Album Review: Heads Or Tails by Kieron Cox

Every now and again, I will get followed on Twitter by a kickass musician. Most recently, I was followed by a young man named Kieron Cox. Kieron currently lives in Berkshire, but travels around the UK for gigs - you can check out his gig dates here.

Kieron very kindly provided me a copy of his album Head Or Tails, and I must say, it's pretty impressive!

I'd like to start with a quick note about the tone of Kieron Cox's voice. The first thing I did when he followed me was check out his YouTube videos, and I was instantly smitten with his sound. It's smooth, but there is a gorgeous hint of gravelly-ness (yes I know that's not a word :p) which makes his voice stand out from all the other musicians out there who are trying to make it big. These days, a unique voice is more than half the battle, and on that front, Kieron has got it made.

Now, onto the album.

There are twelve tracks on Heads Or Tails, and there's not really a dud amongst them. Most albums do have a track or two that have me reaching for the "skip" button, but I love every single song on this one.

By far, my favourite track is Half As Much, a beautiful ballad about hoping to mean something to that special person. It wouldn't be out of place on a Savage Garden album - it has those perfect lyrics that instantly target your inner romantic and make you go all sappy. I would even go as far as to say that Kieron Cox does sound a teensy bit like Darren Hayes.

Other notable ballads on the album include The Moment, and I'll Be Waiting For You, but Kieron isn't a one-trick pony who filled Heads Or Tails with slushy boyband type tracks. Sure, love is a strong theme, but it's not all slow and mushy.

Will You be My Girl is a funky little number with a great beat, and the ridiculously catchy Win Some, Lose Some will have you singing along in no time.

Time Shoots Us Down, in my humble opinion, knocks the socks off the other tracks lyrically. Amongst all the other songs, this is the one that creeps into my head at random points during the day.

Overall, Heads Or Tails is an excellent debut album from a talented young man who has a bright future ahead of him!

You can find out more about Kieron on his website. Go listen right now!!

Solving the Mystery of Pretty Little Liars: Who is Dead, and Who is A?

It's been a really long time since I wrote about Pretty Little Liars, however, I recently started a rewatch - I'm midway through Season 2 right now - and desperately searching for clues to bring us to where we are now.

Yes, that was my exact face at the end of the latest episode! :p

In last week's black and white episode, Ali (Sasha Pieterse) said something that has stayed with me. She said, "You have all the pieces." She was telling Spencer (Troian Bellisario) that she has everything she needs to solve the mystery of A - but I don't think she was strictly talking to her. I think she was talking to the viewer.

I think it's us who have all the pieces of the puzzle.

Over time, almost everyone in the show has been under suspicion of being A/Ali's murderer.

But this week, a new piece slotted into place - that of Spencer's former drug problem.

We have seen her recently. She's tense, not sleeping, looking like the walking dead, and having full on hallucinations in a world of black and white.

And now we have the bombshell. Two years ago, Spencer had the same problem. TWO YEARS. When Alison disappeared. Remember all that time ago, in the pilot episode where Spencer wandered back into the barn and announced Alison was gone. There was not even the slightest question about whether she'd just gone home. It was like fact. She's gone.

People who know me, and have read my early theories will know that Spencer was my number one suspect at the start. I didn't like her, and I didn't trust her. Over time, I fell in love with her, but I have never been able to shake off the memory of that first episode.

Spencer on drugs. Who else used to get off their heads on drugs around that time? Jason (Drew Van Acker), Ian (Ryan Merriman), Garrett (Yani Gellman) and their friends. Now, I don't believe those things are linked, but remember how Jason couldn't remember the night Ali went missing? Perhaps this is foreshadowing - and it was Spencer who did the killing.

Obviously, Ali isn't dead, but someone is. And I'm thinking Spencer may have been the one to do it.

As for Ezra (Ian Harding)- and his connection to Mona (Janel Parrish) and Jenna (Tammin Sursok). Well, that is somewhat more complex. Ezra revealed he was writing a book about Ali, and confessed he originally used Aria (Lucy Hale) for information. But what about all the A activity? What about all the watching, and the creepy notes? Him being a "reporter" - I use the word loosely, some of the things he filmed were downright creepy - explains the cameras everywhere, however unethical. But what of the threats? If he wasn't guilty of some of the horrific things A did - how did he know about Toby's tattoo and bike helmet? And why would he be involved in that if he genuinely loved Aria as much as he says?
 
Mona was helping him in some way - this has been confirmed. But in what way? Is she getting close to Mike (Cody Allen Christian) as a way to get closer to Aria? OR - another theory that has been brewing for a while is that it is Mike himself that is A. That boy has so far been the most pointless character ever to be in a TV show - there has to be a reason for him, right?

