Chelsea DeVries's Blog, page 33

#MusicReview: Ryan Follese EP; I Like It Like That

It’s okay if you like myself felt this incredible urge to grab a hairbrush and start singing along after that title. Hot Chelle Rae is one of the greatest rock/ pop rock bands that ever came onto the music scene. Yet, today, the spotlight gets a little brighter for the lead singer as he steps out as a solo artist with a brand new EP.

There’s no denying a smile like that comes from finally finding the thing that clicks, the right groove, the right chord, the niche that floats  your boat. Ryan Follese, oldest son of famed country songwriters Adrienne and Keith Follese, (“The Way You Love Me” by Faith Hill; “Something Like That” by Tim McGraw), Ryan recently figured out why he kept writing country songs despite being one-third of an American pop band). Being that he was born into it and raised in Nashville, he hit all the right notes right out the gate when he sat down to write this EP. Yet, that doesn’t mean it was any less work than any other music project. He spent two years working on it with his family and various music geniuses at Big Machine Label Group. He was officially signed June 15, 2016. And I couldn’t be happier that not only is Ryan making music but his heart is overjoyed and it definitely shows with this six-song EP baring his name.

Song by Song Review

https://play.spotify.com/artist/6KdRXEnkaZ5m5a6XcvWGP7

“Put A Label On It”: A song that discusses that moment when you want everyone to know that you not only found someone but you can’t wait to tell the world. Favorite lyric: “I can read you like a book girl. And we’re on the same page.”

“Wilder”: One of my favorites off the EP because it showcases Ryan’s heart but still has an up-tempo melody and rhythm. And love the banjo on the backtrack. Favorite lyric: “Like a couple of kids in the dark playing with fire just to see how hot we burn.”

“One Thing Right”: The perfect song to come home to play on repeat after a long rough day at work. For me it’s a song I dedicate to my dogs (cheesy I know) because it touches on that one person or people who make you want to become better, and also help you shrug off the mistakes you made yesterday. Definitely a Southern wedding song.

“Lose A Little Sleep”: For Hot Chelle Rae super fans like myself, this song has a pop anthem feel but with plenty of country transitions so you get a little taste of both genres. Definitely a hit for sure plus it really exhibits Follese’s handsome vocal range.  Favorite lyric: “24/7 365 you’re in my head. Only one number on my speed dial. Like I’d forget.” Oh my swoon! 

#BookReview: Behold The Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue

Within America, even the America we know today, comes the finest pixie dust blowing between the New York City buildings and inside houses during Florida summers while the air conditioner cools down teenagers on summer breaks who sit staring at their smartphones waiting for school to start again.

This same pixie dust gives birth to the American dream most of us have let go of like a hard exhale after a runner’s morning jog. Yet, to country outsiders who are oppressed in their home countries by governments that aren’t democracies, they are exhilarated by the hope of a better life and a better job in the greatest country this world still can’t figure out: land of the free and home of the brave.

This is the theme and underlying heartbeat to Behold The Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue, a debut author who herself has not only studied the craft of writing a best-selling novel but has herself lived to tell the tale.

It beautifully crafts the story of Cameroon native Jende Jonga who has immigrated to Harlem and finally landed the greatest opportunity he could ever dream of in his career- as a chauffeur for Clark Edwards, senior executive at Lehman Brothers. Encompassing themes of racism, illegal immigration, marriage, wealth, and spirituality without missing a step or a word misplaced. All in all, no trap door in the American dream is missed but only if you are up to the challenge of reading between the lines. This book is nothing less than a must read!

Imbolo Mbue is a native of Limbe, Cameroon. She holds a B.S. from Rutgers University and an M.A. from Columbia University. A resident of the United States for over a decade, she lives in New York City. BEHOLD THE DREAMERS is her first novel. And like any real extremely talented artist, she is not on social media.

#MovieReview: ‘Me Before You’ Showcases Lead Actress Has More Than Just a Pretty Face and #Giveaway winners!

Based on the best-selling novel by Jojo Mejeres, this novel must have been a page-turner because this movie was incredibly hard to leave the theater from.

It follows the story of Louisa Clarke who goes by Lou as she sets out to find a new job as a caretaker/companion for wealthy bachelor Will Traynor. Right away, you can sense the romantic vibes. Even though the storyline to the entire script was incredibly gripping and moving especially because of the way it deals with heavy themes such as “disabled people need love too” and assisted suicide.

