CD Review: Joshua Radin, Simple Times

If there's one thing Joshua Radin does best, it's to make any situation romantic with his music. For a man who seems to have gotten his heart broken more than once, twice, or five times, he is still able to make anyone with a hard heart want to fall in love again.

With his latest CD, Simple Times, a few of his songs are more upbeat and joyous than albums of past. "I'd Rather Be With You" is a reminder of faithfulness and growing old with someone. It's short and sweet, something you'd imagine Radin playing on his porch with a few neighbors around, but it brings the listener back to the roots of a love song with it's simple chords and few instruments.

"You've Got Growing Up To Do" is a duet with Patty Griffin, their two voices sounding like a train chooing on the tracks. It's a song about a wedding, but the lyrics take a twist once they both say they're leaving each other. The words are poetic and refreshing, but have a melancholy tone that runs through the song and speaks of a love that suffers long.

Although Radin is most notable for his song, "Today," on his last album, We Were Here, Radin proves he can break out of his own box with this album. He has quirkier songs like "Vegetable Car" about a girl who wears Lisa Loeb glasses who he wants to ride around all day with. The song is upbeat and something you can snap your fingers to, but doesn't stray from the title of the album.

The only thing Radin seems to keep repeating is his love of singing love songs. He doesn't stray from his mushy lyrics, even if they are original and poetic. Although they may get old, most people can listen to them and relate, feeling as if he can put it more simply than they could. It's an album you can listen to when you're feeling in a certain mood, but either way you'll walk away feeling either better or worse about your love life than when you first put the songs on. Maybe some day Radin will expand his topic of discussion, but for now he's staying true to what he knows.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

10 Things Men Should Never Wear

1. Cowboy hats

Spencer Pratt may be a C-list celebrity, but he's no fashion icon. We may watch The Hills from time to time and enjoy the styles we see, but this one is a definite no-no.

2. Belts with studs

Blink-182 may have started this trend when we were in middle school, but let's leave that item in the 90s. If you want to be a punker or go ska, there's other alternatives that are still fashionable and won't remind us of Stars and Straps.

3. Tennis shoes

Tennis shoes are great, whether it be for running, playing a good game of tennis, or even for taking the dog on a walk. They look great on David Beckman and anyone else with nicely toned calves, but we don't like to see them used for anything besides exercising.

4. T-shirts that relay messages

We know you love computer games, or even being sarcastic from time to time, but we'd rather hear your humor from you instead of that black shirt you found in the discount bin at Hot Topic. If you can't part from them, you can wear them for PJs, but 86 them if you want to dress well in public.

5. Trucker hats

Sorry Ashton Kutcher, this look may have been a great money-maker for Von Dutch or Ed Hardy, but this trend has already had it's fifteen minutes of fame. There are great alternatives nowadays, like wearing a fedora or a regular baseball hat (and we'll even let you leave the sticker on that baseball hat if you want).

6. Gym shorts

Along with the running shoes, this one's a no-go. Tony Romo may be allowed to wear them out in public, and even if you love sports then more power to you, but gym shorts look lazy and like you rolled out of bed. They usually come in terrible colors and styles and won't match with any ordinary shirt, so only wear them if you're going to do some physical activity. We're just not a fan of mesh.

7. Leather

Just because leather jackets are in for women right now, doesn't mean men should buy them too. Although Forever 21 may differ in opinion, leather doesn't make a guy look as sexy as some men might want to believe. It reminds us that you're trying really hard to look good, and if that's the case then still leave the leather to bikers or greasers.

8. Muscle shirts

We're sorry to all the men of OC who might be offended, but this is a look we promise you'll regret in a few years. Even if you're sporting a wife beater, or you just ripped off the sleeves to your favorite tee, this look is not, nor will be, in style. If you're trying to get rid of your farmer's tan at the beach, there's other methods, like taking your whole shirt off.

9. Jeans with chains attached to the wallets

Sadly, this can still be seen in populated malls and at the local bar. Although we're highly aware that it protects your wallet from getting stolen, it's worth the risk so that we don't have to see that silver chain dangling above your thigh. We know they sell for great deals at The Orange County Swapmeet, but resist the urge for the sake of your style.

