Usually, I try to focus on something that is completely new to you guys, but I was so impressed with the new Netflix, that I decided to try it out.

What is great about the new netflix is that beyond the movies you rent through the mail, is the streaming service online. Not only do you get to watch your favorite classics on your computer instantly, but most of the movies are in hd quality. As part of any dvd package, you get this ability to stream some new movies, a bunch of good ones, and even documentaries. While you are waiting for your dvds to arrive, you can watch some really good film. This is what is enticing to me. With recent starz airings as well, you can catch up on the movies you missed at the theaters and your favorite tv shows.

If you used to have netflix, or have always thought about it, then it is definitely worth the free two week trial. I have always been the type to run down to the local video store, but I really think that Netflix is the way to go. For 13.99 a month you can get out 2 dvds at a time sent to your mailing address (about 8 rentals) and unlimited streaming of videos (as long as it is in the library). If a rental is 2.50 a peice, that is the equivilent of about seven movies.

Hookups to your big screen tv are available as well. It is definitely worth a try.

Holy Cow, would somebody please explain to me where the month of September disappeared to? Just the other day it seemed like the month had started. I think old man winter is behind the move to cold fall months! He wants the snow to land as soon as possible (Grumpy Old Man anyways).

Anyways, back to my point for writing this post! October is here, and that means so is Josh Gracin. As I sit in the studio counting the hours down, I can't help but be excited. This concert is going to be hopping with requests. Since Josh Gracin is so cool and took your song requests, we could hear anything from an original of The Beastie Boys, to Garth Brooks and Cowboy Troy. I hope to see you all there. It is going to be a blast, and just in case you were wondering, tickets will be available at the door. Plus, you can still snag them online if you are a slacker like me!

Iain Black and myself will be "tweeting" from location this evening, so make sure you tap us into your favorite internet device and make us your dates. If you are at the concerts, make sure to tweet us with your awesome thoughts on the concert.

Well I guess I better get back to work..... HAHA! I have nothing to complain about, I love every minute of it. See you all tonight at Vandement Arena, it is going to be spectacular!

It feels good to be back in the blogosphere, I don't know what got into me, but I just haven't updated the past few days. Shame on me! Today is a very special day in country music, because it is Tuesday, and Albums are being released.

Today on The Afternoon Drive, I will talk about Diamond Rio and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's New Albums. This is the first release from the guys of the The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in the last five years. Speed of Life is getting a lot of good reviews out there, including from The 9513, who had this to say about the new album:

These four men are incredibly talented music veterans with nearly two centuries of experience among them, and it’s reflected in the effortless, freewheeling earthiness of the album, from the first harmonica blast (courtesy of Jimmie Fadden) on opening track “Tulsa Sounds Like Trouble to Me.” From there, it’s an excellent adventure through Americana as the band blends elements of country, bluegrass, folk, and rock with harmonies that are reflective of the Band’s influence on the Eagles and subsequent groups like Little Big Town.

Diamond Rio's new album, titled "The Reason," is this top notch group's first attempt at contemporary christian music. Marty Roe, the lead vocalist of Diamond Rio says that the transition has been easy, because everyone in the band, that has remained the same group of guys for 25 years, shares the same type of faith.

“We’re all believers. We always have been. I think a lot of our songs reflected that part of who we are, but this was different to actually able to say in a stronger voice what our hearts are about.”

Should make for another great album from one of the best groups in Country Music history.

Also on the show today:

• GM is bringing back 3,000 jobs already to stimulate it's business? I will have the details on the hirings, and how GM expects to grow.
  

• Carrie Underwood's Cowboy Cassanova continues to climb charts! We will check in on the latest numbers on the latest Underwood tune.
  

• Wednesday Web Pick of the Week: This Week I take a look at a local video production that keeps you updated on Northern Michigan University Athletics.
  

• The Latest Road Closures and Marquette Updates as you prepare to drive home

Can't wait to here from you! Get your requests in for the Five O'Clock Traffic Crunch by emailing me: joeyd@wjpd.com.

Also remember to follow me on twitter, if you want to read more heated debates between Iain Black and myself!

Hey guys and gals! Coming you tonight after the show for some links.....


I Told you how Lee Ann Womack is trying to get traditional. Here is the article I referenced today during the show today. Womack making more traditional country music should be rather interesting. I look forward to hearing it.

---Carrie's Single is Here!



--Jason Aldean Gets....you guessed it.. Big Green Tractors. His latest continues to climb the charts. His Album Label wanted to congratulate him. So how did they do it? They lined up 9 Big Green Tractors near his home. Here are Aldean's thoughts:

"I can definitely feel the love." But the whole thing definitely took him by surprise. "I actually came downtown for a few meetings, which I wouldn't normally do on a Monday because I try and spend those days off with my family at home. I was driving down 17th, and was totally caught off-guard by the tractors parked up and down the street. I guess the record label and publishing companies and everyone had set it up ... but no one told me about it so I almost wrecked trying to read the signs on them to see if they were there for me. I have dreamed about having a few big No. 1 hits back-to-back for a very, very long time, so it just feels really good to have the Nashville music community supporting me."

Since the first time I heard "The Game of Love" with Carlos Santana and Michelle Branch, I have been in love with what I consider one of the most beautiful voices in music. In a genre that I am not particularlly a fan of, Branch continued to show that she belonged.... At least talent wise.

Then in 2005, Branch made the move to Nashville. The Wreckers, consisting of Jessica Harp and Michelle Branch took the country music scene by storm. Their debut single, "Leave the Pieces," was the first song by a duo to go to number one on the Billboard country music charts since 1991.

Then in July of 2007, The Wreckers seperated for solo careers. And Now Branch is about to release her latest country album. One that she says was not forced and rather natural.

"I said, 'Let's just make the record, and it's going to sound country
because that's the instrumentation I'm in love with and I'm writing with
people here in Nashville. Let's not overthink it.'"

The album is titled "Sooner or Later" and will be released this Fall. I can't wait to hear what she has in store. And of course, I'll let you know when we get it in here at the station!