Sometimes I think the toughest part about being a musician isn’t all the fans throwing their undies at you on stage or all the money you make from touring…it’s got to be be finding yourself in such a giant industry. Out of all the possible genres and sounds, you need to pick the one that’s best for you and stick to it.  You know – figure out  “who you are” (Yes, I sound like a Disney movie).

But seriously, if you’re not sure who you are, why is anyone going to like you? One thing you can say about the Dave Mathews Band is that they know who they are and they have since their first album. Now, with this latest release 15 years later, they remain true to themselves and their sound, while still trying new and innovative things. The other two new releases this week are still probably trying to find who they want to be, but I have faith they can do it! And now I conclude this public service announcement. You may now return to your regularly scheduled album review.

Dave Matthews Band- Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King

Let me tell you, back in the day I was absolutely obsessed with the Dave Matthews Band. Obsessed. As in, I’ve been to at least 9 concerts, listened to them non-stop, and knew everything about them. Then they started getting on my nerves a bit. Or maybe their fans did. It began to dawn on me that a whole lot of douchebags like Dave Matthews, and the band seemed to get all haughty and into themselves. So I slowly stopped listening. Not that it mattered because they weren’t coming out with anything new, anyway. But now they finally have and I figured I better give Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King a listen, if only for old time’s sake. And it’s not bad.

I really think Dave found what worked best for him and has stuck with it. The album reminds me of a cross between Stand Up and Some Devil, and I think most people will enjoy it. I’m not really into all the Southern-ish songs like “Shake Me Like a Monkey” and “Alligator Pie,” but it worked on Stand Up, so Dave wanted to continue. I really like some of his slower songs, like “Funny the Way it is,” which really makes you think about the world (like so many of Dave’s songs). In it, he sings, “Funny the way it is, if you think about it/Somebody’s going hungry and someone else is eating out/Funny the way it is, nor right or wrong/Somebody’s heart is broken and it becomes your favorite song.” And “My Baby Blue” reminds me of one of the sweet little love songs found on Some Devil, with lyrics just as enticing and romantic. The Dave Matthews Band knows what they’re good at and does it once again on this album. I might be turning into a little bit of a fan again. Damn it.

Paolo Nutini-  Sunny Side Up

I became a big fan of Paolo Nutini the first time I listened to his last album These Streets. Filled with hits like “New Shoes” and “Last Request,” Paolo got me grooving and had a unique sound to boot. I’m having a bit more trouble getting into his new album, Sunny Side Up, and can’t seem to figure out why he sounds like such an old man. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Willie Nelson, but to hear his voice coming from a 22-year-old is just tripping me up. However, the album contains many really well-written tracks and I’m loving the island-y feeling it starts with in “10/10.” The island-sound is a little discording next to many of the other songs on the album, though, some that sound very big band, while others sound country. Not to mention, “Pencil Full of Lead” makes me feel like I should be in the 1920s at a sock hop. What exactly is this album? A mash-up of a bunch of good songs that really don’t fit together? I mean, I like each song individually, but I just feel like Paolo could have made about 5 different albums with it, all in different genres.

Adam Hood- Different Groove

I had never heard of Adam Hood before listening to his new album, Different Groove, but since I’m always open to new country music artists, I decided to give him a listen. He didn’t drive me OMG, Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney type crazy, but I am enjoying him so far. He seems like a typical nice country guy, unlike someone like Trace Adkins or Toby Keith. Adam Hood is probably more of a Dierks Bentley, but with less clever lyrics. Not to say that Adam isn’t good; I think he’s just still trying to find himself.

I did enjoy the album’s title track “Different Groove,” which is what is says, a different groove. Adam sings, “I’m gonna find a style that makes me smile… Gonna put my soul in the music and find a different groove.” That’s an idea I can always get behind, but I’d love to hear a little bit more of Adam’s so-called soul. Surprisingly, I also kind like “Cars, Trucks, and Me,” which is so not a “me” type of song to love, unless, of course, a gruff country voice is belting it out. But this song does a good job of showcasing Adam’s smooth, boyish voice and the tune is definitely pretty catchy. Though I’m not yet going crazy over him, I’ll keep my eye (and ears) on Adam Hood to see what he comes up with next.

Well, lucky for you, we have concocted a list of things to do as you assimilate yourself back into society over winter break:

1) ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas: Who doesn’t love holiday movies?! This is a great way to spend a lazy day – curled up by the fire, sipping hot cocoa, and watching “The Polar Express.”

2) Sporcle.com: So you’re bored at home with nothing to do because you did NOT want to go Christmas shopping with your mom…again. Sporcle.com is a website that tests your knowledge on all sorts of trivia. It’s the perfect way to exercise that brain of yours and pass the time at home with the parentals. Warning: super addictive.

3) Fashionunder100.com: With all the loot you’ll be getting from returning those gifts from family members who didn’t know what to get you, go out and buy yourself that super hot outfit you really wanted. But don’t go buying overpriced goodies at the mall; this site has the hottest looks at the cheapest prices. More bang for your buck. Heaven.

