Tag Archives: music

BMB: Album Review: “The Wiser Moon” by Ap Harbor

27 Wednesday Jul 2022

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Day 27: In Which I Review an Album

Who is Ap Harbor?

Ap Harbor is musical group from Eastern Kentucky. Their Facebook page describes them as “whimsical and weird music from Kentucky.” Which I think is very accurate! They are a new updated “rebrand” of a former group called “The Woodsheep”. If you’ve been with me a minute you might know about them through another post. The rebrand is due to many factors, including but not limited to the Pandemic, life changes, and updating their sound.

Track Listing

  1. The Overthere Chair*
  2. Fiction
  3. The Wind That Blows Through Its Branches*
  4. The Mountain Wayfarers*
  5. Cycles*
  6. Hunting Hound
  7. Cranberry Lane*
  8. Ariel
  9. The Amygdala Goes “Auck, Auck, Auck!”*
  10. The Trumpeter*
  11. A Hook*
  12. The River Drane
  13. Don’t Burn That Bread (So Help Me God)*
  14. 10 Watt Moon*
  15. Winter in the Tire Stacks

The Album “The Wiser Moon” is a compilation of old and new. The old being rerecorded and updated versions of previously released original songs. These songs were released in different forms on other albums.

My Favorites

Fiction

I enjoy all the songs on the album. I should, considering I’ve been following along with Andrew Preston (The Ap in Ap Harbor) and all the iterations of his music career for a while now. But I think on this album my favorite is “Fiction”. One of the new tracks, written with his grandmother in mind (who might be his biggest fan) and an elementary incident with “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. The track includes audio of her, and not only does it help bring the story home, but her voice also reminds me of my own mom, and home. Watch the very clever video below.

Cranberry Lane

The first time, and every single time I hear this song in any form, my first is that it is a lullaby. It’s a children’s lullaby. The vocals are soft and pleasant, and the whistling adds to the peaceful relaxing feel of the track. Also, as a someone with a writer brain, I visualize “Cranberry World”. I have been tempted many times to sing this to The Kid when she’s falling asleep. In fact, The Kid also approves.

10 Watt Moon

It’s the visual for me. In this song is about bad men coming and stealing the moon, only to replace it with a lightbulb. Can you imagine waking up to the moon, whom we all recognize, being replaced with a 10-watt lightbulb? What would that light look like?

In Conclusion.

The vibe that this album gives me is indeed weird and whimsical. As someone who tends to listen to only the music on her iTunes, which rarely changes and has song’s I’ve had for literal decades, the unique feel that Ap Harbor provides on “The Wiser Moon” is not what I would have sought out. And had I not known Andrew previously I might never have encountered it (I am old and set in my ways after all). But that’s not to say I’m not glad to have enriched my playlist with this album.

When I listen to The Wiser Moon in its entirety, I see a mix of fantasy worlds, with a little The Wind in the Willows, a little fairytale, and with just a little bit of sea adventure. It’s a fun, curious little trip around a quirky world with interesting characters and sounds.

Check out Ap Harbor Here:

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BMB: Don’t Buy Your Music From Amazon, Kids

12 Tuesday Jul 2022

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Day 12

Just cause its cheaper doesn’t make it better!

Many moons ago, I decided I would “shop around” for new music. I had heard this lovely song, and as I am wont to do, I became OBSESSED. I googled the artists, and found The Civil Wars. The song was “Barton Hollow”.

I recently mentioned them in a blog post about “Sharpe” an unfinished story that still haunts me to this day. I had listened to The Civil Wars first album, along with Adele’s 21, on repeat during much of the writing process. Upon mentioning them, I realized that I hadn’t heard “Barton Hollow” in a while. So I opened the music app on my phone to find IT WASN’T THERE. All I had of The Civil Wars was their final self-titled album. BUT I WANTED TO HEAR BARTON HOLLOW.

Turns out I purchased it on amazon, along with another smaller album (told you i was obsessed).

