American Beer Drinking Club-Best Seats N the House

Another Animal released their debut CD appropriately called "Another Animal" on October 2, 2007. The band, made up of members of Godsmack, Ugly Kid Joe, and Dropbox found themselves with some extra material, an urge to do some recording and get back out on the road and tour. So that's what they did and the end result is one of my favorite albums of the year! The Cd is outstanding and its packed with the different influences that each of these talented musician has brought to this new collaboration. Yes, you can still feel the essence of Godsmack but it is soon forgotten with the vocal of Whitfield Crane who's voice is simply mesmerizing throughout . Whit had some help with Lee Richards and Shannon Larkin also laying down some vocal tracks. Robbie Merrill and Tony Rombola...they are just the best of the best at what they do, their talent is undaunted in the music industry today. Shannon Larkin's talent behind the drum kit can only be compared to that of Keith Moon and John Bonham...he is a perfect combination of both...he is in a class by himself! No doubt you have already heard " Broken Again" on the your local airwaves but you need to listen to "Distant Signs" and "Left Behind" and my favorite "Fade Away". Shannon does the vocals on "The Thin Line" which brings out some of the harder influences from his past. On the softer side is a little melody called "Interlude" a classic rock n roll beat with a little southern accent.

So the big day is fast approaching and there are still some of you who have not finished all that Christmas shopping...so I am here to help...or at least help you with that music lover on your list. I have just a few ideas in my mind hope you like what I've picked out!



#5. Sirius/XM Radio: A subscription radio service providing over a hundred stations of commercial free music, sports and talk entertainment. Both Sirius and XM have their own web sites for you to find more information or you can travel over to your closest electronics store (Best Buy) where they can help you out also. I have been a long time subscriber to Sirius. I am a "Buzzsaw" girl...for many reasons including the fact that I can't see the display without my glasses... and I can't drive with my glasses. What can I say...can't drive with the glasses...can't read without! So its just easier to leave on what I love and that would usually be "Buzzsaw". Seriously though satellite radio is a lot of fun in the car, at home or even on your computer. Check it out!

#4. Ipods and MP3 players: Again a great gift especially for the person who always on the run. There are too many different ones out there for me to even know where to begin. Check them out on line or at your nearest electronic store or phone store. Personally my phone holds all my music and I am loving it! If I could only figure out how not to erase all the names in my address book I would be a happy camper.

#3. Concert tickets: Who does not love being handed a couple tickets to a show they have been wanting to see! There are a ton of tours going on right up until the holidays and then starting back up after the new year. You should be able to access a list by looking up events for your city using your computer. You can also check out sites like Pollstar http://www.pollstar.com/ or http://www.buy-event-tickets.com/ where you can see the bands currently touring all over the world. Buy-Event-Tickets will also help you find tickets. For example...they have tickets available for Led Zeppelin in London on Dec. 10th...for a mere $11,440.00 you can purchase a seat for the show (air fare not included) of course general admission tickets are only going for $5,725.00. Oh yea....I'm right on top of that one! There will be no Led Zeppelin in my stocking for this year!

#2. DVDs, Books and Cd's: There is just a millions options out there for what ever kind of music you or your gift recipient enjoy! Pick a band or any musician and you should be able to find a DVD of a concert or a tour or a collection of music videos. Check out your video stores, electronic stores, web sites and sometimes even the bands web site. I am hoping to finally find "The Cult" DVD under the tree this year...I have been hinting for this one for 3 years now! Books...yes books! I am one of those crazy people who can read 2 or 3 books at a time...I love to read! I always have some kind of a musical biography open....right now it's "Off the Rails" by Rudy Sarzo...one of my favorite people in this world. Another good one is "The Path We Choose" by Sully Erna from Godsmack. Ronnie Wood and Eric Clapton both came out with autobiographies this year as did Pattie Boyd (Eric's ex) with "Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me". I might have to pick up that one before Christmas along with the "Slash" by Slash...they should make for some good holiday reading. Last, but not least Cd's! What a great year of music we have enjoyed. Most of the bands I have reviewed this year have music available on their websites so that should be a easy solutions for you. Still there is so much music out there that I didn't even get to write about yet! Rascal Flatts, Kidd Rock, Ozzy and Alter Bridge (who I will be seeing next week) all have great Cd's out. The Eagles and Led Zeppelin both have out new Cd's which are topping the charts and Nickelback and Daughtry still have Cd's out that have been on the chart for over a year now... how could you go wrong?

#1: "Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rockstar" by Nikki Sixx and "Herion Diaries Soundtrack"by Sixx:AM. The book and the soundtrack were a special present I gave to myself earlier this year. The book made me laugh and cry and scared me to death! Nikki took a path many of us could very easily have taken back in those days and many will choose even now. I am amazed by what he's gone through and how he has changed the outcome of his life. The book is simply unforgettable and the soundtrack mirrors the book and then brings it all to life! "Heroin Diaries" by Sixx:AM is played in my house, my car or on my phone on a daily basis by myself or one of my sons. This is the perfect gift for the music enthusiast, those who loves to listen to music, those who love to read a heart pounding story and those who love a good ending or should I say a "unbelievably great new beginning!" What could be better than this? Well, On Dec. 7th, people living in Dallas and Dec. 9th, for those of you living in Houston stop what your doing and hurry down to Borders Books and Music! Nikki will be in town to do some book signings for those who make it out. I would call your local Borders for more information on times etc. See, you pick up the Cd, the book and have it signed by the artist all in one stop....the perfect gift!

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season...stay safe people! I have to run...got to check on flights to Dallas and Houston!!!!!!
C