My bowl picks for 2006-07, maybe with some insight on certain bowls.
Unless noted, I'm not writing the names of the fucking sponsors.
Picks in BOLD
Poinsettia
Northern Illinois over TCU
Las Vegas
Oregon over BYU
New Orleans
Troy over Rice
Papajohns.com Seriously, .com? Not just Papa John's?
USF over ECU
New Mexico
New Mexico over San Diego St
Armed Forces
Utah over Tulsa
Hawaii
Arizona St over Hawaii
Motor City
Central Michigan over Middle Tennessee
Emerald
UCLA over Florida State
Independence
Oklahoma St over Alabama
Holiday My favorite Non-BCS bowl.
Texas A&M over Cal
Texas
Rutgers over Kansas State....Rutgers gets this? They deserve Gator.
Music City
Clemson over Kentucky
Sun
Oregon State over Mizzou
Liberty
South Carolina over Houston
Insight
Texas Tech over Minnesota
Champs Sports Now we get competitive
Purdue over Maryland
Meineke Car Care
Boston College over Navy
Alamo
Texas over Iowa
Chick-fil-a
VIRGINIA TECH over Georgia. More on this tomorrow...
MPC Computers
Miami (FLA) over Nevada
Outback
Penn State over Tennessee-Knoxville
Cotton
Auburn over Nebraska
Gator
West Fuckin' Virginia over Georgia Tech
Capital One
Wisconsin over Arkansas
Rose Bowl
Michigan over USC. This is a re-match from a few years ago when the current UM team were in their freshman year (more-or-less), I believe. It's a young USC team that lost to two unranked teams, though.
Fiesta
Oklahoma over Boise State. OU isn't a walk-over conference winner like the Pitt team that faced Utah two years ago.
Orange
Louisville over Wake Forest. This pick'll probably bite me in the ass, but c'mon. Are either of the teams interesting? The best player on Wake is a PUNTER.
Sugar
LSU over Notre Dame. Yeah, because a team that lost to the ranked teams it played and had to depend on two collapses deserves a bid.
International
Cincinnati over Western Michigan. What the fuck? Why is this game on in between the BCS bowls?
GMAC
Southern Miss over Ohio. Ohio is one of Playboy's top ten party schools. They also have Frank Solich as coach. I still don't think they'll win.
BCS CHAMPIONSHIP
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY over Florida. This promises to be a good game. But, tOSU just has too many weapons.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
This is just an anticipatory column.
I should be editing a geology portfolio right now, but I decided to take a break. With blogging of course. I haven't written anything in about two weeks, so I'm back with some content. College is winding down, and it looks like I'm going to survive my first semester,with decent grades. Unfortunately, I have stuff to do this week and it's subconsciously winding down on me. But you know what you really want? Music, and lots of my horrid opinions on it. Well, you're going to get two shabby reviews of bands I liked more junior of high school. BUT, before finals, you'll get my Mainstream/CollegeandIndie Artists, Songs, and Albums of the Year. That happens next week (say, reading day?). For now, the reviews of two albums that probably have dissenting sides though that's stupid as hell.
Senses Fail, Still Searching
Senses Fail are a New Jersey scremao outfit that gained popularity after their 2004 release Let It Enfold You. Their debut album was so popular that it was re-released with different packaging in 2005. Between now and then, the band has toured and recorded their third release and second album, Still Searching. While Let It Enfold You focused on the usual long names and short depth, Searching seems to have a concept behind it. OK, not a concept so much as a running theme with the word "faith". Yes, there are references to girlfriends, but they seem to be the same just-more-than-simple metaphors. "I was the chapstick in your purse to keep you smooth/I was the finger in your throat to keep you cute" from "Every Day is a Struggle" is the new "Half-smoked cigarettes and you're the trash that infects my sheets" from 2004's "Choke on This." Searching throws those in there for fun, but seems to focus on the lead singer/narrator's self-problems. What we get is a "genius with a headache" who repeatedly talks about his problems with pills and living and depression and whatever else cliche you can think of. At least Senses Fail pokes fun of themselvs with "All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues". Musically, it's what you expect from Senses Fail, with a few keyboards hey and there. Cause hey, everybody loves keyboards these days. It's like, "We were a screamo band during the screamo explosion of 2004, like during the whole Taste of Chaos beginning, Warped getting shittier era, but then, "KEYBOARDS!" we can totally have musical depth like we're Squarepusher meets TV on the Radio meets Thursday!". Just stick to what you do, kids. .....3/5. They could do better...i almost gave them a 2 1/2.
