Nov. 28 Becket Federated Church, Route 8, holiday bazaar from 9-3. Lunch, crafts, baked goods, holiday and other items. Information: Mary Peltier, Parish House, 413-623-5217.
Dec. 5
Holiday Fair at First Congregational Church, 25 Park Place, Lee, from 10 to 3; handcrafted items, raffles, children's shop, bake sale, cut Christmas trees and lunch from 11 to 1. Includes angel-themed goods from SERRV. Information, 413-243-1033 or www.ucc-lee.org.
Dec. 12-13
North Adams Country Club, crafts 9-4; food from That's a Wrap from 11-2. Information: Sheryl Morehouse at 413-822-3329.
Planning a bazaar this season? Submit information to info@iberkshires.com to have it listed here.
By Lauren Stair iBerkshires Columnist 08:59AM / Sunday, November 02, 2008
The Illusion of Progress
"The Illusion of Progress," Staind's sixth album since their first nearly 10 years ago, is as the title suggests, progress but it's not merely the illusion of progress, it's Staind's first mainstream pop-rock album.
However, this doesn't mean that Staind has abandoned their original alternative/rock sound for the world of pop.
Each track off the album is thoughtfully compiled and every lyric full of meaning. As you listen to the album you are taken on a roller-coaster ride of emotions, experiencing the deep intent of every song.
The lead singer Aaron Lewis' deep and smooth voice is calming yet dark and thought provoking, so you can't help but pay attention to every single word. The acoustic track "Devil," a fairly abstract song about the perception of good and evil, is iniquitous but when sung by Lewis, it sounds sweet like a bad omen whispered by an angel.
Lewis (vocals, guitar) is joined on the album by bandmates Mike Mushok (guitar), who solos on this album, Jon Wysocki (drums, percussion) and Johnny April (bass, vocals). The band got its start in Springfield, Mass., covering bands like Korn and Alice in Chains.
"The Illusion of Progress" is a great album that has, like its predecessors, risen to the top of the billboard charts. It's refreshing to hear Staind take their music to the next level and start to incorporate guitar riffs and more upbeat songs into the mix.
Lauren Stair is a writer for MuzikReviews.com, which provides iBerkshires with weekly reviews.
Genre: Pop-Rock (Warning: the album contains explicit lyrics) Label: Atlantic Website AmazonLink SourceLink
