Are we even still, Alive?

I've been really struggling with writing lately. Writers block. I guess. Or the fact that things I could write about are all too private, too R rated, and some just too painful. Maybe sometimes I find it stupid to write anyways. I'm mostly amusing myself and my few loyal readers (cheers guys I love you) but fact is as much as I want it, I'll never be popular like one of them influencers. I don't want to be tbh, I'm not stupid or naked enough for them but a few more hits, a few more readers, knowing that people care about what I write, knowing I maybe with my opinions and views changed someone elses…that'd be nice. 

I noticed this state or the world really killed my creativity. Drawing. Photography. Writing. Everything is too much trouble. Getting dressed in the morning is a hassle. Nevermind thinking and doing and being creative. Fucking impossible my god. The state of the world is really killing me tbh. Not being able to get away from it all, to just have a moment of peace and quiet is killing me. I can't put it into words what a strong desire to throw my laptop out my fucking window I get when I google a Finnish word and google asks me ''did you mean Coronavirus'' fucking fuck you google, words don't even look alike, and I for sure did not mean coronavirus. It never ends. You can never get away from it and that's all I want. For the world to shut the fuck up. We all have our own opinions, we all have the right to choose and all this bullshit force feeding is slowly but surely driving me crazy. 

Thing is, how do you make sense of all this crap that's happening? How do you make sense of anything really? How do you make sense of life? The world? Love? How do you explain anything? How does anyone? You know Isaac Newton thought that the world works like the gears in a clock. A well oiled machine. I guess that could give you some comfort, a sense of order, a sense of predictabilty, but that idea has been shot down by physics of the modern world, so we're back to square one. The universe is a strange strange place and we're nothing but insignificant moments that pass by faster than you can imagine. Sometimes everything seems pretty pointless to be honest. 

So while I pour myself a cold one (got a box full of it free from our local brewery – cheers guys I love you) and put on some music…here's a couple words on this album that's playing right now. I promise to hold back on the ''cute cupcake'' comments this time. We all know he's cute and I've been staring at him on my laptop wallpaper all day for months so, moving on. 

Would it be weird to get his signature tattooed though? Asking for a friend. Lol. 

You can check out Davids views on the current state of the world on picture four, it's at the begining of the CD booklet. While he put things into words very nicely it really annoys me because it brings us to the point of the issue. Everything revolves around THAT. You can't get away. You can't live in your own ''bubble''. ''I can't wait to see you all again''. Yes David, me too. Seeing you, seeing everyone I love again, but as you said there's no end in sight. Bless you if you can keep on holding to hope but seems to me that my hope has been long gone. 

But you're right about one thing, this album sure did take my mind off my worries for a little while and took me to a happier place. Well, places. Happier times. Concert life. Travel life. Living life. Feeling ALIVE. Shame the momentum was gone as soon as the CD ended. 

Songs on this album are as following; 

1. Stayin Alive

2. What a wonderful world

3. Happy

4. Paint it black

5. Beauty and the beast

6. Hit the road Jack

7. Dance of the Knights

8. Shallow

9. Enter Sandman

10. Circle of life

11. Thriller

12. Confutatis

13. Let it go

14. Bella Ciao

15. The 7th Allegretto

16. Game Rhapsody

First thing that stands out to me is that there are three songs from Disney movies. Okay, I know I said I won't go there with the cutey and so on but just one quick comment because it's melting my heart thinking about watching Disney movies with him. ''Netflix and chill'' kinda thing you know. Yeah that'd be nice. But moving on because really I feel like my point isn't getting across. I am not a fan because I think he's drop dead gorgeous, I am a fan because he is mad talented. It seems insane if you look at me the ''gothic Barbie'' as a friend calls me…but I have several CDs from all kinds of classical composers, with Bach being one of my faves (actual Johann Sebastian Bach not the pretty Bach you see at the side here). I actually started listening to Davids classical works first before going into rock crossovers which tbh were a gift from god himself for me. It's like two of your favourite pop punk bands going on tour together (All time low and Neck deep omg! One of my fave concerts ever. Fuck I miss concerts so much.), or finding a perfect outfit and then hearing it comes in black too. Or when they make a movie based on a book you like and it doesn't actually suck. Magic. 

You know that the New York Times calls him ''a wizard on the strings''? yup. So this ''Alive'' album is actually called ''Alive, My soundtrack'', first thing I noticed is that it came out on October 9th, a day after my birthday. Idk just find that nice for some reason. It makes no difference I just thought it's a cute coincident. Like my first and only concert of his I saw was also almost my birthday, October 12th. I didn't really check out on his website what he says about this album. I tend to avoid his website out of two reasons. One being the same as any other musicians website right now, the ''cancelled'' and the ''postponed'' messages make me sick to my stomach. And the other is, well have you seen the official site? His brilliant photographers and their work plastered all over is giving me serious heart palpitations, brain fog and hot flashes like I'm experiencing menopause.  No joke. The man is sexy okay. 

What I do know is that the album was recorded literally during the first lockdown and second and third, ah who's keeping track by now…and it must be a surreal experience. I mean you usually set a time, okay, here's a year, we're going to do this in this year, sometimes in between touring, we all know dates tend to get pushed back but normally that's how it goes. But here you are now, recording in a completely new world really. Completely different conditions and basically no real time limit. How do you even go about it? With so many songs in the world, so much music you love? Where do you start? I can't decide between my couple hundred albums what to listen to, never mind if I was picking a track list (almost wrote set list – I swear I'm going crazy) with only the best rock and pop rock songs. 

I know they recorded twice as many songs as there are on the CD…so, David, you know ''Use your Illusion'' has I and II? I mean I'm just asking…

Considering the foreword above and of course the title, it's pretty obvious that this album is very personal. Maybe the most personal of all of his records which there have been plenty of so far. It makes me wonder though, what do these songs mean to him. What memories they take him back to. I know what I feel, what I see, what makes me smile when a certain song comes on, but I can't help the curiosity, what memories do they bring up for him. It's one of those things I'd love to do, sit down and chat with such a brilliant musical mind to see what inspires them, what makes them who they are, where gives them the drive and the passion for their work. Why these songs. Why this type of music. Why…anything and everything really. One artist to another, though I barely consider myself an artist. Even less so lately. Inspiration and passion comes and goes I get it, but I have never felt like this before. 

