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High Top Mountain. Hands down.
2013 Saving Country Music Album of the Year Nominees
2013 has been self-proclaimed by Saving Country Music as the "Year of the Songwriter," and this list of candidates for SCM's Album of the Year reflect that dynamic of an elevated bar of songwriting excellence that these 8 artists have set. There is no arbitrary number of slots for candidates for this award. Nominees are chosen only if they have a legitimate chance of winning, whether that number is 2 or 12, and as we start the process of deciding who will win, the field is wide open.
One album you will not see on this list, but one that is at the very top of my personal list is Possessed by Paul James's There Will Be Nights When I'm Lonely. But since I had a small hand in the making of that album, I have recused it from consideration here, and from all of the end-of-year accolades. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be considered in yours.
Lindi Ortega's Tin Star, and Austin Lucas's Stay Reckless are both valiant efforts that very easily could have made this list of candidates if it was stretched out a little farther, but something tells me you might see these names on the Best Songs list coming up shortly. Jayke Orvis's Bless This Mess, Valerie June's Pushin Against A Stone, and Eric Strickland's I'm Bad For You were also right on the bubble, and so was The White Buffalo's Shadows, Greys, and Evil Ways, and you will see these albums and many more on the much more expansive "Essential Albums" list that is coming up shortly. So if you don't see an album you love, don't freak out, it still may be up for an end-of-year distinction yet.
2013 Saving Country Music Song of the Year Nominees
Audience participation is strongly encouraged, and will influence the outcome. Leave your opinions, write-in candidates, or other observations or opinions below in the comments section. This is not simply an up and down vote though. I make the final decision, so it is your job to convince me why the album you feel deserves to win is the right pick.
Caitlin Rose – The Stand-In
2013 is the Year of the Woman, and the Year of the Songwriter in country music, and this puts one Caitlin Rose right in the sweet spot of the relevancy arch. What elevates The Stand-In to "Album of the Year" status is that her songwriting deftly avoids all the well-worn grooves and modes that many songwriters tend to lean on when looking for ideas and inspiration. Also, whether The Stand-In wins or not, this is the most well-produced album of 2013. The production squeezes every bit of potential out of every song just as classic albums like The Beatles Rubber Soul and Fleetwood Mac's Rumors do.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Caitlin Rose has arrived. It may take some time for the rest of the world to wake up to this realization. But they will. The strength of 'The Stand-In' assures it. The Stand-In is frighteningly good. It's an enterprise in the evocation of rich human emotions, interwoven with delicious hooks and intelligent riffs, stirring vocal performances delivering meaningful, elevated lyricism, and a towering production performance that may go down in the history books. Just simply… Wow." (read full review)
Sturgill Simpson – High Top Mountain
As far as a Country album with a capital 'C', Sturgill Simpson takes the crown hands down with High Top Mountain. No frills, no gimmicks, just straight down the middle honest to goodness country music. High Top Mountain is fair to consider a front runner, but the field is heavy this year on the fringes of the country genre, and Sturgill will have to fend off stiff competition if he is to win. And despite how great High Top Mountain is, the case can be made that Simpson still has some upside potential.
"Real country fans are just going to have to get comfortable with the new reality that their favorite music is on a surprising uptick. No more mopey faces, no more plotting midnight graffiti runs to Music Row as retribution for keeping your favorite artists down. Regardless of what kind of filth is still transpiring on country radio, a new spring of vibrant, independent country music is blooming and finding surprising support, and there may not be a better example of this new season than Kentucky native Sturgill Simpson and his breakout album 'High Top Mountain.'" (read full review)
The Mavericks – In Time
When talking about sheer enjoyment one can get from an album, The Mavericks and In Time take the cake in 2013. I mean this album has you dancing around your living room or doing the Latin shake while you're behind the wheel like nothing else. Is it a country album? That's up for debate, but The Mavericks and Raul Malo are certainly more country than what you hear on country radio these days, and deserve to be considered as strong contenders here. Every day you do not have this album in your life is a day you're missing out on that much more enjoyment. This is the Album of the Year if you throw out considerations of genre.
"Take the West Coast country coolness of Dwight Yoakam, the haunting tremolo of Roy Orbison, the sweaty rhythms of Los Lobos, and what you get is Miami's indescribable and enigmatic throwback old-school all-things-to-all-people house band for America known as The Mavericks. They're like some strange Central American fruit you purchase in South Texas that once you cut open the rind a bounty of greatness starts gushing out. Its taste is both exotic and warmly familiar, and its supple membranes are revitalizing to both the body and spirit." (read full review)
Brent Amaker & The Rodeo – Year of the Dragon
Who and the who, and the year of what? That's right, this dark horse nominee from the Pacific Northwest rides smack dab into the middle of this distinguished company from the sheer creative brilliance and sonic innovation Year of the Dragon displays. Every year there is an album that pushes boundaries and sets a precedent for the progression of the genre in a manner that still respects its roots, and this bold project with a futuristic scope and vibe leads the pack in 2013. Brent Amaker & The Rodeo are no anomaly. They could win this thing.
"If someone asked me to pony up an example of how in 30 years from now when we all have jet packs and flying cars, how country music could still respect and represent its roots, but still offer a relevant sound, I would hand them over a copy of 'Year of the Dragon.' It strikes that always-elusive balance between substance and wide-ranging appeal. Though the appeal will be hidden from some for the aforementioned reasons (monotone lyrics and similar rhythms between songs), once you delve beneath the surface, this album offers succulent melodies and catchy moments that make it downright addicting beyond the intellectual appeal of the artistry and lyricism." (read full review)
John Moreland – In The Throes
I'll be honest with you, this is the one candidate that I am not 100% on. Though John Moreland's songwriting effort here is world class and easily competes with any other album listed here, to be an SCM Album of the Year winner, you must bring a complete package, and the production and recording effort with this album leaves room for improvement. It is one thing if you're going for the lo-fi vibe, but John Moreland's songs are too good to bring anything less than a superlative effort to recording them for release out into the big scary world. At the same time, out of respect for Moreland's world-class songwriting, and so many people who put this album on the top of their 2013 lists, it's being included it here, and who says I can't be convinced that despite whatever warts, it still deserves to win from the caliber of Moreland's songwriting performance.
"If John Moreland was a boxer, he'd be a bruiser, a punnisher. No fancy footwork, no bobbing and weaving here. Every single line John Moreland throws out is like a lyrical haymaker meant to score an empathic knockout punch right between the eyes. Even the most emotionally-fraught songwriters tend to give you a short breath somewhere from the morose moments, but not Moreland. He is relentless in how he unburdens his soul without any worry of exposing his vulnerabilities, or how the emotional fortitude of the listener will handle such despondency delivered with such honesty." (read full review)
Jason Isbell – Southeastern
To become a Saving Country Music Album of the Year, you effort must be at a career-caliber level, and that's what we get from Jason Isbell and Southeastern. This is the album, and 2013 is the year that Isbell emerged to have an impact well beyond the in-the-know crowd of Americana to become a voice of leadership in re-instilling substance and tireless attention to the craft of songwriting into the wider music world. Jason Isbell has arrived, and revealed himself as one of our generation's legacy songwriters and performers.
"On 'Southeastern' Isbell goes right for the gut with an elegiac knife, thrusting and stabbing in a morose and unrelenting ritual of emotional evocation. Southeastern is downright suffocating in spots in its weight. It is bold, and merciless in how in preys on the faint-of heart, and can make a faint-of-heart out of even the most devout Stoics. Completely unfair Isbell, completely unfair. And selfish too. You should have saved some of these songs for others." (read full review)
Robbie Fulks – Gone Away Backward
In a nominee field with a few dark horses, Robbie Fulks' Gone Away Backward might be the album worth characterizing as the most criminally-underrated record in all of 2013. Because of the humble, non-commercial nature of this guy, he will never get the recognition his legacy of wisdom through songwriting should afford him. A true treasure of our time, this traditional country record with an epic songwriting effort is a must-have.
"With a gift for poetry like Townes Van Zandt, and a penchant for the whimsical, progressive approach to bluegrass akin to John Hartford, Robbie Fulks releases a stunningly entertaining, brilliantly-balanced, deep, yet instantly-engaging comeback album called Gone Away Backward through longtime associates Bloodshot Records. Steeped in the roots of bluegrass and old time, this sparse, acoustic-only album offers a traditional sound that is brought up to modern-day relevancy by the staggeringly-cunning use of wit in Robbie's verses. This is one of those albums you can cull a litany of quotes from, while not giving anything away sonically. Buoyed by one amazing line after another, songs like "I'll Trade You Money For Wine" and "Where I Fell" speak right to the heart of folks who take their music like medication." (read full review)
Brandy Clark – 12 Stories
In a year of inspiring success stories, Brandy Clark's might be the biggest. A pure songwriter who strikes the perfect balance between appeal and substance, Brandy Clark's breakout album 12 Stories tells the tale of how in 2013, women and songwriters are leading the charge to save country music.
"The hidden dystopia seething under the smile of sweet suburban life, and the general dysfunction plaguing any and all affairs of the heart is the broken-minded madness that Brandy taps into with this album, following fed up and frustrated fraus who are willing to medicate themselves and match the misdeeds of their men sin for glorious sin. Frail, turbulent, vengeful, but still somehow empowered and held together by the strength and perseverance of womanhood, the heroins of Brandy Clark's 12 Stories are as inspiring as they are shameful, and tragic as they are real." (read full review)
160 Comments to "2013 Saving Country Music Album of the Year Nominees"
yup. easy choice.
hard times + soul + musical / lyrical ability + determination + honesty
Sturgill Simpson, High Top Mountain.
Jason Isbell, imo. That album is perfect.
Both are awesome (Isbell & Sturgill) was just playing both albums for my dad today while we were in the truck….he thought both were amazing
Fun fact: Same guy (Dave Cobb) produced both albums. Also, Lindi Ortega's Tin Star. Quite the year.
Jason Isbell would get my vote… great album.
What a wonderful year for music this was. I think Sturgill edges out Isbell for me. Either way, two of the best albums I've ever owned. Moreland's album was incredible as well.
The albums not on this list I enjoyed the most were Dark and Dirty Mile and Tin Star.
It's a close run thing between Caitlin Rose and Jason Isbell – both great albums, bit I'll go for Caitlin on a tie break!
