Let's Get Big - New Music Monday

I know, I know, this New Music Monday is coming a tad later than usual, but no worries, I have your new music!

This week's song comes from a British band was first known as Fear of Flying. In October 2007 they posted on their MySpace (Remember MySpace, that thing that everyone used to use before Facebook came along? Yeah, that MySpace) page, "Fear of Flying is DEAD... White Lies is alive!" That's when their sound got a lot darker and (supposedly) a lot more mature. They seem to have a split music-ality (your music personality); one is very indie-pop and is compared to bands like Franz Ferdinand and The Killers, while the other is a darker sound, like Arcade Fire and Interpol. There's even a bit of 80s sound, like Tears For Fears.



I myself hear a little Duran Duran in the guys voice, but maybe that's just me. The song is "Bigger Than Us" by White Lies. I love the video; it's odd, layered with pieces of a puzzle I haven't yet put together. Watch and decide for yourself. And be careful- it makes you want chocolate!

-Whitni

The Comeback Kid

Have you ever heard of miracles? Maybe you've had one happen to you or someone you love. Well, in 2000, a young rapper by the name of 50 Cent was shot nine times outside his grandmother's home in Queens. Not only did he survive, he continued to make records. You gotta give him respect for that.

Now, a lot of people love 50. And a lot of people don't ('I'd give him a dollar to shut up' is a popular slogan). Personally, I had only heard his singles on the radio, but I had never ventured out to listen to his albums before now. His album Get Rich Or Die Trying, the first album after the shooting, and his debut album, was listed by Allmusic as "probably the most hyped debut album by a rap artist in about a decade". So, the real question is, did 50 Cent actually have enough talent and skills to change the game?

Well, yes, and no. I know, we say that for a lot of reviews. That's because music isn't black and white, its usually a gray area for most musicians. For 50, there are definite bright spots in his music, but there's a black hole that could easily suck him up if he doesn't change his ways.

When you listen to the album, there is no denying the fact that the man is creative. He can rap and he can definitely spin some words. For example:

D's come we dump the diesel and battery acid This flow's been mastered, the ice I flash it Chokes me, I'll have your mama picking out your casket, bastard I'm on the next level, Breitling Baguette Bezel Benz pedal to the metal, hotter than a tea kettle, blood

I wouldn't get in a battle with this cat. And the album isn't bad. I like how it's pure 50, even when he raps with other people like Eminem and Nate Dogg. He speaks his mind, but doesn't droll during a song. I enjoyed the first couple of songs, the middle of the album, and the end. Of course, though, I have a problem with this album...

I understand how, sadly, 50 Cent's shooting kind of fueled his career. However, that doesn't mean that that's all he has to rap about. We got it 50, you got shot. And I understand how you have to call out the haters and everything, but please don't base your whole album on that fact. Well, I guess you can (he did), but I have to admit, I got bored after a while. Like, oh, another die haters! I'm still alive song. I can even understand the 'ho's' and stuff like that, maybe because I'm used to that in rap, but, at this point in time, I would have told 50 to expand after this album, cause you can't ride on a shooting for the rest if your career. Well, I guess you can, but you really shouldn't want to. All musicians should strive to get better with each album, not stay the status quo.


Anyways, off Get Rich Or Die Trying, there were a couple of singles I'm sure you all would be able to sing at any given time. 'In da Club', '21 Questions', 'Many Men (Wish Death)' 'P.I.M.P'. If you don't know, you can look them up on YouTube. My favoirte of this album was the second track, 'What Up Gangsta'. I can't speak too much for Whitni, because you know how she feels about rap (if you don't, look up her post 'The Slow And Sad Degeneration Of Rap Music'). However, I like she would like 'Wanksta', which was featured in the 8 Mile album.

50 Cent has gone on to release other albums (this one was released in 2003), so I can't say much about how he is now musically. Otherwise, he looks as if he's doing okay, although seems to be having a lot of legal troubles. I also couldn't help but notice the fact that he has a large number of feuds going on, as well as a son. I just gotta say to 50, regardless of the music, stay safe man. These streets ain't as safe as they used to be, and I'm sure you know this better than anybody. And, if you have something you have to say, something worthwhile, then keep rapping.

