Music
"Let the people say what they want" - from "Gather the Horses"
An album that starts off as much like Bruce Springsteen as it does Welsh group Stereophonics, Charlie Mars likes to mix a bit of Southern rock with polished, radio-friendly pop/rock.
The leadoff track, "Gather the Horses" is such an example as the harmonies soar in the vein of the Verve. A rather melodic, orchestral conclusion doesn't diminish the overall result. "Simple Things" keeps the momentum going as Mars has that aura surrounding his voice that Bono from U2 often does when executing a ballad. "Close to Home" separates itself with more of a roots pop tune resembling the Counting Crows, Matchbox Twenty, or Train.
The somber pop melodies are apparent on the majestic "White Out," an experiment between the arrangements of Coldplay and the dreamy ethereal touches of Radiohead. This anthem-like milieu continues on the lush and low-building "When the Sun Goes Down." When he goes in different directions, he's more than able to carry the songs effortlessly, particularly on the infectious "Try So Hard," with help from guitarist and producer Rick Beato. The sleepers on this disc just have to be the singer/songwriter style of "Bay Springs Road" and "How Could You," the latter a tune yearning to be covered by Jason Mraz, perhaps. A fine debut by a finer musician with enough chops to seal the deal.
-- Don't forget to check out his website.
To see more reviews I've written, click here.
From the outside looking in, you might
think that Brad Cotter was an overnight success. In May of this year, the
Alabama native was voted by 10 million Americans as the winner on season two
of USA Network's reality series/talent search, NASHVILLE STAR. Brad's debut
album, Patient Man, entered the Billboard Country Album chart in the
top five. Now with sales of over 30,000 units, it establishes him as one of
only three new country artists this year to realize first week sales of this
magnitude.
In truth, Brad Cotter has spent the last eight years struggling to make a
living and find an outlet for his music. While acquiring a record deal was
always his dream, the young singer/songwriter had to the pay bills. In doing
so, Brad became an in-demand studio/demo singer which helped build his
reputation around the music business. However, last fall, the "Nashville
Star" winner was near giving up on his dream when the opportunity to
audition for USA Network's reality talent search presented itself.
Fortunately, after nine consecutive weeks on the popular program, America
was in love with Brad's bluesy voice, handsome looks and his "devil-may
care" attitude. America's vote gained Brad his dream, a record deal on Epic
Nashville (a division of Sony).
Patient Man is a great CD for the average country music fan. Highly
recommended.
Watch Brad Cotter's
"I Meant To"
Video (full length):
RealVideo |
QuickTime | Windows -
lo :
hi
As I said on the opening page, I recently spent a week in Costa Mesa, California, which is so close to Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Luguna Beach, Orange, etc. that there is so much to see and do within a short drive, it's amazing.
I stayed at the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel, which is a really nice hotel. There's some pics over there on the right if you want to check it out.
While I was there, I went to the Orange County Fair with some new friends I had made, and had a blast! I even rode a ride (which if you know me and my problem with motion sickness -- it's quite a shock!). Hoobastank was playing that night, but we didn't get to see them. Stay posted -- photo(s) coming soon!
I also went down to the beach with another new friend I made while I was there. We ate at the Rockin' Baja Lobster Shack (yeah, Kelly, I looked it up!). Newport Beach is very cool. It was nice having cold Coronas out on the pier...mmmmmm.
Right next door to the Westin hotel is the South Coast Plaza Shopping Center. Very high-end, it's the Rodeo Drive of Orange County. Stores include Gucci, Versace. Georgio Armani, Sax Fifth Avenue, Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Tiffany, Herm�s, Fred, Fendi, Emporio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Jimmy Choo, Donna Karen New York, Sergio Rossi, Louis Vuitton, and more. (Also see www.south-coast-plaza.com)
(click on an image to enlarge)
A real wild west mining town
Located high on top of Cleopatra Hill (5,200 feet) between Prescott and Flagstaff is the historic copper mining town of Jerome, Arizona. Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome was a copper mining camp, growing from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community.
Called the
Indian Fire, it eventually burned over 1200 acres and at least 5 homes.
The fire started about 5 miles outside Prescott,
and burned a swath right towards Prescott!
We were able to watch the air tankers and helicopters ferrying back and forth over the city, providing
retardant and water drops on the fire. It was scary to watch.
Colton Point Lookout
The Colton Point Lookout is located on the Pine Creek Gorge, just a few miles outside of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. The Pine Creek Gorge is a tourist haven, with lookouts on both sides seeing hundreds of thousands sight-seers every year. There is an abundance of hiking trails, campsites, and picnic pavillions. Running through the gorge is Pine Creek, which sees much action from white-water rafters and canoers, along with the multitudes of fresh-water trout fishermen.
This is a fountain on the Green in beautiful downtown Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. Wellsboro is where I'm from, and is located in North Central PA. It's known as a haven for retirees as well as outdoor enthusiasts. You really should see it.
The statue and fountain of Wynken, Blynken and Nod, from the poem by Eugene Field, was dedicated in 1938 to the memory of Elizabeth Bailey. It is located in the center of the Green at the corner of Main and Central Ave.
Click The Poem to read where the names come from.
If you visit Wellsboro, you may notice there are many gas streetlights around town. In particular they line the two boulevards (Main and Central) down the center grass meridian. The town has an old New England feel with a little victorian spice.
Click Gaslight Trivia if you want to know more about Wellsboro's gaslights.
To see more pictures and info on Wellsboro, click here. I admit, I stole a couple of the images (and the corresponding text too) from that site. So sue me!