The main reason I loved this movie so much and would recommend it to anyone looking to watch a great film is because of the lead actress Emilia Clarke. Not only is she incredibly stunning in this film and has a light up the entire room smile but she was absolutely brilliant alongside fellow lead (and definite hunk) Sam Claffin.

For more about this movie, watch the trailer below

Congratulations to my #Giveaway winners: B.E. Van de Viere and Nicola Steinbeck!

You won a signed copy each of this lovely book:

Congratulations Ladies!

 

#BookReview and #Giveaway: McDaniel’s Beautiful Debut by An Author Beyond her Years

As a book blogger and an author myself looking for representation, I find it hard to say no to any book request I get. Even if I later find out I was not interested in the book because the material didn’t spike my heart rate the same way four turbo shots in my Dunkin Donuts coffee might, but with Tiffany McDaniel’s debut, I found myself taken on a rejected Disney ride that ended up being the funnest ride they have yet to offer.

The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel was a big, cool glass of water in the desert even though I didn’t even realize I had journeyed that far. It was something I didn’t know I needed to read but nevertheless, now that I read it, I’m still attempting to make sense of what it all meant.

With a writing style that mimics Flannery O’ Connor, her prose swept me away in a sea of hot enticing madness, almost like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day or coffee after yet another sleepless night.

The book follows Fielding Bliss during the summer of 1984. A symbolic year of sorts. Synopsis from the back of the book follows:

Fielding Bliss has never forgotten the summer of 1984: the year a heat wave scorched Breathed, Ohio. The year he became friends with the devil.

Sal seems to appear out of nowhere – a bruised and tattered thirteen-year-old boy claiming to be the devil himself answering an invitation. Fielding Bliss, the son of a local prosecutor, brings him home where he’s welcomed into the Bliss family, assuming he’s a runaway from a nearby farm town.

When word spreads that the devil has come to Breathed, not everyone is happy to welcome this self-proclaimed fallen angel. Murmurs follow him and tensions rise, along with the temperatures as an unbearable heat wave rolls into town right along with him. As strange accidents start to occur, riled by the feverish heat, some in the town start to believe that Sal is exactly who he claims to be. While the Bliss family wrestles with their own personal demons, a fanatic drives the town to the brink of a catastrophe that will change this sleepy Ohio backwater forever.

I’m happy I was asked to review this book by the author herself who happens to look like a Drew Barrymore look-alike, and also happens to be one of the nicest artists I’ve ever met.

For more information about the author, you can visit her site and her book trailer for this book.

Now as a reward for reading this review, I invite all U.S. entrants to enter The Summer That Melted Everything giveaway. The author herself is sending two personally signed copies of the book to the winners. How freaking sweet, right?!

 

 

HeavenGifts – The Largest Electronic Cigarette Store in China

#MusicReview: Waiting For Sunday is on to something with ‘The Windsor Effect’

I’m still trying to figure out the mystery behind the Windsor Effect, new album from Canadian rock quartet, Waiting For Sunday. Affiliates

 

A jazz-trained bassist, classic rock lead guitarist, industrial rock

drummer, and indie-rock vocalist and you have Waiting For Sunday – a

unique blend of musical sensibilities with widespread appeal. Comprised

of producer and drummer Colin Everall, singer Dan Hudson, bassist Mircea

Tracke and lead guitarist Matt Gauld, Vancouver, Canada-based Waiting

For Sunday has recently released The Windsor Effect, a 12-track

multi-faceted album of diverse themes and styles. This new album is the

follow-up to their 2011 debut, “The Courage, The Strength, The Wisdom &

Doubt”.

You can follow along with my song by song review by listening here.

Song by Song Review

“Pebbles Become Stone”: This a bit of a let down in terms of an album opener. I expected more from this track but found myself feeling all-around disappointed. Maybe there is something about this track that I am missing. The only great part is the guitar solo during the breakdown.

“Last Call For Safety”: I like this track from the beginning with the dramatic guitar chords that bring the track to life (almost gives life to me after the first track), it reminds me a little of a Cute is What We Aim For track without the extra bells and whistles. My favorite lyric: “We have run the river dry.”

“The Love is Gone”:  This track is a bit of a conundrum to me lyrically but I like the haunting musicality it gives off.