I guess 50 Cent will always be rap's little miracle.

-Raivynn

A Song For The Holiday

Here's a song to remind us of why we celebrate a holiday like Thanksgiving. And yes, we can go into everything that happened to the Native Americans and how its all very material, but at the end of the day, you have your family, and you have your friends. And that's why I put this song up. Hopefully these next weeks have you feeling kind and generous.



-Raivynn

(Bang!) New Music Monday

Happy Monday, my musical friends! Today is looking to be a good day (I don't know about you guys, but it's a beautiful 70 degrees here in Cincinnati)!

Today's New Music Monday pick is one of international proportion! The young man who made this song is originally from Somalia. He's a rising rapper in the music world and you probably know him from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. His song, "Wavin' Flag" was remixed and chosen as the Coca-Cola anthem for the football (as soccer's called in the rest of the world) championship.



This song is off his new album Troubadour; the song is "Bang Bang" by K'naan feat. Adam Levine. Yeah, you read that right- Adam Levine. As in lead singer of Maroon 5, hits songs like "This Love", "Wake Up Call" and "Misery" Adam Levine. This duo makes making music look easy, and I wouldn't be surprised if this song took off early 2011. In fact, I'd put money on it.

Oh, and, just so you know, the video's a little risque, but nothing to bad. It's the times, you know, the times. What can you do?

Whitni

Thanks and Giving

What is the longest word in the English language?

Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis

Running at 45 letters, and meaning 'a lung disease caused by the inhalation of very silica dust, causing inflammation in the lungs,' this is a really long word (no kidding). So, the question is, what can you do with a word like this?

You can upgrade your bio research paper from a B to a A. Or, you can impress your friends and/or crush with your sophisticated language. Or...you could donate 10 grains of rice to feed a hungry person.

I personally think the last one sounds like the best choice. At the bottom of the blog, you will now find a banner for FreeRice, which is a website through the World Food Programme that, through the support of donors and people who play, feeds hungry people rice every day. I have signed this blog up as a Blog Against Hunger, and support FreeRice by encouraging you all to play. FreeRice will not only make you smarter, but it feeds little kids too. You can do everything from English to Geo to Spanish to Chem(I used it for Chem!).

Now, don't worry, I don't, at this moment, plan to start having a bunch of a annoying, moving ads around here. But this one, its different. I'm not getting any money. I'm not even getting rice.

But...please, help a five-year old in Haiti have some dinner. Trust me, learning has never been this fun.

Raivynn

P.S- Read all about it- http://www.freerice.com/about

A Proud Innie

There are three words that define a lot about me and my personality.

I'm an introvert.

In case you don't know what an introvert is, an introvert is a person who draws in energy by being alone for a while. The opposite is an extrovert, who draws in energy by being around people. Most people are a good mix of the two. As for myself, I am, according to the Meyer's Brigg Personality Test, 89% introverted. That's pretty significant.

You may wonder how this is at all related to music or you or life in general. I mean, who cares, right? WRONG!
Haha, just kidding. But seriously, it does matter. I'm pretty sure most of my friends are extroverts, which makes being a introvert that much harder. They don't understand why I sometimes have a hard times making friends, going up to/speaking to people, and, most importantly, why I don't go to parties. I'm pretty sure my roommate thinks I'm socially deficient because I was homeschooled. Homeschooling has nothing to do with this.

So, I tried to be more outgoing, I tried to go to parties. And then, I just couldn't do it. It drained me so much, I felt like I was falling out of myself. Today was a prime example of that. When I don't talk, my friends continuously ask if 'I'm okay.' I appreciate their concern, but I don't have to be talking to be okay.
Another example is when I was talking to my roommate a few weeks ago. I was trying to ask for some help on how to talk to guys, but I think I told her/she took it as I needed help communicating my feelings.

Well, I don't. I tell my friends how I'm feeling sometimes, and sometimes I don't, but they don't always respond to what I'm saying. Scratch that, they don't listen (when someone tells you they have been depressed for five days, you follow up!) I DO listen (most of the time), and I pride myself on this.