4) “7 Pounds”: Will Smith’s new movie is looking mighty fine. It’s out on Friday and would be a fun date for you and your special someone.

5) “The Tale of Despereaux”: Ok, so, I know it’s a total kid movie, but that mouse is so cute I have to go watch! Family Movie Day! Yay! (Tip : If you see a movie with the parents, they usually pay for it!)

6) Album Watch: This winter break, you need to catch up on your music scene. A bunch of great albums will be dropping from hot artists like The Dream, Fall Out Boy, Dave Matthews Band, and Keyshia Cole. So get those suckers on your iPod so you have something to listen to at the gym as you work off those delish holiday meals.

7) It’s Cookie Time: Why not make a contribution to this year’s holiday dinner? Check out some recipes and have a bake-fest with your girls. The end result is a lot more fun than a day spent doin’ #1.

8 ) Hot guys are always good: I don’t know about you, but I always love me some hot man candy. And from time to time (read: when I am at my parents’ house and there are no real hot men around), I enjoy browsing pics of my favorite male celebs and making awesome collages for my comp’s wallpaper. Is that weird? Well, whatever; here’s a site so you can check out your fav sexy celebs.

9) A little reading by the fire: Curling up with a good book is a cozy holiday favorite. Michael Phelps’ memoir “No Limits” will be coming out this month and let’s face it, we can’t get enough of Mr. Phelps.

10) Football! It’s bowl game season, which means more football than you can handle. It also means a perfect excuse to eat chips and dip, wings and wash it all down with lots and lots of beer.

Got any other ideas?

So hook up your laptop speakers, bust out your 40’s & get ready to pre-game harder than those other kids party.]

The time has finally come, my friends! Finally, you get to don your fabulous, expensive and inevitably sl*tty costumes, go out and have a damn good time. In the spirit of the season, I obviously had to create a pregame playlist dedicated specifically to the crazy, ridiculous holiday. So, starting with the King of Pop MJ’s, Thriller, I’ve created a playlist with a variety of spooky, creepy and hilarious Halloween songs from over the last, you know, half a century or so to help you get your um, freak, on. Happy (almost) Halloween!

Get the party started right here.

[If you have suggestions for future playlist themes or have a track you really think should be included in a future installment, let us know in the comments!]

The Dave Matthews Band will not be the same without LeRoi MooreCongrats to Ellen and Portia – only the best looking couple in Hollywood!

And you thought modeling for Fashion Week was bad

A few fun facts about our hero, Michael Phelps

No more hitting the bottle; boxed wine is all the rage.

Spain’s Synchronized Swimmers show a bit too much skin (but get people to actually watch the sport for once…)

Kiss that bad breath away for good!

Why so glum, college students?

Who is this Michael Phelps and why is no one paying attention to JLo?!

Beer Goggles are real. Did we really need scientists to prove this one?

Boney chests...the new black?

After spending a night chillaxin’ in Sherwood Forrest, letting my fatigued body sink into a colorful hammock for two and talk for hours with one of my new best friends over cocktails in combustible corn cups, I knew it was time for a change. A huge, life-changing, effortful change. Something about spending the weekend surrounded by happy, empowering, inspirational people (albeit a little dirty & drugged-up) was a huge, magical, sparkly slap in the face that it’s time for me to conquer, one-by-one, all the things I want to in life.

So, without further adieu, here is my list of sweet stuff I wanna learn.

1. How to give a kick-a** massage. I am OBSESSED with massages. I try to con all my boyfriends, friends, (even boy friends!) to give me little shoulder, back or foot massages (perfect after a long day at work…or shopping). However, I am just as inclined to return the favor because I know how ridiculously nice (and/or orgasm-inducing) a massage can be.

2. How to make sweet jewelry. I used to be the baddest b*tch on the block because I could make friendship bracelets with any color of the rainbow out of any type of string. Unfortunately, I haven’t practiced my art for about, oh, 10 years & I think it’s time for me to get back in the game. But, I sure will have a lot of catching up to do.

3. How to use my super-expensive, practically untouched MAC eyeshadow. I got it off eBay months ago, but have yet to figure out how to actually make it look good. I never really understood why people were called ‘makeup ARTISTS’ until I attempted to blend two colors & ended up looking like a hybrid between this & this.

4. How to bar tend. I thought that the world would magically open up to me and all knowledge surrounding alcohol and how to create, mix and shake up all my favorite shots and drinks would somehow zap into my brain as soon as the clock struck 12 on the eve of my 21st birthday. I was wrong. There is a certain sense of pride I think I’ll feel once I know how to concoct every colorful, delicious (or vomit-inducing) drink ever. Then I’ll finally be the most popular girl at house parties.

5. How to surf. I am in love with the ocean. The only problem is that northeast Ohio is a complete barren wasteland full of far many more cow pastures than salt water & more corn stalks than surfboards. Mark my words, though, I will find a way.

6. How to use Dreamweaver & Photoshop. I don’t even think this is nerdy anymore. It’s more like, essential.

7. How to play Poker. Yes, I’m 21 & have played poker ONCE (and I’m not counting strip poker which involved far more stripping than poker). But, I had to ask for help every hand & eventually got fed up with people getting fed up with me, slammed my cards down on the table and declared that I’d stick to more fun games like A**hole & beer pong…jerks.

