windows pulls up, window down, Mick Jagger with a huge fucking smile sitting inside, vaving at fans. Did I happen to react? Smile back? Anything? Fuck no. Got a severe case of being completely star struck and frozen solid. You guys! It was Mick fucking Jagger. The best part just might be though that I call home telling family what happened and all I get is ''so? Just some old dude who cares''. I live with animals I swear.

Right back to the stud thing. Mick on stage is nothing if not sexy as hell. He has this energy, this sex appeal, there's something about him that is just to die for. I'm not joking, the man is hot. No I don't give a flying fuck about how old he is. Some guys just got IT. I'm telling you guys this is something everyone should put on their bucket list and do once ''see the Stones live'', let's face it they will outlive all of us (thank god, a world without Stones is not a world I want to live in). Hoping I get a chance to see them again too, was going to with dad, some years ago, that never happened unfortunally.

So Sticky fingers is the ninth studio album by the Stones and first release of their own ''Rolling Stones Records'' label. The album is considered as one of the Stones' best albums, it went triple platinum in US and contains the songs we all know and love such as ''Brown sugar'' and ''Wild horses'' which just so happens to be my personally favourite song by the Stones, it's just so reasuringly sad and comforting at the same time.  The original cover though was really innovative for the time, showing a sexually suggestive picture of a guy in tight jeans (as tight as I wish all men wore tbh) with a zipper that yes it does in fact work. Opening it will reveal a pair of white underwear lol. Later copies though removed the zipper and just have the picture due to the damage done to the vinyl by the zipper (try storing that with your other records) and the expense itself of producing the actual cover.

Y'all know that the Franco regime in Spain actually censored this cover and replaced it by John Pasche and Phil Judes' tacky (sorry guys but it really is) cover with some ''can of fingers'' design.  Also in the 90's in Russia the cover seemed to be quite close to the original only the jeans were coloured, there's a Soviet Army belt buckle and I'm quite certain that the model is female. Come to think of it, I could use a copy of that. Must be badass.

I would easy call this album their peak, best work, whatever you want to call it. They were always called the ''world's greatest rock n roll band'' and on this album it's quite obvious why. I mean they're legends after all but this album shows why.

The record kicks off with ''Brown sugar'' which has this blues – rock feel to it. There's a lot of this blues, RNB, country feel to their music. I think the Stones always were somehow fascinated with American music. You can hear that here so well the blues tone in Brown Sugar, the country feel in Wild horses, the honky tonk (not woman lol) Dead flowers, Sticky fingers feels like a love letter or an ode to that kinda music.

Ironically the album was commercially a huge hit, but reviews were not as hot. New york times actually wrote if they were still ''relevant''. I guess it's how it always is bands fail to meet everyone's expectations. There's always some asshole being the critic. The fans are never happy either so pleasing everyone is damn hard work.

What I love about this album is actually the view into the amazing range of talent as a soul singer that is or better can be Mick Jagger. Like take a look at ''I got the blues''. Amazing. The voice, Watt's drumming, sweet perfection. And while ''Wild horses'' might give that honky tonk piano vibe the vocals are nothing but straight up blues music. Maybe that's why it's sad and reassuring at the same time. Blues is such amazing music, not just because without it there'd be no music now, but really, it's beautiful soulful music, one just has to understand it.

I think this album is actually amazing, the only thing about it that I hate is that it ends. It's wild, it's soulfull, it's packed with confidence and energy and it honestly feels like a great fuck, hitting all those sweet spots along the way. I'm not joking right now, I mean sex is great but did you even listen to Sticky fingers before?

This doesn't read as a review I'm aware, my head is probably too crowded with all the bullshit I'm trying to process to even focus on the task at hand. Take this as a long instagram picture title under a photo of a record I love.  I'll have to come back and rewrite at some point but untill then, put it on, play it, get lost in it, like I love to, because so help me jesus nothing hits quite as good as those ''Wild horses''. There's a lot of bands and a lot of albums out there but just one is ''Sticky fingers''.

Baby I want you like the roses want the rain.

There is a flour disaster in my kitchen that I'm trying to avoid right now. Flour, egg, maple syrup kinda disaster that was supposed to be fluffy American pancakes but what it really is, is a sticky disaster and there are three possible culprits. A sticky cat, a tattooed man, or a little girl. My money is on the man though. I think neither of us have a career in being Master Chefs. While I keep myself out of that sticky situation (I barely washed the syrup out of my hair just now) and dry my hair and nails…I'm back here thinking how all of my music Mondays are now music Fridays. Someone suggested that I switch days, and I never actually do what I'm told but this seemed like a good idea because he said that he could do with a ''weekend music suggestion'' and besides, Mondays are the worst possible days, who has the energy to read long blogs on some such days. Also I could use a break from drawing. I've been pretty much doing nothing but,  my desk is covered with sketches and drawings at this point, so taking a breather is very welcome. 

I'm still deciding what music to review today. Truth is I haven't been listening to much vinyl these days, or CD's. Got youtube running in the background usually while drawing with my favourite mix and that's that or even rock radio, which (despite playing things I'd be embarrassed to play on what's suppoed to be rock radio station) actually plays good music. I never take music as just background noise but while drawing it is just something so it's not complete silence. I can't stand silence, it makes my skin crawl, but also while drawing I'm so focused on the drawing itself that I don't pay enough attention to music, Metallica swapped to Nickleback the other day and I noticed pretty much when the entire album already played out. Gross. 