See, I love being an innie. Even though I was trying to be more outgoing (I didn't want to lose my friends), I like that I am more reflective and thoughtful than the usually loud and impulsive exies. I couldn't even imagine being like this. And even though Psych Today reports that there are 50% innies and exies, it doesn't seem like it.But anyways, back to my conversation with my roommate. I told her I was introvert, and the way she was talking to me was if that was a bad thing. Like a bad habit I needed to drop. I have issues with some exies. Stuff like this.

Guess what exies? We like the way we are, just like you do. I'm not trying to be mean, I just think exies think they have it best. They don't. Things like this are relative, it depends on the person. I observe things you will never see, I have time to myself, I have the ability to process info in an entirely new light, AND... I think before I speak. And even though this is an extroverted world, I will be fine.

For some reason, people seem uncomfortable when I say this. Like its this horrible thing, an ailment, or its shyness (ITS NOT). I told my friend the other day, and she gave me a look that said, 'Why should it matter?'
Well, it does. It does to me. Not a whole bunch of things matter to me (Activism, Music, Education, Human Rights, Family, Introversion), but this is one of them. Plus, don't you think knowing this will help you and me be able to communicate more effectively? Understand each other better?

Yes, I am an introvert. I have the communication skills needed to succeed. I don't make snap decisions, but consider the possible outcomes. I take time to just be alone. And, no, I'm not the life of the party. But I can be the life of your conversation. And (not saying all exies believe these) if you can't deal with the fact that there are some people in this world who don't overpower others in a conversation, actually listen, or don't go to clubs on a Tuesday, oh well.

And guess what?

Innies rule.

Raivynn
P.S- Here's a cool article I read yesterday. Psych rocks!! http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201008/revenge-the-introvert
P.S- As you will read in the article, mental illness is at some all time highs for people who are introverted. A lot of it has to do with not feeling accepted in our own society. Society seems geared towards exies, which definition hurts innies, especially kids. If you are an introverted kid, or you know a introverted kid, let them know its okay, and definitely great, to be the way you are. I'm (kinda) an introverted adult, and I wouldn't change it for the world. You are awesome!

P.P.S.S- The kids are so cute!!!

The Beatles Study With Us and Other Cool Broadcasts

Hey guys!

Well, today was it! :(

I know, don't cry. I'll (hopefully) be back next term with some fresh new music and more awesome random facts to amuse each and every one of your funny bones. In the mean time, keep checking the blog throughout the holiday season, and we'll continue to post up reviews, new music, and musings about life and music in general. It don't get no better (yes, that is a sentence).

I have once again compiled the last few weeks of radio play for 'Cooler Than Real Life', including the all request hour and 'A Cooler Than Real Life Special Edition: The Beatles Study With Us', which was a midnight hour of straight Beatles to do a favor for another radio buddy (feel better Topher!), as well as indulge in Beatles music while avoiding homework.

Good luck on finals mates, and for everyone, thanks for tuning in. It's been fun.

Raivynn/Vince

The name of the song is first, then band, with the album in parenthesis.

Radio Broadcast 6 (Nov. 2, 2010):
1)Uprising by Muse (The Resistance)
2)Adding To The Noise by Switchfoot (The Beautiful Letdown)
3)Funny The Way It Is by Dave Matthews Band (Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King)
4)Fine Line by Paul McCartney (Chaos And Creation In The Backyard)
5)Something Good Can Work Out by Two Door Cinema (Tourist History) *Band Of The Week*
6) My Generation by The Who (My Generation)
7)Streetcorner Symphony by Rob Thomas (Something To Be)
8)Revolution 1 by The Beatles (The White Album Disc 2)
9)Waiting On The World To Change by John Mayer (Continuum)
10)Crying Shame by Jack Johnson (In Between Dreams)
11)Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon (Lennon Legend: The Very Best Of John Lennon)

Radio Broadcast 7 (Nov. 9, 2010) *All Request Hour*:
1)Too Legit To Quit by MC Hammer (Too Legit To Quit)
2)Bulletproof by La Roux (La Roux)
3)Grand Theft Autumn/Where's Is Your Boy? by Fall Out Boy (Take This To Your Grave)
4)Closer To Love by Mat Kearney (City Of Black And White)
5)Sweet Serendipity by Lee DeWyze (Live It Up)
6)I And Love And You by The Avett Brothers (I And Love And You)

