Like many, I’m an old fan of the band Sister Hazel. Certainly, you’re a Hazelnut too if you remember and enjoy the great 90s hit “All For You.”

And along with every other 90s-era favorite, they seemed to fade into some metaphorical musical sunset.

Upon first hearing of The Rock Boat adventure from my boyfriend (he’s a five-year alum now), and of the great musical acts of its past, I’m like, “SIGN ME UP!” So went the year my boyfriend brought his girlfriend on the greatest vacation ever.

Before embarking on our fantastic musical voyage, we received a promotional two-disc TRBX set, introducing set artists for the cruise. Silly you, it doesn’t matter what PORTS to which we set sail! There was MUSIC. At ALL TIMES. ON A BOAT. ALL DAY. For FOUR DAYS.

This is just a beginner course into getting schooled about how to do a music cruise. What the hell do I know being a rookie and all? Well, for one, even being on a cruise before, many of my typical conceptions of a cruise vacation were quickly thrown overboard. TRBX was no ordinary cruise — but a reckless excuse to party hard as any — with a shit-ton of great music and people.

I’ll talk a little about the bands who were part of TRBX, explore the theme nights/days and the bands who played along with them, gush over amazing covers by already-amazing musicians in his(not-many-hers) own right, and general musical greatness. Some of the bands and artists may be new to you — some are there wholly to shut you up and pay attention because this is the next Big Thing. Others? Good, good fun.

All on a Carnival Cruise Ship destined for an amazing musical festival, with 30+ bands and artists at sea.

Ahem. Like I said… the promo CDs were a great way to rediscover old favorites, learn of some new music and up-and-coming bands and artists, and totally pump myself up out of a months-long music rut.

Take a look at the track listings below for a heads-up on who and what to expect in Mel’s Rock Boat Experience.

Cheers!

DISC ONE:
Sister Hazel – I Believe In You
Marc Broussard – Hard Knocks
Will Hoge – Even If It Breaks Your Heart
Pat McGee – I Don’t Think I’m Listening
Tyrone Wells – Remain
Wideawake – Gravity Won’t Win
Green River Ordinance – Here We Are
Jim Bianco – Sing
The Bridges – Pieces
Evan McHugh – From The Second Chair
Francisco Vidal – Tail Lights
B-Liminal – Yo Yo
Ken Block – Blue to a Blind Man

DISC TWO:
Augustana – Sweet and Low
Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers – My Old Man
Gaelic Storm – Slim Jim And The Seven Eleven Girl
Carbon Leaf – Lake of Silver Bells
Blackberry Smoke – Sanctified Woman
Dexter Freebish – Walk On Water
Michael Tolcher – Mockingbird
Oval Opus – Anchorman
Tony Lucca – Long Love Letter
Sun Domingo – Hot Little Room
Chelsea Williams – Eight Days
Andrew Hoover – Lie to Me
Scott Munns – I’d Be Fine
Drew Copeland – A Little Like Heaven