"There Will Be Nights When I'm Lonely" is tied for my favorite album in 2013. I understand why you aren't putting it up for consideration, but I still have to mention it because that is just a perfect album. I had been wondering why you never really gave it a full review.
My other favorite is one that I know no one else would even consider as top album, because not only is it really "nichey", even within that niche it seems a lot of people view it as lesser compared with his previous album. The album is "Ghost Ballads" by Lonesome Wyatt and the Holy Spooks. For what that record is, it is perfect. The artwork, the sound, the lyrics, everything about it is exactly what it should be. If you didn't know better you could think that album could have been released in the '50s, '60s, etc. It easily could have been a record that I checked out from the public library as a kid. It's varied just enough to keep everything interesting, but everything is still similar enough to make sure you know you are listening to a true album. I know it's not an album that anyone else would ever really consider as album of the year, but it is just an album that has connected with me in a way that few others have.
Of the ones you have nominated … I gotta say The Mavericks, that record is just great.
Of the nominees (I've listened to all of these records including the ones on the bubble), I think the top 3 are 1. Jason Isbell 2.Sturgill Simpson 3. Brandy Clark. You have two that I would rank higher than Brandy Clark on the bubble with Austin Lucas and Eric Strickland my top 5 would be and one write in with Dale Watson's El Rancho Azul… my top 10 would be 1. Isbell 2. Strickland 3. Watson 4. Simpson 5. Lucas 6. Clark 7. Rose 8. Moreland 9. Hank3 10. Steeldrivers. Beverley's new one is extremely good but probably too new for the list.
2013 saw no releases from Jason Boland, Chris Knight, Bob Wayne, James McMurtry, or Corb Lund, so it was a little disappointing for me. However, the Sturgill Simpson album was great, and the Robbie Fulks album was good, as well.
Boland released "Dark & Dirty Mile".
It's an excellent album for a band that just keeps it real with everything they do.
Oh, you're right. I thought that came out at the end of 2012…
The Stand-In is a pretty great album. Still isten to it at least once every three days.
Isbell gets the nod from me. Southeastern is one of the most honest albums I've heard in a long time; so good that he may never top it.
Good list. It includes all the albums that make my top three of 2013. 'Southeastern' and 'High Top Mountain' will have to duke it out for my No. 1 spot, and, in a lot of ways, I consider them opposite sides of the same coin.
Both albums feature top-notch songwriting, tasteful production and powerful lead vocalists who possess a range and dynamism that's too often overlooked. But where 'Southeastern' is more subdued and atmospheric, 'High Top' stomps and rollicks and crackles with energy.
In the end, I think I'll keep coming back to 'High Top' because of that infectiousness. So here's one vote for Sturgill Simpson, with honorable mentions for Jason Isbell and Brandy Clark.
Speaking of White Buffalo, don't forget Jimbo Mathus's album of the same name when compiling your essential albums list. It was released toward the beginning of the year and you gave a two guns up, I believe. Excellent album.
I don't think Stay Reckless was ever reviewed here, was it?
I have to say Jason Isbell's album is my favorite. Been a fan of his since DBT's Decoration Day album, when he blew me away with the title cut and Outfit. With this one,he has hit the home run that I (and a lot of others, I think) was hoping he had in him.
Mavericks probably win the best "country" album of the year. I see a pretty distinct difference in their sound from people like Isbell.
Mavs tend to recycle melodies-not as original as one would think
I cant say summarily about any recycling, some yes but not a lot. All that really matters to my heart and my ears is the over the top exuberance I feel when listening to their music. It is simply amazing that The Mavericks re-did a Springsteen song and lo and behold for all of us who love the Springsteen version we also went nuts over the Mavericks fantastic rendition. There is no denying that. I like your music choices too BL.
I gotta say, I'm a bit disheartened to see Alan Jackson omitted
Sturgill Simpson definitely gets the nod from me. Excellent singing, great songs, and all straight from the heart. Isbell made an incredible record- freakin' unbelievably good- BUT, this is called Saving Country Music, and "High Top Mountain" is undoubtedly, unquestionably country.
Amen. High Top Mountain is pure country and absolutely timeless. I could imagine Hank Sr, Jr, Waylon or many others cutting those songs. It is honest, authentic and expertly written, played and sung (and produced, for that matter).
Jason Isbell would be my pick.
I'd submit The Black Lillies' Runaway Freeway Blues for an honorable mention
I really really like the latest Black Lillies album but it'd have to be at least fourth on my list of great Albums of 2013.
Caitlin Rose, hands down. She's a legend in the making.
Great list, my personal favorite albums of the year were Slaid Cleaves "Still fighting the war" and Jackson Taylor "Crazy again"
Let's not forget about The Statesborough Review.
Damn. That's a good selection. I would have to say Sturgill Simpson. Jason Isbell and Robbie Fulks are definitely tied for a close second though
Just listened to an album by Shane Smith & the Saints called Coast. Excellent album everyone should check it out. It was released at the beginning of this year.
If it were me it would be Dark and dirty Mile all the way but from this list high top Mountian 100%
Isbell is #1 in my book. Southeastern is a tremendous album and certainly his best work yet. John Moreland's album is close behind––"Gospel" is probably #2 or #3 on my favorite songs of the year list. I love all the other nominees as well, especially Brandy Clark and Sturgill Simpson. Personally, I would add Drew Kennedy's Wide Listener to this list.
Despite FGL and all that 2013 was another great year and that this is a hard list to pull together, and with alot of good suggestions above, is a great thing. My only additions would have been the very solid outings from Guy Clark, Devils Make Three and Holly Williams.
On the nominees I think I've enjoyed the Sturgill album the most but I feel it is an album of great songs rather than a great album (if that makes any sense), but in thinking though the one that is the strongest album, in terms of the strength of its voices and the songwriting, would have to be Jason Isbell and, no disrespect to any of the other nominees, I'm not really sure it is even close.
One Quick Question Please.
Did you deliberately focus the list to reflect Singer / Songwriter releases or did that just happen by random chance?
Sturgill Simpson is singer Songwriter?
Dunno. I was asking, not answering.
He sings, he wrote all the songs, he plays guitar. I'd be willing to bet he could do excellent versions of his songs even if he was all alone on the stage.
Did he hire studio musicians to fill out the sound, or is that his touring band?
Good list; Brandy Clark is my favorite of the bunch.
A lot of great music here.. Sturgill Simpson takes the cake.. None of the other albums grabbed me like High Top Mountain did. Quite honestly there hasn't been an album or artist in the last 5 years that stood out to me like Sturgill Simpson has.
I love how you say in Caitlin's write up that 2013 is the Year of the Woman, and yet two months ago you wrote that country music is sexist and keeping women from the charts and objectifying them. Which one is it with you Trig? Is country music keeping women down, or is it the year of the woman?
Umm… What about the Civil Wars self titled album or Same Trailer Different Park?
Dark & Dirty Mile and Crazy Again are awesome but of what is listed High Top Mountain, but I honestly didn't listen to several of these.
Beer or whiskey…Strugill Simpson or John Moreland? Both are incredible albums. I would have to pick John Moreland and Jim Beam.
A bunch of great nominees, Sturgill has the best country record of the year, but for me personally Jason Isbell "Southeastern" is the best. I feel emotionally drained after listening to that record, it kills me in the best way. Songwriting and his voice are unmatched this year.
The problem is that there's too much dang music released every year, and a lot of it's great. It's overwhelming, especially when one is discovering a lot of these artists for the first time.
The comments section seems to be a two horse race between Jason and Sturgill.
At least so far.
Sturgill HTM
I am divided between "Southeastern" and "12 Stories". "12 Stories" has more sonic variation, and in my opinion 4 of the songs from that album ("Just Like Him", "What Will Keep Me Out of Heaven", "Hold My Hand", and "In Some Corner") beat any of the songs from "Southeastern" sonically. However, overall I would say that the two albums are of similar quality, with the lyricism probably somewhat better on "Southeastern".
Top two are easy picks to me. Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell released two of the best albums I've heard in some time. I had the privilege of seeing both guys perform this year and both were great. If I had to pick one I would have to take Southeastern. The songwriting is absolutely top notch. I think his ability to fuse words to make each song a story is unparalleled right now in music. Not only that but I think so many people took notice of what he did this year and it can do nothing but help spread the word. He's selling out shows now and for good reason. Any other year and I think Sturgill would win this easily.
Have to throw in a comment for High Top Mountain. I've gotten to see him live several times this year and going back to the SV days. Simpson is the complete package and I have no doubt that HTM will stand the test of time.
There will be nights when I am lonely should be considered. I understand your position. Maybe you could have someone else help you rate it? It is definitely hovering at the top of my list. Maybe your could do a vote for the top spot?
Man, what a great list. It is way too tough for me because I love the people I have discovered this year Caitlin Rose, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, and one of my all time favorites, The Mavericks. Thanks for everything you do.
I have to go with Isbell. His album opened up a whole new group of artists for me that I had never listened to before. The fact that I have even half of these albums is because of his. One of my favorite albums.
I'm a huge Sturgill fan, but I wouldn't mind if Caitlin Rose's album wins. It's pretty damn good.
Southeastern is my choice for top album no question. I agree with you on The Mavericks. "In Time" should win for fun album of the year. It is my number 2 choice. Those two got the most plays from me. I have to think about #3.
I just don't get the Caitlin Rose love. I saw her live this year too and that usually ups my interest.
Personally I thought 2012 was a better year for music. Much deeper to me.
Jayke Orvis hasn't even got a shout out. Bless This Mess was amazing! My other favorites of the year are Dark & Dirty Mile by Jason Boland and Southeastern by Jason Isbell.
These lists are one of my favorite parts of the holidays! Nothing like a good compilation of great music. The list looks good Trig. My two cents: Southeastern for the win but I probably listened to Caitlin Rose the most.
I was just putting my end of the year list together and commenting to a friend that you, Trigger, had a hand in 4 of the albums in my top 20 – Devil Makes Three, Eric Strickland, Valerie June, and Jakye Orvis. I probably would have missed those albums if I didn't read Saving County Music on a daily basis, So, Thank You!
However, I don't share the love for the Mavericks. If it were the 90's, you'd find "In Time" in that 'WORLD' section at the back of the store next to Celtic Women. Just keeping it country!
Ashley Monroe's 'Like A Rose' is going to land in my top 5. "Two Weeks Late" is in all likelihood my single of the year. It's an unapologetic, brutally honest song I can imagine Dolly Parton singing in the early 70s. "You Ain't Dolly" reminds me county music can be fun and 'tongue and cheek' a la "Your The Reason Are Kids Are Ugly." The only knock on the album is with two throw away tracks ('You Got Me' and the remake of 'Used'), only 77% of the album is great.
Holly Williams' "The Highway" and Kris Kristofferson's "Feeling Mortal" are other albums that rank high on my end of the year list.