There's a song playing on the radio in the back right now by a band with a funny name ''Hootie & The Blowfish'' gotta admit I don't know them, but there's something about the voice and the feel of this song ''Let her cry'' that made me stop for a minute and listen. I don't know, maybe something in the lyrics helped me relate to it. Long story really but to make it short, someone ripped my heart out too and I can't seem to walk away and the falling tears don't seem to help no more. Maybe music does. Actually music always does, there's nothing and no therapy quite like a dark room, a comfy bed, a soft (non sticky, covered in maple syrup) cat and say Michael Hutchences (or whatever else is your poison) voice. 

But this is not about Hutch. Sadly. I don't own enough of their vinyl to write up reviews about them. Sadly. Or maybe lucky for you guys. Or also lucky that I am just too tired to rant about politics that's bringing our country to hell in a handbasket these days. I'ma tell you what, it's not nice going to bed with Corona virus hanging over your head and waking up in a country you no longer know. I had the strongest desire to move since I was 16. I fell in love with Berlin, a city with a special vibe, special beat and I was dead set on going till a little while ago when I suddenly realised that there is only one home. Sure it's the people, family, friends, that make a home but really there's only one place I can call home and I find it proposterous to bolt and let these hyenas ruin my home. I want to make an opportunity for myself here. At home. I want to bring people who brought me down to their knees. I wanna be the last one standing and laughing if you know what I mean. I don't want to run like a coward. I want to be the winner on my own playing field. 

But enough about that, I was supposed to rant about music and that seems to be hard to do these days...so while I'm actually in a Motley Crue mood. Come on is there anything better than ''Kickstart my heart''? No not really. Specially when gorgeous long haired and madly talented singers do covers of it on youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZRRcE4xHCM). Sorry Crue, I have a bad crush on this boy. 

This post is actually about another boy that I really like. Or well I did. I mean I do. But old stuff. New stuff is not my flavour of the month. Really. The entire last album…well I already shared some thoughts on how I feel about it. Made me wanna hug my copy of New Jersey and cry my eyes out to be honest. So in that spirit, here's a review of a single vinyl for a change, of a song that's actually one of my favorites by this band.

Bon Jovi were my first really big concert. I grew up on smaller shows near and in my town, hanging backstage with musicians, sitting on their transport boxes. All very fond memories, but before Bon Jovi I haven't seen a huge stadium show. This one wasn't as big as say the Stones or Springsteen on Austrian and Italian biggest stadiums but it's one of my fondest memories. You know how your first time is a huge deal? Well losing your concert virginity is too. You always remember your firsts. And this concert was that much more special because Richie Sambora was still where he belongs. I'm sorry you can kill me, you can hang me, you can do whatever the hell you want but to me Phil just doesn't belong. He's a great musician no question about it but he's not Richie. 

They did ''In these arms'' in Croatia of course. Early on, in the first half of the concert too if I remember right. I mostly remember entire Zagreb, street lights and posts taped with the ''Have a nice day'' red stickers. I thought that was just too cool.

''In these arms'' was written by David Bryan, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, another glowing example why Richie is so missed. The music and the lyrics are just not as good anymore. ''This house is not for sale''? Come on…''In these arms'' is the old Bon Jovi, the Bon Jovi that I love so much and this song, well, this song is absolutely beautiful. It's about everlasting love and about devotion and about that whole fairytale forever love we all dream about. It's not a ballad though, it's more of a pop rock song, the rhythm is fast, strong bass and guitars and a light drum line. And Jon's voice, well, that is just perfect. Soulful, emotional, hair raising. 

''In these arms'' is a fan favorite, which is pretty obvious. Some songs are just obviously favourites. Like ''Living on a prayer'' you can just tell that that is one of the most loved song. The screaming, the singing along, it's such a hair raising moment. They closed their set with Living on a prayer in Croatia and it was probably the best moment of the entire concert. ''In these arms'' is one such song. It's a huge stamp in the bands setlist on  more than one tour, they obviously played it a lot on the ''Have a nice day'' tour and also ''Lost highway'' tour as well as on random playlists on pretty much all concerts. Of course years later when I saw them again in Milano Italy they played it again. 

Usually when playing ''In these arms'' (and this is a huge reason why I love it) live, Jon would let David Bryan sing a portion of the song, and I just LOVE his voice. His own version of the song also appears on a solo album released in 2000, titled ''Lunar Eclipse''.

Music video for this song is Bon Jovi preforming live on the Keep the Faith tour. 1992 and 1993. What a time to be alive huh? I'd kill to be able to see these shows live, but I think the only reason why I wasn't 20 something in the 80's is because God knew I'd be a complete fucking dumbass. 

Side B includes a song ''Save a prayer'' which you know, good song but honestly on this single it's in the way. Side B could include a live version of ''In these arms'' and that would be much better. OR in a perfect world side B would have David Bryan's version of the song. I wish. Hah.

Alright, excuse the typos all the noise and madness in this house is making it hard to focus, so I think I best go investigate if the reason that my cat is  sticky is cleared and also mostly why it feels like this entire house is engulfued in smoke. Lord Jesus help us. 

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.