8. How to do a few “manly” things. Like how to properly string my own line (er, spool my own reel?) and bait my own hook. And change a tire (yeah, I’m one of those girls). Throw a mean punch. And, um, distinguish between someone who is just being friendly and someone who is actually interested in me (Oh, wait…).

9. How to drive a stick-shift. I am jealous of anybody that can handle 3 pedals when I can barely handle alternating between the brakes & gas without causing collisions.

10. How to be 100% comfortable with myself. I had to get a little sappy here, didn’t I? But, come on, it’s a list of things I want to learn & I think that self confidence is at the top of almost every young gals “To-Do” list.

Honorable Mentions: Complete a whole beer bong. Take a gig as an exotic dancer (& learn how to properly work that pole). Learn how to speak French. Know everything there is to know about wine. Shuffle cards (what? My hands are small!)… and learn the names and histories of as many world leaders (and obviously, the countries they govern) as possible.

[Now lovely CC ladies, it’s your turn to spill. What do you want to learn?]

A growing sense of disdain for Dubya didn’t cut it. Being able to register at the DMV just didn’t do the trick either. P. Diddy couldn’t get us to do it, for Christ’s sake. So just what will it take to seriously win the youth vote? We are, after all, 20 million strong and dammit we deserve to be wooed!

I, for one, would like to see an increase in, shall we say, “game” from candidates both blue and red. McCain, obviously, has taken a step toward this lofty goal by recruiting the support of one of our high holy leaders. Sorry, Obama, that you have neglected to secure such a prestigious pledge of loyalty from the chosen generation (us, duh) but feel free to borrow any of these gems that I think would increase voter turnout for those of the youthful persuasion. You see gentlemen, the key to our hearts is to manipulate our basic dependence upon the following:

Natty Lite

Slap some platform positions on the back of those bad boys and cover up the saddening nutrition facts–we don’t need to see that anyways. I consider this a double-edged sword. Not only would the important issues be readily at hand (provided you go coozie-less), but additionally, voters can appreciate the conversational lubrication that is cheap beer. As inspiring as 4.2% alcohol can be to philosophical convos (if you drink, don’t EVEN pretend you’ve never been there post bar crawl!) that stuff takes a while to imbibe, making those discussions last just a wee bit longer. Now that a pseudo intellectual discush has gone down, both candidates have enjoyed spirited (literally) debate over their issues that should inspire sober consideration come November.

Facebook.

Okay so beyond groups, events, Flair, etc., Facebook remains a largely untapped renewable resource that neither of the candidates have considered drilling off the coast of. I, however, have pondered many a time just what my life would be like should bumper stickers ever be converted into useable currency. The first guy who figures out how to do this (come on Congress, I know you’ve thought about it too!) could easily channel the power of a demographic that has more disposable free time than disposable income. Split it down the middle of the “recently popular category”– McCain gets all proceeds from those vintagey pastel ones with witty quips and Obama nabs all those concerning Edward Cullen, whoever he is. Convert those bad boys to campaign donations and hot damn we might just end world hunger.

Pizza.

A dietary need for everyone from Rhodes Scholars to Stoners, and all of us in between. If only the powers that be had thought to harness this essence of cheesy, carby goodness. So it may seem a little unorthodox, but hey, this is def a ground breaking race. So to demonstrate just how far you would go to serve your people (sit down McCain) I’m almost positive that door to door delivery of pies is the way to go. It proves you’re omnipresent (watch out terror!), punctual (30 minutes or it’s free!) and dedicated to the needs of your public (fatty deliciousness.)

Thirsty Thursdays.

A hallowed staple of coeds across the nation, Thursday nights are a beacon of hope throughout a heavy week of exams, papers, and lectures that make it seem like Friday will never come. So we said f*ck it, started the weekend early and vowed to slog through hungover Friday classes. I think this kind of pluck and determination should be recognized by the men fighting for our loyalty. Personally, I feel that there’s a lot to be said for the ability of wasted people to recall song lyrics– attend any AYCD with a Dave Matthews Cover Band and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Boys, I’m thinking you should use the power of blind conformity to your advantage and have O.A.R. write your campaign songs from now on; let the sound of your manufactured ideals pour into your ears from the mouths of random drunks of our great country. Conversely, I am a staunch adversary of drinking and driving, and I’m sure you both are too. To reinforce your standpoint, I suggest you put your money where your billion dollar defense budget is: pay our cab fare for the ride home!

So there you have it: our necessities. And unless you can find a way to guarantee state sponsored booty calls (this would be a good time to consider Spitzer for a running mate) you just won’t get any closer to secure the “youth vote.” Of course I realize that these are highly generalized (some might even suggest degrading) paths to our vote, but so far the best anyone’s come up with is MTV cramming their airtime with veejays and celebrities urging us to “rock the vote.” So, ya know, until the grown ups figure out we’re capable of intelligent thought and all, any more brilliant ploys our future president can use to earn our vote?