Otherwise, I couldn't agree more with the nominations of the Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell albums; the latter being my album of the year. Dismissing it as too personal and bored by its spare production, it took me some time to warm up "Southeastern." Now I can't get enough of it. Even the weakest songs on the album have amazing, unforgettable lines – "Jesus loves a sinner but the highway loves a sin" and "and the piss they call tequila even Waylon wouldn't drink."
On a side note, I was looking last night at Jason Isbell and Holly Williams tour dates. After noticing they were both playing the same cities and venues, I realized they were touring together!
Sturgill Simpson wins everything! Suck it everyone else.
Dinosaur Truckers
Southeastern, and it isn't even close.
The ones not on your list that I spent the most time listening to:
Brennen Leigh/Noel McKay – Before the World Was Made
Lindi Ortega – Tin Star
The Black Lillies – Runaway Freeway Blues -
Son Volt, Caitlin Rose, and Ashley Monroe are Top 3 on my list. Women won 2013 by a large margin, if you count the mainstream.
Love Jason Isbell, Sturgis and all but I will stand up for BAR!! It is about time the Rodeo gets some respect.
I would also like to mention Sons of Perdition "Trinity". But that is not really country…at all. -
Damn autocorrect. Sturgis, lol!
Stripped To The Root. High Top Mountain is pretty good too… And I loved Hank3's album as well.
Since other folks brought it up, PBPJ will not leave my brain. I go to bed singing it and wake up singing it. Ive been in bars, at parties , and have seen entire patrons shouting the words. Im forever effected by this work of songs, game changer. Pound for pound, There will be nights when im lonely.
Cool, but where's "Copper and Coal"?
Trigger, You'd have to be weird, and grow you a beard just to see what the rednecks would do and you'd have to be crazy, plum out of your mind… not to make High Top Mountain your album of the year. Do it son.
I have never been motivated to purchase every album off someone's list before. But this time I just might. That is a very strong field, even from my perspective on the fringe, here. Thank you.
Strictly speaking, the album that does the best job (by far) of 'Saving Country Music' from this bunch is 'In Time'.
one missed…
The Howlin' Brothers – HOWL. Reached #6 on the Americana Radio Chart and was the highest charting album by a new act on that chart this year. Their new EP – The Sun Studio Session, was #2 Most Added on that same chart this week.
They are the real deal and are workin' it hard. They'll officially end their HOWL Tour on the Ryman Auditorium stage Dec 18th opening for (and then participating in) the Brendan Benson & Friends concert.
From this list I have to say "Southeastern", because it is the only one I own (so far), and it is a fantastic album. I want to mention Reckless Kelly´s "Long Night Moon" – after all, these guys have made me discover Country Music (and it is a great album).
As far as this list goes in my opinion, Sturgill takes it hands down. As far as personally, he is still up there, going right against holly williams new album, can't go 2 days without hearing either of those 2
Isbell and its not particularly close for me. That is a masterpiece.
the answer is Sturgill
1. Sturgill Simpson 2. Dale Watson 3. Brandy Clark 4. Eric Strickland 5. Vince Gill/Paul Franklin 6. Jackson Taylor Essentials: Amber Digby, Wayne Hancock, Ashley Monroe, Robbie Fulks, Jason Boland, As for the Jason Isbell album, I've enjoyed it, its fabulous. But in trying to "Save Country Music", it doesn't qualify IMO. Its by FAR the best Americana album of the year though.
Sturgill Simpson pressed the reset button on contemporary country music with High Top Mountain. Whether your personal taste is more Americana, or honky tonk, or bluegrass, when talking country music, his album alone established a new true north for the genre. He did it the way it should be done when it wasn't the popular thing to do. That takes guts. He has my vote.
BTW…He's playing with Isbell the 13th and 14th in Alabama. Not sure if there will be tickets, but I thought y'all should know.
In my opinion, it's a race between Isbell, Moreland, and Simpson. I love "Into the Throes." It's probably my personal favorite of '13 right now. On songwriting alone, it's right there with "Southeastern," but the production value leaves a little something to be desired.
"Southeastern" is a flawless album. The songwriting, musical and vocal performances, production value, and pacing are perfect. It's Isbell's finest piece of work to date. Not to mention, his performance at The Ryman this year was one of the best I've ever seen. It was the first time I've ever seen someone receive a standing ovation in the middle of a song ("Cover Me Up").
That said, there is no other album recorded in '13 or recent years that is more essential to saving country music than "High Top Mountain." If you've listened to the album, it speaks for itself. It's the way Nashville should sound. I've had the privilege of seeing Sturgill live several times and he is the real deal. He is humble, personable, and deserving. "High Top Mountain" takes SCM Album of the Year, hands down.
SCM Not Album of the Year potential, or even country music, but I think Will Hoge's album deserves an honorable mention.
The Mavericks, hands down. In Time is probably the album of the year of all genres, in my opinion. I can't pick a favorite tune, but When You Get to Heaven stands out.
Don't forget Daniel Romano, Come Cry With Me
HELLO the MAVERICKS!!!!!!!!!
Couldn't agree with you more! Not even close!
perhaps in the nineties, yes, but not now
Great selection. Just add Hank 3 "Brothers of the 4×4″
Je voudrais développer un peu mais mon anglais est limité
My english is poor, just want to say Hank is best. -
Caitlin Rose and Jason Isbell are my favourites and that kind of makes it hard for me to pick one as a potential winner. Though 'the Stand-in' leans a bit more towards Countryrock / rock, it's still a very refreshing thing compared to what's popular in both genres. I discovered Jason Isbell thanks to 'Southeastern', and it has been amongst my favourite albums of all-time ever since! The way his songs are written convey deep emotions and stories that are hard to find these days, they're honest and the only word that aptly describes this album is masterful. On top of that, I saw him and Amanda live in Brussels last week and he really is a fine guy too! Somebody recorded 5 of the songs he did during that concert so be sure to take a look on Youtube.
High Top Mountain is tops for those you listed; Although a do agree with a few others, I give my own personal AoTY award to Dark and Dirty Mile.
The Mavericks album isn't the Country Music Album of the year, It is THE Album of the Year regardless of category!
very well said.
After listening to the preveiw on Amazon I find it real hard to place The Mavericks in a catagory for "album of the year"…unless your talking "yester year". Shoud'nt they be put in a "Shoulda Been" catagory…I liked their sound…yesterday, 1984.
Absolutely d'accord avec you, The Mavericks LP is one of the greatest LP of the year or maybe the last five years in any styles of music.
My girlfriend and me, we're dancin' all the time on it.
I'd have to go with Isbell, Boland, Simpson, and Dale Watson as my favorite albums of the year. Other albums that got heavy airplay time are: Reckless Kelly's "Long Night Moon", Bruce Robison/Kelly Willis "Cheater's Game", Statesboro Revue "Ramble on Privilege Creek", Quaker City Nighthawks "Honcho", Jimbo Mathus "White Buffalo, Javi Garcia "Great Controversy", Chris King "1983", Holly Williams "The Highway"
1. Sturgill
2. John Moreland
3. Reckless Kelly
4. Isbell
5. Randy Houser
6. Blake Shelton
7. The avett brothers
8. Jonathan Parker
9. Will Hoge
10. Florida Georgia Line
11. George Strait
12. Randy Rogers Band -
Mavericks "In Time" – best album this year or best album ever!
The Mavericks "In Time"!!!! An amazing album full of energy and awesome songs! Nothing can beat seeing them live…this will do a good job of holding you over until you can. Something magic happens when these guys get together!
Kinda criminal that Daniel Romano's "Come Cry with Me" album didn't even get a mention, when it should've been in the Top 5 at least. His "Middle Child" single from it beats anything on the boring new album by Robbie Fulks.
The Mavericks In Time album is unquestionably my favorite album of the year. It has brought me so much joy and no matter how many times I listen to it I dance, dance, dance and dance. The melodies are beautiful and sometimes I can hardly believe I have the privilege of hearing such a rich and beautiful voice as that of Raul Malo. I love this album.
The Mavericks! Their In Time CD is timeless!! I am working on wearing out my 2nd one.I have let 4 different age groups in my family listen and they all love it!!
In Time by The Mavericks has to be the best album of the year. I NEVER tire of it. When I play it (which is probably daily) I smile and sing and dance. I don't think I have ever had an album lift my spirits like In Time does. Absolutely THE album of the year, if not my lifetime. This is definitely a MUST BUY. Loving me some Mavericks!!!!
Very Nostalgic, but welcome to 2013.
It's clearly not going to win since there have only been a handful of mentions here, but I'll say my piece for Brandy Clark anyway.
I have very few country records I truly love post-1990 that aren't bluegrass or "outsider"/underground records. Nashville simply does very little for me – too much bland rock influence and not enough honky tonk soul. 12 Stories convinced me that mainstream country (if not in sales or radio play, unfortunately, but in style) was worth paying attention to – even if most of it still feels like empty calories, there's something real and personal about what is being written about in country music that isn't available in any other genre, or even in a lot of outsider country.
I think The Stand-In and Southeastern are both excellent records deserving of praise (although if I can be nerdy for a second, Rose's record is horribly mastered – especially compared with Isbell's record, which is impeccable), but they feel like they are running parallel to country, not storming the castle. High Top Mountain might be the most COUNTRY record on this list, but unfortunately its sound has been left behind by most listeners. Artists like Brandy Clark have the best chance to drag the genre back to where it belongs, and 12 Stories is an incredible representation of her power as a songwriter.
Anyway, two cents, but thanks for all the great music rec's this year!
Oh, let me ponder this for a moment – NOT!! The Maverick's. Love the Maverick's. love the changes in moods and music. the emotion. the high's and low's. dancing around and singing. wanting to go on long drives in the country and crank it up. love to play the air guitar and my imaginary piano. love to feel the pain of (Call me) when you get to heaven. my husband and I have Danced in the Moonlight many times, with the music cranked for this one. Saw them in concert in April, 2013. fell more in love with them and the music. they are a daily, truly, a daily part of our lives. at home, in the car, at work, on vacation. never tire of their music.
Gotta be Sturg in a landslide. And thanks for introducing me to Robbie Fulks. Excellent!
In my book it's between John Moreland and Jason Isbell. Such a tough call.
Sturgill Simpson hands down!!
Other great albums that are right up there in my opinion are:
Possessed by Paul James
Ashley Monroe
Holly Williams
Kacey Musgraves
Corb Lund
Lincoln Durham….although I guess you would consider this rock/blues
Jason Eady
Jason Boland
Pistol Annies
Jason Isbell
Seasick Steve…although this is blues also
Valerie June
Eric Strickland
Jaida Dreyer -
The mavericks are the best live band touring today…I see 20 – 25 concerts per year and have for many years. No band gets a crowd on their feet like these guys. The sound these guys put out is incredible, raul has the best voice around and the energy of their concerts is second to none…In Time…great
Just checked out the schedule of my favorite music venue (Birchmere – Alexandria, VA) and the Mavericks will be there on 3/2. That's a few days after Los Lobos will be playing there. I'm a long time Los Lobos fan and now a new Mavericks fan after In Time. Also, picked up a two CD anthology that's largely excellent. I'm going to both shows, damn it!
