🎸 Matthew Sweet — Hidden Gems Two deep cuts worth the spotlight.. “Evangeline” and “Not When I Need It.” “Evangeline” comes from Girlfriend (1991), Sweet’s breakout power-pop classic. It wasn’t a single, but it became a fan favorite for its hooks and guitar fire—and it was inspired by the comic-book character Evangeline, blending sci-fi imagery with aching pop romance.
A few years later, 100% Fun (1995) kept the melodic magic rolling. “Not When I Need It” is one of those perfect deep cuts—bright, punchy, and emotionally honest. Together, these tracks show Sweet’s sweet spot: killer hooks with real heart.
Discovering Matthew Sweet in the early ’90s was a blast for me—cranking his CDs, guitar in hand, playing along in my room. Hope you enjoy this little trip back 🎸
Also, I love the guitar riffs in “Evangeline”… many of his songs have it like that.
Psssst… hey you. Yeah, you — know-it-all. C’mere… do you have a pen? I know you do. Write these numbers down… 10, 33, 41, 47, 56 — Powerball 10.
Play them on November 7, 2022. The jackpot will be $2.04 billion.
But listen—use most of it to help people… that’s where the real win is. You’ll be happier. You’ll be blessed. And you’ll receive a reward on the inside… that no amount of money can buy…
🎵 Kid Rock — “Care” (Cocky, 2001) feat. Angaleena Presley & T.I.
“For where your treasure is… there your heart will be also…” — Matthew 6:21
“Enough” and “Grey,” both from Another Journal Entry (2005), show two different sides of BarlowGirl’s heart. “Enough” is actually a cover of the worship song made well-known by Chris Tomlin, and BarlowGirl’s version leans into rich harmonies and a more rock-leaning sound while keeping the focus on God being all we truly need. “Grey” is an original that wrestles with living in the in-between — not fully cold, not fully on fire — calling out compromise and the pull toward lukewarm faith. Together, they capture both worshipful surrender and honest self-examination in the same breath…
Hope you enjoy the music and hope you have a blessed Sunday…
Bonus track 👇 BDW feat. Barlowgirl
Psalm 73:26 (KJV)
“My flesh and my heart faileth… but God is the strength of my heart… and my portion for ever…”
Country music royalty and rock rebel — Hank Jr. and Kid Rock have one of those unlikely but genuinely tight friendships that fans love. They first connected years ago when Kid Rock showed up to one of Hank Jr.’s shows already knowing all his songs, and that mutual respect sparked something real. Over time they became close — so close that Hank Jr. has called Kid Rock like family and even jokingly referred to him as his “rebel son.”
The two have also teamed up musically, most notably on the gritty, fun duet “Redneck Paradise” on Kid Rock’s Rebel Soul album, where their big voices and bigger personalities make for classic Southern rock-country energy.
Outside the studio, they share a love of hunting, fishing, and just hanging out — proving that their friendship goes beyond music into real life brotherhood…
Here’s two songs for you…
🎶 “Redneck Paradise” – Kid Rock (feat. Hank Williams Jr.) Album: Rebel Soul Album Released: 2012
🎵 “The ‘F’ Word” – Hank Williams Jr. Album: The Almeria Club Recordings Album Released: January 8, 2002
The F Word song does not use the F Word… it’s actually Anti-F Word… so enjoy 😁
As I was putting this piece together, I got raptured back to 1995 — on the edge of my bed by the window… that little apartment in Riverdale, GA… guitar in hand… as was always the case… learning these next two songs. The story behind this album’s title is heavier than the sound.
Matthew Sweet’s 100% Fun — the 1995 album that includes both “We’re the Same” and “I Almost Forgot” — gets its title from a surprisingly heavy rock history footnote. Sweet lifted the phrase “100% fun” from Kurt Cobain’s 1994 suicide note, where Cobain wrote: *“The worst crime I can think of would be to rip people off by faking it and pretending as if I’m having 100% fun.”*
That ironic origin gives the album title a bittersweet edge — a record full of bright hooks and jangly guitars, but named after a line born out of real emotional struggle. 100% Fun stands as one of Sweet’s most loved power-pop records — catchy, melodic, and quietly reflective beneath the shine.
📚 New Read Alert! For transparency, Nan is a friend of mine — but this book genuinely encouraged me… powerful…
I’m so excited to share Celebrate Every Life….Even Mine – Nan Corban’s Autobiography with you all! 🌟
In this powerful memoir, Nan Corban opens up about her journey through life — the challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and the beautiful moments that have shaped who she is today. Set against real-life experiences and heartfelt reflections, this book also shares how Jesus saved her and helped turn her life around, reminding us that every life has meaning, every story matters, and even the hard parts can be celebrated. 🙏
With 170 pages of honest storytelling and spiritual insight, Celebrate Every Life….Even Mine is the kind of read that encourages you to reflect, to grow, and to embrace your own story with a little more grace and hope. It was published by Trilogy Christian Publishing in July 2023 and written in English. 📖
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, encouragement, or just a real-life story that sticks with you, Nan’s memoir is worth picking up. 💛
Available on Amazon… go check it out… I read it and it’s great! 👇
Heart of Loia `'.,°~ 