David said in an interview; ''My heart beats for all the songs on this album, because I have an intense connection with every single one of them. To put it simply, I carry a little piece of all of them in my heart.''. That is what I'm curious about. What makes these songs so special. Especially Frozen's Let it go, though surprisingly I don't even have a problem imagining David as Elsa. Hah. 

I think the start of the album ''Stayin' alive'' is pretty damn genius. Why? Because what were we trying to do this pass year? Staying alive. Not because of a virus but because of going absolutely and utterly crazy. Though I think we could discuss how ''alive'' we really are at this point. I don't know about you guys but I feel rather zombie like lately. Going through the motions but not really living. Barely even breathing. I don't know. 

I'm going to go on a wild guess and say that ''What a wonderful world'' is on the album for the same reason I like it. It's such an emotional and beautiful song. The times it was written in were tough like times are now but still the song has this allure of hope. It feels hopeful and as a piece itself it's timless like Coco Chanels little black dress. And I'm going to take another wild guess that he listens to ''Enter sandman'' on a morning jog (if he does jogging) because that's what I'm blaring when angrily punching and kicking my boxing bag (or sparring partner) trying to get all the frustrations out through my martial arts training. I guess that's about as much as I can guess on the ''personal meaning''. 

Point here, this is another amazing album, you can see the love, the talent and passion he put into it. You can see the raw gift this man has, the crossover songs are constructed so beautifully. Every note is on point. Every note is just right. Nothing is out of place, nothing is left to chance. The album is a beautiful trip from start to finish and it makes you forget the world for a quick second. So there you go, here's a drawing I've been working on; 

I can never get him right. At all. Must be because of his gorgeous face. It's so hard to get his beautiful features just right, golden ratio and all that. Alright, putting this album back to the start, hopefully to give me a few more moments of peace and relaxation. Happy Monday y'all. Hope life is treating you much better than it's currently treating me. 

Happy Birthday my god damn Wild Child.

So. Here we are. Survived another lockdown. Kinda. Two more days if we're lucky, but my money is on two more months tbh. I can't say it was a good week because let's be serious it was anything but, but nothing Jack Daniels can't fix. Kinda. I've been torturing myself with memories, travels, concerts, hell bars even. Scrolling through all old pictures on the phone you realise just how dull your life has become. How much they took from us. And actually, in a funny way I'm laughing out loud because about two years ago my family called me insane for being dressed in a full Winter soldier get up. ''you can't walk around town with a mask covering half your face Nikki'' ha ha ha. Who's laughing now? Well nobody is but I think you got the point.

Glancing through these old pictures I figured I don't really miss anything as much as I miss Vienna. One of my favourite cities and frequent quick getaway / long weekend / concert location. I miss everything about it, I miss the music, the art, the beat of the city, fuck I miss freedom really. I miss the fact that I could walk down the streets of Vienna and feel more at home than I do at home. I've seen all my favourite bands in that city. I've seen exhibitions of some of my favourite artists. Tried some new foods. And spent what I think was the most surreal and romantic weekend there with a rockstar. Straight out of a movie. Yeah life in Vienna is much different, and much better, and I can't put it into words how much I miss it. I'd give anything to reset humanity and live in a normal world once again.

A normal world where the bars are open and you get to pick up a stranger for a night, no regrets just love kinda thing right? Ironically lately there's no love just plenty regrets. I guess one can hope in another life things will be better. In another life we can get back to that hotel room, room service, hot makeout sessions and pretending the world doesn't exist outside our room. A world where we play games that have you begging for more, games where you tease me if I want you I'll beg but you end up begging instead. A world in which you tell me again how you should never let me walk out and in the arms of another man and mean it. A world in which love is enough, and strong enough to handle whatever curve ball life throws at us. But the harsh reality is that you wake up alone, spend the days alone, with a vinyl playing and a bag of Haribo gummi bears trying to fill the void you feel inside. It's not really working but well…you can try. Booze doesn't help. Maybe sugar will.

So yesterday was April 8th. Alexi's birthday. Always thought it's cool we share birthdays in a way. The number 8th. His is April mine is October. I decided to celebrate it with Samantha Fox' ''Touch me'' and a shit ton of JD. Didn't need to extra curse or be extra pissed let's face it I already am everyday. Yesterday was chaotic just as he would of love it. Hyvää syntymäpäivää Alexi, minä rakastan sinua.

''The faint blaze of the candle of my life, slowly dying like a fire in a pouring rain. No sparks of hope inside, no shooting stars on my sky. On broken wings, no flying high.''

So in order to celebrate, a quick write up of the very vinyl spinning right now. Before I even get into the music, which is perfect from the first minute to the last, just look at the perfection that is this release in the first place. One of my favourite records, white, splattered, the ''halo'' of blood in the middle? Everything is absolutely perfect.

 

I aint going to disect this album song by song, that would of been too much. I guess it's too early still. Like it's too early for those magazines. I love the pictures in them so much but I still can't bring myself to actually read them.

I don't really read album reviews tbh, like when they come out, before I get them…I don't know, might be the fact that I really don't like people nor care about their opinions (unless asked) or it might be the fact that I said several times that critiques are assholes. Yes me included. I especially stayed away from any and all CoB reviews. Simple reason, they all started the same way, people bitch and complain about how good they used to be, and how ''boring'', ''down the hill'', ''stagnant'' they are now and a whole god damn discussion on why that is. Can you literally see me roll my eyes all the way into my god damn skull? I mean people are never happy are they? They are not happy when a band changes their sound too much (really, it's called evolving their sound get on with the program) and they're not happy with a band when it stays the same. Whatever you do you really can't please everyone so it's no point in trying at all. I guess I wish people were bitching less. I mean it's pretty easy, if you like something, enjoy it, if you don't move along, if you don't agree, unless asked for opinion move the fuck along.  So many unneeded words, so much negativity. Sigh.

Right so for those never happy always complaining, ''Halo of blood'' will be an improvment. You see changes, it's different than ''Blooddrunk'' and ''Relentless''. I love all of them but I suppose out of the three if I chose favourites, Halo of blood would be it. No doubt though that ''Hatecrew'' and ''Chaos'' are my favourite. Say what you will but that's what it is.

The album is something special because there are ten songs on it and they are completely different from each other and yet they are not even a little bit out of place and fit together perfectly. Straight from the start, song one ''Waste of skin'' hits you in the face , with that insane, super fast, fingers flying on the frets, melodic guitar, in sync with the bass and the keyboards. It's amazing. And just watching them hands flying up and down, shredding those chords is nothing short of completely mesmerising and erotic at the same time.