My Chemical Romance, "The Black Parade"
MCR. Gerard and company are back with ANOTHER concept album, but this one is darker (really) than Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge . MCR's last album helped break them into the mainstream, especially after the success of the video for "Helena". My problem with this is that the slower "Helena" allowed MCR to choose a weaker follow-up single in "The Ghost of You". The album had several better choices for follwo-up singles, including "You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison" or "Thank You for the Venom". Well, it didn't help, and MCR just kinda lingered over the last year and a half. What do they come up with now? No longer is it demolition lovers and shit, it's now The Patient. MCR's choice for a lead single, "Welcome to the Black Parade" is somewhat wordy, and a really bad attempt at Queen. Furthermore, "Mama" has tow things that piss me off: A cameo by Liza Manelli (What The FUCK?) and a blatant ripoff of Gogol Bordello. Other tracks on the album sound very MCR, wit the poppunkpseudogothiness that we've come to know, love, and respect. Their choice for a ballad, though, is a bad one. It lacks the volume, velocity, and overall encompassing effect of a song like "Ghost of You". The song is "Cancer", and it has a piano, and takes that cue. Little buildup happens. The lyrics are the saving grace, I guess of the album. Gerard lets us listen to a nicely constructed album, except for the song "Famous Last Words". The title, lyrics, and overall presentation are very pase and kinda boring. But, the album is still a good disc to listen to and molds well. 4/5...and they desreve it. They got more coming up their sleeve.
the AWARDS show next week
Senses Fail, Still Searching
Senses Fail are a New Jersey scremao outfit that gained popularity after their 2004 release Let It Enfold You. Their debut album was so popular that it was re-released with different packaging in 2005. Between now and then, the band has toured and recorded their third release and second album, Still Searching. While Let It Enfold You focused on the usual long names and short depth, Searching seems to have a concept behind it. OK, not a concept so much as a running theme with the word "faith". Yes, there are references to girlfriends, but they seem to be the same just-more-than-simple metaphors. "I was the chapstick in your purse to keep you smooth/I was the finger in your throat to keep you cute" from "Every Day is a Struggle" is the new "Half-smoked cigarettes and you're the trash that infects my sheets" from 2004's "Choke on This." Searching throws those in there for fun, but seems to focus on the lead singer/narrator's self-problems. What we get is a "genius with a headache" who repeatedly talks about his problems with pills and living and depression and whatever else cliche you can think of. At least Senses Fail pokes fun of themselvs with "All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues". Musically, it's what you expect from Senses Fail, with a few keyboards hey and there. Cause hey, everybody loves keyboards these days. It's like, "We were a screamo band during the screamo explosion of 2004, like during the whole Taste of Chaos beginning, Warped getting shittier era, but then, "KEYBOARDS!" we can totally have musical depth like we're Squarepusher meets TV on the Radio meets Thursday!". Just stick to what you do, kids. .....3/5. They could do better...i almost gave them a 2 1/2.
My Chemical Romance, "The Black Parade"
MCR. Gerard and company are back with ANOTHER concept album, but this one is darker (really) than Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge . MCR's last album helped break them into the mainstream, especially after the success of the video for "Helena". My problem with this is that the slower "Helena" allowed MCR to choose a weaker follow-up single in "The Ghost of You". The album had several better choices for follwo-up singles, including "You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison" or "Thank You for the Venom". Well, it didn't help, and MCR just kinda lingered over the last year and a half. What do they come up with now? No longer is it demolition lovers and shit, it's now The Patient. MCR's choice for a lead single, "Welcome to the Black Parade" is somewhat wordy, and a really bad attempt at Queen. Furthermore, "Mama" has tow things that piss me off: A cameo by Liza Manelli (What The FUCK?) and a blatant ripoff of Gogol Bordello. Other tracks on the album sound very MCR, wit the poppunkpseudogothiness that we've come to know, love, and respect. Their choice for a ballad, though, is a bad one. It lacks the volume, velocity, and overall encompassing effect of a song like "Ghost of You". The song is "Cancer", and it has a piano, and takes that cue. Little buildup happens. The lyrics are the saving grace, I guess of the album. Gerard lets us listen to a nicely constructed album, except for the song "Famous Last Words". The title, lyrics, and overall presentation are very pase and kinda boring. But, the album is still a good disc to listen to and molds well. 4/5...and they desreve it. They got more coming up their sleeve.
the AWARDS show next week
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
radiothon.tests.such.
