Take out your aggressions on JR

Since John says lots of people, including him, need a good punch every now and then... let's oblige him. Cut this out along the dashed line and tape it to the punching bag at your local gym or a balloon or bouncy ball... and wail away!

.99 Review - Gary Allan "Today"

.99 Review - Gary Allan "Today"

The People's Take

Today (5 Stars) – Its about time we get some new Gary Allan. Its a great new songs.

-The Mexican elvis

Perfect (5 Stars) – For any true country fan Gary's new song does not disappoint--it is awesome, hopefully it gets some radio play between all the Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban continuity.

-arm626

My Take

Everything about this song, on paper, screams that it deserves a subpar if not embarrassingly low rating on my value scale. It's more cliché than the average Rascal Flatts song, more pop than a Chuck Wicks ballad and more soppy than a Jimmy Wayne emo song. Nothing, nothing, nothing new is brought to the table. Did I say nothing? It makes Brad Paisley's "Then" look like the most breathtakingly original country song ever written. I should hate this song. It could easily fit into many "real country" fans' lists of examples of all that's wrong with modern country. Here's the summary, Gary's ex is getting married today and he's sad about it. "Looks like she's really gone now" he sings.... nice observation, CSI Nashville.

All that said, I like it. For two reasons. 1) Gary could sing anything and I'd like it (aside from the vomit-inducing career misstep "Tough Little Boys"). I just freaking love the man's voice. 2) It's a sad song. There aren't enough of those around these days. It fills a void.

That's it. I like it. I don't love it. It won't stick with me for long, but I'll be singing it in my head for the next few weeks, at least until I can hear his new album in full. In the hands (or vocal cords, rather) of anyone else, I'd likely hate and deride the song. Gary gets a pass.

Hypocrite much?

Total value: .75/.99

The Checklist

Church/God

Mama

Boots

Name Dropping

Dying Person

County Fair

Lost Love

Love

Hometown Pride

Kindly Advice

Truck

Whiskey

Beer

Life Affirmation

USA

Soldiers

Pop Sheen

Star Power

(The single cover is just Gary in a doorway... doesn't exactly lend itself to being "Photocrapped")

McFly, just because they're trending on Twitter

Farce the Music Sells Out #2

I don't really know how to properly describe Amber Dust's sound or tell you what genre they're in. They're kinda folk-pop with some Americana and country-ish undertones and their songs have a nice warm glow about them. Most of them are fairly laid back in tempo and smooth as waxed butter. Something like that.... all I know is I really like 'em and they're extremely talented. I even know one of the dudes in the band and he's alright when he's off the Jack Daniels and mini-thins. Did I mention they're also generous? You can get both their debut album and their follow up EP for free at their website 24/7. Maybe if enough people jet over and grab their tunes, the boys will get off their posteriors and release the already-recorded next full Amber Dust album. Give 'em a try!

Check out their sound here (cool Danzig cover along with my two favorite Amber Dust songs, "Tear it Down" and "An Unfamiliar House" are all on their player!): http://www.myspace.com/amberdustmusic

Free full-length album and EP available here:

http://www.amberdustmusic.com/discography.html

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