[This piece originally appeared in The Tennessean.]

There are many things one should know about a Jeep before purchasing and by “Jeep,�? I mean the real deal, the Wrangler or what was called the CJ-7. Safety, maintenance, gas mileage – these are important details that any responsible dealer or mechanic can discuss with you. But even the most diligent expert may leave out a few important facts — practical knowledge that will serve the Jeep owner well. (more…)

Loud is as loud does. Amber Valentine knows this. Her band –Athens, Ga.’s Jucifer — consists only of herself and boyfriend Ed Livengood but they take 14 amplifiers on tour. (more…)

[This piece originally appeared in The Rage.]

Forget Cassettes was born from the ashes of Fair Verona when guitarist/vocalist Beth Cameron and drummer Doni Schroader decided to push on in a more adventurous direction. For some time the duo has been a hot commodity live. The fact that he’s often drumming with one hand and playing lines on a Rhodes electric piano with the other makes Doni’s ferocious drumming more spectacular. Beth’s tiny frame belies the angst she’s capable of projecting both through her voice and guitar. (more…)

[This piece originally appeared in The Scene.]

What Mil Millington’s Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About lacks in plot, it more than makes up for in laughs. As the title implies, arguments between Millington’s hapless protagonist and his girlfriend comprise the meat of the novel and deliver tear-inducing laughter. Unfortunately, Millington’s story is full of bluster but no direction and consequently slows down between the uproarious dialogue. Nevertheless, men and women (especially those in long-term relationships) will find the characters far too familiar and the arguments dead on. (more…)

[This review originally appeared in The Scene.]

Jessica Andrews - Now (Dreamworks)

If the barrage of meta-reality television shows has taught us anything, it’s that it is not all that easy to sing well. On Star Search, American Idol, Nashville Star, et al, we get to see and hear the difficulty of hitting those notes, delivering the tune and maintaining one’s poise. So, it’s rewarding when we find someone who can pull off a tune with style and grace. Enter Jessica Andrews, who at 20, has just released her third solid album, Now, for Dreamworks and shows no hint of missing a note or losing her cool. (more…)