That Moreland record is amazing! I think the production on the record fits it very well, any more polish and it'd detract from the songs which are of course the thing. Not to mention he's got such a great voice. I dug the Isbell record a hell of a lot too but "In the Throes" is just about as close to perfect as an album can get.
"The Mavericks"…..cause it don't get better than them!
The Mavericks In Time of course. In Time has more than surpassed expectations for their reunion cd. In Time grabs hold of your senses and heart and won't let go. In Time, and The Mavericks, can change your life. They changed mine. Music doesn't get any better than The Mavericks and In Time
Well, like most people Sturgill takes the award for me as well. Gotta give props for the traditional sounds and nostalgic 70s vibe it envokes. Sounds just like an old waylon record firing up. I have also enjoyed new albums from the likes of Dale Watson, The Mavericks, Shooter, Band of Heathens, Fifth on the Floor, and Brett Detar. Great selections all down the line though!
It seems obvious, Sturgill Simpson is the type of musician that this site was created to support, and his record is very good. Pretty much a no brainer for the "Saving Country Music" album of the year. Sturgill Simpson deserves it. But it is not the best on the list.
My own favorites, from the list, are just as predictable. Robbie Fulks and John Moreland. However, neither of them seem to have put everything they had into their CD's. Robbie Fulks starts extremely strong with "I'll trade You Money For Wine" but then shifts to songs that seem unfinished. John Moreland reminds me of Bruce Springsteen, and I suspect this will be the CD I listen to most. But again, my favorites are not the best on the list.
That honor goes to Brandy Clark. 12 Stones is a work of art beyond its musical attributes. Each song paints a unique picture. I felt like I had looked through an albums of photographs. Each one portraying a unique moment in a life. It is a masterpiece. It doesn't sugar coat anything. Every detail of every picture is clearly drawn. And it doesn't let up, 8 songs into the cd and "Take a Little Pill", "Hungover", "Illegitimate Children" and "The Day she got Divorced". Each a little masterpiece. This is a stronger concept album, than The White Wolf's cd. And the clincher is the last song "Just Like Him" where she admits all the little pictures she just painted are going to happen again, because she'll be getting another man "Just Like Him". This is the Masterpiece on the list, and Brandy Clark is going to have a very hard time ever living up to this CD again.
Mavericks mavericks mavericks – like nothing else!
I was almost expecting Lindi Ortega on this list since you raved about her album. I'll write in Kellie Pickler – The Woman I Am, Kacey Musgraves – Same Trailer Different Park, and Ashley Monroe – Like A Rose. Kellie's has the best vocals, music, and most outstanding songs.
The Mavericks "In Time" is the best.
Southeastern. I don't remember the last time I played an album out like I did with that when it came out. Constant rotation for months before I had to give it a rest. Well done Jason.
Can't go wrong with Southeastern or In the Throes, like High Top Mountain as well. One album I would have also liked to have seen on this list is Old Excuses by The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit. Willy Tea and Chris Doud really pull out all the stops on that one…
"I'M A STRANGER HERE" by THE DEVIL MAKES THREE! My favorite listen this year. The closest I ever been to goin to church . . . with a pint in my back pocket!
Apparently The Mavericks Fan Club has found your site Triggerman. Though I would rather hear "them" than the drivel they play on pop country radio…I really don't hear them holding a candle to JB Beverly, Whitey Morgan, Lucky Tubb, Hellbound Glory, Wayne Hancock or any of the other countless independant artist that are trying to save country music…not re hash it!
If the comments are any indication it does look like Southeastern and High Top Mountain are the top contenders. Just based on SCM reviews, coverage, etc. it would not surprise me if this was indeed the case.
Without being disparaging, I will just say that – in my opinion – there are better versions (older/live) of songs on High Top Mountain than the ones that appear on the album. Second, I bet Sturgill releases an even better album in the future.
On the other hand, I think Southeastern is unimpeachable. I think it will end up being Isbell's Blonde on Blonde. I do not know if it can ever be topped. And I'm talking about everything from lyrics to vocals to sound quality. That album is simply an all-time classic.
I would be remiss if I did not proudly admit that my favorite album of the year was written and sung by a girl in her early 20s based in Nashville who just went through a bad break up and decided to write an album about these experiences that veered much more toward pop than anything she'd been a part of in the past… Of course I'm talking about Hayley Williams of Paramore, who did you think? If you think all pop music is bad, hypersexualized, provocative, impersonal nonsense their self-titled album will prove you wrong. If you'd told me in 2012 that my least favorite album-by-a-Williams in 2013 would be from Hank3, my favorite artist of all time, I would not have believed you. But Holly and Hayley proved me wrong.
Big A – I agree with you. I have and enjoy the Simpson album but I do see it as someone who is still finding his way. I can't name it album of the year.
"Southeastern" on the other hand is a career defining album. If Isbell does top it then wow that would be an all-time great album.
"Southeastern" stands out to me as Album of the Year on so many levels.
Mavericks are the BEST group out there today. No one can touch them. Their live shows are undeniably AWESOME!
I would have to go with High Top Mountain based purely on my own personal taste. Seriously the most (my kind of) country sounding album on the list.
High Top Mountain hands-down. Lots of good stuff this year, but Sturgill is #1!
The Paul James record WAS better than any of these. That's too bad about it's exemption status.
Always looking forward to your year end lists, Lindi Ortega (seeing her tonight!) is definetly one of my very favorite album this year, others not on your list are Daniel Romano, The Sadies and Casey James Prestwood "honky tonk bastard world"
Yes Romano deserve his spot but that Robbie Fulks album is also excellent!
J.D. Beverley a true trail blazer in real country music
J.B. that is, damn stubby fingers
In Time – Mavericks
Just a perfect album with not a bad song on it.
Only one person threw in Hank 3's "Brothers of the 4×4″? That's by far his SECOND best effort. If he would picked the best 10 songs on that album that would no question be on this list.
Even Sturgil Simpson said today on twitter, the best record of the year, regardless of genre, "Southeastern" is the best record of the year…. couldn't agree more
Man, give it to Sturgill. That album is badass. He deserves it.
Sturgill and Isbell were definitely two of mine.
1. Brandy Clark
2. Kacey Musgraves
3. Jason Isbell -
Dunno if it has been said, but John produced that record with gear that he pawned, borrowed, and gigged for. I would like to put any of these great artists on a $200 mic and see if it is any better than "In The Throes". The amount of blood that Moreland put into this record and the sound of its outcome is astonishing.This record is Great. It should be top two.
PS- Love SCM and its readers. Y'all are the gooduns.
Chris Porter -
This is a little off topic, but I said something on another page about how I thought NPR actually did a pretty good job of covering country this year. I noticed NPR rock critic Ken Tucker put out his top ten year end list and I thought it was interesting.:
1. Jason Isbell, 'Southeastern'
2. Brandy Clark, '12 Stories'
3. Superchunk, 'I Hate Music'
4. Vince Gill & Paul Franklin, 'Bakersfield'
5. Kanye West, 'Yeezus'
6. Tegan And Sara, 'Heartthrob'
7. Ashley Monroe, 'Like A Rose'
8. The Mavericks, 'In Time'
9. Robbie Fulks, 'Gone Away Backward'
10. Kacey Musgraves, 'Same Trailer Different Park'A lot of country and a good bit of crossover with this list.
Also, it seems like not many publications outside this site have even heard of Sturgill Simpson.
[…] Saving Country Music – Album of the Year Nominee […]
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text:
San Francisco won 2-1
Game 1: Tuesday, July 30 | ||
San Francisco | 3 | Final |
Philadelphia | 7 | |
Recap »Boxscore » |
Game 2: Wednesday, July 31 | ||
San Francisco | 9 | Final |
Philadelphia | 2 | |
Recap »Boxscore » |
Game 3: Thursday, August 1 | ||
San Francisco | 2 | Final |
Philadelphia | 1 | |
Recap »Boxscore » |
Coverage: CSN
7:05 PM ET, August 1, 2013
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The non-waiver trade deadline came and went as the Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants -- clubs that expected to contend yet are toiling below .500 -- surprisingly stood pat.
Each team sends disappointing starters to the mound Thursday night, as Cole Hamels looks to help Philadelphia avoid a 10th loss in 11 games while facing Matt Cain and visiting San Francisco.The Phillies (50-57) haven't finished under .500 since going 80-81 in 2002, but they may be headed there again. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. decided not to make any changes, though, as Wednesday's trade deadline passed.Despite rumors regarding multiple players, Amaro is prepared to move forward with the current club."We talked about a couple things, but the bottom line was we didn't find anything satisfactory that we thought was going to improve us," Amaro said.Manager Charlie Manuel seemed relieved that he doesn't have to discuss those rumors any longer."If you play the game the right way, you never know how good you can do," Manuel said before Wednesday's contest. "Every team somewhere along the line has had a (winning) streak. We haven't. Maybe we got one coming to us."Not long after Manuel's statement, though, Philadelphia was routed by the Giants 9-2, one day after ending its eight-game losing streak with a 7-3 victory in Tuesday's series opener.Chase Utley, one subject of trade talk, homered and drove in both runs.The defending World Series champion Giants (47-59) also declined to make a move despite sitting in last place in the NL West. They had lost five straight and eight of nine before Wednesday's victory.Brett Pill went 3 for 5 with a homer and four RBIs, and Brandon Crawford added a solo shot."I think it may have relaxed the guys," manager Bruce Bochy said of the deadline passing. "We got a couple hits early and the confidence came back."Hamels (4-13, 4.09 ERA) and Cain (6-6, 4.79) have both fallen well short of expectations this season, though each has pitched better lately.Hamels has lowed his ERA nearly one-half run over his last five starts by going 2-2 with a 2.57 mark in that stretch. He allowed two runs and struck out six in seven innings Friday but fell 2-1 at Detroit.The left-hander is tied with former Phillie Joe Blanton for the majors' most defeats, and wins have been difficult to come by against San Francisco recently as well. Hamels is 1/3 with a 4.14 ERA in his last six starts against the Giants, including a loss opposite Cain in Game 3 of the 2010 NLCS.He gave up five runs in 7 2/3 innings while Cain allowed five in eight frames of San Francisco's 6-5, 10-inning win July 21, 2012, the last time either hurler faced these teams.Cain had a 5.45 ERA through his first 12 starts, but he's posted a 3.81 mark in his last nine outings. He allowed one run and struck out seven in seven innings Friday before the Chicago Cubs rallied in the ninth to defeat the Giants 3-2."I felt good," Cain said. "I just had a good feeling out of the (pregame tosses in the bullpen) early."The right-hander is 2-4 with a 3.32 ERA in 10 career starts versus the Phillies, including the NLCS win over Hamels.Buster Posey is 5 for 7 with a homer and three doubles off Hamels in the regular season.Copyright by STATS LLC and The Associated Press
Gameday Matchup
San Francisco | Philadelphia | |
Night | 46-59 | 57-64 |
Grass | 75-82 | 73-89 |
Current Streak | W1 | L1 |
Last 10 | 6-4 | 2-8 |
Pitching Matchup
Gameday Lineups
NO. | San Francisco | Philadelphia |
1. | A. Torres, CF | J. Rollins, SS |
2. | M. Scutaro, 2B | M. Young, 1B |
3. | P. Sandoval, 3B | C. Utley, 2B |
4. | B. Posey, C | D. Ruf, LF |
5. | H. Pence, RF | C. Asche, 3B |
6. | B. Pill, 1B | J. Mayberry Jr., LF |
7. | J. Francoeur, LF | L. Nix, RF |
8. | J. Arias, 3B | C. Ruiz, C |
9. | M. Cain, P | C. Hamels, P |
Injury Report
San Francisco | ||
| ||
Philadelphia | ||
| ||
View MLB injury report |

