0(+> - INTERACTIVE

This disc is actually a computer game.  Well mostly.  I include it here because the disc does have one audio track you can play in a regular CD player.  At the time, 'Interactive' was a song Prince was playing live at club shows around the USA but it wasn't on an album or scheduled to be released on one.  The 'Interactive' segues ended up on "The Gold Experience" but the song itself didn't get a release until it found a home on the outtakes compilation, "Crystal Ball".

The game is also called Interactive.  The song, 'Interactive' actually plays in the game as a live concert clip featuring Prince and The NPG.  In fact, it sets up the game allowing you to land near Prince's house and explore the building.

The track is a rock number with a big band sound and an aggressive rhythm section all used to accentuate Prince's vocal delivery.  It's high intensity and a track the band would cut loose on both live and in the studio.

As a game, it was expensive when it first came out, but eventually I saw it packaged in game compilation packs for $20 price tag.  I'm not sure what the disc sells for today or even if you could play it on newer computers.  That's a question I'll have to investigate if I ever decide to play the game again.

'Interactive' was never one of my favorite tunes, but I did like the way it set up other songs during this time period.  I loved the NPG Operator segues between and how it featured in live setlists.  It would get the crowd moving and excited.  The version appearing on this disc is slightly different from the version appearing on "Crystal Ball" but I'm not sure how much difference there actually is.  I need to listen to both back to back.  My final words:  A UNIQUE ITEM.  YOU'LL HAVE TO DETERMINE IT'S VALUE FOR YOURSELF.

0(+> - INTERACTIVE
01. Computer Game
02. Interactive

THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS - AMERICANEP

The "AmericanEP" is an EP/single from the album "Come With Us".  I believe it was the final single released from the album.  The same cover was used for the non-US single release "Come With Us/The Test".  The difference is the color of the cover art.  It's blue on all non-US single releases.

I think this is a phenomenal compilation!  There are 7 tracks listed on the back cover.  Two of them are multi-media tracks containing the official videos for 'Star Guitar' and 'The Test'.  Both of these videos are amazing.  'The Test' is a visual depiction of a young girl at a rave tripping on acid.  It starts with her swimming in beside a whale and then diving into the whale's open mouth.  Once inside, she's surrounded by neon jellyfish that strobe along with the beat.  It continues to other scenes like her moving her hand through the air and watching it turn to smoke.  The clip loses its momentum about half way through, but the imagery is nonetheless amazing.  I genuinely like this video and I'm very happy with it.  The other video, 'Star Guitar' is more interesting.  If you've ever worked in electronic music you'll understand the intricacies of how this video was made.  Music is generally a collection of simple motifs combined to make a larger piece of music.  Electronic music is a more extreme example of this in that a digital motif is played or programmed once and then copied to repeat at different times over the course of the song.  Additional motifs or sound effects are then added to complete an entire composition.  In the same way these musical elements are combined to create a song, the 'Star Guitar' video uses visual elements to represent the various sounds you hear in the song as it progresses.  Using train ride as the scale the song is travelling along, various items, people, landscapes, buildings and objects seen through the window represent individual drum beats or synth lines.  It's simply fascinating!  You have to watch it to get the full impact.

This is also a great release because it contains all of the elements I love to see in a single.  There's mixes, b-sides and even a live track.  The first track is a mix of 'Star Guitar' and it's a great track.  More mainstream than The Chemical Brothers usually create, but the cross over appeal to dance clubs at the time would've made this a very successful mix.  There's also a mix of 'Come With Us'.  However, this is a low key mix and isn't nearly as good as the original track.  It's not that it's bad, but it lacks the energy, build and excitement of the album version.

