Lionel Nation

19 MAY 2026.

The Luigi Mangione case just took a major turn and despite dramatic headlines claiming the prosecution is collapsing, the reality is far more complicated. A New York judge ruled that some evidence seized from Mangione’s backpack after his arrest in Pennsylvania cannot be used at trial because the initial search violated constitutional protections. But the most important evidence remains fully admissible, including the handgun prosecutors say was used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, along with a suppressor and a notebook containing alleged incriminating writings.

That is the key point many people are missing. The defense won an important Fourth Amendment argument but they did not cripple the prosecution. The court agreed police improperly searched the bag once Mangione was already secured and no longer had access to it. However, a later search conducted at the police station was ruled lawful, allowing prosecutors to keep the strongest physical evidence in front of the jury.

Some items were suppressed including a phone, passport, magazines and electronic materials. But prosecutors still have surveillance footage, witness testimony and the alleged murder weapon itself. That keeps the state case very much alive.

The federal case is even more interesting because a separate federal judge already ruled the backpack evidence can be used there. So now two different courts are reaching different conclusions on nearly identical facts, which almost guarantees years of appeals and legal analysis.

The political atmosphere around the case has also shifted dramatically. Earlier terrorism related enhancements were dismissed and the federal death penalty is reportedly no longer being pursued. That changes the entire pressure dynamic surrounding possible plea negotiations and jury strategy.

Mangione still faces extremely serious charges and the upcoming trial is shaping up to become one of the most watched criminal proceedings in the country.

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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote one of the most famous horn passages in orchestral history in the second movement of Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64. The solo opens with a haunting, noble melody carried almost entirely by a single French horn, floating over soft strings like a distant memory or lament. It demands absolute control, warm tone and emotional restraint because every note is exposed.

For horn players, it is the audition passage. One cracked note and the whole hall hears it. Yet when performed beautifully, it can stop an audience cold. Tchaikovsky somehow turned a brass instrument often associated with hunting calls into pure melancholy and longing.

The irony is rich. A massive late Romantic symphony filled with thunderous climaxes becomes immortalized by one lonely horn singing in the dark. Like so much of Tchaikovsky, it sounds simultaneously triumphant and heartbroken.

Horn: Alessio Allegrini Conductor: Tugan Sokhiev Orchestra: Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia Support the channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI-G-Mz1DHDeWKNYL7rfIpA/join Spotify French horn new releases 2024: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6QDadKPb24M94OAILZEptY?si=74Rf4PapTiuIYnyOpFlYqw&pi=e-pIRUK-3TTp-f

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17 MAY 2026.

Since the death of Henry Kissinger, many in Washington’s foreign policy world view Robert Kagan as one of the leading voices attempting to define the future of American global strategy. In his recent analysis, Kagan paints a bleak and transformative picture of what happens if Iran effectively gains long term control over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically important waterways on Earth.

Kagan’s argument is not merely about oil tankers or naval maneuvers. It is about the collapse of American deterrence and the birth of an entirely new geopolitical order. According to this analysis, Iran would no longer simply threaten the Strait during moments of crisis. Tehran could begin treating it as a permanent instrument of leverage. Countries dependent on Gulf energy shipments could find themselves vulnerable to economic punishment if they challenge Iranian interests. Iran would not even need to fully close the Strait. The mere threat of delays, inspections or disruptions could send insurance rates soaring, destabilize shipping markets and pressure governments into compliance. That leverage would extend far beyond the Middle East.

Nations reliant on Gulf energy supplies would be forced to reconsider sanctions, diplomatic isolation and military partnerships. Countries that once aligned comfortably with Washington could gradually normalize relations with Tehran simply to protect access to energy and trade. Kagan argues this would expose a devastating perception problem for the United States. For decades, Gulf monarchies built their economies and security structures around the assumption that American naval dominance guaranteed freedom of navigation. If the U.S. Navy proves unwilling or unable to decisively secure Hormuz, confidence in American protection begins collapsing overnight. In that vacuum, Gulf states may have little choice but to accommodate Iran politically and strategically.

