A few weeks ago Dave Barnes released his sophomore follow-up to “Brother Bring the Sun” with “Chasing Mississippi”

After grabbing the album, I took a deep breath and said “Aghhhh, that felt good.”

“Why Danny?” Here now, is the review.

Barnes second album is much less “overproduced” than his previous. The arrangements are alot less commercial, the instruments don’t sound like they’re all on loops and the songs rely on three things; Barnes voice, his lyrics and his musical influence.

The album keeps with the title and includes some southern blues tracks, a men’s gospel choir on background vocals and a Greyhound bus. Yes…they really recorded a Greyhound bus for track #9.

The album in general is pretty diverse. The musical variety is the album’s strength.

Favorites: 1,4,6,7,9,10…who am I kidding, i enjoy them all!

If you are stuck in an office all day, get this album. If you hate your job, get this album. If you suffer from depression, seek professional help, then get this album. If you are planning a road trip, definitely get this album. If you like to dance in your underwear, get this album.

Thanks Dave…

Chasing Mississippi can be found at http://www.awarestore.com or if you’d rather not wait and save $4, you can purchase it on iTunes for $9.99

After passing a local franchise here in Independence, Missouri numerous times, I wanted to inquire about your strategy to acquire new clients.

On a daily basis you have one of your employees dressed up like the Statue of Liberty or Uncle Sam, waving to passing cars from the side of the road. No matter the weather or time of day, you continually shove these people to the side of the road, even running a flood light out to them in the evening.

Here are a two things I don’t believe people say, when seeing your employees streetside.

• “Honey, look at that large foam Statue of Liberty waiving at us, that reminds me, we should do our taxes. Quick, let’s pull over…Of course this is legit honey…it’s the STATUE OF LIBERTY! Who else would you trust with your money?
• “Hmmmm, I’m looking for a trustworthy place to do my taxes this year, oh and yes, the 6′ 1″, rail thin, bug eyed, smoking Uncle Sam screams reliable. Where do I sign?”

I simply ask that you seriously consider bringing Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam home, for good. Please, no more road side waving, flood light shining, inhumane treatment for your employees.
These two American icons deserve better.

Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
-Danny Burns

If anyone has ever applied for a passport, you know that you can go to just about anywhere to get your official passport photo. I chose Kinkos.

I was told that I shouldn’t smile, so my passport photo would be more accurate while customs agents get me through security.

As I paid for my photos and opened them up in the car, I was a bit taken back. First, because I don’t think I’ve ever taken a photo where I intentionally tried not to smile and second, because of how the photo turned out.

I think it’s a cross between a prison mug shot and a ID photo in Bourne Identity. Not that I am in any way, shape, or form, Jason Bourne, but the photo would lead you to believe I’m much tougher than I am.