The b-sides are 'H.I.A.' and 'Electronic Battle Weapon 6'.  Now if you know anything about The Chemical Brothers and their Electronic Battle Weapon series, you'd know that most of these songs are actually extended or remixed versions of other songs.  'Electronic Battle Weapon 6' is actually a remix of the "Come With Us" track 'Hoops'.  I like 'Hoops' and so I dig this version.  'H.I.A.' is also a great track and sounds a lot like the music they were doing on the full album.  This was an interesting period for the Chems and it's one I personally enjoy quite a bit.  They were still pushing the envelope of electronic music composition and this track was no exception.

The last track to kinda discuss is the live track.  It's a medley of sorts they were playing on tour during this time.  They combined New Order's 'Temptation' with 'Star Guitar' and the result is stunning.  I think they were also supporting New Order on a tour and working on remixing one of their tracks around this time so the inclusion of 'Temptation' in their set may be a nod to that collaboration.

All of the elements of a great single are present and I'm absolutely thrilled by the contents of this awesome release!  My final words:  AN ECSTATIC DANCE ORIENTED MULTI-MEDIA RELEASE BY ONE OF THE BEST ELECTRONIC ARTISTS OF OUR TIME!

THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS - AMERICANEP
01. Star Guitar (Trisco La Funk Dub)
02. H.I.A.
03. Come With Us (H Foundation Remix)
04. Electronic Battle Weapon 6
05. Temptation/Star Guitar (Live From Brixton Academy)
06. Star Guitar (Video)
07. The Test (Video)

OWL CITY - MAYBE I'M DREAMING

Everything about this record seems to fit a dream theme.  And it's right there in the title of the record.  Adam Young has an amazing ability to create colorful, visual dreamscapes through his words and music.  It's like sitting in a quiet room and hearing water falling somewhere in the background.  You can imagine yourself in any one of a number of settings from viewing a distant waterfall to sitting beside a swift flowing stream.

Each song paints a different picture for the listener to experience.  There are certain recurring themes like the elements of water and air that crop up over and over.  For Young, there's a certain affinity for the cool and calm.  Whether it's in a chill wind or the inherent cooling effect of water, nothing seems too hot or uncomfortable.  It all achieves a sense of natural simplicity.  It's an uncomplicated work of brilliance.

This is the first actual album by Owl City.  It was preceded by an E.P., "Of June" which I haven't reviewed yet.  All of his earlier work is, for lack of a better word, magical.  His later body of work is still enchanting but preoccupies itself with more mundane subject matter and doesn't seem nearly as imaginative as these earlier songs.  

"Maybe I'm Dreaming" has a number of songs I find absolutely stunning!  The first track I really lose it over is 'The Saltwater Room'.  I absolutely love this song.  It features Breanne Duren on vocals and I should point out here I'm completely taken with the way their voices compliment each other.  As a singer, Adam Young possesses a soft, sentimental quality that comes across both sincere and ethereal.  Breanne has a richer more complex voice, but it's also high and lilting.  I've heard some of her solo material and she chooses louder more aggressive songs to sing.  But it's in these softer tunes with Young that her voice really shines.  The two of them create a breathy duo I enjoy listening to over and over.  I'd love to hear an entire album of these two artists collaborating and singing together.  She also sings on my favorite track on the disc, 'Air Traffic'.  I won't even bother trying to explain why I love this song.  It's a simple number.  Hidden on the disc and probably considered a filler track by most people.  To me, it's a relaxing, calming light that fills me up and leaves me drowsy and happy.

Songs like 'Early Birdie' and 'The Technicolor Phase' are so descriptive you can't help but conjure vivid images in your mind.  They're inspiring.  There's just not enough you can say about this beautiful album.  It achieves so much with so little and exposed the world to the visionary talent of Young.  Like the main character in the track 'Sky Diver', you fall into this record rather than listen to it.  And frankly, if you fell asleep listening to this record you would probably experience a bunch of incredible dreams.

I'm not going to ramble on any further or else I'll have to pull out a Thesaurus to find new words for magical and beautiful.  This album is simply all of that and more.  You have to hear it.  In my opinion, "Maybe I'm Dreaming" is the synth album many bands in the 80's were trying to write but never quite achieved.  It's finally realized here.  My final words:  A MYSTICAL ADVENTURE IN THE LAND OF NOD.

