"Roll Away The Stone"
I am amazed when ever someone sets out on their own and just puts something out there. It is a real accomplishment to lay it all out there for the general populous to consume regardless of its medium. I admire anyone who says "fuck it I think I have something that is worth broadcasting so here it is." Many people talk about doing this all the time but most are too lazy to really do anything about it. So when someone goes the extra mile and actually puts it out there I have to give them props. It doesn't matter if its your cd, a self published book, or a piece of art for sale, its all the same to go out there on the limb all by your self. To all of you out there who continue to do this I appalled you.
However most of the stuff that I come across that is self published, or is an artistic endeavor is crap. Not much thought or effort was put into the final product. It lacks originality and usually bites someone's else style. Most seems rushed, to the point that says "I did it because I could." While it is still admirable to take it to the next level and put it out there I think most people should take a little more time and polish up the finish piece before releasing it to the world.
Every now and then you come across some DIY stuff that is the full blown real deal. Blood, sweat and tears were poured into the work. The artist themselves are still wondering if it is done. If not for the pushing of friends and family the work of art, cords of a song or prose of the pen would still be on the shelves of the artist. But thanks to the constant pushing some works do see the light of day to be consumed by the masses. Some works end up the walls of strangers. Some end up bumping out the speakers of passing by cars. Some end up getting blog post written about them...
A little while ago a new found friend gave me his cd to listen to. That gentleman's name was Chris Yale, the cd "Well Enough Alone." I listen to it constantly. It is well put together, thought out and polished. The first track, "Something I Remember" is the perfect introduction to the album and the closing track "Just No Way" closes out the album seamlessly. By far these are my favorite tracks. It just goes to show, how you polish your craft can really set your hobbies and passions apart. I know it was a struggle to put it out there but I am so glad he did. It has given me a new found respect to something I have forgotten about: "Art is about what you enjoy." I can tell through his album that Chris enjoys his music. Its not just a hobby but a passion. I admire that. I personally have lots of hobbies but very few passions. I encourage anyone out there who is the mood for some good ol american music (think Tom Petty mixed with Mellencamp) to give it a listen.