Taking a break from studying, right now. Geology is taught in sucha way that I hear words and not concepts, but I'm falling asleep by the first fifteen mintues in the lecture because my last class was boring. After I get through tomorrow, my semester will be downhill. This is good, because college has come up to me, smacked me in the face, and said "Fuck, you'll get better at this next time." With the exam tomorrom, I'll have a heavy burden lifted off of my shoulders and such.
Tomorrow is really big in terms of my involvement with RADIOTHON. I'll be stopping by the Drillfield remote, of course, on my way to class. But, I have to MC Valerie's show from 7-9 pm, when she plays the best fo the Hammond Organ. She plays good funk, so I'll probably enjoy it. The biggest even by far is LOCAL ZONE EXTRAVAGANZA at Squires. A bunch of local bands playing for donations, and it looks good. I'll finally get to see Philip Uster and the House Floor (there's a government joke if you look closely).
Who wants to hear more Mission of Burma? Just me.
Tomorrow is really big in terms of my involvement with RADIOTHON. I'll be stopping by the Drillfield remote, of course, on my way to class. But, I have to MC Valerie's show from 7-9 pm, when she plays the best fo the Hammond Organ. She plays good funk, so I'll probably enjoy it. The biggest even by far is LOCAL ZONE EXTRAVAGANZA at Squires. A bunch of local bands playing for donations, and it looks good. I'll finally get to see Philip Uster and the House Floor (there's a government joke if you look closely).
Who wants to hear more Mission of Burma? Just me.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Top 10 for this week...
It's time for the new Top 10 most played songs from my iTunes. I know you're excited.
Artist|Track
1.TV on The Radio|"Wolf Like Me"
This is the best perfectly written song for rock out right now, both lyrically and musically. There is a reason these Williamsburg, BK artists are number one. "Wolf Like Me" is fantastic, that's why.
2.Lupe Fiasco|"The Instrumental"
My favorite track on Food and Liquor, it tells the story of a latchkey kid through the use of manipulating the word box. Lupe is that good, and he's going to tell you via perspective.
3.The Majestic Twelve|"Break It and Breathe"
TM12 are my favorite new band, and it shows. "Break" gives you a great traditional rock song that immediately makes you love your friends.
4.The Majestic Twelve|"American Rage"
5.The Majestic Twelve|"Thank God Everything on TV is a Lie"
6.The Majestic Twelve|"Are You Ready?"
Yes, TM12 are that good and that listenable.
7.Lupe Fiasco|"I Gotcha"
VA stand up, the 7 Cities are on the record with this Neptunes-produced track. It;s got that spacey bounce, and damn it's good. Lyrically, it's a nice little joint you can bump to.
8.Lupe Fiasco|"He Say She Say"
Mr. FNF tells us a story about a kid who has a lot of talent, but the split his parents are going through is making him disinterested and such. Good songwriting from Chi City, once again.
9.The Majestic Twelve|"Condoleeza, Check My Posse"
Fun with satire and a calmed-down hardcore approach to vocals, sorta. Still good, however.
10.The Roots|"Livin' In a New World"
A quick 1:47 track that tells you to put on your high tops and turn up your boombox. Ah, those days.
The Majestic Twelve are really good, you see.
The Latest Additions to my Library:
Squarepusher-Hello Everything
These Arms Are Snakes-Easter
Snowden-Anti-Anti
Golden Shoulders-KIN
Brazilian Girls-Talk to La Bomb
Fugazi-13 Songs
awesome.
10.
Artist|Track
1.TV on The Radio|"Wolf Like Me"
This is the best perfectly written song for rock out right now, both lyrically and musically. There is a reason these Williamsburg, BK artists are number one. "Wolf Like Me" is fantastic, that's why.
2.Lupe Fiasco|"The Instrumental"
My favorite track on Food and Liquor, it tells the story of a latchkey kid through the use of manipulating the word box. Lupe is that good, and he's going to tell you via perspective.
3.The Majestic Twelve|"Break It and Breathe"
TM12 are my favorite new band, and it shows. "Break" gives you a great traditional rock song that immediately makes you love your friends.
4.The Majestic Twelve|"American Rage"
5.The Majestic Twelve|"Thank God Everything on TV is a Lie"
6.The Majestic Twelve|"Are You Ready?"
