THE DEADFIELDS - OFTEN WRONG, NEVER IN DOUBT

It is not often that a new artist/band hits me with such force as The Deadfields have done with their new release "Often Wrong, Never In Doubt". From the very first song, "Cuttin' Ties", you could hear the talent and recognize keen writing ability as well. In fact, as the first song ended, I switched my location to become a bit more comfortable, hit replay and started all over again.
I was astounded by the sheer ease in which their talents seem to flow. My first thought was "I hope the second song is not a major disappointment. This sounds promising". As the second song began, which is the title cut, I was hooked. Not only were they talented, they also had a wry sense of humor which I enjoy sometimes in my music. Do not take yourself or your music too seriously, have fun with it, and let it flow. That is exactly what The Deadfields were doing here.
I do not believe in specific genre classifications, many artists are adept at performing any type of music. Fortunately, The Deadfields are able to cross over any genre and make it fun and enjoyable to hear. The tight vocal harmonies throughtout the record, plus toe tapping arrangements and instrumentals keep you fixated. There is literally something for everyone here.
And by the time you think it could get no better...think again. As I listen to any record the first time through, I always try to do so with an open mind...meaning I try not to look at the song list and think this will be a rocker or this will be a ballad. I want the music to control me...not the other way around and me trying to guess what it will do next. So, as I get toward the end of the record, just after listening to a foot stomping raucous song "If It Don't Matter", I hear a lone banjo picking out a song. I am an avid acoustic banjo fan...so this immediately captured my attention. As I began listening to each string and the progression, I thought this sounds rather familiar to me. Then, once the band all came in to start the song, I yelled "no way", and laughed. The Deadfields had just covered Nirvana's "All Apologies" in a way that sends tingling pleasure up your spine. Of course, I had to listen again...and enjoyed it even more.
The Deadfields were new to me with this record. I only hope they continue to create great music. I know I will be keeping an eye out for it.

http://thedeadfields.com/home

LONE SURVIVOR - GO SEE IT

Normally I do not promote movies or provide movie reviews here, but I felt this one deserved special recognition and discussion.
This weekend I went to see the new movie Lone Survivor. I went into it uncertain what to expect, given the trailers I had seen on TV and of course the history behind the true story survivor, Marcus Luttrell.
The movie begins with actual footage of soldiers enduring the brutal seal training. I happened to read one reviewer state he felt this was misplaced, and did not do service to the movie. He could not have been further from the truth. In my opinion, seeing the actual training footage allows the viewer to see what these brave men go through to become the soldiers that serve our country proudly. This strength, and where it is established, are an important part of watching the entire movie.
The movie itself is very well done in my opinion. It does not attempt to glamorize war, or to minimize the sacrifices these men must make in order to serve our country. Of course there is blood, death, and brutality. It is a war, not a vacation. These issues were well portrayed within the movie.
The choices and decisions these soldiers must make were very well laid out. The inability to establish exactly who you are fighting or should trust, the government red tape tying the hands of these soldiers on what they are able to do just to protect themselves from harm. All of these issues are on display here and play an integral part of the movie, as it should.
The ending of the film was also extremely effective and well placed. By showing these real life soldiers who died during this actual event, and mixing in the pictures with their own families and life away from the military, the viewer is able to see these soldiers are real people just like you and I, that have sacrificed so much in order to serve their country, and yet done so proudly and heroically.
I admit I had tears in my eyes watching the end of this film. It was very moving to see what these soldiers are capable of doing, what they do to protect us, and the sacrifices they must make in order to do so.
This is a well done movie that every American should see, if nothing else perhaps to respect even more what true heroes we have around us that go unnoticed each and every day.