Let us not rule out the other thing that could be a clue. Wren's (Julian Morris) prescription pad in Spencer's purse. This was a tiny, tiny thing but along with my questions about Mike, I have often thought Wren might be A, or at least involved. Evidence? He helped Melissa (Torrey DeVitto) with Ian, so he knew where to find him, and he was working at Radley - and acting somewhat suspiciously there. He could easily have given Mona everything she needed to keep attacking the other girls. Keep in mind, when there is a British character in a US show, a lot of the time, they end up being the bad guy! But there are subtle things. He gave Spencer an amazing massage early on, and Emily (Shay Mitchell) once got some A treatment in the form of a massage at a spa - the joys of re-watching! What we don't have is a motive. Ali liked older guys for sure, but really? Ian, Ezra, Detective Wilden (Bryce Johnson), AND Wren? Not only is it creepy how many older men have been involved with a girl who was only fourteen or fifteen at the time, it's hard to believe Ali would have managed to get the attention of all them, no matter how beautiful she was. But stranger things have happened...MUCH stranger things.

The black gloved hands at the end of each episode since Ezra was revealed to be A suggest that we are still wrong. There is still someone else to be afraid of. If those hands belonged to Ezra, why not just show his face since we're supposed to "know" he's behind it all?

So -- I realise this is a little bit of a mish-mash of thoughts, but let's lay this out more clearly:

Spencer may have been the murderer (though who she killed is a bit of a mystery). I am quite into the "Ali had a twin" theory, there have been several hints about this.

Ezra hasn't yet been totally honest, and I think there is a lot more we don't know

Mona might not be the devil anymore, but it's not time to trust her completely just yet

Keep a close eye on Wren - he's not just a pretty face! 

Help an Artist! Merry Ellen Kirk Needs You!

Regular followers of this blog will have heard me singing the praises of the uber talented Merry Ellen Kirk. The first time I heard her EP, "Feather & A Leaf," I was blown away - so much so that I wrote this. Four months later, I have almost all of Merry Ellen's recordings, and the tracks on "Feather & A Leaf" are amongst my Most Played list on iTunes.

Right now, Merry Ellen Kirk is listed on ArtistSignal, vying to be September's most voted for artist. If she wins, there's a $10,000 prize, and no doubt you can understand just how much that would help her out in recording more material, and getting herself better known - as she very much deserves to be. As things stand, she is in the top ten, which is an amazing achievement in itself! By following this link, you can vote for Merry Ellen, and help her take the top spot. What's so brilliant about this is, people can vote as may times as they like AND you can win rewards if you vote often. Rewards include free downloads, and signed CDs - which basically means - by clicking a button several times and "tipping"Merry Ellen tiny amounts, you can win music! Good deal, right? :D

I can't explain how much love I have for Merry Ellen Kirk's music. Perhaps it's the writer in me that is mesmerised by how she weaves beautiful words into music - and her voice? Perfection. SO, if you have an appreciation for real, genuine talent and hard working musicians, click the links above and show her some support. You won't regret it, I promise!

Your Man Reminder - A Fun App With a Serious Message

This is TECHNICALLY not entirely an entertainment post, more like a public service announcement for women, but it IS entertaining, so I'm sharing!

I was sitting next to my mum today, while she was on Facebook, and one of those random videos lurked on her timeline. It had had the heading ALL LADIES MUST WATCH. Normally, I ignore that kind of thing, but the two shirtless men in the preview video caught my eye! ;)

What the video actually is, is an advert for a new free app for women, to remind them to regularly check their breasts for abnormalities, but it's done in such a way that it's not clinical and dull. It's funny, and when dealing with something as serious as breast cancer, you need to lighten the fears just a little.

This video is actually a year old, but whether you've seen it before or not, it's still a great way for ladies to remember to regularly check themselves! Enjoy!

Fozzy Merchandise Alert!!

Anyone who loves Fozzy will know that Fozzy band merchandise isn't all that easy to come by if you can't get to a gig. There are websites that sell Fozzy t-shirts and hoodies, but the only hoodies I've been able to find are super old, and don't have the current band line-up on them. :( However, new merchandise is now available from a superb company called Fable Label. 

Right now, they have three Fozzy t-shirt designs: The brand new "Spider" t-shirt, the Sin & Bones 2013 Europe tour t-shirt, and the Gaga Must Be Destroyed t-shirt. I picked up a Spider t-shirt on the tour, and I can more than vouch for the quality of the material and the design. They are fantastic, so if you've always wanted a Fozzy t-shirt, you have no more excuses to delay - especially since they are offering a 15% discount with the code: FOZZYROCKS

Another awesome thing: when I discovered Fable Label, I asked about the possibility of them making girl t-shirts, since I am not keen on wearing massive over-sized man shirts, and I know a lot of other female Fozzy fans have said the same thing. The fabulous people at Fable Label said, yes! So, keep your eyes peeled, ladies!

