A note on the shows

Recently there has been a bit of controversy dealing with one of the stations I do a radio show on. Since then some of its former DJs have started a new station which I have been invited to do a show on as well. When they put my picture on their site, it seemed to re-stir that old, tired controversy.

So, let me make myself clear. I am committed to doing the LIVE show that I do now – without question. The only show that I plan on dropping is my Blog Talk Radio show –because the quality is so substandard to the other shows. (I also plan to continue doing my taped show.) On the week that the other station approached me, I was also approached by 2 other stations to do shows. As much as I wish I could do them all, I have come to realize that I have been spreading myself way too thin – and the stress of that has been wearing on me.

As the new station knows, I am waiting to see what my school schedule is like before I am able to do anything. And I’m ok with them using my picture until I know something, being the “camera ho” that I am. My manager, Chris, has suggested I just tape a show that people can pick up if they want – and yes, I know that means just doing a podcast. And I’m thinking about that option.

Basically, what I’m saying is this: I am so tired of “he said-she said.” And I know we are all better than this crap. There are people out there dealing with real problems – life and death shit – and we are worried about who is contributing to what website? Are you shitting me?

I can’t believe I have to once again tell this story – every 6 months I sit for 4 days with my dad who gets his “booster” treatment for lymphoma at the Cancer Center in Montgomery. It’s a big room with about 100 people at any given time getting chemo. I sit there and realize how lucky I am and how lucky my dad is – and how precious life is. If you all could sit there with me you would see old men in wheelchairs, young women losing their hair, all ages really – all races – all kinds of people, even kids. And they’re so pale and weak. And all they want is a chance to live – just a chance that this stuff that makes them puke and makes them lose their teeth will keep them alive just a little longer.

And we’re bitching and gossiping about websites that play music? Give me a fucking break.

So, as far as I’m concerned, this is over. It’s a non-issue. If you feel the need to discuss it still, even after what I’ve just said, then do it – but leave me out of it. Life is too short to worry about Jr. High shit and I am too tired and busy to hear it.

I love each and every one of you very, very much.

Annie

Kyle Turley - What Country could be.

This past Thursday I went to a rock show in Nashville.  What’s funny about that isn’t that a metal fan like me went to a rock and roll show; what’s really funny is that the show was performed by a Country artist.  Yes, I “technically” went to a Country concert, but it certainly didn’t feel that way to me. In fact, the whole band was more rock (and metal) than most Country sensibilities would allow. But that’s not the only boundary broken that night in Nashville; and it got me wondering: Is it even possible to remain a real Country artist when you do a show that extreme?  Well, if you’re Kyle Turley it is.

When Kyle Turley and Tim Pickett (President of Gridiron Records) invited me to Nashville to see the showcase, I knew I had to go. I had never spent time in Nashville but I kept hearing how cool it is. And since it takes about a tank of gas to get there from here, there was really no reason to miss the fun.  And I’m so glad I went.  Not only did I get a serious schooling in music done authentically, but I also made some new friends in the process.

Turley played five songs for the fans, record executives, agents, critics, and other industry people attending. I’d like to explain the show sonically in terms that a country reviewer would use, but I keep going back to metal classificatory terms which may or may not serve my purpose here. Basically, Turley kicked my ass. So there. I said it. I was impressed with a Country show.  And so much so that I am officially endorsing this artist. Fuck you if you don’t like it.

You might actually be impressed to know that the Turley band is made up of metal and rock musicians: Joe Fazzio of Superjoint Ritual, and Zak Godwin and Rob Ogles of Flexar.  And you might also be impressed to know that Turley is an extreme metal fan and has been all his life.  But what is most impressive is how Turley and his band have used their influences to reinvent a Country sound that is more than just some guys trying to sound Country. No, it’s a true organic evolution and a real representation of what happens when you let Country music happen instead of manufacturing what a pollster tells you is popular.

This weekend in Nashville I got to hang out with some of the coolest people on the planet (that’s a story for another time) and I got to hear some great music - some great Country music.  I can’t explain why this is not a typical review of a showcase, rather in some way it’s just a statement on how it all felt.  Before Katrina, New Orleans always felt like home to me. And since moving back to Alabama, I have had that sense of coming full circle; but nothing has felt like home faster or more gracefully than Nashville.  And in some way, the Turley show had a lot to do with that. 

Yes - I'm a Pro-Porn Feminist

Here's a very informative video from Reason TV discussing porn and free speech.

Friday Shout Out for 7/2/10