Come Around Sundown- Kings of Leon (Album Review)

Whether it be the fact that they are considered southern rock or it be because I have every album they've made--Kings of Leon have done it again! Though the album was released in 2010, its never too late to write a review on this artwork. In terms of their best, I would say that this would be barely behind their initial first hit, Only By the Night, which allowed them to truly rise to stardom selling approximately 6 million copies. With hit songs such as "Radioactive," Kings of Leon are recognized by the unique vocals from Caleb Followill, the lead singer, and remind fans that they still have their catchy riffs in their songs. Many enjoy the old sound they are trying to get back to. Back in the garage rock days they hand in previous albums, songs such as "Birthday" seem like throwbacks to their pre fame days. Other songs such as "Beachside" and "Mi Amigo" are perfect for days spent outdoors with friends and family. They truly convey a more soutner style of their usual alternative sound. This band of brothers easily entices listeners to listen through the full album. There has never been an instance where I've listened to only one song. It reminds me of that one slogan that lays states, "you can't just have one!" Or in this case, you can't listen to just one song. Despite this new form of expression from Kings of Leon, this was not one of their most successful albums, yet I will proudly say I'm a huge fan. Perhaps the new attempt was not a fan favorite, it was named top ten best albums of 2013 by Rolling Stone. Although this may seem like a success, the amount sold was not near as much as their previous album which appealed to a larger audience. The southern sound appeals to the south which won't sell as well up north. I frankly don't think this was one of their worst compositions, I will forever consider myself a huge fan. KOL LIVE ON. If you like southern rock, and good times, I suggested you download this as soon as possible.

Link to their Full Album

Pence Signs Bill Allowing Businesses to Reject Gay Customers

Link to the Article on CNN

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed into law on Thursday a measure that allows businesses to turn away gay and lesbian customers in the name of "religious freedom." "This was a measure that frankly, Indiana should have enacted many years ago," Pence said. "It gives our courts guidance about evaluating government action and puts the highest standard -- it essentially says, if a government is going to compel you to act in a way that violates your religious beliefs, there has to be a compelling state interest." A very controversial topic in the United States to this day, Gov. Mike Pence decided to make a decision that might affect his chances as he tries to run the Republican Nomination for the 2016 Presidential Election. This decision will cause much contreversy to be surrounded by his name, he decided not to comment on the main issue. He will lose votes from the LGBT community which makes his decision a bold one to make. I would not agree with the discrimination based on way of life. Though it was passed to be considerate to the freedom of religion expressed in the nation, this disrespects the other party, the one that is refused to be sold to. What would be the solution to such circumstances in this nation? Should we allow this rejection of service? Or should we force accpetance on others?

Two Illinois Men Arrested on Terror Charges

Link to the Article on CNN

Two Illinois men, one an Army National Guardsmen and the other his cousin, were arrested on charges of conspiring with ISIS and for attempting to fly to Egypt to join the group. Army National Guard Spc.Hasan Edmonds was taken into custody at Chicago Midway International Airport while attempting to travel to Egypt to eventually join ISIS. Trust has becomes a major concern not only for the people of the United States, but for the people of the world. ISIS has become capable of turning people against their own nations. The two were planing to commit a terror act before Hasan Edmonds left the United States. His cousin, Jonas Edmonds, would have carried out the attack himself. These are prime examples of the power and influence that this terror group has even on the most secure of nations. What could be next? Perhaps there are more that linger in this nation that have similar in mind. What could the United States do to make this nation more safe? 

Modest Mouse "Strangers to Ourselves" Album Review (Reflection)

Link to the Review from Entertainment Weekly


Though this review may not be as detailed with its analysis, it focuses more on the composition of the music rather than the lyrics or the success of the ablum itself. It dicusses the new style that the band is attempting to establish with the release of the album, and even selects a favorite track from the album. The review by Miles Ramer, is not as strong as other reviews I read.

Kendrick Lamar Review (Reflection)

Jose Coscarelli, the publisher of this review, takes his anaylsis in more depth and discovers the theme of the piece of work. He also makes comparisons to the previous album Mr. Lamar debuted. He explains the reasons behind the creation of certain songs on the album. He is also able to provide commentary from an interview with Kendrick Lamar that allows the review of the album to be more genuine and accurate.


Link to the Review on NY Times

Kendrick Lamar New Album Review (Reflection)

Link to the Review from Rolling Stone

The man who reviewed this album on Rolling Stone, Greg Tate, created a detailed descrpition of the unique style Lamar has placed in his newly released album, "To Pimp a Butterfly."He elaborates on the refernce to Black Power he placed in his songs such as "The Blacker the Berry." The explanation as to why it earned 4 and half stars is adequate to the detailed explanation to its provides.

2 Police officers in Ferguson ambushed

In recent news, many of you may be familiar with police brutality and racism that still exists within our Law Enforcement, especially in the case of Ferguson, Missouri where Michael Brown, a teenage African American who was killed by 9 bullets shot by Ferguson police. Although many measures have been taken to end the protest that has been ongoing for the past 200 days, members of the peaceful protest claim they will not be satisfied until every individual police officer of the Ferguson Police Department has resigned. Last night around midnight, two officers were shot, one in the shoulder and the other in the face. The shot fired was not from the crowd of protestors but rather an individual that was approxiametly 100 feet away from the officers who were making sure the crowd was settled. Though its obvious to the people of Ferguson that unreasonable violence was the cause of  Michael Brown's death, using similar tactics will only add onto the flame that has ignited in the people. There still has not been a suspect identified. The injustice in this situation will continue if further violence is used. The purpose of this event is to raise the question, to what extent are police officers capable of definding themselves before they are considered a criminal? Was discrimination the reason behind the death of Michael Brown? Or was it just a misfortunate event that led to a second equal rights movement? What will it take to end racism?


The link to the CNN post here

Friend (Poem)

Peace and harmony, put your arm around me

Love and affection, give me your attention 

Be aware, show me you care

Hug and bind me, don't blind me

Love doesn't always have to be reciprocated through two individuals

Love doesn't always have to be between a man and woman

Love doesn't always have to have "partners"

Love is returned, to where it belongs, most don't have to think too long to realize that love is the song that you sing along with another soul

Behold, the ultimate price, for being nice, will be when you look and check twice, for the people you entice, will be the ones who cut a slice for the one who's unfed, the one who needs a bed, to be picked up when they fall, in all, the person to call, is a friend.

The reason I decided to post this poem I wrote is because nowadays many people our age tend to forget that they are all loved and seem to focus on trying to find a "lover" who will show them real love. In reality, the true love that everyone is trying to find is right in front of them. There are no other people like friends, they stick with you through the best and worst of times. They are loyal and will be there when you need them the most.