A Refreshing Sound to My Ears

Music can be so refreshing sometimes, especially when you discover something so beautiful and energizing as I have recently.

There comes a time when you need to break away from the norm; try to enjoy something different.

Rock music has always been the genre of my choice.  A little mix of heavy metal, 80's style,  is what I grew up with.  Then a switch to modern rock and onto alternative rock during my time in  college and a little after.

Mainstream U2 touched me in a different way as I enjoyed digging through the deeper meanings of their "B" sides and appreciating their talents as superb musicians and performers. And I still do.

Though I've always had a soft spot for the bands that don't get much mainstream airplay but really touch me with the music they produce.  From the San Diego based The Rugburns, to the Irish group The Orphans I caught at the Newport (RI) Irish Festival last summer.  Bands that just have fun but show their true talents with some excellent music. 

So what has been the latest sound that has drawn me in?

To me, a sound can be heard on some alternative rock stations, and continues to gain exposure.

A band that blends together the wide musical spectrum that I truly enjoy. 

A band that has been around for a few years (third album released in 2009): Silversun Pickups.
It's a refreshing sound that I feel separates itself from Muse, Metric, Nine Inch Nails, etc. 

From the deep base rhythms: think U2's Exit.
To the passionate singing by a front man: think Smashing Pumpkins Billy Corgin. 

I ask you to try tuning into Panic Switch without testing the limits of your car stereo speakers.

They're band from Los Angeles labeled as an Indie Rock Band by many.  To me, it sounds like they are just having fun doing what they do with no glam and just enjoying the moment.  

And that's fine.

But if you want to break away from the routine of day to day top-40 radio repeats where you can nearly predict what will be played, where everything sounds the same.

Take a step back, close your eyes and give the Silversun Pickups a try.

Or stop by Lupos in Providence sometime and see for yourself. 

The Real Meaning of Mother's Day

Well, for perhaps the first time, I can say I saw what the true meaning behind the fantastic holiday of Mother's Day.  I've always cherished the love and care of my mother growing up and to this day, make sure I send along a gift of thanks that could never fully cover all that she did for me.

From birth, through grade school, through cold days during little league and driving me to UNH basketball games and basketball camp, and helping me get through college, my mom was always there for me and I owe her everything.

Every year I always remembered Mother's Day and have always sent flowers and cards.  This year is no exception. But there was something new to send along: a photo of my beautiful son Liam.

Born last August, every single day has been pure joy to see him grow and watch his mother, my wife Cheryl, take such great care of him. He is beautiful because I see the same care for him by Cheryl that my mom had for me.

While gifts for my wife; jewelry, breakfast; flowers and chocolate, are fun. They surely cannot cover just how much I appreciate all she does for taking care of Liam and how natural it is for her.

Some people have look up to professional athletes, musicians, generals as leaders and role models and heroes.  But the real heroes of this world are the ones we have know for all of our lives: our mothers.

It may be just one Sunday in May that we celebrate all they do, but for me, every day is a day to appreciate just how valuable they are.

Maybe that smile by Liam each morning is his way of saying "Thanks."