Yes, TM12 are that good and that listenable.
7.Lupe Fiasco|"I Gotcha"
VA stand up, the 7 Cities are on the record with this Neptunes-produced track. It;s got that spacey bounce, and damn it's good. Lyrically, it's a nice little joint you can bump to.
8.Lupe Fiasco|"He Say She Say"
Mr. FNF tells us a story about a kid who has a lot of talent, but the split his parents are going through is making him disinterested and such. Good songwriting from Chi City, once again.
9.The Majestic Twelve|"Condoleeza, Check My Posse"
Fun with satire and a calmed-down hardcore approach to vocals, sorta. Still good, however.
10.The Roots|"Livin' In a New World"
A quick 1:47 track that tells you to put on your high tops and turn up your boombox. Ah, those days.
The Majestic Twelve are really good, you see.
The Latest Additions to my Library:
Squarepusher-Hello Everything
These Arms Are Snakes-Easter
Snowden-Anti-Anti
Golden Shoulders-KIN
Brazilian Girls-Talk to La Bomb
Fugazi-13 Songs
awesome.
10.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Five albums.
Sheffield, England's Arctic Monkeys are one of my favorite bands, and their album "Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not" is one of my favorite albums of all time. This got me to thinking: What are the five albums that have influenced me the most?
(In no Particular order)
1. Flogging Molly, "Drunken Lullabies"
Synopsis A Septept of Irish musicians from Los Angeles, of all places, come together and make Celtic folk-inspired punk rock about drinking, religion, friendship, freedon, family, and drinking.
Why it means something to me "Lullabies" introduced me to live shows. A friend of mine told me about an upcoming show (way back in 2002), and gave me a burned copy of the album. I was instantly drawn to the energy of the album, and their show on November 2, 2002 was my introduction into kickass live music.
2.Minor Threat, "Complete Discography"
Synopsis Ian Mackaye (formerly of Teen Idles) decides he wants to play music as fast as humanly possible. Along the way, he creates the "straight-edge" subgenre and lifestyle, where kids don't drink, smoke, or do drugs. The sub-sub-genres of sXe and Youth Crew develop.
Why it means something to me I was again introduced to this band through the same friend, and I could identify with them. A clean lifestyle, and fast motherfucking music to listen to. The lyrics were hidden beyond the music, but it was worth it. Yeah...it's IN MY EYES.
3.Kanye West, "The College Dropout"
Synopsis Do I have to? Chicago-area producer gets big by making HOVA for the Jiggaman himself. Fast forward a few years, and this kid gets a record deal. He takes a backpacker-ish route, talking about graveshifts, car accidents, and oh yeah, college and why it sucks.
Why it means something to me The world told me about Ye...and I took the message. West's second album was better recieved critically,but for me, it lacked depth. He seemd to go more mainstream, and it kinda pissed me off. "Dropout" had shit anyone-anyone-could deal with, and had college-related songs. "Late Registration"-the Louis Vitton Don's soph effort-stayed away from school, save Broke Phi Broke skits. It was a helluva freshman effort, and had so many good songs on it-hell, School Spirit coulda beena single.
4.Funeral for a Friend, "Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation"
Synopsis A group of Welshmen make a rock and roll album. That rock and roll album has just the right blend of screaming and singing, along with damn catchy hooks. Lyrically, the songs have really long song titles but hey.
Why this album means something to me: Lyrically...I was young, sixteen, and getting into screamo because I was naive. But, the songs were easily decipherable, and I really enjoyed the song titles. What really did it for me is that the first time I saw the band, it was the first time I heard them.The audience was singing along, and man...I loved it. Good Job, FFAF.
5.Pixies, "Wave of Mutilation"
Synopsis Pixies, the biggest indie band ever, have all their best stuff thrown on one album by 4AD just in time for a reunion tour.
Why it means something to me Radio introduced me to Pixies (really) with "Here Comes Your Man" and "Debaser"...both are good songs, and I like the one about gouging out eyeballs better. The album, which I bought because I was getting in to the Pixies and the whole reunion thing, told me why Kim Deal was fucking awesome. I like any Pixies song Kim Deal lends her voice to, my favorite being "Into the White". I saw them live, and well, I saw the Pixies. Mmm....good record.
Now you kids know what music influenced me, leave a comment if you can on facebook, or just put one below.
Payce.