“Tell Me That You’re Mine”: With soft guitar chords that remind me of a mix of a Taylor Swift love song and a Secondhand Serenade song, this track has to be my favorite because of it’s romantic feel.

“Long Live The Strong”: With a classic rock feel, this is another one of my favorites. My favorite lyric, “Nice to meet you but where the hell did we go wrong?”

“Wanted”:”Well there’s truth to the matter, with love comes sacrifice.” I really like the story this track is telling. One of love, rejection, and betrayal, all with music.

“Borderline”: The piano is a surprising solace for this track’s beginning. This track almost communicates a sense of yearning for whatever it is talking about.

“Chasing Youth”: The electric guitar really gives this an old-school rock feel, and reminds me something I would hear in a biker bar. My favorite lyric: “So I wonder why, the grass is always greener on the other side.” This track overall is another favorite of mine.

“Seasons Are Dire” The soft guitar chords along with the ballad like vocals, this song reminds me a little of a new spin of Death Cab For Cutie’s Follow Me Into The Dark.

“Details” Minor dramatic guitar chords and a heartbeat drum backing the vocals of what appears to be a track about a love that fell apart.

“Oh, The Night”: Probably my favorite track on the entire album because it has the makings of being a radio single that blows up fasts on the charts. I await big things from this track all by itself.

“Scripture”: Not really sure if I like this track at all and once again, I feel a bit let down by the overall musicality and lyrics. Then again, you be the judge as everyone has different tastes when it comes to music.

If this album spoke to you, and you want to know all of Waiting For Sunday’s whereabouts please make sure to check out their site, follow them on Twitter, and Like them on Facebook.

#ICYMI: New music from Greer

As most of you all know, I love finding new music. It’s like the same feeling as when the coffee from my Starbucks espresso kicks in. It gets my adrenaline pumping and boosts my mood. The feeling intensifies when the music is really good, and I become obsessed with the song or songs. For example, right now I’m obsessed with the song Just Like Fire by Pink. It’s melodic, punk enough to not be candy coated, and it’s written and performed by Pink, whose music has helped me through many trying times in my life. Once again, this song hits a high note.

In the same way, independent pop artist Greer has released two new songs recently that are equally as mood-boosting. Affiliates

“Love Me Less”: a club anthem with the message of being who you are despite the pressures someone you love puts on you.

“Deal With The Devil”: Not really for me as a born-again Christian as I’m not looking to make a deal with the devil in any way but thanks Greer for suggesting this. The beat on this track is sick, though.

#MooreJacks: LumberJacks Need To Eat

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Today I want to get right of the heart of the matter by  saying thank you to Hormel Foods Dinty Moore® brand for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring me to try Dinty Moore® beef stew!

Before I get to why I decided to try the stew, let’s talk about lumberjacks. Much like everyone else, lumberjacks need to eat, constantly, to overcome their rigorous training. Dinty Moore beef stew is a quick and hearty option for aspiring lumberjacks.

Starting on July 15th in Chicago, there is a nationwide competition for lumberjacks and the winning ingredient behind every star athlete is the food or fuel they intake daily. That’s why I highly recommend Hormel Foods Dinty Moore brand beef stew.

 

When DINTY MOORE® beef stew was introduced in a big blue-and-white can no one could have predicted the product popularity that would follow.

Today, from cupboard to table in minutes, DINTY MOORE® products are great tasting, well-balanced meals that will satisfy the whole family. Tender beef, fresh potatoes and carrots all simmered in a delicious beef gravy make DINTY MOORE® beef stew the number one selling stew in the nation.

Varieties:

Canned Products

DINTY MOORE HEARTY MEALS®

• Beef Stew

• Chicken and Dumplings

Microwavable

DINTY MOORE® Microwave Trays

• Beef Stew

DINTY MOORE® Microwave Cups

• Beef Stew

• Chicken and Dumplings

• Noodles and Chicken

• Rice with Chicken

• Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

DINTY MOORE® Big Bowls

• Big Bowls Beef Stew

• Big Bowls Chicken and Dumplings

• Big Bowls Hearty Burger

• Big Bowls Chicken Pot Pie Stew

• Big Bowls Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

• The suggested retail price for DINTY MOORE® canned products is $1.79 for the 15-ounce can, $2.69 for the 24-ounce can and $4.59 for the 40-ounce can.