After multiple searches of the website, and the iOS Amazon Music App, i found that I could not download the album “Poison and Wine” onto my computer without downloading the Amazon Music App for Windows. And then, I couldn’t get it on my phone, unless i PAID FOR iTunes Match.

Which I regret to inform you i did buy. I have a LOT of music not purchased on iTunes.

And to be frank, there are several songs I have purchased through iTunes that don’t appear on my phone, but I’ve learned a few tricks to get them to pop up.

Right now, its 5 til 12, i have almost forgotten about the ugly spider i saw (he was HUGE). and I need to get this posted before midnight to count as the same day lol. Goodnight!

Thanks for reading!

-C

Music Monday

11 Monday Dec 2017

Posted by in music, Non-Fiction

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Where I take the last song played on my iPod and explain why it’s there.

I’m trying to get back into blogging. I’m doing this, somewhat poorly, by trying to come up with daily features, giving me something anything to post.

Today’s post is “Music Monday”. The last song played on my iPod was, as you can see, P!nk’s “What About Us”.

I have long been a fan of P!nk. The first album of hers I ever bought was “Missundaztood” (I had to look at that three times to spell it as it appears on the cd art). It was also the first CD I owned with explicit content. I pretty well kept it on repeat for ages.

P!nk has an amazing voice, a voice like no one else’s. She can do with that voice literally anything she wants. If I had the power to borrow anyone’s voice, it would be hers, if only to sound amazing while singing in the shower.

When I learned that she had a new album out it was immediately on my “must buy” list. I hadn’t bought one of her albums in a while, and I needed this one, I knew that simply by listening to snippets of one or two songs.

I did however purchase “Rose Ave”, the album she put together with Dallas Green, under the name You+Me. In fact I preordered it. I highly recommend it as well. It was also on repeat, my kid liked it while I was pregnant. Serious (might have been because I sang along, and I’m TERRIBLE).

So basically, the reason “What About Us” is on my iPod is because P!nk made it and it’s amazing. Every song on that album is well done, from the title track “Beautiful Trama” (have you seen the video with Channing Tatum? No? Well, You Need To) to the one we can all agree with, “Barbies”.

I like to play “What About Us” when I’m driving alone, mostly so I can belt it out with full power, and not destroy anyone else’s ear drums.

If you haven’t heard “What About Us” (video Here) or the rest of P!nk’s “Beautiful Trauma” album, it’s available on iTunes.

-c

The Woodsheep Live: a Review

09 Sunday Oct 2016

Posted by in music, Non-Fiction, Reviews

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On Friday October 7th, I ventured out of the sight of my toddler, by myself, to a place where I wasn’t working. The feeling was remarkable, truly. I so rarely have the opportunity to steal away and make time for myself, and this was one of those rare chances.

My destination: the May Lodge, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg, KY

Reason: to see “The Woodsheep” perform at “Friday’s After Five” a weekly live music show held, you guessed it, every Friday.

The Woodsheep are based out of Morehead, KY where they are students at the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music. They are comprised of Andrew Preston, Austin Tackett, Melissa Caskey, and Matt Holleran. They recently released an album called “Watching Mars” and recently completed a multi-state tour. This Friday The Woodsheep where joined by Caroline Cooely from the band The TeddyBones.

Friday I arrived late, mid song, but was not deterred. The crowd was moderate, although I think it would have been larger had the local festival “Jenny Wiley Days” not been in full swing. Yes, Mrs Wiley is popular in these parts.


I was quite excited to see The Woodsheep for a few reasons. One, my last live music show was probably about three years ago. Two, I’ve been following The Woodsheep since before they were called The Woodsheep. Three: a good friend whom I had not seen in several years would be there. And finally, four: I would finally get to meet, in person, Andrew Preston.

Honestly I had no idea what I expected. Good music, yes. And considering I had been listening to their debut album “Watching Mars” on repeat for three days, I knew that was coming.

But the fact that they liked to chat with the audience, laughed a lot, and were genuinely in good spirits made the show that much more enjoyable. They are all exceptionally talented, have a unique sound, and quite frankly are fantastic performers.