(In no Particular order)
1. Flogging Molly, "Drunken Lullabies"
Synopsis A Septept of Irish musicians from Los Angeles, of all places, come together and make Celtic folk-inspired punk rock about drinking, religion, friendship, freedon, family, and drinking.
Why it means something to me "Lullabies" introduced me to live shows. A friend of mine told me about an upcoming show (way back in 2002), and gave me a burned copy of the album. I was instantly drawn to the energy of the album, and their show on November 2, 2002 was my introduction into kickass live music.
2.Minor Threat, "Complete Discography"
Synopsis Ian Mackaye (formerly of Teen Idles) decides he wants to play music as fast as humanly possible. Along the way, he creates the "straight-edge" subgenre and lifestyle, where kids don't drink, smoke, or do drugs. The sub-sub-genres of sXe and Youth Crew develop.
Why it means something to me I was again introduced to this band through the same friend, and I could identify with them. A clean lifestyle, and fast motherfucking music to listen to. The lyrics were hidden beyond the music, but it was worth it. Yeah...it's IN MY EYES.
3.Kanye West, "The College Dropout"
Synopsis Do I have to? Chicago-area producer gets big by making HOVA for the Jiggaman himself. Fast forward a few years, and this kid gets a record deal. He takes a backpacker-ish route, talking about graveshifts, car accidents, and oh yeah, college and why it sucks.
Why it means something to me The world told me about Ye...and I took the message. West's second album was better recieved critically,but for me, it lacked depth. He seemd to go more mainstream, and it kinda pissed me off. "Dropout" had shit anyone-anyone-could deal with, and had college-related songs. "Late Registration"-the Louis Vitton Don's soph effort-stayed away from school, save Broke Phi Broke skits. It was a helluva freshman effort, and had so many good songs on it-hell, School Spirit coulda beena single.
4.Funeral for a Friend, "Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation"
Synopsis A group of Welshmen make a rock and roll album. That rock and roll album has just the right blend of screaming and singing, along with damn catchy hooks. Lyrically, the songs have really long song titles but hey.
Why this album means something to me: Lyrically...I was young, sixteen, and getting into screamo because I was naive. But, the songs were easily decipherable, and I really enjoyed the song titles. What really did it for me is that the first time I saw the band, it was the first time I heard them.The audience was singing along, and man...I loved it. Good Job, FFAF.
5.Pixies, "Wave of Mutilation"
Synopsis Pixies, the biggest indie band ever, have all their best stuff thrown on one album by 4AD just in time for a reunion tour.
Why it means something to me Radio introduced me to Pixies (really) with "Here Comes Your Man" and "Debaser"...both are good songs, and I like the one about gouging out eyeballs better. The album, which I bought because I was getting in to the Pixies and the whole reunion thing, told me why Kim Deal was fucking awesome. I like any Pixies song Kim Deal lends her voice to, my favorite being "Into the White". I saw them live, and well, I saw the Pixies. Mmm....good record.
Now you kids know what music influenced me, leave a comment if you can on facebook, or just put one below.
Payce.
Chill?
"Relax Heath".
"You need to chill out man."
I suppose I do. Constantly, I am subject to this advice. Every person I consdier something of a friend seems to say this, but I have no idea what they're talking about. Perspective is a necessity in this situation. You see, I cn't judge myself impartially-no one can, not even the Pope. At the current moment, stress isn't weighing me down as much as it could be. I have no papers due until the 30th, and I need advice on that anyhow. Yeah, I need to study math. The point here is that my academic responsibilities aren't causing me to stress.
Sleep! I sleep every chance I get. You tell me.
"You need to chill out man."
I suppose I do. Constantly, I am subject to this advice. Every person I consdier something of a friend seems to say this, but I have no idea what they're talking about. Perspective is a necessity in this situation. You see, I cn't judge myself impartially-no one can, not even the Pope. At the current moment, stress isn't weighing me down as much as it could be. I have no papers due until the 30th, and I need advice on that anyhow. Yeah, I need to study math. The point here is that my academic responsibilities aren't causing me to stress.
Sleep! I sleep every chance I get. You tell me.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Identity.
Defining one's self is a process that never ends, beginning at our first conscious experience and possibly transcending into the afterlife. Nothing can stop the ongoing formatting of our personalities. We are known for one trait or another, whether it has positive or negative connotations. I say this given my current situation in my social circles.