OWL CITY - MAYBE I'M DREAMING
01. On The Wing
02. Rainbow Veins
03. Super Honeymoon
04. The Saltwater Room
05. Early Birdie
06. Air Traffic
07. The Technicolor Phase
08. Sky Diver
09. Dear Vienna
10. I'll Meet You There
11. This Is The Future
12. West Coast Friendship

IN THE WHALE - FULL NELSON

This is another E.P. I picked up by the band, In The Whale at the Electric Six show.  They were the opening band.  Once again, the disc is loaded with rocking material.  In The Whale is a guitar/drum duo who really bring the intensity and the noise.  As a live band, they're both exciting and engaging.  On disc, they're able to convey the same level of energy and excitement they produce in a live setting.

I picked up three discs by them and this is the second I'm reviewing.  'Whiskey Gin + Beer' strikes me as a Southern Rock number.  It's got a great swing and I could easily see it racking up fans of that musical genre.  The first track is 'Radio' and it's an aggressive hard number that sets up the disc rather well.  There are some interesting vocal techniques used and overall, I quite like it.

My favorite song on the disc is probably 'Cavity'.  I like the rockabilly swing on this tune and it's the track I enjoy singing along with the most.  'Johnny Two A Day' is another blasting rock number performed with a more traditional metal vocal.

Surprisingly, the final track, 'Mail', is an acoustic ballad sung almost as a duet with a female vocalist.  I think the reason I like this track is because it demonstrates the band is so much more than just a rocking force of nature.  There's melody and substance there as well.

I'm happy to recommend In The Whale to people who are looking for a new group to discover or something to rock out with.  My final words:  WELL WORTH YOUR TIME AND MONEY.  

IN THE WHALE - FULL NELSON
01. Radio
02. Whiskey Gin + Beer
03. Cavity
04. Johnny Two A Day
05. Mail

DICK VALENTINE - QUIET TIME

For those of you who don't know...  Dick Valentine is the lead singer of both Evil Cowards and Electric Six.  He's released a series of solo records that usually consist of acoustic songs.  His new album is no exception.  However, it is slightly different in that the songs are all covers of material previously recorded and released by Evil Cowards and Electric Six.

I was excited about this release and even more pleased with it once I received it and was able to hear it.  I spent an entire morning driving around in my truck listening to it.  I was blown away!

No matter what the band or how much you love them, there are always certain songs you like more than others.  Oddly enough, this compilation has some of my all time favorite Evil Cowards and Electric Six tracks represented.  Right off the bat, Valentine starts with 'I Buy The Drugs'...  This song was the absolute jam the first time I heard it and I've enjoyed it immensely over the years.  I never get tired of hearing it.  Both 'Steal Your Bones' and 'Alone With Your Body' are present at the start of this disc and both songs were my favorite tracks on their respective albums.  'Steal Your Bones' is from "Kill" and 'Alone With Your Body' is from "Human Zoo".  One song about cloning and one about necrophilia...  Once again, Valentine challenges our preconceptions about taboo subjects and turns even the most grimacing perversions into humorous anecdotes.  If necrophilia ever becomes a socially acceptable form of sexual expression, we'll know who to blame.  

The track I was most anticipating is number 8.  'When I Get To The Green Building' is easily one of my all time favorite E6 songs to date.  I absolutely adore this song.  In some ways I see it as a classic rock opus...  One of those early rock ballads from the 70s where you would get more than just a cool song, you'd get a supernatural story; like the Eagles' 'Hotel California' or Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway To Heaven'.  To me, this is one of the strongest songs Valentine has ever committed to tape and I'm thrilled to have it appear here in this acoustic format.  It's as magnificent here as it is on the album.  It's followed by another song in this vein called 'Watching Evil Empires Fall Apart' and it's an epic as well.