I give you one thing though, this is the eigth album but really should be the fifth, to me the sound sorta returns to Hatecrew era, it sort of makes a logical follow up. A logical part two if you will. And also it doesn't because the two albums in between were just what I mentioned above, explorations, developing and searching their sound. I guess the songwriting though here is quite a bit different. It's more diverse. More complex. You know what I mean? I love all songs, I love all lyrics. I absolutely adore ''Angels don't kill'', but I don't know there's some sorta new kind of depth here that I register differently. Sometimes I can't even explain what I mean or what's going on in my head.

What really shook me all over was ''Dead man's hand on you''. It was a shock, complete and utter shock. In a good way of course. Starting the song with acoustic guitar and clean vocals? I did not expect that at all. The brooding, dark acoustic sound, the sorta spoken words but then that explosive chorus? Shit it's freakin perfect. Sorta death metal, dark, ballad in a way. For me, one of those exploring the sound, exploring different types of music, and for sure a highlight in their career, producing something different, something just as equally amazing as the fast riffs and scratchy screaming vocals. I feel like this song is literally putting emotions into sounds. So many feelings, both put in the song and felt when listened to. It's just amazing and even if the whole album was just that one song, it would of been perfect.

This album really isn't just a collection of great riffs (which there are so many of on it) but also the addition of the perfect raspy, gritty, icicles and knives kinda vocals. It's also a perfect example of some of the best, innovative and technically perfectly executed writing up to date. It shows perfectly on the song ''One bottle and knee deep''. Pure freakin perfection. What a way to close up an album.

The whole thing is one of those moments, defining moments in music, where they reclaimed their throne in the Finnish melodic death metal scene and I believe that's a place nobody can ever take from them. Not now and not ever. I will always love Finnish music, they have only the best musicians but no matter what they come up with there will always only be one CoB and nothing and nobody can top that. and Halo of blood is a brilliant way to prove that they are the kings, the titans of Finnish melodic metal. They went back to their musical roots, schooled us with the best and most amazing riffs and showed us how vocals, guitars, drumming and keyboards should function together. Nothing short of a completely unique experience and nothing short of 40 minutes of pure power, ferocity, intensity and perfection. To put it shorter, this album is freakin amazing and it's got balls and there is nothing quite as perfect as turning the volume up sky high and screaming along to the songs. Best way to melt off all the frustrations.

Now to close this post and move on and get some shit done today…who am I kidding, we all know I'll just put the record back to start and not move a muscle…listen to me kids, as soon as I get home, throw off my bra, the day is over for me okay? And I don't even care if it's 11 am. Day – over. Now to conclude my endless ramblings, take a look at this beautiful gem on my jackets. Here's a way to keep Allu with me always. If you want one too, go to the etsy store link here (click me).

I miss you Allu, so much, hope you're happy, where ever you are because life down here without you is anything but happy. Happy birthday, I love you.

All these years, all our tears, still we sing the same old song.

It's been a while huh guys? Shit, almost a month. Sorry about that. I mean I doubt you really miss my pointless ranting but still. It's been a rough couple of days, weeks, months, years…you know how it goes. I guess I found my way back now as we just walked into yet another lockdown yesterday. No I am not whistling ''It's the final countdown'' with the lyrics changed to ''lockdown'' just yet. I know how this shit works. I've heard the ''it's just a few more days'' ''it's the last time'' blah blah blah one too many times so 11 days might as well turn into another 11 weeks. I don't know no more you guys, seems like people enjoy it. I'm going crazy but idiots around me seem to enjoy it. Perhaps that's the key, the more abuse, the more corruption, the more lies, police violence and violence in general, the more we love it. I'm just tired of it all you know. So tired. 

Been sitting here staring at these GIF's at the side of the blog, usually they inspire me, they make me smile at least, they make things easier, music always makes things easier, these days though, things are just hopless, dark, somehow pointless. ''Uzalud sunce sja, kad mi u srcu padaju kiše''. Kinda like that. I envy people that used these lockdowns to learn a new skill, try new foods, learn a language or some shit like that. All it did for me is drove me fucking crazy. I count it as a personal victory that I haven't murdered anyone yet, or went fucking crazy with a chainsaw like someone did at the parliament just a few days ago. Respect. 

So while I at least try to keep my mind occupied with doodles, slow posting on Instagram, though there are many MANY new drawings to post, feels like I haven't done much but doodle these days…how about some music to go with. This album might be completely unusual for me but also something you'd totally expect. 

There's hundreds and hundred of these mixed albums. People don't like them much I learned. But I do. I like so many bands and swapping albums is tiring, so having a mix of more songs that you love on one record can only be a good thing. Like that ''Metal Ballads'' volume 3 and 4 that I'll probably just die without. Sigh. 

Can we take a moment to appreciate the cover though? The bike alone is an absolute beauty but the guy might as well be an example of everything I find attractive, biker, the hair (okay yea blond would be even better), the clothes, the everything. So damn handsome! And them boots you guys! Feeling slightly hot under my collar doesn't begin to cover it. ''Tough guys show their soft side''. Cute. And unreal. First things first all ''tough guys'' have a soft side and that comes out more than you'd imagine and on the other hand the concept of ''tough guys'' is dead anyways, I look at men around me, and I feel sick. Like lets be serious young boys when joined the Partisans, were freezing and starving in the woods but they pushed on for what they believed in for all of us for their country. And men now? They eat gluten free pizza, cry over their manicure and own more beauty product than us ladies do. Proposterous.

I mean I can fix my car on my own, open jars, change a lightbulb and defend myself much better than a man could. What do I need one for anyway? Oh right the usual MALE reply to this is sex. Lol, please. Sorry to disappoint you guys but no man can ever please a woman as much as her toys can, if they say otherwise they're lying to you. And no toy can please a woman like new shoes can, just the thought of them makes me salivate. But really, I'm off topic, not going to be ranting about sex toys today, even if, rock ballads, pizza and dildos might be a good way to pass lockdown time. 

Like for real I am one of those people that love relaxing in the tub even if my sister calls it a ''wet place to overthink about how your life sucks'', she makes a valid point too because I do that but still, tub, rock ballads and a glass of wine? Yes, please. Anyday. 

Might actually have this over playing while I over think. It came out in 1991 and it's actually perfect from the first song. ''Scorpions Wind of Change''. I love Scorpios like for real, the ''Tease me, please me'' song? That is literally one of my favourite songs. Do I wanna dance strip tease to it on the hood of a late 1970's Camaro? Fuck yes! 

