Being from Texas, I am proud to have been introduced to a Houston based band that has worked so hard to get what they want.  I have watched them grow from playing all ages crowds, being dropped from record labels twice, breakups, drug, and psychological issues to becoming a group of musicians with a tight bond and a unified soul tthat seems unbreakable.  One which has gained them national attention, because their problems are the fuel. Their previous album "Foiled", which contained "Hate Me" and "Into the Ocean" ,  was not my favorite thus far, but contained great songs none the less.  Both have official videos on www.youtube.com. 

What impresses me most about Blue october is their ability to all stand equal on a platform and share talent.  Within the nine years I have been a fan,  they have never allowed for the opportunity a single member to step on another's toes, but on the same note, Blue October also proudly allows for the limelight to be passed in the appropriate directions.  From Justin Furstenfeld's soul bearing lyrics to Ryan Delahoussaye's ability to play damn near anything that invloves strings or keys.  He is most notable for his classical violin playing that could cause the walls of Jericho to fall.   

In March, Blue October will be releasing thier fifth studio album, "Approaching Normal".  Among a multitude of reasons for my excitement, on this album is a is a band version of "Kangaroo Cry".  It is a song that Justin only played during his solo shows for a very long time.  A recording of the original can be found here: www.youtube.com/watch.   But after "Foiled",  I am most pleasantly surprised at the brave move to release an angry, gritty and downright hateful "Dirt Room" after a few years of fluff that won the hearts of many. 

I am cool with the softer and more "pop" writing.  "Foiled" was equal parts fluff and grit.  But my immediate reaction to their release choices during their fourth album was "This is the end, my friend."  I thought they would go the way of Staind.  As I suspect based on what I have heard and read, there will again be equal parts fluff and grit on "Approaching Normal".   But in terms of single releases, I stand corrected.  And my respect is replenished.   They obviously listen to the fans.  I have a feeling that Blue October and the top 40 has an unseen and deviantly planned symbiotic relationship.

For more info on this band that you may have heard of but thought perhaps was a passing pop craze, visit www.myspace.com/blueoctober to listen to all of thier past albums.  The official website is www.blueoctoberfan.com/dirtroom/index.php.