There are two Evil Cowards' covers here.  'Sex Wars' from "Covered In Gas" and 'Rich Kids' is from "Moving Through Security".  Coincidently, 'Rich Kids' is my favorite track from "Moving Through Security".  So once again, he's picked more of my favs to re-invent and express here.

There are a couple songs on here I consider sleeper tracks.  In other words, I didn't like them the first time I heard them but as I listened to the album a few times, they grew on me and have become favorites.  These songs include 'The Band In Hell', 'Pink Flamingos' and 'Iron Dragon'.  There's even newer songs appearing on this compilation such as 'Roulette' and 'Take Another Shape'.  Both of these tracks are from Electric Six's last record.

Dick Valentine is an interesting character.  He's prolific.  Maybe not as prolific as Prince, but he writes a lot.  And his lyrics are written off by a lot of people, but those who take the time to invest in his work discover a song writer who is insightful, concerned, relevant and deeply poetic.  He's an under-rated talent.

What more do I have to say to encourage you to take a chance and buy this awesome record???  You need it.  Right now you can order the CD directly from Valentine through his Facebook page.  Otherwise, you will have to attend a live E6 show to purchase one.

If you don't know anything about Dick Valentine, this is a good starting point.  Pick up this record and if you like it, prepare yourself for even more to come as you explore the worlds of his various projects and bands.

My final words:  ACOUSTIC MASTERPIECE FROM A MASTER ARTIST!!!

01. I Buy The Drugs
02. Wikileaks
03. Steal Your Bones
04. Alone With Your Body
05. Show Me What Your Lights Mean
06. Sex Wars
07. Take Another Shape
08. When I Get To The Green Building
09. Watching Evil Empires Fall Apart
10. Rich Kids
11. The Band In Hell
12. Doom And Gloom And Doom And Gloom
13. Pink Flamingos
14. Roulette
15. Heartbeats And Brainwaves
16. Iron Dragon

DEPECHE MODE - USELESS

I think "Useless" was the second single from "Ultra".  Or maybe it was the third.  I just remember the import singles for this album were released in regular cases and the band reversed the covers.  The back cover with the barcode was used as the disc insert cover while the full cover picture was used on the back of the CD.  It was weird.  But also inventive.  I was really into "Ultra" and I bought everything I could from the album.  This is the first part of a two disc set.  It includes three versions of the track 'Useless' and a multimedia track containing the video for 'Barrel Of A Gun'.

The first track seems to be the exact same version of the song except the drum track is different.  I think this is the version that plays in the video for the song as well.  The second track is a 7 minute workout that starts off as an ambient version without a beat to a muffled drum version that sounds like you're hearing the song performed from another room.  The echo on the vocals is a bit much.  It lists the mix as parts 1 and 2.  I'm guessing part 1 is the ambient mix and part 2 is the Las Vegas lounge mix.

The final mix is the Cosmic Blues mix and I'd say it was aptly named.  It's got a trippy beat and a lot of special effect synth bleeps playing throughout.  It's like the musical version of the Star Trek Enterprise bridge.  All those bleeps and blurps...  When the guitar finally kicks in, you feel like you've been floating in space for awhile.  It certainly lives up to its name.

All in all, this is a strange but interesting single from DM.  I like it, but I also think it's rather weird.  My final words:  THIS SINGLE IS ANYTHING BUT USELESS...  I FOUND IT RATHER USEFUL....

DEPECHE MODE - USELESS
01. Useless (Remix)
02. Useless (Escape From Wherever: Parts 1 & 2!)
03. Useless (Cosmic Blues Mix)
04. Barrel Of A Gun (Video)

RAMMSTEIN - DU HAST

Rammstein's first hit in America was this delightful little single.  It heralded their biggest success in the 90's.  Compared to how well they've done on the international stage, both this single and album can't compare to their larger volume of work.  However, as far as US audiences are concerned, I'm pretty sure this is the pinnacle of the band's fame.