''Wind of change'' is sorta iconic. Like who doesn't fucking know wind of change?  I mean it's not just a song, we all know what it means, what it stands for right? The lyrics were born after the bands visit to the Soviet Union when it was at the height of it's political movment for reformation within the Communist party also known as ''Perestroika''. In the words of Klaus Meine himself;

''The idea came to me in the U.d.S.S.R. when I was sitting in the Gorky Park Center  one summer night, looking at the Moskva River. The song is my personal reappraisal of what has happened in the world in recent years.''

It was released in January 1991 and it was a worldwide hit right away, because the release sorta co happened with a failed coup (August coup) which eventually leaded to the end of the Soviet Union. It also exists in Russian and Spanish version just saying. To me personally I sorta connect it to the fall of the Berlin wall more. I was watching that moment when people were finally free, the wall fell and the joy was everywhere. Kinda wishing for that ''fall of the wall'' moment in this country too. But it feels that way ''wind of change''. Today this song is one of the best selling singles of all times with about 15 million copies sold and holds the best selling German artist song by record! Anyway maybe I see the fall of the wall that much clearer in my head because they actually preformed this song on November 9th at the Brandenburg Gate in 1990 during the anniversary.  Can I just take a second to say how I fucking miss Berlin? Omfg. Seriously Corona fuck off. I am done. 

Next is Magnum ''Need a lot of love'' and if I gotta even get into this song then I may start screaming. We all get what it's about and we all understand the message right? 

I may be biased and skipping the second song because I am obsessed with the third one. Jon Bon Jovi ''Miracle''. Not only we all need miracles sometimes but that man is a fucking miracle in that music video. Y'all see in right? The Harleys, the hair, the man! I mean I did say above the fuck do we need them for, but if they look like that? Damn! If someone paid me just for watching this video I'd be crying in a Bentley today. 

I mean just look at all that! Ladies (and some guys too, hey I don't judge) don't y'all just wanna fuck him so hard on that bike that he'd need new shock absorbers in the morning? Both him and the bike. Lol.  I'm sorry for the bluntness. Lockdown is getting to me, I suppose my brain is melting or turning into mush. The video also apparently features Jeff Beck and Matt LeBlanc. Not that I really noticed them though we all know how much I love Joey. It's a really good song that was my point, and it's a REALLY good music video. And the all kinds of emotions it makes me feel are not too bad either. 

Steve Thomson ''Dream on''? nothing but love. ''Dream on though it's hard to tell, though you're foolin' yourself, dream on.'' Don't we all just wanna dream some days away. Or dream about showering with a certain younger version of Jon Bon Jovi. I bet he doesn't sing in the shower, I bet he's preforming in the shower. In more than one way I bet. I'm not going through a whole box of Mon Cheri vodka chocolates okay. Shut up.  Dream on is a really nice song purely because we all need dreams, some to keep us going and some to just get through the day. Keep on dreaming guys. Really. 

It goes on with ''Robin Beck – First time'' which I am not over the moon with, it's more of a ''meh'' for me, might be because well female vocalists rarely get any enthusiasm from me and also because this song is nothing to alert the press about. A filler I guess. 

Nazareth ''Love hurts''? Yes it fucking does! If you search for Nazareth in a past post you'll see I covered this song in quite a few words. It was written by a songwriter Boudleaux Bryant, and first recorded by the Everly Brothers in 1960. But I think we all know Nazareths version best. It's a beautiful song, that one note, that one heart tugging note. Sigh. It gets me every single time. 

Yngwie Malmsteen ''Save our love''. Now listen to me, Yngwie, can anything or anyone save your love? Like when love is gone, what can you do? Can you even go on? Nevermind trying to save anything. It's not that I was sitting on a sofa with a bottle of vodka and my cats, eating Nutella with a spoon while this played on repeat ''Once we were one, now we're worlds apart, deep inside you know you are my other heart. My memories seem like yesterday, can't believe it's all so far away. All these years, all our tears, still we sing the same old song. Let's make right all that went wrong, there's no beginning there's no end, there's no reason to pretend, crying for help from above, we've got to save our love''. Sigh. My broken heart enjoys having salt poured on its wounds. Yeah. Fighting for love should always be a thing, you should never just let go, you should never quit on someone you love, you should never let something perfect slide from your hands. Ever. 

Side one closes with Bon Jovi ''I'll be there for you'' which we also all know and it's one of the most beautiful love songs next to Always and Bed of roses if you ask me. When he played that song in Milano I sobbed like a baby. Well even more at Always because we all know that's my all time favourite song, yes kids Always tops everything. I hate picking favourites, t'aint right, t'aint fair, t'aint fit, t'aint proper to pick favourites but this is how it is Always and also November rain are two of the best song sever written and my favourite songs of all times and I will fight you if you try to prove me otherwise. Careful though, I'll be coming at you with knives. I'll be there for you is from the album New Jersey which is the best album they ever made, still today, since new ones are crap (sorry not sorry). Some lucky bitches get to hear this song sung by Richie Sambora on their shows. I'd kill for that no joke. But well I did get like half of ''In these arms'' by David so that's something too.

Extreme and ''More than words'' cute but nothing special and mostly so freaking over played by radio stations, but well I wont turn it off if it comes on. 

Rainbows ''Catch the rainbow'' is an older song and another filler for me, don't particularly like it. But then after Rainbow there's Cinderella and ''Heartbreak station'', there have been two album reviews in the past on them but still. I freakin love them. They are so under appreciated it's insane. The voice, the music, the guitars, the glam, all of it fits. I love them. I mean yeah we've all heard Don't know what you got till it's gone about a million times but really both albums I reviewed are really good. They really got me with the ''tears filling up my eyes, sometimes the pain you hide, burns like a fire inside''. Yeah it does. Sometimes it's hard hiding it too. This song is actually on their third album that I don't have. Sigh. Another one to put on the list. Apparently this one waas really their finest moment as artists even if it didn't do so well commercially as it's predecessors. I think it's more bluesy rock rather than glam metal and that's what makes it really cool.