10. Makeup

Although you don't see you're average Joe at the local supermarket sporting your favorite eyeliner, we're nervous that men wearing makeup is going to take the fashion world by storm. It's great that men have gained enough confidence to wear makeup, but it was never made for men to wear. It makes us feel men only look like we do and it takes the fun out of being feminine.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

NYE ATTIRE

Count down to the New Year in an outfit that is playful and celebratory

Retro ties are good to pair with a buttoned shirt and will make it look like you're going to a party, rather than to the office. Not just any tie will do, find one with straight lines and without any patterns.

The little black dress is perfect for New Year's Eve. It can be paired with any color, accessory, and many different types of heels (try to avoid wearing flats to make for a dressier outfit). Strapless dresses are the latest rage, along with ruffled layers and empire waists. Remember to wear tights (any color or pattern will do) to keep you warm.

Chunky belts help add color and detail to any dress that is either form-fitting or loose. You can find colorful ones that clip or zip with different types of material. Try to avoid leather belts, since they're mainly from past seasons, and play with the color by pairing it with your shoes.

Strong shoulders are a great way to play up a simple dress you want to find. Items with shoulder pads or layers are currently hitting the runways and will even give the appearance of improved posture. Avoid necklaces with this look so there's not too much going on near the shoulders, but do find some bangles or large rings to wear.

Color is important for accessories, especially if you're already wearing neutral colors. Wear bright rings, bracelets, headpieces, and necklaces. Try to have one colorful item of jewelry, and then the rest of your items be all solid gold or silver.

Large accessories are just as important as having colorful ones. Simple, small pieces of jewelry can drown when they're worn with dressy attire. Pick loud pieces that are noticeable and will flatter your outfit, instead of trying to compete with it.

Vests are great to add to an outfit for men; they dress up buttoned shirts and will make the outfit look fun and interesting. Pair it with a different color and fabric than your pants so the look doesn't match too much.

Purses that glitter are a must. Ditch your everyday purse for the night and choose something classy. Clutches are another staple accessory for New Year's Eve, so try finding one that stands out. If you find a purse to wear for the night, get one that's slinky with a thin strap.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Most Memorable Moments of 2009

Death of Michael Jackson

It came as a complete shock when the King of Pop passed away on June 25 after going into cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles. An epic memorial service was held at the Staples Center with an array of celebrities who performed and spoke, as well as an estimated 31 million at home watching. The Los Angeles Coroner is now treating the death as a homicide and investigating Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's physician. 

Balloon Boy Hoax

When Richard and Mayumi Heene decided to pull a prank on the public on October 15 by pretending their son, Falcon, had flown away in a homemade balloon, they really had no idea what they were getting themselves into. With the Federal Aviation Administration and the Colorado National Guard chasing the balloon, the Heenes definitely had their fifteen minutes of fame and are now ordered to pay $42,000 in services and have both been ordered jail time for 30 to 60 days.

Inauguration of Barack Obama

January 20 marked the inauguration of America's first black president and was held in Washington D.C. with the largest attendance in history for the city with 1.8 million people. A reported 21 million viewers watched from home.

Tiger Woods' Adultery

After hitting a fire hydrant next to his home in Florida at 2:30 in the morning on November 27, suspicions of infidelity began to emerge after a tabloid reported an affair Woods had with a night club owner. Within a couple of weeks, a dozen women came forward, claiming to have affairs with Woods. The golf pro then announced he was taking a hiatus from golfing and admitted to infidelity. Woods and his wife, Elin Nordegren just had their second child on February 8 of this year. 

Jon and Kate Split Up

One of America's favorite reality couples announced their divorce on their hit television show, Jon and Kate Plus 8, on June 22. Suspicions of infidelity had already been circulating and their divorce was finalized on December 18, along with the cancellation of the show.

H1N1 Virus

Also known as the Swine Flu, the flu pandemic began in April of this year, with thousands of deaths reported and on April 30 the World Health Organization calling it a pandemic. It caused the country to get their flu shots and for shortages to occur, but luckily didn't get any worse.

Health Care Debate

Thousands protested in Washington D.C. in September to oppose President Obama's national health care plan that many claimed would be too expensive for the country and would eventually undermine care. It was the first public demonstration since he took office and many Obama supporters expressed disappointment for his stance.

Chris Brown Abuses Rihanna

After a night out at a party for the Grammys on February 7, Rihanna was abused by her boyfriend, Chris Brown, after she found a text message from another woman on his phone. They eventually split and Brown was ordered one year of counseling, five years of probation, and six months of community service.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com