This version of the single features 4 tracks.  The first is the single version of 'Du Hast'.  It's an edit of the album full length version.  It's followed by the full album version of 'Buck Dich'.  So right there you have the main song and a b-side.  Excellent work.  The last two tracks are mixes.  The first is a remix by Jacob Hellner.  Using some strange electronic distortions, Hellner generates a new rhythm track and creates a deeper industrial version of the song.  The second remix is by Clawfinger and although it initially seems like it's going to be a more techno remix, it devolves into a harder rock version of the song.  Although I like both mixes, neither does the song justice.  'Du Hast' is just too powerful on its own.

Like most European singles, it comes housed in a slim case and like most Rammstein singles, I'm happy with the content and feel like I got my money's worth.  My final words:  BREAKTHROUGH SINGLE FROM A BREAKTHROUGH BAND!

RAMMSTEIN - DU HAST
01. Du Hast (Single Version)
02. Buck Dich (Album Version)
03. Du Hast (Jacob Hellner Remix)
04. Du Hast (Clawfinger Remix)

ERASURE - "ERASURE"

This is the self-titled 1995 album by 80's band, Erasure.  For those of you who aren't in the know, Erasure are a duo consisting of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke (of Yazoo and Depeche Mode fame).  They enjoyed a great deal of success with their previous albums but this one was a bit of a dark horse.  

Up to this point, Erasure were most notable for great pop music.  They were the undisputed masters of the 3 minute hit single.  With amazing hooks and catchy lyrics easy to sing along with, they were an established band with a loyal following.  

But something changed with this record.

After this album came out, Vince Clarke started doing side projects like The Clarke/Ware Experiment where he developed soundscapes rather than pop songs and we see the origin of that happening here.  Some of the songs on this album have long synth solos and complicated motifs playing under the main vocals.  To call the record challenging would be a fair assessment.  If I'm not mistaken, this album started a slide in album sales for the band.  This is the first record in a long time that failed to make #1 in the UK.

The disc is obviously experimental and was the band's attempt to break out of the musical confines they found themselves in.  This can either be a good or a bad thing depending on the result.  I love groups who challenge themselves, but like most critics and fans, when it doesn't work out, I can't hide my disappointment.  "Erasure" is a little harder to judge.  It doesn't exactly succeed and it doesn't fail.  I'm not sure it broadened the palate of Erasure fans, but at the same time, it did in many ways expand what they would expect in the future from the band.

One thing is certain, Clarke and Bell are an amazing song writing team and they compose music that is simply joyful.  This album is no exception.  The infectious hooks and sing along melodies are all present.  It's the longer song times that initially hold you back from getting too caught up.  But in even this regard, Clarke seemed prepared.  They would extend the songs with trance-like beats and qualities that make the tracks seem almost religiously zen.  Take 'Sono Luminous' for example...  After the main body of the song ends around 5 minutes you still have a three minute slow fade out that ends with Bell singing acapella in a gospel style.

The very next track, 'Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summer's Day)' delivers another long fade out.  This one lasts around two minutes and appears in the middle of the song.  'Rock Me Gently' is the most egregious example of these soundscape solos.  Clocking in around 10 minutes, over half this song is a synth trance solo. 

These songs are all mid-tempo with nothing really breaking the dance barrier.  Another reason fans might not like the disc.  

The first time I heard this album, I wasn't sure what to make of it.  I sorta thought it would grow on me the way the Pet Shop Boys album "Bilingual" did, but unfortunately, it hasn't.  I still like the music.  I'm especially partial to the singles from this album.  The edited versions of songs are more enjoyable and some of the b-sides during this time are outstanding.  I love them!

But the truth is, this might be the last Erasure disc I'll pull from my shelf to listen to.  I almost always listen to it only when I'm on an Erasure kick and I work my way through their records.  Still, it's so much better than a lot of the stuff coming out during that period of time.

My final words:  AN EXPERIMENTAL CHOICE FROM A POPULAR GROUP!