Now before I make this way too long and actually still got shit to do today, despite the lockdown, no you guys it's not dildo testing. Other songs featured on this album are ''China – So long'', ''L.A. Guns – The ballad of Jane'' what's with these Jane or Janey type animals? Like for real, Janeys got a gun, Sweet Jane, Jane says, Sad Jane, Baby Jane, The diary of Jane, Lady Jane, Hazey Jane, Strange Jane, Crow Jane, Janey Blue and on and on and on till fucking eternity. Seriously what's that all about? I mean at least when it's Desiree or Candy or Amanda you know it's about strippers but this is just…the hell is that about? I mean okay at least I get Prince's ''Darling Nikki'' and sorta INXS's ''Beautiful girl'' even if she is ''Nicky'' same thing though. I'd melt to pieces of unicorn and glitter should he sing that song for me in his angel face and voice. Moving on, album also features ''Deep purple – Wasted sunsets'' don't we all have many of those, ''Doro – A whiter shade of pale'' and ''Kingdom come – You'll never know''. What exactly because there's many things we'll never know. 

Now for real logging off, to finish a drawing I started. Not of Alexi this time but a scene from the movie Dirty Dancing. Say what you will but that movie will forever stay my guilty pleasure, as will Hungry eyes and Patrick Swayze all in black. To all my fellow prisoners, sigh, I hope we survive you guys, may you never run out of vodka and Nutella and to the rest of the world enjoying freedom. Cheers, it's not that I'm jealous it's that I wanna murder you all. Kidding. Well only sorta. See you on the other side. (of lockdown not the veil lol, assuming the lockdown madness ever ends but the way things are headed I may be married to a young Jon Bon Jovi sooner than released from ''prison'').

''Don't Night moves me, bitch!''

Another Friday and today y'all get the Bob review I've been promising. I know I know ''so exciting''. Hah. I do actually like him but more on that later. I've been scrolling through old blog posts from like 2010 and up. So many posts about concert count downs and freaking out over that. Fan girl life lol. There's a post in between from 2014 sobbing over My Chemical Romance break up and ''Fake your death'' being the last song they recorded together. Last song lol. Suddenly in 2021 ''fake your death'' is just funny. They were so fucking with us this entire time. I mean evil genius much? 

But what does make me wanna fake my death is that dreaded disgusting holiday coming up. Yeah this is your annual blog post on how much Valentines day disgusts me. If we stay in 2014, that's the year my ex boss made me wear leather booty shorts, lace corset and huge white wings for a promo shoot. I don't know what demon made me agree to that when we all know there's no way in hell I'd pass for an angel or worse a cupid. Yuck. Think what made me agree were the magic words of ''you can keep the shoes''. I have a weakness just like every other woman for shoes. Mostly boots and high heels.  Another thing to laugh about is that said boss and I after this shoot sat in his office, drinking Corona and watching ''My Bloody Valentine''. Corona. Whole different meaning in 2021, but the movie is still great. 

A year later I actually worked at a florist shop for Valentines day and if I hated the holiday on any other day in a florist shop you either peal off your skin or someone elses skin. I don't know what was worse men that came in needing gifts for both their wife and mistress or men that don't know their special someone exists on any other day but february 14th. If another person walked in at that time wanting to buy rose petals, not a freakin rose but ''just petals'' I would shoot myself. Red roses, chocolate, strawberries, champagne and tacky lingerie. Kill me please. 

I'm not single or bitter mind you, far from it, but the hypocricy of ''holidays'' created to steal money from people and ease guilty conscience from shitty partners disgusts me. Listen I'm not saying they're all the same. Attentive husbands, boyfriends, wives, girlfriends, that remember all holidays, that's cute, but those who only remember this one holiday? Ugh. My boyfriend is still trying to make me ''love'' valentine's day. Useless battle but bless him for trying. Though you know he makes a big deal out of all holidays, and out of all random days ''a bucket of roses because I was thinking of you last night'' kinda thing. Or ''got you this shirt because I saw it in a store and thought you'd love it''. I love that more than the shirt, the whole ''I saw this and it made me think of you'' thing. So thoughtful. 

And apart from the fact that y'all should love each other each and every day of the year (leave the romantic in me alone) there's something else I'd like to point out. All the people who have nobody, all the people that lost somebody, all the people that are not happy and in love. I get it you know lovers should have a day, probably, I guess, but there's no ''anti valentines'' day on the other end, for all those who for whatever reason don't want to celebrate. No black cupcakes, no gray and black candy hearts saying ''not you'', ''how about no'', ''fuck off''. No happy hour at the bar, drinking your feelings away, though what is a bar anyway? No black roses, no music dedication on the radio for those people. And lastly why is valentines day focused on only romantic love? It's a holiday celebrating love. So why not siblings, family, friends, pets, etc…

But because I'm in a good mood, sharing some dumb ''pick up'' lines for my punk rock, music loving friends that read this crap I call a blog. Punk rock because these are All time low, My chemical romance, Panic at the disco, Fall out boy, Sleeping with sirens, etc references. Enjoy these. And, yes, you are totally right, my idiot of a boyfriend is texting me these on a daily basis, but really, they're so stupid they're funny. Lol. 

''Drums aren't the only thing I'll be banging tonight ;)''

''URIE-ly cute''

''Roses are red, violets are blue, if you were a band I wouldn't break up with you''

''R u an emperor, cause you're gonna need new clothes when I'm done with u''

''Hearts won't be the only thing on fire tonight''

''Are you Sirens, because I'm sleeping with you tonight''

''Do you have a band aid bc I just scraped my knee falling for you''

''I'll bang you harder than the goddamn door''

''Your beauty has me STUMPed''

''Serenade ain't the only thing happening in the backseat tonight''

''My songs won't be the only ones to know what to do in the dark tonight''

''You're Way too cute''

''Be the Frank to my Gerard and I promise I will love you like I did yesterday''

I did say I'm dating a lovable idiot didn't I? Lol. These are so stupid but I love them so much. Alright now that I got that out of my system, how about that review that I've been promising? It's actually my fave album of his so this should be fun. Already listening to it through for the second time today. The older Winchester actually called him one of the greatest rock writers ever. There's a hilarious scene in the show (Supernatural obvs) ''is everything a Bob Seger song to you?''. I can relate. Many things in my life are also a Bob Seger song. 

''Night moves'' is the ninth studio album by Bob and actually the first album that also credited the Silver Bullet band which you can see right there on the cover which is actually ridiculous because about half of this album was actually backed by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section so not really a Bullets band at all. But that aside you know what? This is one album for which I can say was very well received by the critics (who are still assholes, me included obviously) and gave Bob a nationwide success. Which would mean that even though this is the ninth album it's actually his first real breaktrough.  It got them certified platinum and sold over six million copies worldwide. Pretty neat aye?

