Town Line ~Aaron Lewis

Town Line is the debut solo album from Staind's frontman, Aaron Lewis. Really more of an EP, consisting of five country (yes you heard this right) songs, released March 1, 2011 on Stroudavarious Records Label. I say 5 tracks, because "Country Boy" is on this CD 3 times...an acoustic, radio version and the original featuring George Jones, Charlie Daniels, and Chris Young and happened to be the first single released December of 2011.
The first song "The Story Never Ends" seems like a radio friendly country/rock song with a message that runs through the whole album. The message I get..."Stay true to your roots," a message I can get behind. I was tapping the toe. Next, "Vicious Circles" which lyrically I loved. Let me state here, that his "country" lyrics are just as passionate and thoughtful as his "rock" lyrics, he does not disappoint in this department. Onward to "Country Boy", which is a typical southern country/rock tune about being a proud, slightly rebellious American, and more stick to your roots punctuation. Gives you that Hank Jr. or Charlie Daniels vibe. I would compare this to Kid Rock Born Free evolution. "Country Boy" leads you into a "Countrified" version of Staind's "Tangled Up In You" and transfers well to the Country genre, in my opinion. Last (not counting alternate versions) is a sweet little tune called "Massachusetts", where Lewis was raised and lives. See the "stick to your roots" theme I spoke of?
Overall the EP is a great listen, melodic with meaningful lyrics. Those who are looking for the heavier side of Lewis maybe surprised by the tenderness of the new songs, some may even reject his crossover attempt. I personally enjoy both sides of Aaron Lewis.
http://www.amazon.com/Town-Line-Aaron-Lewis/dp/B004ISVGTY

My Musical Thoughts

Since I was a little bitty Battgirl, I have always LOVED music of all kinds. My parents always had the music playing on the weekends and I was introduced to so many genres & styles through the years. This and my love for writing have made me into the avid music lover I am today. I also LOVE to see live concerts, musicians playing their art, writers singing their words, listeners taking it in...I love ALL that!
So here is where I will give my thoughts on music, old & new. I will also post concert/ CD thoughts and pictures when I can. I buy MOST concert tickets to the shows you will read about here. I do go to some free shows, but those would be free to all attendees. I, or a family member, has bought & paid for any FULL CD's I might review here as well. Anytime I am given tickets or music complimentary I will definitely note so for the post.
Let there be NO worries, I will have plenty of "radio rants" here as well. Let me explain what a radio rant is for you. I, like many of you, find myself tapping my toe to songs that I don't really get lyrically just because the beat is good. I understand this, I actually embrace it, to a degree. But I also think radio overlooks SO many talented artists and REALLY good music to play us some fluff to tap our toe to. So occasionally I will rant about this music I have NOT purchased but hear on the air waves, see on TV, etc.
My musical taste is as wide as the grandest canyon, but I do love my Rock n Roll the most. I also like pop, Metal, R & B, Rap, & even country. About all I don't do is the elevator music. ;) I always have music playing and my www.Blip.FM stream is posted here for your enjoyment. I am also a member of the online community at http://blipstarz.net/  and blip for them Mondays & Wednesdays. So enjoy my take on the tune sand...RAWK ON!