I think I know where I belong, but I still exist somewhere outside of the main groups formed by those I have met. Being a necessary part of a group is not my only means of emotional fulfillment, nor should it be. But, acting as a peripheral part of several groups doesn't quite have the same meaning as a role as a necessary part of a group does. Granted, I am introverted and to myself. Yes, I find happiness in my solitude-but it gets boring sometimes. Maybe my problem is that I am not aggressive enough with my social building skills. Most of the friends I have came about passively, as is the case with many people. I am not quick to reject someone simply because they do not belong with the status quo, but there are some people I seem to ignore. Not that they're horrible people, I just don't feel like seeking out other means.
Then again, when I am aggressive in my strategy, it backfires on me. Join an organization, they say. I did, and I feel out of place with everyone within two years of my age. This has plagued me: it always seems like I was born too late. Maybe I should have been advanced a year back in elementary school. I have to make the most of my situation, and the situation sucks. Where this particulary bothers me is in the field of..hmm, I can't call it romance, I can't call it lust, what the hell am I supposed to call it? Alright, the pursuit of the opposite sex.
An area I've had no success with, ever. Ah, the failure stories I can tell, they're fucking...depressing. They're not even awesome, they just suck. Maybe they'll draw empathy, but wow, that's a low move. I'd just like a girl who's not in a relationship to like me for who I am and vice versa...but that will never happen or something. Or maybe. I really didn't clear up what I wanted to clear up.
I think I know where I belong, but I still exist somewhere outside of the main groups formed by those I have met. Being a necessary part of a group is not my only means of emotional fulfillment, nor should it be. But, acting as a peripheral part of several groups doesn't quite have the same meaning as a role as a necessary part of a group does. Granted, I am introverted and to myself. Yes, I find happiness in my solitude-but it gets boring sometimes. Maybe my problem is that I am not aggressive enough with my social building skills. Most of the friends I have came about passively, as is the case with many people. I am not quick to reject someone simply because they do not belong with the status quo, but there are some people I seem to ignore. Not that they're horrible people, I just don't feel like seeking out other means.
Then again, when I am aggressive in my strategy, it backfires on me. Join an organization, they say. I did, and I feel out of place with everyone within two years of my age. This has plagued me: it always seems like I was born too late. Maybe I should have been advanced a year back in elementary school. I have to make the most of my situation, and the situation sucks. Where this particulary bothers me is in the field of..hmm, I can't call it romance, I can't call it lust, what the hell am I supposed to call it? Alright, the pursuit of the opposite sex.
An area I've had no success with, ever. Ah, the failure stories I can tell, they're fucking...depressing. They're not even awesome, they just suck. Maybe they'll draw empathy, but wow, that's a low move. I'd just like a girl who's not in a relationship to like me for who I am and vice versa...but that will never happen or something. Or maybe. I really didn't clear up what I wanted to clear up.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Conceived after yesterday's longer than expected road trip, I present to you my new blog, A Sign In Salem. The sign in question was the marquee outside a Pizza Hut that read "Smile You Know You Want It." I'm sure the franchise meant their pizza, but other connotations may have been intended. for all I know, some motherfucking hot waitress works there and she want to naughty things to the customers. Chances are she's a college student, with the bevy of higher education around the New River Valley/Roanoke Valley. Back to business, though.
What I aim to do with this blog is to post on a more frequent basis, post Watch Batteries (I will write another one, one day...), and deliver content. That's right, content. the Alarm Clock blog was a fun experiment, but no one wants to do anything like that in the summer. A Sign in Salem (ASIS...or ASS, your choice) will be solely my work, because I feel the need to tell you these things. In the vein of Watch Batteries, I give you the first feature-Top 10/25.
Here's how this works: I give you the top 10 of my 25 Most played on iTunes. Currently, I only have 1.5 GB of music on my laptop. Thanks, DRM! I digress.
Artist|Title
1. The Majestic Twelve|Thank God Everything On TV is A Lie
Perhaps the best song on their sophomore effort, Schizophrenology, TM12 construct a middle-of-the-road argument by using saracastic infelction. Brilliant. The best part? The bridge-"C', mon baby let's go....to the mall"
2.TV on the Radio|Wolf Like Me
TVotR are back....and this is the poppiest song on the album. Pop in a good way-this song was performed on Letterman, and Dave really really liked it.
3.The Majestic Twelve|Break It and Breathe
Taking a breather from talking about politics, TM12 reflect on old times and taking it easy. A pure rock song, really. Adds a little something called complexity to the album.