7)Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars (Doo Wops and Hooligans)
8)The Cave by Mumford And Sons (Sign No More)
9)And She Was by Talking Heads (Little Creature)
10)What Are You Waiting For by My Favorite Highway (How To Call A Bluff)
11)Amos Moses by Jerry Reed (Georgia Sunshine)
12)In The Aeroplane Over The Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel (In The Aeroplane Over The Sea)
13)Cold Shoulder by Adele (19)
14)Check Yes Juliet by We The Kings (We The Kings)
15)Parker by Automatic Loveletter (Recover)
16)I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor (I Will Survive)
17)Sunshine by Atmosphere (Sad Clown Bad Summer)

Radio Broadcast 8 (Nov. 15, 2010) *The Beatles Study With Us*:
1)Beatles Greetings (Speech) (Live At The BBC Disc 1)
2)Yer Blues (The White Album Disc 2)
3)Too Much Monkey Business (Live At The BBC Disc 1)
4)Crinsk Dee Night (Live At The BBC Disc 2)
5)A Hard Days Night (A Hard Days Night)
6)You Never Give Me Your Money (Abbey Road)
7)Sun King (Abbey Road)
8)Mean Mr. Mustard (Abbey Road)
9)Polythene Pam (Abbey Road)
10)She Came In Through The Bathroom Window (Abbey Road)
11)Golden Slumbers (Abbey Road)
12)Carry That Weight (Abbey Road)
13)The End (Abbey Road)
14)Her Majesty (Abbey Road)
15)Riding On A Bus (Speech) (Live At The BBC Disc 1)
16)The Fool On The Hill (Magical Mystery Tour)
17)Anna (Go To Him) (Please Please Me)
18)She Said She Said (Revolver)
19)Nowhere Man (Rubber Soul)
20)Free As A Bird (Anthology 1 Disc 1)
21)Hey Bulldog (Yellow Submarine)
22)Just A Rumour (Live At The BBC Disc 2)
23)All Together Now (Yellow Submarine)
*Every song is by The Beatles*

Radio Broadcast 9 (Nov. 16, 2010):
1)Why Do I Keep Counting by The Killers (Sam's Town)
2)The Winner Is by Devotchka Music (Little Miss Sunshine: Music From The Motion Picture)
3)Where Are You Going by Dave Matthews Band (Busted Stuff)
4)Sleeping In by The Postal Service (Give Up)
5)Satellite by Guster (Ganging Up On The Sun)
6)We Care by MGMT (We (Don't) Care)
7)Ocean Breaths Salty by Modest Mouse (Good News For People Who Love Bad News)
8)Up The Spout by Mateo Messina (Juno: The Movie Soundtrack)
9)Shooting The Moon by Ok Go (New Moon: Music From The Motion Picture)
10)Song In D by Mock Orange (Captain Love) *Band Of The Week*
11)Our House by Madness (The Rise And The Fall)
12)Postcards From Italy by Beirut (Gulag Orkestar)
13)Fabulous by Jaheim ft. Tha Rayne (Still Ghetto)
14)For No One by The Beatles (Revolver)
15)New Deep by John Mayer (Heavier Things)
16)Marching Bands Of Manhattan by Death Cab For Cutie (Plans)

Yes Yes Yes or New Music Mondays

What's up guys, how's the week starting out for you? Good? Bad? In between? Well, I got to thinking- what's a good way to start the week? And, of course, the answer was... new music! So, today, The Summer Music Project starts a new segment called (drumroll please) New Music Mondays! This happily means that every Monday you can log onto this awesome little blog of ours and find a new song to get stuck in your head until next Monday rolls around.

The first song for New Music Mondays happens to be by a seasoned band out with a new album on the 22nd called Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys. It's only appropriate I picked this song, since lately my musical tastes have been focused on punk and hard rock/metal.



This song is "Na Na Na" by My Chemical Romance, a rock band originally from New Jersey. I've heard some of their older stuff (i.e "Welcome To The Black Parade" and "Helena"), so I was happy to see they haven't lost that pzazz. I think you guys will like it. Happy Monday kids!

-Whitni

Stay Off Of Tumblr

I know, I know, I just put up the awesome new Tumblr version of our blog. Sadly though, there is some weird hacking stuff going down between a site called 4chan and Tumblr, and it involves porn, spamming, and the 'takeover' of Tumblr. While I doubt they will actually takeover Tumblr, some hacking will probably happen.

