Wednesday, April 6, 2011

What I Hate About Concerts

1. People who wear backpacks. I do not want to feel your junk rubbing all over me while you jump up and down like a lunatic.

2. Girls with long hair who don't tie it up. You hair is sweaty and gross. I don't want it leeching onto my skin. Tie that shiz up!

3. Sound guys who don't do their job properly. It's one thing to be in a small venue with terrible acoustics. It's another to be in a small venue with poor acoustics with a sound guy who has no idea what he's doing and how to reduce reverb.

4. Venues without proper facilities/air conditioning/beverages. Self explanatory. I'm going to invent a way to order a drink to your "spot" without pushing through the crowd and loosing your spot.

5. Tweens. I realize I used to be one, but seriously. Just because the band signed your poster doesn't mean you should go about shattering my ear drums.

6. Poor wardrobes. This is minor. Very minor compared to some of the others on this list, but I felt that it needed to be addressed. You're not at prom. You don't need to wear every accessory in your drawer. And, for the sake of us all, KEEP YOUR BRA ON!

7. Cougars. Where are your children? This usually ties into #6.


.....to be continued. I had to vent!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

New Tune Tuesday!

Today is totally devoted to incredible musicians and my good pals, Ha Ha Tonka!

Well, it's FINALLY here! The new album, Death Of A Decade, from Ha Ha Tonka had a fantastic pre-release on Amazon yesterday for a whopping $2.99! That's cheaper than a gallon of gas, folks! The response was so overwhelming that it moved them all the way up to the #4 spot (as of this time) on the music chart and extended the sale! So, if you haven't bought 10 copies, go do so NOW!

If you don't know anything about Ha Ha Tonka, let me fill you in.

Ha Ha Tonka (formerly Amsterband) charges straight out of the Ozarks with music that will get your toes tapping and fingers snapping. The quartet is comprised of crooner Brian Roberts, drummer Lennon Bone, Brett Anderson on guitar and bassist Lucas Long. Their harmonies are heavenly and their lyrics thought-provoking. Far too often artists compromise meaning for a good beat. Not Ha Ha Tonka. Not only are these guys incredible musicians, they're just about the nicest guys you'll ever meet!

The album starts off strong with Usual Suspect, an awesome tune the guys have been playing on tour for a little bit now. This song sums up Ha Ha Tonka for me. The guitar is beautiful and ties the chorus together perfectly. Usual Suspects leaves you wanting more-exactly what a debut track should do.

Other favorites include Made Example Of, which I heard for the first time at SXSW a few weeks back. The "singability" of this song makes it an instant classic and the perfect driving song. Brian's voice really sounds incredible throughout the entire album, but it shines for me on this track. The title track, Death Of A Decade is definitely solid and, I feel, a most appropriate name for the album. All in all, I think this is one of the best albums I've ever heard.

Recent praise includes:
-The #4 spot on MTV's The 7 countdown. Mentioned as a personal favorite.
-A spot on No Reservations, highlighting the Ozarks.
-Achieving high rankings on Amazon.com's music charts
-Countless rave reviews from music critics and fans alike

PLEASE take the time to sample this album on iTunes and support raw talent by purchasing 25 copies of Death Of A Decade. Thanks.

Till next time,
Jenn