• The suggested retail price for DINTY MOORE® microwavable products is $1.39 for the 7.5-ounce cup, $2.59 for the 10-ounce tray and $2.49 for the 15-ounce cup.

For example, I bought my can for $1.98 at Walmart. I found it to be a hearty lunch before a good writing session and was surprised by how good it tasted.

DINTY MOORE® canned and microwavable products are available nationwide at major grocery stores.

I’m not to familiar with the training regime for a lumberjack who is looking to compete nationally that’s why I’m so glad Adrian Floygt is here to save the day and show every lumberjack how to be a lumbersexual.

• Introduced in 1935, Dinty Moore® beef stew is an American classic and remains the No. 1 selling canned stew in the nation

• Today, from cupboard to table in minutes, Dinty Moore® canned and microwavable products are great tasting, well-balanced meals that will satisfy the whole family

• The lumberjack lifestyle has been a part of American culture for over a century

• The lumberjacks many people think of today are not the typical axe throwing, wood chopping or crosscut sawing burly men of the logging world, rather, they are now typically spotted in a fitted flannel and trendy lace-up boots with freshly trimmed beards to match: the lumbersexuals

• As part of the Dinty Moore® brand campaign to bring back the true lumberjack, Hormel Foods went to the depths of Minnesota in search of a team of lumbersexuals to transform into real lumberjacks and, ultimately, compete in a professional lumberjack competition this summer

• The brand is partnering with STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® and professional lumberjack Adrian Flygt to train the lumbersexuals in core areas of logging and forestry, giving them the necessary skills to walk, talk and compete like a lumberjack

• The lumberjack spirit has been a part of our brand from the beginning, starting with our animated character that appeared on our product labels and in our ads, so it seemed fitting to become a part of this great competition and salute our heritage

• With the official lumberjack training completed this spring, the lumbersexual team—Lumber Michael, Lumber Jamin, Lumber Ben, and Lumber Ian—will now move on to compete at the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series U.S. Pro and Collegiate Championships on July 15 in Chicago Southland, sponsored by the makers of Dinty Moore® beef stew

• For more information about the journey to becoming a true lumberjack with the makers of Dinty Moore® beef stew, visit MooreJ and join in the #MooreJacks conversation on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

• Hormel Foods will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2016

Make sure to take the Buzzfeed Quiz to find out more about what kind of lumberjack you are, and check out all the hyperlinked images above to get fully engaged with all the ingredients to a lumberjack victory.

 

 

#ICYMI: Nishe’s new song “Out of Place” is perfectly in sync

According to their Twitter bio, Nishe is a UK based alternative rock band which is made up of three guys portraying different environments, mixing energetic guitar riffs with urban grooves and cutting edge electronic layers.

Check out their song above and make sure to follow them on Twitter. I see nothing but big things in store for these three guys. This song has just enough rock and roll edge to be considered to be featured in a skateboarding video.

#MusicReview: Tumbler’s new album Come To The Edge will have you “on the edge” of your seat

Alternative rock is one of my favorite genres so when this band came up in my inbox, I jumped at the chance to review it. You could say alternative rock was the soundtrack of my high school years. It’s the music that gives rhythm and melody to every day emotions and situations but still instills hope with guitar riffs and catchy drum beats but it’s not sugar coated or melancholy like pop music, nor American like country music. Much like pop music, alternative/folk rock music is a worldwide genre that grips you when you least expect it to.

Hailing from Epsom, England, this band is made up of members Harry Grace (vocals and guitar), Richard Grace (vocals and guitar), and Dave Needham (guitar, keyboard, backing vocals). Tumbler was born two years ago, when a lifetime of family music and weekend kitchen concerts turned into something more. Harry started taking the music seriously. Dave happened along. A whole bunch of songs left the kitchen, took flight and turned into an album. They called it‘You Said’.Reaction was gratifyingly positive. In a world that already has over 37 million songs, it turns out there was room for a few more. In honesty though it didn’t change anything, we’d already started on a second album before the first was released.The thing is, you can’t help learning. Through the course of making ‘You Said’ they discovered some useful stuff and developed some new ideas. Out of all the material available they  began to understand what songs suited Tumbler best. Meantime Harry was growing as a writer and performer.