The balance of power shifts from Washington to Tehran. The analysis also dismisses European efforts to stabilize the Strait as largely symbolic. British and French naval initiatives are portrayed as insufficient compared to the scale of the challenge. Kagan highlights statements from French President Emmanuel Macron suggesting that European patrol coalitions would function primarily under peaceful conditions, not during full military escalation. In practical terms, critics argue this means escorts would operate only when escorts are unnecessary. Under this scenario, Iran emerges not merely as a regional power but as one of the central geopolitical players in the world. China and Russia, both maintaining strategic relationships with Tehran, would benefit enormously from America’s diminished influence. Beijing gains leverage over global energy flows while Moscow benefits from prolonged instability and weakened Western unity.

Kagan also warns about the catastrophic consequences of renewed military conflict. Even a limited Iranian response targeting Gulf oil infrastructure could trigger massive global economic disruption. A handful of successful strikes on refineries, ports or liquefied natural gas facilities could cripple production for years. Oil prices could skyrocket toward $150 or even $200 per barrel, unleashing inflation, supply shortages and economic panic across the world economy. One of the most controversial aspects of the analysis is the suggestion that Iran may have no intention of ever returning to the previous status quo. Western assumptions that the Strait would automatically reopen after a ceasefire are described as dangerously naïve. Even factions inside Tehran labeled “moderate” reportedly understand the strategic value of maintaining leverage over Hormuz permanently. The analysis also reflects deep Iranian distrust toward President Donald Trump. From Tehran’s perspective, any future agreement could collapse instantly if political conditions change in Washington. Iranian leaders may therefore conclude that maintaining hard power and strategic leverage matters more than negotiating temporary deals.

Israel also faces growing strategic risks in this scenario. As Iran becomes wealthier, stronger and more internationally connected through energy leverage, pressure could mount on Israel to avoid military escalation. Countries dependent on Gulf energy might resist Israeli operations against Iranian proxies in Lebanon, Gaza or elsewhere out of fear of destabilizing oil markets. Kagan ultimately argues that President Trump may face an impossible calculation. Reports indicate the administration has explored options for declaring victory and avoiding deeper escalation. The reason is simple: prolonged war carries staggering economic risks. Regime collapse in Tehran remains uncertain despite years of sanctions and military pressure. Meanwhile the economic fallout from sustained conflict could devastate consumers worldwide. The core warning is stark. Once control over the Strait of Hormuz becomes uncertain, the global order itself becomes uncertain. Energy, trade, military power and diplomacy all begin reorganizing around whoever can dominate that narrow strip of water. And according to Kagan’s analysis, the world may be entering precisely that moment now.

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Mitch Ryder tearing through “Detroit Medley” on Late Night with David Letterman in 1985 is pure blue collar American rock and roll electricity. No gimmicks, no backing tracks, no polished corporate sheen. Just raw Detroit energy exploding through the television screen. Ryder attacks the performance like a man possessed, blending old school R&B swagger with garage rock fury. It is loud, sweaty, relentless and absolutely alive. A reminder of when live TV performances actually felt dangerous, spontaneous and unforgettable.

The legendary Mitch Ryder performs with Paul Schafer’s band and talks to Dave afterward.

The post Robert Kagan’s Chilling Warning: Iran Could Collapse American Power Through the Strait of Hormuz appeared first on Lionel Nation.

14 MAY 2026.

Investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein has published a controversial report claiming the Trump administration’s new National Counterterrorism Strategy could eventually be weaponized against dissident voices on the Right, including Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes. The piece focuses heavily on comments made by White House counterterrorism adviser Sebastian Gorka during a Breitbart interview in which he appeared to distance Carlson from what he called the “conservative movement” because of Carlson’s recent criticism of Trump administration foreign policy.

At the center of the controversy is the administration’s revised counterterror framework, which reportedly focuses on narcoterrorism, Islamist extremism and violent left wing extremism. Critics argue the wording is broad enough that it could later be expanded to target ideological opponents or independent media figures who challenge official narratives.

