State Champs - The Acoustic Things

I want to start this review by stating that I've never heard any music by State Champs, the album was suggested by my friend last night. This opinion is purely based off of this album with no comparison to their other music. Having said that, I will be listening to their other albums in the near future to check out their "normal" sound. Also, I want to let you know that I do these reviews as I am listening to them to give you raw feelings...on with the review!

Simple, yet visually appealing cover. The English teacher side of my brain tells me that this may be hinting at the lighter tone of the album. The other half says they chose that album cover because they thought it looked nice. 

There are only 7 tracks, and that's because your ears can only handle so much beauty. The singer, whose name is Derek DiScanio, has an impressive handle on his voice. He sings with rougher vocals throughout the entire album, which is aesthetically pleasing to my ears. I appreciate when bands can keep their edge even when doing acoustic albums, like Alex Gaskarth in the song Remembering Sunday (All Time Low-So Wrong, It's Right). 

Favorite tracks from this album include:

Hard To Please- "I think I'm just afraid to fall". Take chances and break your mold. Sometimes We get too attached to what we know and never risk failure. I also enjoy the layering of vocals in this track

Easy Enough- "I just wanna be more than a memory". Well-rounded song from the lyrics to the guitar chords. I especially favor the ending when the instrumentals drop out and only the vocals ring out for a couple more verses

I would suggest this specific album to people that enjoy bands such as All Time Low, La Dispute, The Story So Far, 

This album came out this year in October, and I'm quite sad that I haven't heard it until now. I can't wait to listen to more of their music.

until next time, Erinn xx

**also I want you to know that I'll have an album cover opinion in each review because I'm an artist and album covers are something I take a bit of time looking at when I check out cds**

Any albums you want me to review? Just comment them below and I'll check them out!

Good Charlotte - The Young and the Hopeless

Let's start these off with album cover review and go from there. Gorgeous cover! Maybe it's just because I like old-timey things that I enjoy this cover so much but it's so cool...I mean look at that mushroom cloud. 

Okay on to the music. So I've been listening to Spotify lately and The Anthem(track #2) started playing and it immediately prompted me to make this purchase. Great message and aggressive tempo. I really could use that line to sum up the whole album. Starting from track one (a New Beginning) you feel the angst and musical talents of Billy Martin, Joel Madden, Benji Madden, and Paul Thomas. 

Other favorites on the album are:

Hold On - highly encouraging to stick it out through the rough times. No matter if you think everything is in pieces, someone is there for you. Nice reminder. Great pick me up. 

Moving On - Just life happening and never stopping. Things change and so do people, but that's what is supposed to happen. 

I understand that this album is an a few years old (2002) but it's an excellent addition to any pop punk collection. The amazing thing about music, is that it generally can speak to people no matter how old the songs are. This is an album that I would recommend to anyone that enjoys instrumental music. That might sound dumb, but I know there are people that only listen to electronic music. I would suggest this album for people that listen to Green Day, Tonight Alive, Simple Plan, Neck Deep, and Blink 182. 

Any albums you want me to review? Just comment them below and I'll check them out!

More about how I dealt with depression

I shared this with an acquaintance on Tumblr, and I thought I'd share it with you:
Well, when it started I didn't do much at all and so it got worse. I started to shut out my friends and I didn't talk to anyone at all if I could avoid it. As cliche as it may sound music was great therapy to me. When I was angry I listened to angry music and when I was sad I listened to sad. I realized that the music was helping me feel like someone understood and was, in a way, pushing these hidden emotions to the surface. That was the first step. I had to confront my anger, fear, and thoughts that I kept pushed down in my heart/mind. Journaling kind of helped with that. After I got the feelings to the "surface" I thought that if music could do that, I'm sure it could help bring me back to socializing and just life in general as a "new person". So I started listening to bands like All Time Low that had songs about being happy, and putting your cares away. Just anything that had that pop punk sound that made me happy. The music reminded me that there's a whole world outside of myself that I can't let slip by, because down the road I would have missed all of this because I needed to deal with my internal issues.Also, I pray. If that's not your thing, just find a way to release these emotions outward (like journaling). It's nice to get them out, and talking helped calm me down when I was stressed. Slowly I chose friends that I could seriously talk to about this. And it's still a struggle sometimes to get out there and do things. Like tonight I'm going to this festival thing with a friend and my instinct is to stay home but I'm forcing myself to go because I need to get out of the house. I still criticize myself and kinda beat myself up, but I think about life and the darkness I was in a month ago and I decide to not dwell on that insignificant issue anymore. I also learned that dealing with a problem upfront will cause less pain emotionally down the line.