The Woodsheep’s music can be described as folk or Americana. But I feel as if it really cannot be classified into any single genre, and that’s a good thing. Friday they played not only songs from their record, but individual songs they’d written. They also showcased covers of popular songs.

If I am being completely honest their spirited rendition of “Fergalicious” is my favorite version of the song. I regret not recording video to share with you all!

The final song of the evening was from their album and one of my favorites: “Live Simply”. It’s a catchy tune, with a great message and a lovely sound. I frequently have it stuck in my head. I sang along with them as they played and enjoyed every minute!

After they played, Andrew, whom I’ve known for a few years now, came off the stage and greeted me. This might not seem like much to you, but I’ve known this lovely soul only through screen and song and meeting him in person has been on my bucket list! Had the hour not been late and my toddler restless at home, I’d have stayed later, and met the whole band.

I cannot wait for my next opportunity to see The Woodsheep perform, and tap my toes to their sweet sound. I thoroughly enjoyed the show, and it will be a lovely memory!

You can find out more about The Woodsheep, including tour dates, videos, and how to purchase their debut album “Watching Mars” on their website and on Facebook! Be sure to check out their  video for “Live Simply” available Tuesday October 11! I’ve not seen it yet, but I’m told it’s great!

Check these guys out, you’ll be glad you did!

As always, thanks for reading!

-c

P. S.: Andrew, I’m still waiting on a 3X shirt 😉

Welcome Home

27 Wednesday Apr 2016

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It’s a bit late for this post, since the context was from about a month ago. But I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. 

Recently someone came home. 

Chris Stapleton, award winning country singer/songwriter born and raised in Johnson County, Kentucky, made a visit (and a donation and a free concert and a commercial) in his home town of Paintsville, KY. 

Now, I’ve never heard his music (not by choice, I listen to my iPod mostly, but out of laziness) and I’ve never met him. But I’m sure he’s a great talent and a wonderful person. He graduated several years before me from the same high school as I did. 

His return home was met with much fanfare and excitement. The whole of paintsville was filled with signs reading: “Welcome Home Chris Stapleton” and “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle” (his alma mater high school, Johnson Central, mascot is the golden eagles). In fact, “Home of Chris Stapleton” was even added to ther “Welcome to Paintsville, KY” sign. 

This whole deal got me thinking. I was been in the area and went to Johnson Central as well, albeit sever years after he did. While I live a county away, I lived and and learned in grew in Johnson County until I was 24, when I got married. No big deal thousands had done that (and survived. Ha.). But my first thought was, “I wish I were a popular enough author to be greeted with open arms like this guy!”

But then I realized something. Authors don’t get that treatment. If I reached Stephen King levels of success (he is, in my eyes, the top), I would still never be received with as much fanfare as Chris Stapleton was. 

Sure. He did donate a butt load of instruments and equipment to the JCHS band. He also gave a free concert at the high school. He also has a majestic and epic beard. Yes that’s a quality. 

But then, the more I think of it, I probably wouldn’t leave long enough to be welcomed back with little more than “how was your trip?”  

Anyway, that’s my random thought I’d the day. 

Anyone famous grow up in your hometown? Have they done anything for their community?

More Gadgets!

19 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by in Gadgets, Non-Fiction

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I’m thinking of making this a new regular feature!

If you’ve read a few of my posts, I like gadgets. My last purchase was a Logitech Bluetooth keyboard for my iPad Mini.

Now, I’d been looking into getting a wireless Bluetooth speaker for ages. I finally broke down and bought one!

This little bugger is my new favorite thing! I’d been after one for a while, and this one is compact, but has great sound! I bought it with the intention of using it in the bedroom to help my tiny human sleep. It’s quiet in there at night and I’ve grown to assume she prefers noise. So I needed something small and easy to control.

Since its Bluetooth I can use my iPod. And since its tiny, it’ll fit of my very cluttered night stand. Heck, I could carry this little guy around in my pocket!