The tension appears to stem largely from foreign policy disagreements, particularly over Iran and America’s role in the Middle East. Tucker Carlson has openly criticized Trump’s handling of Iran, warning that deeper involvement in another foreign conflict could damage the America First movement and betray voters who supported a non interventionist agenda. Fuentes and others online have echoed similar anti war sentiments.

Gorka also took issue with comments Carlson made comparing aspects of Middle Eastern societies to the declining social cohesion of the modern United States. Critics of Gorka say he deliberately twisted Carlson’s remarks into an accusation that Carlson was somehow praising Sharia law, something supporters insist was never the point.

The broader concern raised by Klippenstein is whether counterterror policies created to stop real violence could eventually morph into tools used to stigmatize political dissent. Supporters of the administration argue the strategy is necessary to prevent extremism before it escalates. Opponents warn that governments historically expand these definitions over time, especially during periods of political instability and ideological division.

The result is a growing fracture inside the populist Right itself, where debates over foreign policy, loyalty and free speech are becoming increasingly intense.

Administration deems anti-Trump right wingers terrorists

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These Days performed by Rachael Price with yMusic transforms the classic into something hauntingly intimate and cinematic. The chamber arrangement strips away any excess and lets every lyric breathe with quiet regret and maturity. Rachael Price delivers the song with warmth and restraint, turning Browne’s reflective writing into something deeply human and timeless. It feels less like a cover and more like a late night confession wrapped in strings, memory and beautiful melancholy.

A stripped-down, orchestral cover of Jackson Browne’s “These Days” by stories, Rachael Price and yMusic. Listen to stories on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/rooupcg Follow our playlist and don’t miss a release: https://tinyurl.com/mr34rc55 Subscribe: http://bit.ly/3aPyzSx Instagram: https://instagram.com/storiesweekdays Facebook: https://facebook.com/storiesacoustic yMusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymusicnyc/?hl=en Subscribe to yMusic: https://www.youtube.com/@ymusic556/featured Watch our latest videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm…

The post Tucker Carlson TARGETED? Dangerous Counterterror Lunacy Sparks MAGA Civil War appeared first on Lionel Nation.

13 MAY 2026.

A new poll showing Secretary of State Marco Rubio defeating Vice President JD Vance by double digits in a hypothetical 2028 Republican primary is sending shockwaves through conservative political circles. According to the AtlasIntel survey highlighted by Mediaite, Rubio now leads Vance by roughly fifteen points among GOP voters, a dramatic reversal from earlier assumptions that Vance was the uncontested heir apparent to the MAGA movement. (Mediaite)

Much of Rubio’s recent momentum appears tied to his increasingly high profile role in foreign policy, particularly during the Iran conflict and his widely circulated media appearances that many conservatives viewed as polished, confident and presidential. Some analysts believe Rubio is successfully positioning himself as a more disciplined and broadly electable version of Trump era populism, while Vance continues struggling with favorability issues and perceptions that he lacks executive presence. (The Washington Post)

President Donald Trump has so far avoided endorsing either man publicly, reportedly floating both Rubio and Vance as possible future standard bearers for the Republican Party. (The Times of India)

Still, it is very early. Polling this far out often reflects media momentum and public mood more than hardened political reality. But one thing is now undeniable: Rubio is no longer viewed as a relic of the pre Trump Republican Party. He is rapidly becoming one of the most serious contenders for the post Trump future of the GOP.

A shocking new survey from AtlasIntel suggests that there may a new favorite to win the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in 2028.

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The Desert Rose Band’s “She Don’t Love Nobody” is pure late 1980s country gold, blending tight harmonies, jangling guitars and that unmistakable California country sound Chris Hillman mastered so well. The song captures heartbreak with an easygoing polish that somehow makes loneliness sound smooth and radio ready. It is traditional country filtered through Byrds style folk rock sensibilities, which is exactly why it still holds up decades later. There is no overproduction, no gimmick, just strong songwriting, clean musicianship and a melody that instantly sticks in your head.

Desert Rose Band live. New Country 1988

The post Is Marco Rubio Becoming Trump’s TRUE 2028 Heir? New Poll Changes Everything appeared first on Lionel Nation.