Chris Jericho in 'Jon Davis Gets a Sex Robot'

Hard to know where to start with this one LOL!

So, Chris Jericho, man of many talents, is involved with a brand new project from The YOMYOMF Network! The project? A YouTube mini series called "Jon Davis Gets A Sex Robot".

The title is self-explanatory.

I gotta say, this bizarre little show appeals to the twisted side of my personality, and after watching the first two episodes (webisodes?), I'm hooked!

The most recent episode featured Mr Jericho as Rob, Jon Davis' sex obsessed buddy. The guy has a mouth that would make a sailor blush - and possibly enough... erm... enthusiasm... to require the sex robot to need re-programming! (Seriously, watch it!)

Jericho throws out some exceptional lines during Episode 2. I feel "Jizz It Up, Bro," is about to become one of those classic lines amongst those in the know, and will adorn t-shirts across the world! You really do need to check this out if you like twisted, and aren't easily offended. DO NOT WATCH if you're sensitive because your ears will bleed. :p

As great as the guys are in this show, I wanna also give a HUGE shoutout to Riki Lindhome because the dry humour she brings as Layla is perfect.

Bring on Episode 3!

Fozzy Reading + Guest Post Gig Review!

Oh yeah, I'm back with more Fozzyage for you,and a gig review by a special guest!

I took a little impromptu trip to Reading on Sunday to see Fozzy on the last date of their UK summer tour, and man, it was crazy!

Every time I write a review, I focus on the gig, and how amazing the VIP experience is, but I actually wanted to focus on something a little different this time, because I don't think it's possible to further emphasise how downright kickass these guys are. 

Not gonna lie, I love hanging with the guys, and I love rocking out with them, but there is one other aspect of the Fozzy VIP experience that often gets lost amongst all the other excitement, and that is the forming of amazing friendships. People find new friends all the time, but let me tell ya, there is nothing more bonding than the love of a great band. Fozzy fans are without a doubt the most dedicated, most passionate, and most incredible fans in the world. One of the many reasons for this is Fozzy give so much back to the fans. SO. Much. Not a day goes by when they don't tweet someone - often many people - with answers to questions, appreciation for fan art/specially made outfits/tattoos/photos, and just general chat. It's these interactions that keep Fozzy enthusiasts...well... enthusiastic.

I've met some incredible friends - not just casual acquaintances you say "hi" to when you see them at the next gig, but ACTUAL friends I would never have met if it wasn't for Fozzy. I know I'm not the only person to experience friendships made through the band. I recall reading about a couple who met at a Fozzy VIP and ended up getting married - how cool is that?!

 While we can't boast any weddings within our group - we can definitely say we've formed some lifelong friendships.

As a final note, I want to extend some thanks to a few people who made Reading super special:

Obviously, the guys themselves for making us feel so welcome, and for not only remembering those of us who had been before, but remembering where we came from and what we do!

Penny, our rep, for letting me have ear plugs so my eardrums didn't shatter during sound check (lol) and for being a whole lot of fun!

Robert, kickass photographer, for hanging with us and joining in with our craziness!

Talena for helping me get my nerves under control (SO much needed!)

And finally, my own little Fozzy family: Natalie, Harriet, Jay, Amy and Emma (and my original Fozzy besties, Annalisa and Jess, who couldn't be with us!) for making each VIP experience unique and packed with laughs, banter and inside jokes!

I now hand you over to the ever awesome Miss Natalie Vanstone (otherwise known as Gallifrey_Child!) for a full gig review in better words than I ever could have written!

There is a famous saying: "You should never meet your heroes". Well, I am about to pee all over that saying. I am a self confessed geek. I have met many famous people, I've even worked with a few. My passions include science fiction, wrestling and rock music. So imagine my surprise and delight a few years ago when I discovered that one of my favourite wrestlers was in a rock band. Fozzy. I know, I know, people famous for one genre often try and establish themselves in another, hoping their fans will follow them blindly. It doesn't always work.

I hunted them down and listened. I listened A LOT. Good god DAMN they could play. I found the band on Twitter and discovered they had a new album due out in October of 2012. I pre-ordered 'Sin & Bones' and waited for release day. The album dropped into my iTunes and within a couple of hours I'd pretty much learned the whole album. Epic does not even begin to cover it. 

Which brings me to last Sunday. I'd bought my VIP ticket for Reading. I 'thought' I knew what to expect.

