Nashville Adventure...

“Holy hell. This place is amazing.”

On a recent get away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angles to Nashville, Jamie and I adventured around the ENTIRE city in 4 days. I think we got our moneys worth of what the place has to offer.

We had a layover in Chicago after jumping on the last red-eye from LA. We touched down at 3am, found our next terminal after drowsily running through O’Hare with our carry-ons. We made it to our gate, boarded and then…sat. Yep, stuck in the airport again. It’s not all bad, I’d rather the plane break on the ground than in the air. Evidently the windshield broke and it isn’t a quick fix.

O'Hare - 3am - Who knows what is going on...

2 hours later, and a new plane, we finally landed in Music City. And what did we do first? That’s right, we got hot chicken. If you do not know what hot chicken is, don’t worry you don’t have to use your imagination too much. It is just extremely spicy chicken on thick, toasted white bread. Yep, Nashville gets to the point. We visited Zagot rated and televised famous Princes Hot Chicken. We ate and then immediately feel into a food coma from barely any sleep, and the bread-battered, deep-fried goodness that filled our stomachs.

Act like you don't want this meal right now...

We found our hotel after lunch, got a few hotel cocktails and then passed out until 9pm, essentially forfeiting the afternoon. I guess the mix of southern fried delicacies and alcohol can have an effect on your sleep patterns.

…and you thought it was spicy going in…

-YourFriendMatt

The Return of Owls...

Some would say it is about time and way over due. We can all relax now, it’s finally here and fans could not be more excited. Owls have released their sophomore album ‘TWO’after a 13-year hiatus, through independently owned Polyvinyl Records. Back in action and touring the globe Owls is a super group of progressive, emo and pop rock royalty. Featuring Tim Kinsella, Mike Kinsella, Victor Villarreal and Sam Zurick from groups Cap’n Jazz, Joan of Arc, Owen, American Football and The Promise Ring, Owls second album marks a more defined, mature and confident sound.

An hour before the doors a line has already formed for the die hard fans who wish to claim their spot on the standing room only floor, and as they take the stage, the crowd goes ballistic. With a simple, soft spoken “It’s good to be back”from smiling singer Tim Kinsella the band breaks into their title track from TWO “Four Works of Art”—a slow-paced, riff driven rocker that allows the band to groove and fans time to watch Owls musicianship. They flawlessly transition to their single from TWO “I’m Surprised”with Kinsella’s trademark eccentric vocal stylings. The club participates with Owls call and response choruses and metaphorical lyrics.

For the rest of the set Owls transition from one progressive emo track to another showing that their was no rust to shake off from their hiatus. They are as energetic and captivating as they were a decade ago…if not more. Check out Owls in a city near you this summer and pick up TWO as soon as humanly possible if you know what is good for you.