12 MAY 2026.

President Donald Trump’s upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping is shaping up to be one of the most important geopolitical meetings in recent memory. The stakes go far beyond tariffs and trade. Taiwan, artificial intelligence, Middle East instability, semiconductor dominance and the future balance of global power are all on the table.

The meeting comes after months of economic tension between Washington and Beijing. Trump is expected to focus heavily on trade expansion, manufacturing and restoring leverage against China while also trying to stabilize relations enough to avoid another economic shockwave. China meanwhile wants relief from technology restrictions and continued access to critical American markets.

Iran and the Strait of Hormuz crisis now hang over the discussions as well. Reports suggest the White House wants China to pressure Tehran into avoiding disruptions to global oil shipping lanes. Beijing has its own strategic interests in the region and sees itself as increasingly capable of challenging American influence abroad.

Taiwan remains the most dangerous flashpoint. Trump has indicated he will directly address U.S. arms sales and regional military tensions with Xi, an issue Beijing considers non negotiable.

The symbolism alone is enormous. Two nationalist strongmen representing rival superpowers sitting face to face at a time when the world feels economically fragile, politically divided and militarily overstretched. Whether this summit produces meaningful agreements or simply a temporary cooling off period may define the next decade of world politics.

Trump and China’s Xi are expected to discuss the Iran war, AI rivalry, Taiwan, and trade frictions

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When George Jones and Merle Haggard shared a stage, it felt less like a concert and more like country music royalty holding court. Their performances of “The Way I Am,” “Yesterday’s Wine” and “I Must Have Done Something Bad” carried decades of heartbreak, grit and lived experience. No gimmicks, no flashing lights, just two legendary voices delivering pure outlaw country with authenticity modern Nashville rarely captures anymore.

https://youtu.be/g3l1s4dWW9E I don’t own the video or the music and I’m not claiming to.

The post We’re Living Through an Age of Treachery & Tyranny and Most People Don’t Even See It appeared first on Lionel Nation.

09 MAY 2026.

Breaking developments out of Utah are keeping the Charlie Kirk assassination case front and center, as a judge made two major decisions that will shape what happens next in this high stakes prosecution.

Judge Tony Graf ruled that cameras will remain in the courtroom, rejecting the defense’s effort to block media coverage. The defense had argued that the intense publicity surrounding the case could taint the jury pool and undermine Tyler Robinson’s right to a fair trial. They even presented data suggesting widespread public awareness and pre formed opinions about the case. But the judge ultimately sided with transparency, emphasizing that courts must evaluate media access on a case by case basis rather than impose a blanket ban .

At the same time, Graf granted a delay in the preliminary hearing, pushing it from mid May to July 6 through July 10. The reasoning was straightforward but significant. Both sides are still dealing with an enormous volume of evidence. Prosecutors continue to receive materials, including from federal sources, while the defense recently received another large batch of files and argued they need more time to properly review it all. The judge agreed that ensuring adequate preparation is critical to protecting Robinson’s constitutional right to effective counsel .

Importantly, the court clarified that a preliminary hearing is not about guilt or innocence. Its purpose is limited to determining whether there is enough evidence to establish probable cause to move the case forward. Still, the sheer scale of discovery, reportedly hundreds of thousands of files, makes preparation a major issue.

Prosecutors have framed the decision to keep cameras as a way to combat misinformation and maintain public trust, arguing that transparency is the best response to speculation and conspiracy theories. Meanwhile, the defense continues to signal a longer term strategy, potentially preserving these issues for appeal if the case results in a conviction.

The result is a case that remains under intense scrutiny, with cameras rolling and a delayed timeline that gives both sides more room to prepare. For now, justice moves forward, but at a slower and more deliberate pace.

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Santa Rosa is one of those smooth, atmospheric tracks that captures Gino Vannelli at his most expressive, blending jazz, pop and a subtle Latin feel into a late night groove. When paired live with Leonid & Friends, the song takes on a whole new dimension. Their tight horn section and meticulous arrangements elevate the texture, adding power and precision while preserving the song’s emotional core. It becomes less just a performance and more a full-bodied musical experience that feels both classic and alive.