Concerts

These are all of the bands that I’ve witnessed with my own eyes and ears…

Random Concert-Canton, OH: Jeremy Camp

Burning Up Tour 2008-Cleveland, OH: The Veronicas, Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009-Cleveland, OH: Wonder Girls, Honor Society, Jordan Sparks, Jonas Brothers

Wonder World Tour 2009-Cleveland, OH: Metro Station, Miley Cyrus

Quicken Loans Arena 2009-Cleveland,  OH: Tran Siberian Orchestra

Jonas Brothers World Tour 2010-Cleveland, OH: Allison Stoner, Camp Rock Cast, Demi Lovato ( + met her), Jonas Brothers

Cleveland Indians post-game concert 2011-Cuyahoga, OH: Relient K

Reach Conference 2011-Columbus, OH: Chasen, B. Reith, Decyfer Down, Phil Stacy, Anthem Lights

Battle of the Bands 2012-Canton, OH: Orange Ryme, Oh Tear The Veil, White Sky Outcast, Messy Face, KentState, Good Hours, Honest Abe, Less Than Three!, 

Cleveland Indians post-game concert 2012-Cleveland, OH: Brandon Heath

National Youth Conference 2012-Louisville, KY: Abandon, Worth Dying For 

Reach Conference 2012-Columbus, OH: One Accord, Jeff Deyo, Anthem Lights

Alive Festival 2013-Atwood Lake Mineral City, OH: Capital Kings, Kari Jobe, Sidewalk Prophets, Shine Bright Baby, Family Force 5, NEEDTOBREATHE, Switchfoot

Reach Conference 2013-Columbus, OH: Phil Stacy, LoveLikeViolence, Family Force 5

Random Free Concert-OH: Satellites & Sirens, Anthem Lights

Belden Village Mall 2014-Canton, OH: R5 

Warped Tour 2014-Cuyahoga, OH: Echosmith, Real Friends, The Maine, The Ready Set, The Summer Set, We Are The In Crowd, Cute Is What We Aim For

Where We Are Tour 2014-Detroit, MI: 5 Seconds of Summer, One Direction

Summer Concert Series 2014-Akron, OH: Zoso The Ultimate Led Zepplin Experience

Updates and info for all of you lovely people!

      I have lots to update you on so here we go!!!

• As I have apologized many times for not being constant on this blog, here I am saying sorry again. Good news though, my study hall class at school has computers so I should be able to update a few times a week. YAY
• I'm adding new content to this blog. In the past I've blogged about books and just life in general. That isn't going to end because life continually happens and books are being read. I am going to also blog about music. As you may know from the past few posts, music has been a heavy influence in my recovery. I thought it would be cool to blog about new music/bands I'm listening to. This way you can add more to your musical libraries! 
• By adding music, I am adding a new page at the top of this blog (like my bucket list page). That page will have the new album I'm listening to, a link to my album review for said album, and a recommended song to check out. 
• another tab will be an upcoming dates tab so you all know what I'm doing. haha
• I deleted my list of 100 books in a year for 2014 because I failed and only made it to like 23. whomp whomp waaaaaaa. Oh well, next year I'll try to get closer
• and you're still awesome

That's all folks! 

-Erinn xx

Well I kinda suck

I'm not even close to my book goal for the year. That makes me sad, and I've been neglecting this blog. That is why I suck. I do need to update you one one very important thing though. I want to let you know that I am 90% out of my depression. The reason why that 10% is still there is because I'm working on my communication skills and other areas that depression clouds. I really needed this past month to submerge myself in the things that bring me joy, help me work through pain, and relieve my stress, That was mainly music, prayer, and Tumblr. Tumblr may sound like a dumb thing to put on the list to many people, but I found out that many of mutual friends on there had gone through similar situations as I. Not depression caused by the people around me or home life, but sorrow within myself that appeared to be brought from within. It was like I had bottled up all that I desperately wanted to say and feel. Then it suddenly ripped my heart and mind to shreds. Sorry for the graphic nature of that last sentence but it's how I felt.

It's almost like I've been on Frodo's quest to destroy the Ring, and the last month was the the treacherous climb he, and Sam experienced up Mount Doom. This past week would be the equivalent to Frodo's struggle to let go of the ring (here it is if you need a refresher):

Depression has it's way of holding on to you. But I need to listen to my family, friends, and God do kick it out of my system or some bug-eyed creature (sorry Gollum) is going to try to bite my finger off!

I'll update you soon :) - Erinn xx

Here it is

      I know I haven't posted on here in a while but I have reasons, and many apologies that will suffice for my absence, As you know, I dropped out of the college scholarship program over the summer. Since then, I've been bombarded with university brochures and I'm saving them all to take a picture of at the end of my senior year. It's insanity! This post may not be the longest thing I've written, or the best explained. I thought you at least deserve to know what has been going on.

I'm still clueless as to what my future career will be, but I shouldn't have to know at a mere 17 (almost 18) years of age. I am going to travel. Work odd jobs, and find myself in the years ahead. I'm not going to university and that is the last I want to say about that whole situation.

I haven't been going to church on Wednesday night, instead I've been doing an amazing Bible study that was loaned to me by a good friend. I still attend on Sunday because that makes me happy. I wish to not have to explain myself where that situation is concerned as well.

The real reason why I haven't been updating on here is because I went through, and am currently working my way out of a battle with depression. I'm not joking around or saying I'm depressed to get attention, same as me saying I'm lactose intolerant. I love cheese and attention seeking is not what I aim for. Knock-down depressive feelings have been rummaging through my most happiest places and it really sucks. Those are mine. I wish it would flee but thoughts still linger here and there. I wasn't trying to neglect you, I decided not to share those dingy thoughts with the world. No worries, suicide never crossed my mind.