You know people called Bob the ''poor man's Bruce Springsteen''. That explains why I like him but also makes me mad because it's not the case at all. They are both great musicians in their own way and though I see similarities in their ''story telling'' type music, comparing him to the Boss is just dumb, nobody can be up to Bosses ankles obviously. On that note just a quick message to all the press and people at Jeep. How about a fuck all of you? I am over this witch hunt y'all are playing with musicians. Listen to me, I'm all for punshment if one is guilty but only AFTER they are proven guilty, else you have another Johnny Depp situation on your hands because ''we always believe women'' right? Bullshit. 

It's hard to really define Bob as an artist, big success although deserved kept dodging him and it took a decade of slow building an audience before Night moves really blew up though critics (I'm telling you they're all assholes) still defined him by his weakest hits. Night moves came couple of years before the huge hit ''Old time rock and roll'' which I'm sure you all know or have heard at least once. Song that describes me so well ''Just take those old records off the shelf, I'll sit and listen to 'em by myself. Today's music ain't got the same soul, I like that old time rock and roll''. True story. So little new music that I feel strongly about. Well I do feel strongly about new music. Strong disgust. 

Night moves opens with ''Rock and roll never forgets'' which has the same vibe as ''Old time rock and roll'', it sets the whole mood of the record which is this nostalgic feel, and I think it's absolutely perfect. I don't know maybe I'm just getting old or something.  The song ''Night moves'' was the one that was an instant classic. About time too. It's the classic you know getaway teenage lovers. I don't know why I keep thinking of Tiffany and ''I think we're alone now'' when someone starts about teenage lovers lol. I actually love this song. Shut up, we all got our guilty pleasures. 

But really ''Night moves'' was inspired by Springsteen ''Jungleland'' which I think is pretty easy to see and it made it all the way to number four on the top forty chart. Fucking finally and well deserved. My friends and I use the ''don't Night moves me'' quote from Supernatural all the time though. Try having your laptop open on the desk, skype running (wait am I getting old, is zoom what's cool now?) your friend like ''I'll be right back'', he disappears for thirty plus minutes and in that time you get a bit frisky with your ''better half'' on the sofa…well…it's not like he'd come back and go ''yuck, can't you guys keep it in your pants for five minutes'' no no, what he would do is play ''Night moves'' laughing hysterically. ''Don't Night moves me bitch.'' My life really IS a Bob Seger song. 

I'm not even going to comment on ''The fire down below'' or ''Come to Poppa''. Cheeky. Reminds me of ''She goes down'' by Motley Crue. Not music vise, just ''message'' vise and between you and I? He would not have to ask me twice. Listen it's that long hair. My friend already diagnosed me that my type is ''tall, dark, long haired and ''stabby'' '' literally she said stabby. Lol. That has nothing absolutelly to do with my love for knives, Bucky Barnes and / or Diego Hargreeves. 

The best song on this album is obviously ''Mainstreet''. Maybe not so much the story behind the lyrics ''I used her, she used me, but neither cared, we were getting our share''. I mean I'm not sure a crappy relationship or a hooker type thing? Either way rather tragic if that's the highlight of your life, teenage using eachother type relationships. The bridge of the song was cut in radio plays which I find just proposterous but that's a story for another time. Let me just say that these radio edits are about as stupid as censoring that Poison album cover. It's a tongue people not a penis. The lyrics though are literally about ''Ann Street'' in his childhood hometown Ann Arbor in Michigan.

I think that the album as a whole may be one of the best albums out there in the time period (1976 / unrelated but holy shit I have so many albums so much older than me lol) because and I will quote someone right now (unfortunally I don't know who though) who said that this album is brilliant because ''it's a wonderful chronicle of the time when innocence became experiences and the child became the adult''. Beautiful description and so very true. The songs are written so well, they tell a story and they flow together perfectly. I guess they tell the story on what it was like to be a young adult in the midwest in the 70's. I wasn't there then but that's what I imagine it was like. A Bob Seger song. 

It's pretty obvious that Bob was influenced by Springsteen, apart from his words you can hear it. This was about the same time as ''Born to run'' came out (1975) and it turned the rock and roll world completely upside down, it was different it was new, they had Clarence. Who didn't feel inspired by Bruce I wonder. He was and is to this day an amazing musician. (seriously piss off Jeep). But I think the biggest difference between the two may be that Bob's music / vocals are a bit rougher while the Boss a perfectionist and all is far more polished. The production alone is completely different. Of course if they were completely alike one would call that a copy cat and move on. And if I'd had to point out another song on Night moves than for sure ''Sunburts'' which just might be the best sorta screaming bluesy vocals that sound way too angry and yet subtle and passionate enough to be right on that edge of maybe being a ballad song, it's something else that song. 

I think what later won the people over with this album is this blend of Springsteeny roots, rough bluesy rock n roll and badass attitude of the record. It was about time too, he would deserve success much sooner with that raspy yet powerful voice which reminds me of whiskey flavour and this smooth warmth like a cat fur feels when a cat is laying on the sun. I know I'm crazy but that's what I think about when thinking of that voice. And songs that were about love, women, blue collar hard working people? Who doesn't prefer that over ''bitches'' and ''dolla dolla bills''. Just saying. 

Unfortunally if you wanna hop on this train you're a bit too late, Bob was on a farewell tour in 2019 and I believe that his concert in Philadelphia on November 1st may very well be the last one. I doubt this is a Motley Crue situation. While we're at it do you know how angry this no concerts thing is making me in this aspect as well? All my favourite musicians are people of ''a certain age'', Corona took a year of touring from them, younger bands wont feel it but someone like the Stones will and we were literally robbed of so much it makes my heart hurt. 

Right so to wrap up this babbling I'm sure you're just dying for this post to end already, if y'all are curious, wanna get into Seger or just give it a try then start with ''Night moves'' because it is the best album and then move on to the rest if you end up liking it. 

Enjoy the weekend, I'll be buried under about 40 sketches that I want to finish in the following week. Crazy is crazy I know. Cheers guys!

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

Wasted & wounded

That's how I feel these days wasted and wounded. More wounded than wasted actually. Wounded in a mental state kinda way.  There's only so much one can do to keep busy, distracted and well trying their best not to go crazy in the current state of the world. How's that working for you guys? I gotta admit my facade of sanity is slowly (or actually quickly) crumbling. As we head into yet another (big shocker huh?) week of lockdown, I'm finding it hard not to go absolutely bat shit crazy.