Check Tour Dates and Tickets here: http://www.leonidandfriends.band/tour.html To buy merchandise, CDs and more: https://imediatv.net/leonid-products/ To Help Support the Band, please use the link: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=BMMNYRNWRRJL4 Gino Vannelli – author, celebrity lead vocal Leonid Vorobyev – bass, transcript of the musical source, producing, mixing, video-montage Igor Dzhavad-Zade – drums Konstantin Kovachev –

The post Transparency vs Fair Trial? Judge’s Stunning Decision in Kirk Case appeared first on Lionel Nation.

07 MAY 2026.

The document lays out a stark reality about the shifting global order, centering on the evolving relationship between the United States, China and Russia. It argues that the idea of a stable “strategic triangle” or some grand bargain between Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping is more fantasy than fact. The global system is already being reshaped, and no summit or handshake is going to stop that momentum.

At the core is a breakdown of what used to be a mutually beneficial economic relationship between the United States and China, often referred to as “Chimerica.” For decades, American capital and innovation combined with Chinese manufacturing power created enormous growth. But that balance deteriorated as Washington began to see the arrangement as fundamentally uneven and strategically dangerous.

The text frames Trump not as an anomaly but as the clearest expression of a broader American shift toward transactional strategy. Instead of investing in long-term global stability, the focus now is on immediate gains, rapid capacity building and securing advantage before the next phase of competition fully emerges. That approach prioritizes flexibility over commitment, which makes long-term global agreements increasingly unrealistic.

Meanwhile, China is reassessing its position. Historically cautious about direct military entanglements, Beijing now recognizes it cannot remain insulated from the consequences of growing geopolitical conflict. The key question is no longer whether cooperation with Washington is ideal, but whether it is even possible under current conditions.

The conclusion is blunt. The liberal global order that once favored the United States is eroding, and no leader, no matter how powerful, can simply restore it. What comes next will not be shaped by sweeping agreements, but by competition, short-term maneuvering and a relentless race for advantage in an uncertain world.

As Trump and Putin head for meetings with Xi, the strategic triangle may reveal the limits of any new big-power accommodation with Washington

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“Mainstreet” by Bob Seger is a standout track from his 1976 album Night Moves, gaining major airplay in 1977. The song paints a vivid picture of a young man wandering through a lonely urban strip, finding escape in a dancer who becomes the emotional center of the story. With its slow build, haunting saxophone and reflective tone, “Mainstreet” captures themes of longing, isolation and fleeting connection, becoming one of Seger’s most atmospheric and enduring songs.

written and recorded by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band. It was released in April 1977 as the fourth single from the album “Night Moves”. The song also reached number-one in Canada at the same year. Bob Seger has stated that the street he was singing about is “Ann Street”, just off Main Street in ‘Ann Arbor’, Michigan, where he grew up.

The post Trump, Putin, Xi: Why the “Big Deal” Fantasy Is Dead and the Power Game Is Just Beginning appeared first on Lionel Nation.

06 MAY 2026.

Finally.

U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. believes that DARPA, a secretive military agency, is spraying dangerous “chemtrails” in the sky and has vowed to put a stop to it.Watch our full report: https://t.co/9svVaXhoAg pic.twitter.com/HfZV5jbLmY

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“Cinderella” by Firefall is a reflective soft rock track from their album Luna Sea that leans into the idea of illusion versus reality. Instead of a fairy tale ending, the song captures the feeling of something that seemed magical slipping away when real life sets in. With smooth harmonies, layered guitars and a laid back 70s groove, it delivers a quiet emotional punch about longing, missed chances and the moment when the fantasy fades and you are left facing what is real.