I saw people happy and wanted so much to have that happiness but couldn't find a way to experience it myself. So I drowned myself in the uplifting melodies of hopeless dreamers and people that found their way out. I feel that music has been a huge push to get me out of that state I was in. I owe a lot of thanks to my friends Angelina and Katie for showing me a flood of bands that have helped them. I really can't thank them enough for what they may have viewed as simply letting me borrow their cds. In every possible way, it was much more, so thank you.

I'm planning on making a "masterlist" of all the albums they had me listen to, and my opinions on each. That will be a process, and it might be what I do over the next month. I hope that will be enjoyable to you, and I am open for suggestions if you have any!

Again, thanks for hanging around and remember that life has so much in store for you,

Erinn xx

New Post coming today!!!!

Favorite Tweets (over the last couple weeks)

HONEY, I'M HOME!!!!!

Sorry guys, I went on vacation to Topsail Beach North Carolina and I forgot to tell you. I'll post more on that over the next couple days. I have a favorite tweets post going up today though!

lots of love- Erinn xx

July Book Photo Challenge:21

Day 21: Poetry

Well I know that I didn't post a picture yesterday... I was confused by the prompt. Anyways, here's a couple photos of my beloved Shakespeare collection.

My paintings:

      Here is a side by side shot of two paintings that I recently did of Ashton Irwin and Luke Hemmings from 5 Seconds of Summer. Hope that you enjoy them. I had to put my twitter name on the paintings so that no one could steal them, because unfortunately people are thieves. If you do like them, feel free to share them :)

     

      Here is an additional picture of me in the process of painting Ashton today:

      I'll be painting Michael and Calum soon!

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 19

Day 19: Pretty cover

My new edition of Moby-Dick by Herman Melville. I love the bright blue colors and the graphic design

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 18

Day 18: Collector's Edition

I currently don't own any collector's edition novels so I chose to share with you the most beautiful edition of The Magician's Nephew (By C.S. Lewis) I've ever laid my eyes on!

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 17

Day 17: Rainbow

(In order from left to right. Top Photo) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling, Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares, The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick, Black by Ted Dekker, Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, The Midnight Twins by Jacquelyn Mitchard, and the Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 16

Day 16: Favorite book fandom

The Supernatural fandom duh but of course. These books are great for those months of hiatus. I don't own them all yet but I'm almost there.

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 15

Day 15: Oldest book on your shelf

The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald

This is my copy that has been passed down through my family. The copyright is from 1925 and this book has been well loved.

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 14

Day 14: A book you read in school

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I had to read this my sophomore year of high school (10th grade)

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 13

Day 13: Bookshelf

This is a close up photo of my Shakespeare quote bookshelf, it's so beautiful and artsy! I would gladly give you a link to the bookshelf but Ikea doesn't seem to carry it anymore, sorry.

The BIG decision

     Well.. I believe that the decision I made was some sort of initiation into adulthood. Yes, I still have four months until 18 hits me like a cup of black coffee at 6 am (is that a good analogy because I don't drink coffee). Since I'm documenting many of my personal thoughts and opinions here I decided that I should share a large decision I recently made with you. Let me start at the beginning.

      When I was in sixth grade a very large and very well-known college from Ohio (I'll let you figure that out) came to my elementary school to tell us about an opportunity to receive a hefty scholarship. The candidates for this scholarship would be recommended by a teacher and then notified to fill out an application and write an essay about why they believed that they should receive the scholarship. Well I happened to be selected and awarded this scholarship opportunity, and it was a blessing.

      So in case you wanted to know the details of this scholarship, here you go: It is for minority/low-income families. You have to maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) throughout your high school career. The scholarship pays for four years of college and the only thing that you have to pay for is your books. So yeah, pretty solid deal!

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 12

Day 12: Underrated Book

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

It's a very beautiful book that you may enjoy if you enjoyed The Fault in our Stars aka Feels

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 11

Day 11: Summer Drink & a Book

Staying Strong by Demi Lovato and my Wonder Woman tumbler that I've been drinking out of pretty much all summer.

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 10

Day 10: Book Order

Growing Pains by Billie Piper

Ordered this on Amazon, I'll do a review in the future. I'm so excited to read this because #1 It's Billie Piper and #2 It will be the first biography I read.

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 9

Day 9: Nostalgia

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I remember my parents reading this series to me as a child be fore bedtime :)

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 8

Day 8: Well Loved

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

This book has endured tears, tipped water, countless bags, and trips to friends' houses while being loaned (and who knows where it went then).

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 7

Day 7: Flowers

Nancy Drew: The Mystery at Lilac Inn by Carolyn Keene

This is one of the only books I have with flowers on the front.

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 6

Day 6: Novella or Short Story

Star Wars-Luke's Fate

July Book Photo Challenge: Day 5

Day 5: Difficult to finish

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

The lingo is SOO HARD to pick up and comprehend.