ERASURE - "ERASURE"
01. Intro: Guess I'm Into Feeling
02. Rescue Me
03. Sono Luminous
04. Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summer's Day)
05. Rock Me Gently
06. Grace
07. Stay With Me
08. Love The Way You Do So
09. Angel
10. I Love You
11. A Long Goodbye

SOFT CELL-MARC ALMOND - TAINTED LOVE

Marc Almond's rise to fame is largely due to Soft Cell and this track.  He went on to become a famous solo artist.  I just recently heard a segment on BBC Radio Documentary series where he traveled to Russia to learn more about a famous gay Russian singer who was plunged into obscurity because of his sexuality.  So he's still around and working.

Soft Cell are a group I've always liked but I've never picked up their album.  I really should.  I like a lot of the songs on it.  Even if they're considered a one hit wonder.  I still like them.

This is an interesting single because it was released in order to promote a new Marc Almond CD rather than Soft Cell.  He used it to capitalize on the success of Soft Cell to promote his own solo project, "Memorabilia".  There are 3 tracks on the disc.  The first is a new remix of 'Tainted Love'.  The second is a 12" version of a new song called, 'Where The Heart Is' and the final track is the original 12" version of 'Tainted Love' which is basically an extended version of the song.

Housed in a Euro slim case, I think this is a pretty good release.  Of course it might not matter so much if I had the corresponding albums, but I don't so it's very relevant to me.  I'm glad I at least have this but I'd like to have more.  My final words:  A GREAT SINGLE TO SUPPORT A GREAT SONG!

SOFT CELL-MARC ALMOND - TAINTED LOVE
01. Tainted Love '91 (7")
02. Where The Heart Is (12")
03. Tainted Love (Original 12" Version)

RAMMSTEIN - SONNE

This is a single from Rammstein's album "Mutter".  It's a great single for a couple reasons...  First, it has a b-side!  You heard me right.  The first track is essentially the album version of the song, but the second track is 'Adios'.  Now before you get too carried away, let me point out, 'Adios' does come from the album as well, but it's still nice to break up the mixes with another track and these two compliment each other rather well.  I'm not being too picky today whether or not the b-side is a non-album track or not.  I'm just enjoying the fact it's there.

Second, it has mixes.  Tracks 3 and 4 are remixes by the Swedish band, Clawfinger.  The first features deep metal drumming and harder power chords.  The second uses a jungle beat for the remix and relies on lower keyboard tones in place of the guitar power chords.  The final track is an instrumental version of the song.

I quite enjoy singles by Rammstein.  I think they pack a lot in these mini albums and I've never found one I thought was a total waste of money.

My final words:  ANOTHER EXCELLENT SINGLE FROM GERMANY'S PREMIER METAL BAND!

RAMMSTEIN - SONNE

01. Sonne

02. Adios

03. Sonne (Clawfinger K.O. Remix)

04. Sonne (Clawfinger T.K.O. Remix)

05. Sonne (Instrumental)

DEPECHE MODE - A PAIN THAT I'M USED TO

This is the first disc in a two disc set for the single, "A Pain That I'm Used To".  It features two tracks.  The first is the album version of 'A Pain That I'm Used To' and the second is a b-side song not on the album called 'Newborn'.

Since this release is so basic, I'll discuss the songs a little more in depth.  I really like 'A Pain That I'm Used To'.  I think it's a great song.  I'm not as impressed with the distortion sounds used at the first and throughout.  They started using forms of distortion in tracks right around 1992-93 when they released 'I Feel You'.  Granted, the sounds are used to emphasize the meaning of the song, but it ends up being more of a distraction.  In general, I love the tune and the meaning.  I think the lyrics are lovely.

'Newborn' is a much slower number.  It features a quieter distortion white noise sound like an ambient wind rushing.  When the drums start, it feels like a heartbeat.  The song is about falling in love and feeling like life is starting over.  Love transforms him into a newborn and everything becomes new again.  It reminds me of their older material from the early 80's and I'm actually glad they're doing stuff like this again.

