Under the Weather

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Unfortunately, I was under the weather much of this month and therefore, was unable to go out and take in any events to review for you. I’m quite excited about Bon Jovi’s new release "Bounce" and so I’ve decided to pen a few words about that for this month’s article.

I am a member of Bon Jovi’s Street Team (I help spread the word about upcoming events via e-mail and the Internet). I was surprised that a band as huge as Bon Jovi would need a Street Team (you usually hear of local bands putting these together), but when I was approached awhile back to help out, how could I say no?

Since the release of the first single "Everyday", the band has made several TV appearances. They’ve been on the Tonight Show, Regis & Kelly and David Letterman. I was surprised to see an A & E Biography on Jon Bon Jovi as well as a "Close Up" documentary on Jon on Star TV. I thoroughly enjoy seeing all of the flashbacks showing Jon in his younger days with that long flowing streaked hair, and wearing too-tight jeans!

Bon Jovi were also approached by the NFL to headline the 2002 Season Kick Off Party in Times Square in New York. This was part of a plan to get people to come back and celebrate in New York again. Needless to say, the plan worked. Thousands of people packed the streets, cheering, dancing and singing. Enrique Iglesias, Eve & Alicia Keys were among others who played the event as well. Locally, this show aired on Much More Music and I believe is going to be shown again soon so stay tuned.

I have been a loyal fan of the band for 17 years now, (Yikes! I’m aging myself!) and eagerly await each new release. I purchased "Bounce" with much excitement and anticipation. When you purchase the new cd, you receive an access number (printed on the insert), which you can go register at their website. You then become eligible for preferred seating for concert tickets when the band plays Canada, as well as have access to exclusive contests, screen savers, sound clips including new songs, interviews etc.... While visiting Bon Jovi’s web site, I noticed they also offer a web site for Canadian fans. This is the first time I’ve noticed an American band do this before, what a cool concept. Now, when they announce television appearances, they’re speaking of shows you’ll actually be able to see. I’ve noticed the contests on Bon Jovi’s website are open to residents of our Country as well, which is also a nice change.

Now as for the new cd, the song writing is as awesome as usual. "Bounce" is similar to their previous releases, in that the songs tell stories of either the bands personal experiences or tell the lives of fictional characters (such as "Joey"). My favorite heavier song is the title track "Bounce". It’s comparable to previous contagious rockers such as "You Give Love A Bad Name" and most recently "One Wild Night". I can’t help but sing along each time I hear it being played. The majority of the songs on the cd are ballads (such as their forthcoming single "Misunderstood"). It’s difficult to pick a favorite, but so far I’m leaning toward "Love Me Back To Life" as my favorite ballad. I just wish there were a few more rockers included. Don’t get me wrong, no one writes a power ballad like Jon & Richie, but the rockin’ tunes on this cd are so energetic and contagious they leave you wanting more. So what are you waiting for? Go pick up your copy of Bounce asap, you'll definitely receive your monies worth and more!

Coming in November: The Bears' Halloween Bash takes place Nov 1^st this year at the Shaw Conference Centre - Big Sugar, The Headstones & Wide Mouth Mason are playing the event. On Nov 2^nd Dr Hook (featuring Ray Sawyer) plays the Shaw for Rocktoberfest. Remy Shand is at Red’s Nov 13^th, Blue Rodeo plays the Jubilee Nov 18^th & 19^th.

See ya next month!