‘Come to the Edge’ emerged out of all of this and will be released on July 26, 2016 via Dark Horse Studios.

From left to right: Harry, Richard, and Dave

For more about how the band got started, watch this.

Song by Song Review

“Black Sheep”: Written by Harry, this track has a great kick-off sounds that sets off the atmosphere of the entire album. Musically, it has a dark sound while lyrically it discusses being something that is unwanted by society.

“Don’t Take Much”:  Musically, Tumblr as a band sounds like a mix between MGMT and The Beatles, and this song really showcases that. The chorus for this song is beautifully written:

“Trust and let it go/ oh baby, love’s stronger than you and I know.”

“Falling”: A song about falling in love and the start of a new found feeling between you and the other person. Harry wrote it and explains here that it starts out with the vocals because it’s exclamatory due to pent up emotions that he felt the need to express with this song. It’s one of my favorites off the album because I love the strongly worded lyrics used throughout.

“Nothing To Hold You”: Musically, it starts out sounding like a Patsy Cline song but contains amazing mixtures of sing-along worthy lyrics and folk musicality.

“Sweetest Thing”: This song has a lighthearted musicality that reminds me of a song you would hear in an opening scene of a romantic comedy.

“Week”: Another one of my favorites off the album because it’s just such a catchy, heavy guitar laden melody with a chorus that is lyrically sound: “But I/ I won’t run/ from this house we built from stone.”

“Winter Cold Heart”: Totally badass musicality with this track because of the mystique of the chimes used and how it really creates a wintry atmosphere. Very specific imagery creates a story that comes to life in this track, one that you will have on repeat.

“Diamond in a Drawer”: The sound of the chisel on this track against heavy minor guitar chords really sets this track’s musicality apart and I find it to be another one of my favorites off the album.

“Joanne”: This song is forty years old and has been passed down through Richard’s musical career. Dave added a nice piano track to the vocals that creates a melodic mystique to this ballad for the mysterious woman named Joanne.

“In Safe Hands”: Normally, alternative rock has a sort of “woe is me” statement underneath it but this melodic guitar heavy track is hopeful, and gives the listener positive vibes. It creates a peaceful atmosphere and definitely could be nicknamed the “traveler’s song.”

“Dial”: An acoustic guitar and melancholy vocals greet the listener and pull at your heartstrings a bit with this track about waiting for a call that never comes.

“Freedom The Cry”: The bomb alarm create a chaotic atmosphere with this political commentary track about what freedom means in today’s world whether you live overseas or in the United States.

To keep up to date on all things Tumblr as well as listen to their debut album, You Said, visit them at the links below:

http://tumbler.band

http://tumblermusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/Tumbler-1629454163961830/timeline/

https://twitter.com/Tumbler_Band

#BookReview: The Women of The Rose by Dorothy Gibbons

When asked to read this book, I jumped at the chance thinking it would inspire me in some way to care more about breast cancer, both as a woman myself and as someone who has watched people (most recently my beautiful neighbor) die from it. I was told it’s a short story collection by the heroic Dorothy Gibbons.

Dorothy was the established founder of The Rose after working as the marketing director for a Texas area hospital for thirty plus years. She watched as more and more woman were turned away from proper care because they were uninsured and couldn’t afford the cost of a mammogram let alone the treatment that follows. Therefore, she started The Rose, a non-profit that pays for women to get the treatment necessary for breast cancer.

Right away, I found this woman to be a hero in all meanings of the word. Any way you looked at it, Dorothy Gibbons deserves recognition for her valiant efforts. Yet, this book wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. It read like a memoir and had no grammatical or syntax errors but I found myself hoping my heart would pick up rhythm somewhere throughout.

I basically was waiting, wishing, and hoping that the book would become just a story about Dorothy herself. The parts that I loved were solely about Dorothy’s life:

When she falls in love and takes in Saucy the dog
When she ends up divorced and has to begin online dating at 50
When Saucy falls ill
The hike up the mountain
The stolen money scandal

Don’t get me wrong, I feel that this book is valuable and was worthy of publication. Yet, I believe it should have been reworked as Dorothy’s personal memoir. With that said, one of you will be lucky enough to read Dorothy’s book yourself by winning a copy!

Dorothy Gibbons Giveaway

Giveaway starts today June 20 and ends July 5 at midnight! Best of luck!!!