We met our VIP Rep Penny at 3.30 outside the venue. When all the VIPs arrived, she had a surprise for us. She had us all line up and asked who we thought among us represented Fozzy the best that day. Several of my friends pointed at me. So did Penny. My prize? An 'Access All Areas' pass to the show!!

She took us all into the building and gave us a quick tour, showing us the dressing rooms, where we would be hanging out with the band, then upstairs into the gig venue. We watched the soundcheck and heard all the banter between the band and their tech guys. Penny told us Chris wouldn't be soundchecking as he was working on his third book, but lo and behold! He ended up rocking the soundcheck anyway!

                                                                     Rich Ward, soundhecking
 
Soundcheck done, we all headed back downstairs for the meet & greet part of the day. The band filed in and started to circulate amongst us. Chris greeted me like an old friend, hugging me and kissing me on the cheek, saying "There you are, we wondered if we'd see you on this tour!" To be greeted in such a lovely way by my hero is INSANE! He loved the photos I had for him to sign and asked me for copies! *Proud*

Rich Ward was also as amazing and accommodating as always. He signed multiple pictures and my Stuck Mojo CD, as well as one of my Fozzy albums. Billy and Frank rounded out the lineup, as bassist Pauly was away touring with Nena in Germany (We missed you, Pauly!). It's always cool to talk to those guys and I know a certain writer friend of mine who definitely has a soft spot for Frank! *looks around shiftily...* :p

Dinner was delivered, and nine VIP's, four band members and the VIP rep tore through the Nando's takeout. The conversation was flowing easily between us and the band, with multiple subjects covered, from bemoaning the UK's lack of Taco Bell restaurants (we only have three), to merchandise Chris had never seen before (someone took along a Y2J bowling ball at a previous VIP), Chris had also spotted several of us were wearing Why Too J necklaces from Heels in Pink and complimented us on them, having the owner and creator of Heels in Pink with us on the VIP was doubly cool.

Dinner finished too quickly and some of us, plus Penny, and Robert the photographer for Fozzy, decamped to the nearest pub for an hour.

7pm came pretty quickly and we had all found our way back to the venue a few minutes earlier, to discover that our VIP package included a free piece of merchandise! How to choose from the multitude of loveliness on display?! In the end I went for a new shirt, and also bought a gorgeous leather wristband embossed with the band logo.

                                                                          Fozzy swag!


Merchandise selected it came time to pitch our tents at our chosen places at the barrier. Front row secured we waited for the hordes of Fozzy, Breed 77 and Voodoo Vegas fans to file in.

At 7.30 the first band hit the stage. I'd never heard Voodoo Vegas before and I was definitely impressed. Lawrence, the lead singer has a great sound, and the band remind me of early Guns N' Roses mixed with a generous application of old school Mötley Crüe. That for me, is a winning combination and they had the rowdy Reading crowd baying for more. After a short intermission Breed 77, a British Gibraltar-based quintet, were ready to rock the house. Having seen Breed on a previous Fozzy tour I knew what I was getting with these guys, loud heavy metal with a splash of Spanish flamenco guitar. The crowd lapped them up and by the end of the set the masses were definitely ready for the headliners.

Fozzy never disappoint.

                                                                     Fozzy set list
Exploding onto the stage with 'Spider in my Mouth', the lead off track on 'Sin & Bones' they wasted no time in whipping us all into a controlled frenzy. Rich Ward mugged for everyone's cameras and Jericho lapped up the attention of the crowd. Every song in the set list sizzled, and every lyric was screamed back by the fans. This is a band who revel in crowd participation and the Reading faithful were definitely participating!

Fozzy tore through their thirteen song set like a well oiled machine, and in between each song they took a few minutes to appreciate the love from the assembled throng. It was over all too soon and before we knew it, it was time to leave the boys behind. We decided we just had to go back in to say a proper goodbye and I caught up with a couple of the Breed boys who remembered me from the last time, and the drummer seemed to enjoy hugging me! I headed backstage to get my sweaty man hug from Frank, but the little minx had already showered! Mean! (LOL, he smelled good, though!)

Finally, we accepted it was time to go. A sad goodbye outside the venue with good friends before we headed to our cars and the journeys home. The night wasn't *quite* over though. Four of us ended up at my house, chilling out until 4am watching the wrestling!

So yeah... Never meet your heroes? Hell no. Seek them out. Pay your money for a chance to say hello. Support them and their projects. Who knows, you might just end up with the kind of amazing experience myself and my friends just had.



W00t! Thanks, Nat, for that amazing rundown of such a brilliant day, and cheers for providing some of the photos!

I will leave you with this video from Sunday night! From my view at the back, this isn't a perfect video, but it DOES perfectly capture the epic atmosphere at Sub 89!