subset: commoncrawl


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/ Section B - Scripture and interpretation
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The Windsor Report 2004
Scripture and interpretation
This means that for scripture to 'work' as the vehicle of God's authority it is vital that it be read at the heart of worship in a way which (through appropriate lectionaries, and the use of scripture in canticles etc.) allows it to be heard, understood and reflected upon, not as a pleasing and religious background noise, but as God's living and active word. The message of scripture, as a whole and in its several parts, must be preached and taught in all possible and appropriate ways. It is the responsibility of the whole Church to engage with the Bible together; within that, each individual Christian, to the fullest extent of which they are capable, must study it and learn from it, thoughtfully and prayerfully. Within this context, the Church's accredited leaders have a responsibility, through constant teaching and preaching, to enable the Church to grow to maturity, so that when difficult judgements are required they may be made in full knowledge of the texts.
The place of Christian leaders - chiefly within the Anglican tradition, of bishops - as
teachers of scripture
can hardly be overemphasised. The 'authority' of bishops cannot reside solely or primarily in legal structures, but, as in Acts 6.4, in their ministry of "prayer and the word of God". If this is ignored, the model of 'the authority of scripture' which scripture itself offers is failing to function as it should. The authoritative teaching of scripture cannot be left to academic researchers, vital though they are. The accredited leaders of the Church - within the diocese, the bishop(s); within the Communion, the primates - must be people through whose prayerful teaching ministry the authority of God vested in scripture is brought to bear - in mission within the world and in wise teaching to build up the Church.
As this task proceeds, questions of
are rightly raised, not as an attempt to avoid or relativise scripture and its authority, but as a way of ensuring that it really is scripture that is being heard, not simply the echo of our own voices (though our own responsive hearing is necessary) or the memory of earlier Christian interpretations (though we must always take them into account: 'tradition' consists primarily of the recollection of what the scripture-reading Church has said). Historical interpretation, from ongoing lexicographical work (to make sure the nuances of ancient words are properly and precisely heard) to large-scale historical reconstruction (to ensure we are not making anachronistic assumptions), remains vital. It can be deeply challenging to entrenched views of what scripture is thought to be saying, not least where it has been read within an unchallenged philosophical or cultural matrix.
This applies equally, in our own day and setting, to the assumptions and entrenched views of the Enlightenment (which have often resulted in unwarranted negative judgements on much biblical material), as well as to the assumptions and entrenched views of a pre- or anti-critical conservatism. Biblical scholarship needs simultaneously to be free to explore different meanings and to be constrained by loyalty to the community of the Church across time and space. It cannot pretend to a detached 'neutrality'. Such pretence (as in phrases like "the objective results of scholarship") is often, and rightly, seen as either a grab for power or a mere protest against alternative interpretations. Where a fresh wave of scholarship generates ideas which are perceived as a threat to something the Church has always held dear, it is up to the scholars concerned, on the one hand, to explain how what is now proposed not only accords with but actually enhances the central core of the Church's faith. And it is up to the Church, on the other hand, not to reject new proposals out of hand, but to listen carefully, to test everything, and to be prepared to change its mind if and when a convincing case is made.
The current crisis thus constitutes a call to the whole Anglican Communion to re-evaluate the ways in which we have read, heard, studied and digested scripture. We can no longer be content to drop random texts into arguments, imagining that the point is thereby proved, or indeed to sweep away sections of the New Testament as irrelevant to today's world, imagining that problems are thereby solved. We need mature study, wise and prayerful discussion, and a joint commitment to hearing and obeying God as he speaks in scripture, to discovering more of the Jesus Christ to whom all authority is committed, and to being open to the fresh wind of the Spirit who inspired scripture in the first place. If our present difficulties force us to read and learn together from scripture in new ways, they will not have been without profit.
A mention of scripture today can sometimes seem actually divisive, so aware are we of the bewildering range of available interpretative strategies and results. This is tragic, since, as with the Spirit who inspired scripture, we should expect that the Bible would be a means of unity, not division. In fact, our shared reading of scripture across boundaries of culture, region and tradition ought to be the central feature of our common life, guiding us together into an appropriately rich and diverse unity by leading us forward from entrenched positions into fresh appreciation of the riches of the gospel as articulated in the scriptures. This is characteristically and appropriately accomplished through the various ministries of the Church, not least the next of the bonds of unity now to be considered.
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Chester Graham
Published on -10/19/2012, 10:07 AM
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Chester Graham, 79, Quinter, died Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at Gove County Medical Center, Quinter.
He was born July 24, 1933, in Gove County to Samuel Earl and Luella Mae (Milroy) Graham.
He married Carlene McWilliams on July 28, 1952.
For the first 12 years of their married life, Chester worked as a janitor for Quinter High School. He and his wife owned and operated Graham's Drive in Flower Mart in WaKeeney and also had greenhouses in WaKeeney and Quinter for many years before taking over the operation and management of the family farms. He was a farmer and rancher for the remainder of his career. He also was a volunteer EMT for Quinter EMS for more than 30 years.
He was a lifelong member of Quinter RP Church and served as an elder of that congregation for approximately 30 years before joining Quinter United Methodist Church. He enjoyed hunting and camping and especially enjoyed vacationing in Colorado.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Quinter; two sons, Ron and wife, Gay, Clay Center, and Joel, Quinter; a daughter, Marianne Jenkins and husband, Bill, Lincoln, Calif.; two brothers, Jimmie Graham, Quinter, and Don Graham and wife, Deanne, Castle Rock, Colo.; three sisters, Rose Boyle and husband, Scott, Arvada, Colo., Shirley Coufal and husband, Gerry, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Sharon Estes and husband, Kenn, Canon City, Colo.; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Evelyn Graham.
There will be private family services at a later date. Cremation has taken place.
Arrangements in care of Brock's North Hill Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.
Memorial contributions in "Chet's" memory are suggested to Quinter EMS or United Methodist Church of Quinter.
Condolences can be sent to the family by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to email@example.com.


