Hilarious! Just Ask Abraham Lincoln.

Book Title: My Custom Van: And 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays that Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face
Author: Michael Ian Black
Genre: Adult Humor

I remember the first time I saw Michael Ian Black he was one of the commentators on the VH1 show "I Love The 80's." I remember thinking he was pretty funny. So when I saw he had a book I had to check it out. Frankly, it is pure gold.
In the book he writes about 50 essays ranging from the topic of how vampires would be good for the economy to how he could convince himself to eat dog crap for the rest of his life. Not that every essay is pure genius. 'One Day I am Going to Open a Scented Candle Shop' falls a little flat. But in general 99% of the book is right on. I'm laughing now as I recall the story, 'An Open Letter to the Hairstylist Who Somehow Convinced me to Get a Perm When I was in Sixth Grade.'

Yes, you do need to get this book. It's that funny....

Rating 3.9 out of 5

The Toadies Are Back...With a Vengeance!

Artist:  Toadies    Album:  No deliverance    Genre:  Rock/ Southern Rock

The Toadies rock. There is no better way to start a review of their new cd then by saying that. When their first album came out in 1994, they rocked. But now they are even better if thats possible.
The Toadies first cd was a tour de force of rock licks, catchy lyrics, and pure Texas attitude. With a dirty guitar and a almost ZZ Top feel. Then when Hell Below/Stars Above came out they almost completely abandoned their style. The album was more muted. Gone was a lot of the fire they made the debut such a gem. It seemed like the Toadies were done. But not so...
Not only are they back with No Deliverance, they are back with a vengeance! This is arguably the best album they have ever done. The licks are stronger, the rythum tighter, the vocals perfect, this is their defining cd.

Such songs prove this as the opener "Such Long Lovey Eyes" and the straight up southern rocker "I Am a Man of Stone". And the songs "Flower" and " Song I Hate" prove that not only are the Toadies back, but they are better than they were 14 years ago. Rock on!

Rating:  4.5 out of 5

And The Singer is Good

Artist:  Brendan James        Album: The Day is Brave          Genre: Piano pop.

Carly Simon has been quoted as giving Brendan James 2 thumbs up. (My words not her's.) And when you put the cd on you immediately agree with her. He has a voice that seems like it would be right at home on a country album but also equally comfortable with a jazz band too. But he thankfully has chosen neither. Instead we have a cd with 11 soulful tracks.
Now this is honestly not my style of music. I am more of a Rock and Roll guy. But at the same time I recognize a good artist when I see one, and Brendan James is going places. If you are going to do piano pop music this is what it should sound like......

Rating 4.3 out of 5

It's All Been Done Before

Artist: Amy McDonald       Album: This is the Life   Genre: Pop.  Folk.

Amy McDonald is a fresh faced new talent trying to make a name for herself. She has a couple things to help her out in this. 1. She has a great voice. This girl is quite talented and shows she does have some range. 2. She can play the guitar. Come on. Admit it. You're already more interested. Alright, to this point we have covered the only good things about this album. Unfortunately there is more wrong with it than right.

The thing that will grab you immediately is how every song sounds exactly the same. I'm not joking. They all start with a bit of jangly guitar and move into this really annoying up tempo beat. Think Brittney Spears trying to do an unplugged cd. Each song bleeds into the next and I found myself getting bored very quickly with this cd. Some songs started cool and then just fell apart under the same annoying beat. Hannah Montana would be proud. But for the rest of us who like real music this isn't just going to cut it. Do yourself a favor, avoid this one. And be sad, because here sits tons of potential...squandered.

Rating 1 out of 5