So, if you are following over 1,000 people, you need to change your password and disable your ask button.

Everyone needs to not newly follow anybody or click on any links or posts.

In fact, its best if you just stay off of Tumblr for the week. I don't want you guys to get spammed by porn. I know it will be hard, but there is something you can do, surely? Go to the library and really listen to some of the new music Whit and I have recommended. Here's one- "We Care" by MGMT.

See you on Tumblr NEXT week,
Rai

All's Fair In Licks and Lies

You think politics and eventually you get around to thinking music. The same goes for the other way around. Music and politics have had an interesting relationship over the last 200 or so years.

Your probably wondering why I'm talking about politics on a music blog, right? Well, the other day I happened to look up at a picture I have of Ben Gibbard and read the quote under his picture:

"If we can survive the Bush administration, we can survive anything."

That got me thinking- what was the effect of this comment on the general public? Did people begin thinking about the Bush administration and it's outcome more because Gibbard commented on it?

Gibbard's not the only one dipping his toes in the political pond. Musicians like Noel Gallagher (Oasis), Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Natalie Maines (The Dixie Chicks) and many more have all made comments here or there about certain figures in politics. One noteworthy one is a comment made by Mrs. Maines.

"Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas."

She made this statement on the eve of the Iraqi invasion in 2003 and received hell for it. She later apologized for it, but the damage was done. She began receiving hate mail and even a death threat and later recounted the apology. Luckily for her (and her husband and two kids), the hoopla has died down. But for all the trouble she went through, her comment still stands. Interestingly enough, she said this right before the band performed "Travelin' Solider", a sad World War II song.

The Dixie Chicks aren't the first musicians to make a war/political song. The list of anti-war songs goes on and on. From "It Better End Soon", one of many end-the-Vietnam-war anthems to "Sunday Bloody Sunday", a song inspired by a tragedy in Derry, Ireland that U2 couldn't ignore, to "Hey Ma" by James, a Manchester band who describes 9/11 and the Iraqi war.



I posted this specific video because it is my all-time favorite political rock song. Well, that and I know the story behind the song. If you're wondering what that story is check out the movie Bloody Sunday, not to plug it or anything.

Not surprisingly, a lot of the mixing of music and politics has to do with just that- war. Without war and corruption it's debatable if musicians would have ever step foot in politics.

But, when one takes a long hard look at it, it makes perfect sense why musicians and politics come together like so, and why the music is usually anti- something, be it war, tragedy, or just "The Man" in general.

Music surrounds us. It's involved in almost every aspect of our lives and we hear it every day, even if we don't even turn on the radio. And often times we, as people, don't always keep up on politics as much as we should, so music kind of reminds us to think about things like- "What is my government doing in the Middle East?" or "Are the reasons why we're still in this war really valid or true?"

Which brings me to another point- truth. Politicians are known for covering up the truth and while uncovering it is usually the journalist's job, the musicians of the world do well in exploiting in and making it known. This can work in all aspects of the modern world, like how Stevie Wonder used his song "Village Ghetto Land" to alert people to the reality of poverty in the United States. Ice Cube did the same thing in his song "Hood Mentality". Instead of making the purpose of the song clear, however, he raps under the idea that he wants to be a inner-city gangster. He's really trying to get across the message that being a gangster is nothing to yearn for. It's a read-between-the-lines kind of song. Be careful is you decide to listen to it though, it's all kinds of explicit.

Music stirs up all kinds of emotions in people, and if you throw politics into that mix, well, things can get messy. Musicians have always written how they feel, or about what they see or experience, and they always will. This relationship, it's delicate, but necessary. What's the point of free speech if our musicians can't bag on the government every now and again? Besides, it makes for interesting music.

-Whitni

The picture at the top is of the late John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono. Posters and billboards were rented in eleven cities and read: WAR IS OVER (if you want it). John and Yoko are two of the most notable examples of the mixture of music and politics.