My final words:  AN EXCELLENT SINGLE!  I WANT EVERYTHING I CAN GET MY HANDS ON FROM THIS RECORD.  AMAZING PERIOD OF TIME FROM DM.

DEPECHE MODE - A PAIN THAT I'M USED TO
01. A Pain That I'm Used To
02. Newborn

LORDS OF ACID - ROUGH SEX

This is a single from the first Lords Of Acid album, "Lust".  When this disc came out, it was legendary.  It changed electronic music.  I still actually like the record even though the sound hasn't survived well over time.  Many people consider this music as novelty and don't take it seriously.  And let's be honest, I don't think it was intended to be anything more than a gimmick.  But the music was amazing and it was fun to cut loose and let your inhibitions down.  This music was all about freedom.

The first three tracks on the single were mixed by Joey Beltram.  The first mix is an instrumental version of 'Rough Sex' with some aggressive drum programming and none of the slow bits.  The second mix is a vocal version of the song with some differences.  It's a more updated sound, but essentially the same as the album track.  The third mix is the second track over without the vocals.

The second two mixes are of the track, 'Take Control'.  They're both remixed by MNO; who if I'm not mistaken is another pseudonym for Praga Khan and Oliver Adams.  The first version is a remix and it's a high energy version of the song while the second is simply an instrumental version of the album track.

It's fun to have these singles because they're so unusual and rare to find.  I have it purely for the sake of collecting even though I haven't collected anything the Lords have done for years.  I used to really love this group.  My final words:  A FUN SINGLE WITH MIXES GALORE!

LORDS OF ACID - ROUGH SEX
01. Rough Sex (Beltram Whip Mix)
02. Rough Sex (Beltram Bondage Mix)
03. Rough Sex (Beltram Dirty Dub)
04. Take Control (Remix)
05. Take Control (Instrumental)

SHINEDOWN - US AND THEM

This was a CD my baby sister, Annie gave me a few years before she died.  She wanted me to listen to it because she thought I would like it.  I kept it around but never played it.  When she was gone, I listened to it non-stop for days.  Even now, when I listen to this record, I think of her and it breaks my heart.

Shinedown aren't a band I'd heard of prior to Annie's suggestion.  I see them around now on friends' Facebook feeds or sometimes people discuss them when we talk about music.  But for me, they were a virtual unknown.  They sorta fit a genre of music I dabbled in, but never fully embraced.

Shinedown wear their influences on their shirt sleeves the way some people wear their hearts.  They obviously came up in the 90's when Grunge was a huge movement.  I wouldn't lump them in that category though, because they sound more like bands that happened afterward.  It's in the way the lead singer arranges his vocals.  There are moments when I feel like I'm listening to The Smashing Pumpkins and at other times, Soundgarden.  The music is generally aggressive and more rock than anything.  They're definitely more of a straightforward rock outfit.

I usually put the disc in and let it play, but there is one song I will listen to over and over.  The last track on the album is called 'Some Day' and although it's not about my sister, it feels like it is.  For me, the song is about the distance between two people.  The space between life and death.  Not being able to see her, talk to her or listen to her.  I don't know how else to describe what's become such an internalized and personal song.  It's a tune that captures something inside of me and transforms into an essential part of how I view certain memories and feelings.  For me, it's a part of what remains of her around me.  In both my heart and mind, I feel her in the sound.  This music was her favorite.  

And you hear her in it.

My final words:  A GREAT ALBUM WITH DEEP PERSONAL MEANING.

SHINEDOWN - US AND THEM
01. The Dream
02. Heroes
03. Save Me
04. I Dare You
05. Yer Majesty
06. Beyond The Sun
07. Trade Yourself In
08. Lady So Divine
09. Shed Some Light
10. Begin Again
11. Atmosphere
12. Fake
13. Some Day