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"Kafkaesque" Review
Breaking Bad has always been a show filled with lies. Throughout seasons 1 and 2, it's been Walt starting most, if not all, of the lies. This season has been different, and Walt's been kept in the dark, too. Gus has been hiding a lot from Walt. Last week, Walt found out some of Gus's agendas, and "Kafkaesque" continues to reveal those secrets, while starting new lies in the process.
One of the most important scenes is the confrontation between Walt and Gus. Walt lays his cards on the table, telling Gus exactly what he suspects him of. One notable detail (that I hadn't considered previously) is how Gus intentionally called Hank in order to ensure a gun fight took place (from the episode "One Minute"). Here I was thinking that Gus warned Hank because he cared for Hank's safety. I mentioned last week how cold and calculating Gus is, and "Kafkaesque" only cements that. As much as I love Gus, he's really not a nice guy.
Another important detail from the scene between Walt and Gus is Walt's admission that he would have done the same thing had he been in Gus's position. I'm not sure if Walt was bluffing, but that's a pretty drastic statement, especially with Hank in such critical condition. Walt has really become a hardened criminal, and I'm finding him a lot tougher to sympathize with.
Jesse is given a more prominent role this week. I'm glad to see he's still in rehab - even if he's about to start selling meth to his rehab peers. Although I predicted the story would go there in "Kafkaesque," I still find it a bit surprising. I know it's been hinted at that Jesse's a drug pusher (think back to that girl at the gas station in "Green Light"). But even so, Jane was in rehab for six months, and look at where she ended up after quitting rehab. I feel like that must be at the back of Jesse's mind.
Jesse has a lot of other great scenes in "Kafkaesque." The one between him and Saul is fantastic and has me wondering if Jesse's going to buy the nail salon. I honestly can't imagine that. Still, the best scene with Jesse is in rehab, when he explains his box project from high school. I wasn't sure how to interpret the scene at first because I was so sure that the monologue was just a metaphor for Jesse's relationship with Walt ("Mr. Pike" = "Mr. White"). By the end of Jesse's explanation, I realized that the box project was a real memory - it wasn't a cryptic retelling of his meth business… At least I don't think it was. I'm still not sure, to be honest. It was a great scene, regardless, and I like that I had to juggle back and forth with its meaning. Did anyone else feel the same way?
In retrospect, "Kafkaesque" is a wonderful title for this episode. If you've ever read any Franz Kafka (I have this book, and I really should read it more often), you'll see a lot of parallels. The word kafkaesque describes the feelings in a Kafka story - where everything is government run and bureaucratic, making for a surreal and frightening state of mind. That's the business Walt's in. He's no longer in control and there's a bureaucracy to drug dealing. Gus is high up in command, and he makes a ton of political movements. In the larger scheme of things, Walt is only a pawn in Gus's plan. He's no longer the chess player from seasons 1 & 2, and Walt has finally realized that.
Another big piece of "Kafkaesque" is Hank's recovery; it's not going to be as quick as I'd hoped. It's also going to be expensive, in a way very reminiscent of Walt's cancer in seasons 1 and 2. By the end of the episode, Skyler comes up with a plan to give Walt's money to Marie for Hank's treatment. Skyler provides this whole elaborate story about Walt gambling. I'm pretty sure she'd come up with that ahead of time, because nobody is that good of a liar… even if you've learned from the best.
At the end, Walt seems turned on by Skyler's ability to break bad. He has this creepy kind of pride about it and Skyler shuts him down by saying that she knows Walt is responsible for Hank's condition… and she won't forget it. Good for Skyler - but sometimes I feel like she's too smart. How does she always know everything?
Skyler also shuts Ted down, when he arrives at her doorstep. I think it was kind of rude of Ted not to leave when Marie was there, but I can understand his frustration. He's divorced, too, so why should Skyler always come by his place? Why does only she have to keep their relationship a secret?
"Kafkaesque" clears a lot of the air, but puts Skyler in the liar's position. I'm not sure if Marie will buy into the whole gambling thing, but it seems like she was willing to accept the story. I doubt she'll be asking too many questions once the money starts coming in.


text: If you love to send snail mail, prep for a year of correspondence by stocking your desk with some brand-new stationery! No matter what your style — artsy, elegant, preppy, quirky — we've found a range of stationery options to fit your paper needs, plus a few fun accessories to add a handmade touch. Nothing beats a handwritten note, so browse our favorite stationery styles for a look that works for you.


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UTB/TSC's 10th Annual Veterans Day ceremony.
POSTED: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 - 8:47am
UPDATED: Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 11:34am
Many people gathered for a special ceremony honoring our veterans on Tuesday at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost, Julio Olivo reports on 10th Annual Veterans Day ceremony.
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Saving lives
Published on -1/29/2013, 10:01 AM
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Saving lives
To the president and vice president: If you really want to save many children's lives, why don't you call for the confiscation of all instruments that are used to perform abortions?
Instead of going after NRA, how about trying to overturn Roe v. Wade?
Bonnie Huelsmann


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For the majority of society, stress is a part of life. Pressures on the job and within personal relationships can cause anxiety and frustration. In a perfect world, your home would be a safe haven from this sort of tension. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world. Thankfully, there are ways to relieve stress without leaving the comforts of home. Here are a few helpful tips to help you wind down and relax.
Take a Hot Bath
A nice, hot bath can be soothing to the mind and body. The warm water relaxes the muscles and eases any soreness. As your body lets go of the tension, your mind will follow suit. The bathroom is also a wonderful place for peace and quiet. For a more calming atmosphere, try adding candles and soft music.
Have a Good Cry
Many people believe that crying is a display of weakness. This could not be further from the truth. Crying can be very therapeutic. People spend the majority of their day holding their feelings inside. Once you are in the privacy of your own home, sit in a comfortable spot and let the tears wash away all of your frustrations.
Dance It Off
Studies have also shown that various forms of physical activity can reduce stress. However, everyone does not have time to run to the gym when they become upset. Instead, try dancing. Crank up your favorite tunes and lose yourself in the music. The exertion releases endorphins, which gives an overall sense of well-being and clarity.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Communing with nature is a great way to relieve stress. Of course, camping in the woods is not everyone's idea of a good time. Fortunately, there are other ways to enjoy nature. If the evening is clear, take a bottle of wine or a good book onto the patio. You may surprised by the peace and beauty of the setting sun.
Quality Time with the Family
We often become so absorbed by ambition that we lose sight of loved ones. After a particularly rough day, plan an evening with friends, your partner, or the children. You could plan a nice dinner or scary movie night. This provides a distraction from your problems. It can also be an excuse to share your emotions with people who care about you.
Clinical studies have revealed that most people do not get enough sleep. A lack of sleep makes individuals more vulnerable to stress and anxiety. If you are not able to get more sleep at night, schedule a small nap sometime throughout the day. Even 20 minutes can help you become recharged.
Because there is a significant link between stress and certain medical conditions, it is our responsibility to take the occurrence of frequent stress seriously. The more you ignore the affects of stress, the worse you will feel. Finding the right technique does not a great deal of time or effort. As long as you find it pleasurable, even the simplest task can do wonders for your mood. To make sure you can do these things safely in your house visit this Link for more information.
Hello Annabelle,
Thank you for your suggestions on how to reduce stress in our daily lives. Your tips are easy to do and will have a great benefit on promoting good health. Prolonged stress does have such a negative effect on health.
July 3, 2013 - 5:09pmAll user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.


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WILSON, N.C. — February 12, 2015 — Barton College's artist-in-residence and North Carolina landscape artist J. Chris Wilson to hold two illustrated lectures on Tuesday, Feb. 24, as part of the Barton College Friends of Visual Arts' Lunch and Lecture Series. The first lecture, "A History of Painting in North Carolina," will be held from Noon […]
Learn More! →WILSON, N.C. — Barton College will welcome professor emeritus and artist-in-residence J. Chris Wilson for an illustrated presentation on his series "From Murphy to Manteo—An Artist's Scenic Journey," on Thursday, April 24, in the Barton Art Galleries in Case Art Building on campus. The presentation will begin at 4 p.m. followed by a reception for […]
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Experts: Suicides rise during tough economic periods
Recession has a tragic side. Historically, suicides go up during hard economic times, experts say.
A November 2012 study published in the medical journal The Lancet reported that from 2008 to 2010, the suicide rate in the United States rose at a faster rate than it did before the recession — accounting for an estimated extra 1,500 deaths, the study said.
The study also found that every increase in unemployment by 1 percent was also accompanied by a roughly 1 percent increase in the suicide rate.
Men, particularly, seem to be at the highest risk for recession-related suicides, according to Anne Young, regional chair of the East Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.
"For men especially, one of the largest factors in suicide is the loss of a job and the ability to provide for their families," Young said. "For a lot of men, their identity is wrapped up in their ability to provide. When that's lost, they have a hard time."
In 2011, Tennessee's suicide rate was 14.6 per 100,000 residents, almost 22 percent higher than the national rate of 11.5 per 100,000, according to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.
Suicides in Tennessee reached a high of 15.7 per 100,000 residents in 2008, at the height of the last recession.
Knox County had a high suicide rate of 17.6 per 100,000 residents in 2010, with 76 suicides. It went down to 16.5 in 2011, with 72 suicides.
Despite the numbers, it's difficult to tie most suicides with any one reason, said Ben Harrington, director of the East Tennessee Mental Health Association.
"Knox County has had an increase in suicides in last couple of years, but we can't say it's attributable to the economy," said Harrington.
People commit suicide usually for a combination of reasons, Harrington said. Plus, even if survivors know those reasons, counties don't always collect that information.
"We might know that someone who committed suicide 'lost their job,' but that's it," Harrington said.
"We won't be able to dissect that phrase. Did they lose their job because of the economy? Or did they do something to warrant being let go? You kind of have to be a little cautious interpreting that."
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is experiencing a suicidal crisis and need help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK, or visit www.tspn.org.
Additional resources:
* Cherokee Health system (adults) — 423-586-5031 (Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson and Union counties)
* Crisis Stabilization Unit Information Line — 865-541-6958 (Knoxville area)
* Mobile Crisis Unit, Helen Ross McNabb Center — 865-539-2409 (Knox, Blount, Loudon, Monroe, Sevier counties)
* Mobile Crisis, Ridgeview — 865-481-6175 (Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, Roane and Scott counties)n Specialized Crisis Services, Youth Villages (ages 5-17) — 866-791-9224 (Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Roane, Sevier, Scott and Union counties)
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In some European countries I have seen clothes horse, or something that could be referred to as clothes horse, where the frame is made out of metal and there are horizontal lines where the laundry is hung to dry. It is primarily used for drying all type of laundry since dryers are still not that common.
It is a very practical and necessary household item to have. Also when not in use they can be folded and stored away using minimal amount of space.