Like A Little Tumblr

You know, a little kid? A tumbler? Whatever, you get it! We now have a Tumblr edition of this blog. Exciting, I know.

http://thesummermusicproject.tumblr.com/

ATTN: We are not moving the blog. The blog will always sit here in this nice and cozy blogspot. I made Tumblr this for two reasons:

1) For people who read the blog and are on Tumblr to have even easier access. This way, you won't have to go there and here. But, if you want the most authentic feel, like seeing what we're listening to and the awesome polls made up by our very own Whitni, then stick around. Personally, I encourage it. We have cookies.

2) To reach more people. Everyone wants new friends, right? New playmates, new buddies, new Tumblers! I'm hoping that soon we will be featured on the Music directory on Tumblr. First though, I have to figure out how to put up music.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to email me at walnuts13@gmail.com. Please don't abuse my email or sell it though, I kinda love it.

Stay cool.
Raivynn

Printers, Babies and Rollarskates

So, chances are you've seen that new HP Printer commercial with the baby zooming across the U.S in a baby bouncer (also called a play saucer). She zooms past cows in a field and weaves through traffic like a pro. It's actually pretty humorous. The video was too big for the blog, but I did manage to get the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p02DgHeGdyI&feature=related

There's a little folk song that plays during the commercial that's stuck in my head so, of course, I had to look it up. With a little digging I found the song- "Brand New Key" by Melanie Safka.



Melanie Safka, who often went by just Melanie, was most popular from the late sixties through the late eighties, though she's really one of those singers who was never really that popular. She's still recording though. This particular song came out in 1971 on the album Gather Me. I love the lyrics and the folk influence, especially since I'm going through a indie folk/indie/folk stage. Have fun with this one kids.

-Whitni

You Like It Or You Don't

Two words dudes- Alternative Country.

Now, I bet you're thinking, what the hell is alternative country? Where did this genre come from and the biggest question of all- is it any good?

According to my sources (my sources being the same sources you have, the internet), alt-country became popular around the 1960s, with peeps like Gram Parsons and The Byrds. Artists like Neil Young and Wilco (who have an album on the countdown) have made the combination of country and experimental music/rock/indie successful. Some say a young man named Ryan Adams is also a trooper at making good alt-country, but I beg to differ.

The album in review, Heartbreaker, was the first solo album for Adams. It came out ten years ago when he decided to trek out on his own without his band, Whiskeytown. If you were to Google this album and then look at my review you'd probably be a little confused. All the reviews speak highly of Adams, saying this album is a masterpiece, great alternative country, blah blah blah blah blah. I'll tell you what it really is- it's boring!

Now, I'm not saying that compared to punk, rock, grunge, etc, it's boring. I'm simply saying this album is nothing to rave about. For a majority of the songs it felt like Adams didn't really put a whole lot of effort into his music.

Of course there were a couple of good tunes. I liked the song "To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)" a song with just the right mixture of pop, twang and grit (no, that's not a genre) to create something worth recording. Songs like "My Winding Wheel", "Bartering Lines" and "Why Do You Leave" also throw some good stuff in there.

One song, "Oh My Sweet Carolina" started out all right. With just a guitar and Adams, it made you feel like you were sitting under a shade tree in Alabama. But then, it all came crashing down. Emmylou Harris just had to start singing, messing the whole thing up. If that name sounds familiar, it is! Harris also partnered up with Conor Oberst, the lead singer of Bright Eyes, who made the first album we reviewed on this blog. You can read that review at http://summermusicproject.blogspot.com/2010/06/and-countdown-begins.html

Listening to the album a second time around I could see a little bit more talent, a little bit more potential. You obviously hear Adams has a good voice, but this just wasn't his best album. Alternative and country aren't the easiest genres to mix and you've got to have a good sense of your musical self to do it well. I haven't listened to Adams more recent stuff other than a cover he did a of Oasis's "Wonderwall", which was good! Just listening to this cover made me confident that Adams is figuring out who he is, in a musical sense, and what kind of music he wants to make. That said, this cover, in my opinion, definitely does NOT top the Oasis version of the song, which is one of my favorite songs of all time.



But you can decide for yourself right here!



Overall, Ryan Adams has talent. It's just much harder to find in this particular album. Listen at your own risk.

-Whitni

Gram Parson, who was a country rock musician, said this of alternative country-
"It's music...either it's good or it's bad... either you like it or you don't!"