So while I sit here and contemplate life, begging the man upstairs and the man downstairs to let us travel again soon, here's some fun facts about another European country I absolutely love. Here's the deal, Berlin is it for me. No place cooler than Berlin. Also as a country, Italy. Aint nothing better than Italy. If you got the money, if you got the chance to go to Italy and you don't, you're just plain crazy. Italy is as close to heaven as there is on earth. BUT! Another country (and the first one I'm bolting to as soon as lockdowns and all the other bullshit are over) I love, is Finland. There aint nothing quite like Finland either. See Italy is perfect in their ocean, beaches, architecture, culture, history, food, Italians, climate, lakes, nature,…but Finland. God Finland.

Did you know that Finland has the most heavy metal bands in the world? Like when you think of music, I guess we all think of USA and UK first, which is insane because music as such is so much better in Scandinavia. There are literally more than 50 metal bands for every 100 000 people in Finland. Consider that there are about 5 540 000 people living in Finland, now imagine all the bands. Wild. Another thing that one should consider is that Finland is said to be the worlds happiest country. Obviously I need to move asap. Lacking happiness as I am, maybe the happiest country in the world can fix me. A little. Or a lot. The happiness factor depends on life expectancy, freedom of making life choices (all the big ones), economic strength, FREE education even on university level, no corruption, health care taken care of, and most likely just generally them being different more open minded people. Honestly if there's one thing I just can't take is conservative, dumb, hateful people.

Another fun fact which paints you a vivid picture why Finland is literally the country for me is the fact that Finns are the world's biggest coffee drinkers. Which surprised me and also is that a challenge? Because these days I swear I only run on coffee and fake promises of a better time, which means I am literally increasing the average liters of coffee consumed of my entire country. I actually assumed that if not the world, than Europe, biggest drinkers of coffee would be the French or Italians, but no, there go the Finns, probably staying awake all nights, writing metal songs or getting lost in the woods. So in translation that means 12 kg of coffee per person per year. And yet here I am, being called crazy for drinking five plus cups of coffee per day.

Here is another thing that I just LOVE about Finish people. You know me, in some ways this corona crap is actually a gift from god for me, I am enjoying the social distance and people not breathing down my neck in supermarkets…here's the deal, in Finland saying a quick hello and moving on your way when meeting an acquaintance is perfectly okay. Nobody is pushy, nobody is stopping you for a (mostly unwanted) snoopy conversation. I hate that so much here, always the same ''How's work? When are you getting married? How about children? Did you lose weight?'' blah blah blah. It's rude and none of anyone's business. This is probably why Finns are dealing with corona better because they naturally keep their distance from people in public areas. Can I like say god bless them? I mean is there anything more annoying than people literally brushing against you when there's literally meters of space all around that can be used? Ugh. Respect my personal space why don't you?

How about a couple of totally legit sports that exist in Finland? Not joking even a little bit these are real; wife carrying championship, mosquito hunting competition, mobile phone throwing, swamp football, air guitar. It makes me laugh just thinking about it. Like how cool is this? I don't like sports at all but this…this is just badass. Sports I could find myself enjoying besides ''catching guitar picks at concerts''. Fun fact, do you know what's the first prize for the winner of the wife carrying championship? The wife's weight in beer. Lol.

How about them Northern lights? Is there anything, anything more beautiful than them? I mean yeah truth that during winter there are weeks where the sun just doesn't rise and me being me loving the sun, a southern girl, that's rough, but isn't there something so comforting about the dark? And then those beautiful lights that light up the dark sky. Amazing. Opposite to dark days you also got days during the summer when the sun never sets, also called ''midnight sun'' (I see what you did here Meyer) which to me is far worse than dark days. I mean how do you function, how does your brain function when it's midnight and it's bright as day? Crazy.

All my feministic readers you'll dig this ''Finland is the most gender equal country in the world'' or one of at least. Okay, today that might not mean that much, we like to think that Europe is changing and women have more equal rights etc…BUT Finland was actually the first country in the world that gave women the right to vote. Today living in this privilege of never not having a voting right, we don't even see it as a big deal, but they gave women the right to vote in 1906 and that is definatelly a big deal.

But alright lets get back to music, which is after all the point of this post. Heavy metal actually has cultural significance in Finland. If you think about it, metal as a genre of music is completely misunderstood all over the world. People tend to have snarky comments, look down on metal heads, call them names, call the music ''noise'' etc. That's different in Finland. It's actually one of the most popular types of music and it's played on mainstream radio stations. Here we are force fed Pink, Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Justin Beaver and the closest to metal we get is Bon Jovi's Bed of roses, not even joking. Cute story the cultural significance of heavy metal in Finland was also noted and pointed out by the US president Barack Obama (don't you dare correct me, I don't count psychopatic clowns as presidents) back in 2016 at the Nordic Summit. Take that haters. And my neighbors, and actually parents, and just about everyone that ever sat in my car with me. Sigh.

Surely one of the most significant names of Finish metal we all know are ''Lordi''. They literally made history when winning the Eurovision song contest in May 2006. It doesn't even matter if you watch the event of how you feel about it, the point is that they were both the first Finish band to win and the first hard rock / heavy metal band to win. That was a breath of fresh air that hasn't repeated yet. It drives me nuts, metal and hard rock being over looked like it is, the Grammys? All the dumb looking for talent shows? Why does a pop star / Bieber wannabe / always win? I mean I know why, but WHY? What's funny here though is that Lordi gained some controversy because people interpreted their music as encouraging Satanism. Lol. Someone from here had to do it I'm sure. In fact it's funny because one of their members is actually a very ''up tight'' Christian (why do I hear Ivar Lothbrok spitting ''Christian'' in my head just now?) who writes church music and their song ''The devil is a loser'' is actually against Satanism. Kinda like that bitching over Motley Crue's ''Shout at the devil'' I imagine at the end of album promo Nikki's eyes were permanently stuck in his skull from rolling them at just about every reporter ''listen it's shouting AT the devil NOT with the devil''.

Some other bands that are from Finland that you just have to check out (but probably already know) are; Amorphis, Children of Bodom, Nightwish, Apocalyptica, HIM (obviously one of my fave though no longer together, also first Finnish band to release an album that becomes golden in US), The 69 eyes, Los Bastardos Finlandeses (my fave name haha), and a ton more, though I tend to be more into less known bands. Smaller bands which are every bit as good.

