A good artist: James Michael

As everyone else (except Ralphie!) is out doing a Father's Day walkabout, I am at home with GG's collection of CDs.

One of GG's CDs that I particularly like is Inhale by James Michael. Catchy tunes, although the lyrics aren't consistently deep. And it veers towards Cobain-esque self-loathing. And if you listen closely to the lyrics, many songs have an undercurrent of ''drugs have ruined my life, or make me depressed.''

But, again -- catchy tunes!

Lyrically, I found track 9, ''I'm o.k. with This,'' to be one of the strongest songs; it's also one of the softer songs. (These lyrics -- as with all song lyrics -- work better within the context of the melody line.) For example:

You have a sensitive side, and I knowI've a history of pushing things a little too farTogether we just kind of put our heads down and say''I'm okay with this if you are.''
I am easily embarrassed, and youHave the tendency to show me off wherever we areTogether we just kind of put our heads down and say''I'm okay with this if you are.''
You are carefully focused and II've a habit of forgetting where the hell we areTogether we just kind of put our heads down and say''I'm okay with this if you are.''

Rather a sweet song, actually.


In contrast -- although still a catchy song! -- is track 1, ''Inhale'': very Cobain:

Look at me, I'm heroin chicI'm a tape loop speechI suck my cheeks in when I'm doneAnd I'm in love with everyone
My my my // You could hang aroundMy my my // It's just a nervous breakdownMy my my // I'm always overestimating everything

The series of price stickers on the back indicate that he bought it for $4, marked down from $8, which was lowered from $8.80. Such a deal! Easily worth more than that.

If you like music of the Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Bush, Collective Soul, Live, Stone Temple Pilots genre, you would probably enjoy this album.

It makes me think, "If Kurt Cobain was from Kansas..." (?!!)


--TG