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To continue with the pumpkin recipes I have been trying these last weeks, here's one that immediately became one of my favorites. In the past I have made banana, chocolate chip, cinnamon and other kinds of pancakes. But the result of introducing pumpkins and pancakes has been the best so far.
This is a very simple recipe if you use commercial pancake flour:
Just follow the instructions on the package to make 8 pancakes and add the following ingredients to the mixture:
- •1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
- •1/2 tbsp cinnamon
- •1 tbsp vanilla extract
- •1 tbsp unsweetened powder cocoa
- •1/2 tbsp ground ginger
- •1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Mix all ingredients with a whisk until you obtain a light orange, smooth batter.
- Cook pancakes as you usually do.
After attending the pumpkin show this week I have come out with new ideas that I will be trying. Expect more pumpkin surprises in the future.
Buen provecho!
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Pingback: My Personal "Keep Me Up To Date On The Top News" blog » Pumpkin meets breakfast
It's great manís!
Come ad make me some! -
Very good visual appeal on this site, I'd value it 10 10.


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by Bodie Hodge
Language: English
Publisher:Master Books
Mardel Price $13.99
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Study the real-life event of the Tower of Babel and its impact today. In today's culture, the battle over Genesis 1-11 is raging on. One of the key battle points is the account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. Many today, even within the church, attack this account as mythology or that it has little to no value in history and needs to be reinterpreted. Do their claims stand up? Not at all!
Don't be deceived, come and learn what the world has tried to hide from you:
The world's religion of evolution and millions of years has done what they can to suppress ancient history and try to rewrite it. Sadly, the next generation is being taught this evolutionary make-believe history (often called revisionist history).


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HHS enters fourth track season under Cornelsen
Published on -3/27/2013, 10:22 AM
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By CONOR NICHOLL
Coach Ryan Cornelsen has won the Class 5A boys' track championship each season since he took over the Hays High School track program three years ago. This spring, Cornelsen returns senior Adam Deterding, a Kansas State University signee who has seven state medals and three state titles, and senior thrower Cade Sharp, the two-time state shot put champion and defending discus champion.
HHS brings back some other scorers, namely senior high jumper Derek Bixenman, the defending state runner-up, and seniors Ethan Fort and Josh Brungardt, that helped win a third straight 3,200-meter relay crown. However, Cornelsen lost junior jumper Jordan Windholz for the season with a knee injury in basketball and graduated several key Indians off last year's squad. Cornelsen said Windholz is the biggest loss he has had in his Indian track tenure.
"This is probably the most points that we have had returning since I have been here, but it's also the least amount of depth that we have had since I have been here," Cornelsen said. "We have been very fortunate. In some events, we had three guys where any of the three could win the event, and we are just not that deep. We are working extremely hard right now to try to create that depth."
HHS opens the season Thursday at Wichita Southeast, a change from the usual start of the Alex Francis Classic at Fort Hays State University.
This year, the Alex Francis conflicts with Easter weekend.
"I think the first few meets will really determine what the younger kids will bring," Deterding said. "If we have much athleticism there, it will definitely shine through, because we are going to need it."
The Indian boys have won every meet, regular season or state, under Cornelsen. Last year, HHS collected 118 points, 14 more than runner-up Wichita-Bishop Carroll -- and 68 more than any other school.
"I don't know if we has much talk about it as we just expect it," Deterding said of the streak. "Through the last three years, if we do lose one, we have built up our program enough to, if we get second at a meet -- where a lot of schools would be happy with that -- that it would be a disappointment to us. That's kind of what keeps us working hard, knowing that we have to come out and give it our best every single day in hopes for another state championship and an undefeated season."
Deterding is the lone athlete who has scored at all three state meets. As a freshman, he took seventh in the high jump and remembered when Tyler Rathke won two throwing events and Josh Munsch had four top-three showings in distance.
"All of those great athletes and now some of them are running in college," Deterding said. "Kind of feeding off that my freshman year. It started early. I have just seen people grow in the program, too, the last few years, which has been awesome."
The last two years, Deterding has won the 110-meter hurdles twice, collected second and first place showings in the high jump and finished third and sixth in the triple jump.
This spring, Deterding has worked on a fourth event, likely the 300-meter hurdles, but the 400-meter run is also in the mix. Deterding is expected to be a decathlete at KSU, a discipline where pole vault is one of the 10 events. However, Deterding will not pole vault this spring. He has set several goals, including under 14 seconds in the hurdles (he ran 14.54 at state last year), clear 6-foot-10 or 6-11 in the high jump (he has the school record at 6-8) and clear 46 feet in the triple jump (he was 44-7.75 at state). In the 300-meter hurdles, he would like to clear 40 seconds. However, Deterding and Sharp can tally no more than 60 points at state. Cornelsen and his coaches has to likely find at least 40 points.
"Most years, if you don't have a Carroll in there, maybe takes 75 to 80 points to win it, but the last two years, it has taken 100-plus points," he said. "To do that, you have got to have depth. Carroll is going to be just as good. You are not going to beat them with just a few individuals."
In the 800, Cornelsen normally wants depth that goes six to seven runners deep. Freshmen Keith Dryden and Jordan Betts are among those who could step up. The Indians lost all-state depth in the throws with Zach Binder and Luke Madden. However, both Mitch Harris, HHS shot put coach and Kirk Maska, Indian discus coach, have each earned Kansas assistant coach of the year honors. Harris and Maska have continually developed throwers -- and are expected to do so again this year.
"I have got a lot of faith in those two guys that they will find some guys who can score," he said.
The girls' program has slipped back some after it placed regionally and finished fourth at state in Cornelsen's first year. Senior Wendy Zimmerman and sophomore hurdlers Mattison Schlaefli and Ashlyn Parrish are among those with returning state experience. Cornelsen said he probably feels more pressure on the girls' side to coach that program up and be as successful as the boys.
"We have got a lot of good, young girls," Cornelsen said.


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Black White Denim makes looking effortless, easy. How? We stick to the three fundamental building blocks of a stylish woman's wardrobe in black, white and denim. We dabble in print, add a pinch of seasonal colour through accessories and jeans, but we stay true to our philosophy and to our beliefs that BWD is the key to effortless dressing.
In the spirit of all things effortless, we wanted to pay homage to establishments, brands, businesses and people that hold effortless style, service and manners at the heart of what they do. Allow us to introduce you to The Hoxton Hotel, London.
Situated in trendy Shoreditch north east of The City, The Hoxton Hotel has become a culty hang-out for any person-about-town looking for a place to nab some free wifi and a coffee. Open to the public downstairs, with a gorgeous bar and restaurant, coffee lounge and internet cafe, the hotel is a buzzing hive of yuppy activity and is well worth a visit if you're up for city-centre cool, just outside the hustle and bustle.
The Hoxton Hotel makes staying the night as effortless as can be with free password-less wifi for all, cost-conscious mini bar in each room, a free healthy take-away breakfast each morning and even mist-free mirrors in the en suites! They've really thought of everything.
Black White Denim's MD and Founder, Jo, likes to pop by The Hoxton, even if just for a drink before the train-ride home, when in London on buying appointments.
If you're up for something really special, why not sample one of the hotel's concept rooms? Specifically designed rooms, with that added bit of oomph for a real treat.
The Hoxton Hotel
81 Great Eastern Street
London EC2A 3HU


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My aunt was recently told she has a sun allergy called PMLE, which is often a hereditary form of sun allergies. She has been taking beta carotene capsules to help her with this.
She does not know anyone in her family who has been diagnosed with this before. When she is outside in direct sunlight for more than a few minutes she gets a red, itchy rash on her body. She said she doesn't know if the beta carotene is really doing any good, but figures it can't really be hurting her.
She also avoids being outside for very long and usually wears long sleeves and makes sure most of her skin is not directly exposed to the sun.


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Employment Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in joining the Veranda Beach Crew. We currently ahve the following opportunities available:
Real Estate Salesperson
Veranda Beach requires a seasoned Real Estate Salesperson. Apply with resume to: firstname.lastname@example.com
We are also accepting resumes for our Veranda Beach Crew positions in 2015 including:
- Front Desk
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- Grounds Crew
Please submit your resume and email cover letter with beach crew position of interest to:
ATTN: Patty Clarke
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Select candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please do not contact Veranda Beach directly.