Which brings us to the (long awaited) point of this post. Weekend music recommendation. 

A band from Finland named after a city in California with the prettiest beaches. Santa Cruz. This ''self titled'' album isn't the first one btw, first one was ''Anthems for the Young 'n Restless'' EP with 6 songs back in 2011, then ''Screaming for Adrenaline'' in 2013, after which ''self titled'' came out in 2015, followed by two more albums. My favourite ''Bad blood rising'' in 2017 and ''Katharsis'' in 2019, more on those on another occassion.

This is a solid hard rock band that formed in 2007 inspired by all of the best bands out there, you know GN'R, Skid Row, Def Leppard, Van Halen,…a band which in 2012 landed a worldwide record deal with Spinefarm records. The same Spinefarm that has Airbourne, Anti flag, Black label society, and Rammstein. Though they're not their artist anymore, this I think is still pretty impressive as was their stage pressence at the time. A year later the band signed with TKO agency which gave them the chance of touring in the UK, Germany and Belgium and they got to tour with Skid Row. Oh my god! You guys! Can you imagine growing up with the posters of your heroes on your walls and then you're suddenly one of them, supporting one of the biggest bands on tour. They opened for a lot of other impressive names such as Sebastian Bach, Lemmy and Bon Jovi. Though since then the band went through several lineup changes I can't lie and say that I prefer anyone over the original one (I'm sorry Pav, I love you).

Alright the record starts with ''Bonafide Heroes'' which is one of the coolest album openings in general. It captures that raw early Skid Row sound, the ''youth gone wild'', the rebellion, the anger. I'm always a fan of songs that start slowly and gently then suddenly deliever a punch, even if this kinda ''punch'' might make you throw your car off the road if you listen to it in the car. Hey! Maybe this wanna be safety is why our mainstream radios only play easy rock and pop. The soft subtle choir type begining and the sudden kick into a furious ''noise'' is exactly what makes this a kickass opening. Imagine not knowing a band and this is the first album you get, first impression? Uh I think fuck yes!

Second song ''Velvet Rope'' continiues with the same angry energy and guitars that litreally melt your face off. What's so unique for me in this band is the incredible gift in the guitar playing area. We're so lacking that lately. More bands that sound (and look) like this. There wouldn't be a happier person than me out there if the 80's as they were came back. Men in tight jeans, leather pants, big hair, hair and glam metal. I'd sell my soul to the devil to see that.

Song three is my favourite on this album ''My Remedy''. I love the line ''I need to flee baby set me free''. I guess we all feel that way sometimes, now more than ever. It's actually the lyrics to this entire song that I love (check it out here click me ). This is like a total stadium anthem kinda song for me, warm summer night, drink in one hand, and the crowd singing this chorus back to the band. Yeah, not that I'll see this scenario any time soon. But this is how it feels, that hair raising moment. I mean I love everything about concerts but you gotta admit there aint nothing like the singer going quiet and the crowd picking up the song. It's amazing. Y'all seen the video for ''My Remedy''? Lol I love it.  All the hair! Also how cute is that priest? Lol.

''6 (66) feet under''. Also the number of feet down I'd like to bury certain people. Do you know I had the number 666 on my old car? Like metalic numbers stuck on the back of the trunk. I miss that car all the time tbh. The song! I love it so much the vibe, the lyrics, the melody, another stadium anthem right there. It's an addictive song and honey I'm on a diet of opiates. No joke. I love this song so much. The drums in it? Bitchin! And that guitar solo? Makes your underwear wet not to be explicit but really, it does. So do the vocals tbh. Man, Archie Cruz can sing.

''Bye Bye Babylon'' that line ''I will paint your fantasies to memories'' please do, anytime, anyday, I'm game. This song is less angry but perfect non the less. As the rest it has great lyrics and just perfect guitars and drums and bass and vocals, obviously all of it is perfect. Those high notes too? My god.

''We are the ones to fall'' follows, probably a more known song, amongst fans anyways. And that ''bloody'' video. Brilliant song. Straight from the get go the scream of ''we are the ones to fall'' the hair flipping the whole setting of the song. Hits just right. I'd literally write more about how great this song is but here I am stuck on the music video repeating for the third time because all that pretty hair, even if they end up beating each other up. I mean, I guess all bands have disagreements sometimes….

''Wasted & wounded''  with a music video made in Tavastia in Helsinki. Tavastia is only the coolest rock music club in Helsinki. Or one of the coolest in Europe tbh. I mean it's not a huge concert hall or anything it's a club for what less than 1000 people but guys it has it's charm. In the 70's the club was rented for weekly jazz, rock and disco gigs. And later in the 80's when it got it's legendary status as a rock club (basically the Viper room) there's been bands such as Dead Kennedys, Nick Cave and Hanoi Rocks. It is also one of the oldest European rock music clubs that are still in use. Right point here, Wasted and wounded is a dope song regardless of where the music video was made.

As it goes on with the ''Let them burn'' which has a live music video which gives you a glimpse of the bands great pressence on stage, nevermind who they want to burn. Lol. Song that follows the vibe of the album, the rest of the songs, angry, rebellious, passionate, perfect. Y'all caught that adorable Archies laughter in this song? At this point my sister would be like ''you have a thing about their singer don't you?''. Not at all. Lol. Not even my type. Lol.

''Vagabonds (sing with me)'' can you say no when they ask so nicely? It's a song that definatelly brings fans together. The ''fireeeee''? I died okay. I just love his voice so much. Another fast paced and loud song. Another one that's obviously pure perfection.

The album closes with ''Can you feel the rain'' which actually starts with sound effects of rain, storm, etc. Very ''Riders on the storm'' by the Doors. Who may as well be another influence for this band. If the rest of the album is angry and fast paced this is calm and gentle, while still a rock song. It's more…curious, soft. It picks up a bit towards the end with the just right ammount of power. Beautiful. I'd love a music video of the band playing it the rain, actually I'd like to be stuck in the rain with the singer. No, I don't have a thing for him at all.

You know what? Actually fuck everything I just said, this album is perfect from the first second to the last. Everything fits, the guitars, the drums, the bass lines and those angelic vocals. Their influences shine through so well, you can hear all those bands in their music, but still this fresh sound for newer generations to love and appreciate. And most definatelly they're a band whos sound is something we need more of. Whatever the future holds for the band as a band and individual members, I'm sure it's nothing but bright. With their talent and their sound? Stadiums and number ones no doubt.