I haven't started my own personal blog yet (unless you count Spaces on MSN) so I figured now is a great time. I've participated in message boards, blogged about my East Coast vacay last year, but I haven't been inspired to start my own personal "glimpse into my life" blog ... until now. My all-time fave band EVER, Collective Soul, has launched a blogging contest, so here’s my entry!Oh so much to say about Ed and the boys from Collective Soul …
They have been my favourite band since the release of their self-titled album in 1995. Not that I don’t enjoy their first album “Hints, Allegations, And Things Left Unsaid,” I just didn’t hear it ‘til after the self-titled release. Anyway, I remember by best friend Amy and I listening to the self-titled album on repeat ‘til we knew all the lyrics :) I’m SO glad I discovered this album and this rockin’ band!!
The Music
(Check out Collective Soul Radio at the bottom of this post to listen to some great tunes!)
Whenever Collective Soul releases a new album it's always packed with catchy songs you just can't get enough of. They're the kind of albums you can put on repeat and listen to without skipping a single track.
A while back the band posted a question on SodaHead asking their fans which of their 7 #1s has affected them the most. Well, I of course took this opportunity to respond and to thank the band for their AMAZING song "The World I Know":
"From the moment I first heard "The World I Know" shortly after the album was released I was forever a fan of Collective Soul. I remember my best friend and I listening to it over and over again. It was what Oprah calls an "ah ha moment." I felt such a connection to it, and still do to this day. It's my favourite song ... ever ... by any artist. It's hard to put into words what this song means to me. It takes me on an emotional rollercoaster every time I hear it, usually bringing me to tears, and even moreso when I'm experiencing it live in concert. Not necessarily bad emotions, just memories of my past and some glimpses into my future. In difficult times it helps me deal, even if it's just to get the frustration or sadness out. In happier times it triggers wonderful memories that make me smile from ear to ear and helps me stay positive and grateful for the things I have, even if only for the brevity of the song itself. I cannot thank Collective Soul enough for presenting this song to the world. It means a lot to me, and I'm sure to many others. Thank you for writing such a beautiful song."
(original post can be found here)
It should be hard to pick with all the amazing songs they’ve released, but this one takes the cake … easily :) The first time I heard it I thought “Wow, these guys are incredible.” It was almost like they were speaking right to me. Story time!
A few years ago at one of their shows @ The Docks in Toronto, Ed, in the middle of the song, mouthed the words “Is she okay?” to my girl friend Megan while I was in the midst of my moment. After the song was over, Ed looked right at me, put his hands together in a very yoga “Namaste” fashion and took a bow … after which I started screaming my head off!! I’ll never forget that.
Wow, I sound like one of those teenage Zac Efron fanatics ... and I'm 28!! I think now is a good time to move on …
In concert, no one else compares. I love attending concerts, beit CCR cover bands to heavy metal acts like Metallica, and Collective Soul never disappoints. The venues are usually small, which makes their performance that more intimate. This totally adds to the live experience that IS Collective Soul.
The New Album
The band did something awesome while producing the new album: they Tweeted away on their Twitter page keeping their fans updated on the latest and greatest with their new album. Fans got an inside look at the making of the album with webisodes, photos, and the occasional beer with family [right, Dean? :)]
What’s great about Collective Soul is they follow everyone who follows them on Twitter and take the time to actually respond to their fans, making a real connection with their fan base. Speaking as a web producer for a large non-profit organization, the web has totally changed in the last few years since the boom of social media. Facebook, Twitter and other social media have become THE KEY to connecting with people. The web has become a place where the users decide what they want to know, not a place where companies or organizations tell their users what they want them to know. This has completely changed the way people market their product. What Collective Soul has done has engaged their fan base. They've listened to what their fans want, who are really the reason why they continue to produce music and be successful. Brilliant!! As a HUGE Collective Soul fan I must say thanks! This is uber cool!!
I am totally hooked on their latest single “Staring Down” from their upcoming album to be released in August 2009. Their new tour kicks off June 22 … and I’m hoping to see some Toronto-area dates on there soon :)
Stay in touch with Collective Soul on their website – check out their blog while you’re there – and on social apps like Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to check out their official fan club.