Provided to YouTube by Rhino Atlantic Cinderella · Firefall Firefall ℗ 1976 Atlantic Recording Corporation Clavinet, Flute, Harmonica, Piano, Synthesizer: David Muse Tenor Saxophone: David Muse Mastering Engineer: George Marino Producer: Jim Mason Acoustic Guitar: Jock Bartley Electric Guitar: Jock Bartley Lead Guitar: Jock Bartley Slide Guitar: Jock Bartley Vocals: Jock Bartley Congas, Cymbals, Shaker, Tambourine: Joe Lala Timbales Drums: Joe Lala Engineer: Karl Richardson Rhythm Guitar: Larry Burnett Vocals: Larry Burnett Bass Guitar: Mark Andes Vocals: Mark Andes Drums: Michael Clarke Assistant Engineer: Michael Laskow Acoustic Guitar: Rick Roberts Vocals: Rick Roberts Writer: Larry Burnett Auto-generated by YouTube.

The post DARPA, Geoengineering & RFK Jr.: What’s Real and What’s Not? appeared first on Lionel Nation.

04 MAY 2026.

They told you it was about sustainability. They told you it was about clean water, safer cities, better schools. They wrapped it in soft language, smiling diplomats, glossy brochures, but history shows when power centralizes, freedom shrinks. Agenda 2030 is presented as a framework, but the real story is the direction we are moving. Systems are merging. Cash becomes digital, then programmable. Convenience becomes control. Not force, but friction. Spend wrong, restricted. Speak wrong, delayed. AI scales decision making without accountability. Cities compress, movement tightens, energy centralizes, food systems consolidate. Each step sounds reasonable, but together they build dependence. And once people depend on the system, they stop resisting it. This is not old tyranny with boots and orders. This is quiet, seamless control through systems. Ownership becomes access. Privacy becomes transparency. Autonomy becomes integration. You do not wake up in a cage, you walk into it one upgrade at a time. The question is not whether a master plan exists. The question is whether we are building a future that protects independence or replaces it entirely.

AGENDA 2030

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“Oh Darlin’” by The O’Kanes is a smooth blend of traditional country warmth and late-80s polish, carried by tight harmonies and understated emotion. The song leans into longing and reassurance, with a melody that feels both intimate and radio-ready. It reflects the duo’s knack for storytelling without excess, letting sincerity do the heavy lifting, a hallmark of their short but memorable run.

Music video by The O’Kanes performing Oh Darlin’. (C) 1987 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

The post Agenda 2030 EXPOSED: The Quiet System Replacing Your Freedom appeared first on Lionel Nation.

02 MAY 2026.

There’s a reason Candace Owens keeps coming back stronger every time critics think they’ve cornered her. She operates on a different wavelength than most commentators. Where others hedge, she charges. Where others retreat, she doubles down. That alone makes her difficult to neutralize in a media landscape that often rewards caution over conviction.

Owens has built her brand on fearlessness, and more importantly, consistency. Agree or disagree, audiences know exactly what they’re getting. That kind of clarity cuts through noise, especially in a crowded field of voices all competing for attention. She doesn’t wait for permission, she doesn’t soften edges, and she doesn’t recalibrate based on backlash. In an era where many figures pivot to survive, she leans into the storm.

Another factor is her independence. Since stepping away from traditional media alignments, Owens has taken full control of her platform. That means no editorial gatekeepers, no corporate pressure, and no imposed limits on what she can say or explore. It’s a high-risk model, but it gives her something increasingly rare: complete autonomy.

Then there’s her ability to provoke conversation. Owens doesn’t just comment on stories, she becomes part of them. Whether that’s through controversial takes or relentless questioning, she keeps herself at the center of the national dialogue. That visibility fuels relevance, and relevance fuels longevity.

In the end, she can’t be stopped for one simple reason: she refuses to play by anyone else’s rules.

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Low Darts are a five-piece rock, pop, and soul band bringing the classics roaring back to life. From Steely Dan to Billy Joel, Toto to Supertramp, they recreate every groove, harmony, and intricate detail with precision. No shortcuts, no fluff, just serious musicianship. It’s raw, alive, and packed with energy, proving these legendary songs still hit hard when played right by a band willing to take risks.

Thanks for the love on this vid! Check out the band now on their own channel at www.YouTube.com/c/TheLowDarts This video is from a backyard grad party in 2020 and they have grown exponentially since! Please check them out and subscribe over there for upcoming vids!

The post Candace Owens: Why She Can’t Be Stopped appeared first on Lionel Nation.