Category Archives: Review

This post is sponsored by the One2One Network. As always, my words and views are 100% my own.

Do you believe opposites attract? While, it is true in magnets, there are differing opinions when it comes to finding love. How many couples do you know who split because they came from different worlds, were too different, did not enjoy any of the same things, were not on the same wavelength etc.? I am sure you can name a few.

On the flip side, you will find couples that claim the reason their relationship works so well, is due to their differences. How many times have you heard someone say their mate is the ying to their yang?

I think it is true that our differences can either make or break our relationships. I am sure many couples are in therapy seeking help because their differences are causing turmoil in their relationship. Not being on the same page when it comes to handling finances, raising children and religion, can cause a great deal of strife for couples.

As a writer, one piece of advice I give to aspiring bloggers, is to write about what you know. I suppose the same can be said to songwriters. Songs written about real feelings, issues and emotions create the music that others who have experienced the same things can strongly identify with.

With older children and younger children, I often find myself dealing with opposite ends of the parenting spectrum at the same time. In the same year, I could be found attending the preschool graduation of my youngest son and the graduate school graduation of my daughter. One week I am teaching my son to ride a two-wheel bicycle and then next cheering loudly as my daughter completes the NYC marathon.

My older kids are at the age where they come to me for advice (some more than others) on affairs of the heart. They may ask my opinion about new relationships, and differences in age, goals, religion, personalities, hobbies etc. My best advice, is not to be rigid in what they consider “their type” and instead keep an open mind. Many times, people find their true soul mate is nothing like the person they thought was “their type”.

Don Miggs, frontman for the band Whole Damn Mess, is a testimony of what can happen when you let go and stop trying to force your life in a certain direction. Caught up in the mindset of “fame and fortune” he was not getting anywhere fast. The rock star lifestyle that he thought would be a result of his fame, instead came from marrying the love of his life.

Self-admittedly, he has a little bit of a chip on his shoulder, that the mansion he lives in, is a result of who he married and not his own success. He learned to embrace his life for what it is. He and his wife came from different worlds and the band’s new album, The Queen and the Outcast is a unique love story for rock and roll dreamers.

Don along with his co-writer/producers Lawrence Katz and C. Todd Nielsen created a sound that embodies classic rock from the 70’s and 90’s mixed with modern energy. Don credits Katz and Nielsen for pushing him to keep the music and lyrics as personal and authentic as possible.

Don is not a kid, but he is not ready for the old age home just yet. He likes that this music celebrates that his generation, is not dead yet! The songs on this album are written to speak not preach, Don wants them to be part of legacy that his family can be proud of. He is less concerned with writing to get songs in the top 10, but feels it would be amazing if that happened.

My thoughts:

The songs are filled with real lyrics and emotions. You know they are coming from a person who knows has experienced what he is singing about. This makes for authentic songs filled with raw emotion and real passion.
If you have ever found yourself at a crossroads and looking for a reason to take a leap of faith, We Don’t Need a Reason, may sum up some of what you are feeling. In the end, the point is that sometimes people don’t need a reason to choose the path they do.

Another track I could identify with, and I think many of our readers may as well is, Be Good To Yourself. This song was written about Don’s wife and her struggle with postpartum depression. Even if you did not suffer from this, anyone can relate to the fact that we need to take time for ourselves. I know, I need to.

Anywhere Without You, is sweet because, it shows that even with the good and the bad, this person who loves you, does not want to go anywhere without you. Okay, as I write this, it sounds somewhat controlling and obsessive, people do need their own space, we must have boundaries, but really, it is not like that, lol. You can check out the video for this track below.

You can judge for yourself, because the album is being released today. Check out the track listing below:

TRACK LISTING:
1) And There They Were
2) We Don’t Need A Reason
3) Be Good To Yourself
4) Anywhere Without You
5) That’s Just How It Goes
6) Maybe We Should Do It
7) Helium
8) Summer Under Covers
9) When She Says
10) Got You Stuck in My Head

You can purchase this albut HERE. To purchase this album click HERE. Connect with The Whole Damn Mess on their website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Let me know what you think.