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Found the same room at a different price? Tell us, and we'll offer to match it.
Palace Hotel
Hotel Palace is located next to Freedom Square in Tallinn. This business class hotel with 79 rooms has throughout its history been a true business card of Estonia. The building dates back to 1937 and represents one of the most interesting, glamorous and majestic buildings to have been given a total makeover.
Having acquired a completely new interior, the building continues its dignified course, traditionally remaining a modern lighthouse in the very heart of Tallinn by retaining its classic atmosphere, which is now combined with up-to-date interior design.
The location of the hotel is excellent both for sightseeing in the town and for business travel.


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Mitt Romney's strategist Eric Fehrnstrom set off a firestorm Wednesday with his comments that, come the general election, "everything changes, it's almost like an Etch A Sketch; you can kind of shake it up and restart all over again."
But lost in the ensuing controversy about his statement is that Romney will undoubtedly need to take some of his positions and "shake it up and restart all over again" if he is to defeat President Obama this fall.
Romney could start with his stance on issues affecting Latinos, the nation's fastest-growing voting bloc. Romney has vowed during the GOP primary to veto the DREAM Act, the Democrats' measure to provide a path to citizenship for some children of undocumented immigrants who attend college or serve in the military; praised Arizona's strict immigration law that ordered immigrants to carry their registration documents at all times and mandated that police question them if there was reason to suspect that they were in the country illegally, calling the measure "a model"; touted the endorsement of Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, the author of the controversial law; and outlined an immigration policy based on the notion of "self-deportation."
Also, when pressed on a lawn-care company he once used that employed undocumented immigrants, Romney noted that he told the company, "I'm running for office for Pete's sake; I can't have illegals."
Perhaps it should come as no surprise, then, that according to a late January poll conducted by Latino Decisions for ABC News and Univision, 67 percent of Latinos said they would back Obama in a matchup against Romney, who only earned 25 percent of their support. Forty-one percent of Latinos nationwide said they have a somewhat unfavorable or very unfavorable view of Romney.
A whopping 72 percent of Latinos said the Republican candidates in the primary either don't care too much about Latinos or are being outright hostile toward Latinos.
In interviews during the primary season, numerous Latino voters have flatly stated that they will not back Romney because of his immigration stance. Juan Rodriguez, a businessman in Iowa, said he "wouldn't vote for Romney because he doesn't support immigration reform or the DREAM Act."
Esteban Lopez, who works in education in New Hampshire, said he knows "first-hand how important the DREAM Act is for Latino youth," so "the short answer is I wouldn't vote for Romney."
Sylvia Garcia, a spokeswoman for Newt Gingrich's campaign, believes Romney "is going to have to answer tough questions from the Latino community if he becomes the candidate," citing Romney's ties with Kansas Secretary of State Kobach and his "self-deportation" policy. Garcia said Romney has "completely changed his message" toward Latinos during the primary, which, she noted, "leads me to believe he will just shake the Etch A Sketch and start all over" in the general election.
"It completely surprises me that other candidates don't realize how important Hispanic inclusion is in their success in beating Obama," Garcia said. "Thinking that – after all they have said in this Republican campaign – it will be forgotten in the general election is plain naïve."
Not only have GOP rivals such as Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum ripped Romney's Latino approach, but the Obama campaign has taken note, too, repeatedly hammering Romney as "the most extreme presidential candidate" ever on Latino issues, in the words of Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif.
They are well aware that if Obama is able to replicate the 76 percent support he received from Latinos in 2008 – something well within his reach – then in all likelihood the president will win another term in the White House. To that end, expect his campaign to take every opportunity to remind Latino voters about Romney's rhetoric toward them in the GOP primary. An Etch A Sketch will be of little use there.
But Romney could take certain steps to boost his support among Latinos to, as Fehrnstrom said, "shake it up." For starters, he could pick Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as his running mate. The Latino Decisions poll in January showed that 60 percent of Latino Republicans in Florida would be much more likely to vote Republican in November if Rubio is added to the GOP ticket.
Nationwide, 13 percent of Latinos said they would be much more likely to vote Republican if that happened, with 12 percent saying they would be somewhat more likely to back the GOP if Rubio joined forces with Romney.
Romney can also help his cause by emphasizing his support for the military component of the DREAM Act. While that won't help him with students like Lucy Allain – a college student with a 4.0 GPA but no path to citizenship – it might soften his veto threat of the overall bill and show Latino voters that he is prepared to back part of the measure. In recent weeks, Romney has done a better job of reaching out to Latinos, proclaiming after his huge win Saturday in the Puerto Rico primary, "I intend to become our nominee and I intend to get Latino voters to vote for a Republican."
Ana Navarro, a Republican strategist from Florida, believes that Romney will have a difficult time hitting the "reset" button, but that there are ways for him to improve his standing among Latinos, such as focusing on the fact that Obama promised to enact sweeping immigration reform, but never made good on it.
"Resetting, rebooting, erasing and starting with a blank canvas is a lot more challenging today than it once was," Navarro said. "We live in the YouTube, videophone, 24-7 news cycle. Everything you say, regardless of where you say it, is now bound to follow you until the day you die. On immigration in particular, Romney wouldn't necessarily reset, but he does need to pivot.
"Instead of focusing on trying to out-right wing his Republican opponents on immigration, he needs to focus squarely on Obama's failure on this issue. He needs to stop talking about being hard-line, become more nuanced in what he says and at the same time go hard-core attacking Obama for breaking his promise to Latinos to get immigration reform done in his first year."
"For Hispanics," she noted, "your word is your bond. Obama gave his word and didn't fulfill it. Romney needs to bring that up and be laser focused on that every time he speaks."
Unfortunately for Romney, Latinos have not been the only group alienated by some of his comments during the long, drawn-out GOP primary. Some women have also been offended by the candidate's rightward shift on social issues such as contraception. Romney vowed earlier this year to eliminate funding for Title X, the federal family-planning program.
He caught flak last week for saying that he wanted to "get rid of" Planned Parenthood, one organization that receives federal funds from Title X. In an interview with St. Louis TV station KDSK, Romney listed programs that he would cut in an effort to reduce spending.
"Of course, you get rid of Obamacare – that's the easy one – but there are others," he said. "Planned Parenthood, we're going to get rid of that. The subsidy for Amtrak, I would eliminate that. The National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities – both excellent programs – but we can't afford to borrow money to pay for these things."
Such comments are hard to "restart all over again," but going forward, making Romney's wife, Ann, more prominent on the campaign trail would be one way to attempt to offset some of the female backlash that Romney faces. The Romney campaign, it warrants mentioning, has stated that his Planned Parenthood comments were taken out of context because he was advocating getting rid of federal funding for the organization, not the organization itself.
There are other stances that will jump out to Romney's opponents, too, especially as it pertains to government intervention into the business world. Romney told the Las Vegas Review Journal's editorial board in October that the government should not attempt to "stop the foreclosure process," but rather "let it run its course and hit the bottom."
A 2008 op-ed by Romney in the New York Times was titled "Let Detroit Go Bankrupt," a headline on which Democrats have seized repeatedly. Romney hardly helped himself by staging a campaign speech last month in cavernous Ford Field that was only sparsely attended. Noting that Ann "drives a couple of Cadillacs" did not endear him to people hit hard by the country's economic downturn either.
In addition, Romney has provided fodder for his foes by making a slew of comments that play into his critics' claims that he is so wealthy that he is out of touch with middle-class Americans. When he attended the Daytona 500 earlier this year, Romney cited that he has "some great friends who are NASCAR team owners."
At a December debate in Des Moines, Romney offered to bet rival Rick Perry $10,000. He claimed that the money he earned from speaking engagements was "not very much," but "not very much" turned out to be more than $370,000. He shouted at a heckler at the Iowa State last summer that "corporations are people."
In New Hampshire in January, attempting to explain why he wants people to be able to pick and choose their insurance plans, Romney noted that he likes "being able to fire people." And no sooner had he won Florida's primary than he caused a stir when he told CNN, "I'm not concerned about the very poor" because "we have a safety net there. If it needs repair, I'll fix it."
While Romney quickly clarified his remarks by explaining that he was saying that his focus as president would be on the middle-class, it was only the latest unfortunate comment that could come back to haunt him in the general election, especially with less well-off voters, a group that Romney has struggled to win over in the primary.
Whether it is with less wealthy voters, women or Latinos, Romney has some work to do. Ultimately, Romney's toughest task might be repairing the bridges burned with the Latino community. With 12.2 million Latinos expected to vote later this year, that is a group large enough – and prominent enough in key states such as Florida, Nevada, Colorado and Arizona – to determine who holds the White House for the next four years.
In reality, almost every presidential nominee shifts toward the center when the primary turns to the general election, but Romney will have to address his problems with Latinos, according to Republican strategist Carlos Curbelo.
"It is not a secret in American politics that the primary and general campaigns are very different," Curbelo said. "Anyone who suggests otherwise is being disingenuous. Of course, Mitt Romney will have to pivot as all candidates do when transitioning to the general election.
"On immigration he will have to explain to Hispanic voters that there is great passion in this country against illegal immigration; which is understandable, given that we are a nation that values the rule of law. At the same time, he will have to offer real solutions for our broken immigration system and reject the anti-immigrant vitriol that emanates from a small minority of conservatives. The GOP primary electorate does not require this kind of discussion. The national electorate certainly does."
After Fehrnstrom's ill-advised moment of frankness Wednesday, Romney quickly sought to, well, use an Etch A Sketch on his aide's comment. Only minutes after tersely telling reporters in Maryland, "I'm not doing a press conference right now," Romney then held a news conference of sorts, delivering a statement on the Etch A Sketch mess.
"The issues I'm running on will be exactly the same," he said. "I'm running as a conservative Republican, I was a conservative Republican governor, I'll be running as a conservative Republican nominee."
But whether Romney and his campaign admit it, he will hope that he can "restart" on some of the issues that have seen him veer to the right in the GOP primary. Unfortunately for him, that will be easier said than done.
Matthew Jaffe is covering the 2012 campaign for ABC News and Univision.