4.The Majestic Twelve|American Rage
This time, it's personal. With the refrain " I Am American Rage!" serving as the hook/chorus, the listener is taken ona ride through the vocalist's eyes. Connects with the listener on a person-to-personal level.
5.Lupe Fiasco|The Instrumental
One of my favorite tracks on Lupe's long-awaited full length (or at least a real full length). I'd really like to see you rhyme box that well. Go ahead, do it. You can't.
6.The Majestic Twelve|Are You Ready?
TM12 close their album with a battle cry, asking you if you're gonna "stand up like Patrick Henry or get baked and watch Patrick the Starfish". Spongebob is cemented into stoner culture, but that's beside the point. The best part of the song? The lyrical gem "My constitution is forged from Carnegie Steel/Ellis Island, Rosa Parks, America for real!" Only from this band from Wilmington, NC.
7.The Roots|Bread and Butter
Hip-hop's hardest working group is back with their new album, Game Theory. "Bread and Butter" is an exclusive track onyl available via iTunes download. I highly suggest you get it.
8.Lupe Fiasco|Hurt Me Soul
Hailed as the best song on the album, Mr. FNF complains about...everything, and how they "hurt me soul." Mainly though, Loop explains why he's not your typical rapper.
9.The Majestic Twelve|Condoleeza, Check My Posse
Everybody's favorite song at WUVT from TM12. I like the song, but the novelty wears off.
10. M83|Teen Angst
FUCK lyrics, let's dance. M83, those electronic/shoegazers you love from their 2005 effort When the Dawn Heals Us. Good song. Few Lyrics.
Feature one down. I hope you come to enjoy A Sign in Salem, as much as many of you like Watch Batteries. For those of you coming here via AIM or facebook-enjoy the humor, aight?
Aight,
H.S.
What I aim to do with this blog is to post on a more frequent basis, post Watch Batteries (I will write another one, one day...), and deliver content. That's right, content. the Alarm Clock blog was a fun experiment, but no one wants to do anything like that in the summer. A Sign in Salem (ASIS...or ASS, your choice) will be solely my work, because I feel the need to tell you these things. In the vein of Watch Batteries, I give you the first feature-Top 10/25.
Here's how this works: I give you the top 10 of my 25 Most played on iTunes. Currently, I only have 1.5 GB of music on my laptop. Thanks, DRM! I digress.
Artist|Title
1. The Majestic Twelve|Thank God Everything On TV is A Lie
Perhaps the best song on their sophomore effort, Schizophrenology, TM12 construct a middle-of-the-road argument by using saracastic infelction. Brilliant. The best part? The bridge-"C', mon baby let's go....to the mall"
2.TV on the Radio|Wolf Like Me
TVotR are back....and this is the poppiest song on the album. Pop in a good way-this song was performed on Letterman, and Dave really really liked it.
3.The Majestic Twelve|Break It and Breathe
Taking a breather from talking about politics, TM12 reflect on old times and taking it easy. A pure rock song, really. Adds a little something called complexity to the album.
4.The Majestic Twelve|American Rage
This time, it's personal. With the refrain " I Am American Rage!" serving as the hook/chorus, the listener is taken ona ride through the vocalist's eyes. Connects with the listener on a person-to-personal level.
5.Lupe Fiasco|The Instrumental
One of my favorite tracks on Lupe's long-awaited full length (or at least a real full length). I'd really like to see you rhyme box that well. Go ahead, do it. You can't.
6.The Majestic Twelve|Are You Ready?
TM12 close their album with a battle cry, asking you if you're gonna "stand up like Patrick Henry or get baked and watch Patrick the Starfish". Spongebob is cemented into stoner culture, but that's beside the point. The best part of the song? The lyrical gem "My constitution is forged from Carnegie Steel/Ellis Island, Rosa Parks, America for real!" Only from this band from Wilmington, NC.
7.The Roots|Bread and Butter
Hip-hop's hardest working group is back with their new album, Game Theory. "Bread and Butter" is an exclusive track onyl available via iTunes download. I highly suggest you get it.
8.Lupe Fiasco|Hurt Me Soul
Hailed as the best song on the album, Mr. FNF complains about...everything, and how they "hurt me soul." Mainly though, Loop explains why he's not your typical rapper.
9.The Majestic Twelve|Condoleeza, Check My Posse
Everybody's favorite song at WUVT from TM12. I like the song, but the novelty wears off.
10. M83|Teen Angst
FUCK lyrics, let's dance. M83, those electronic/shoegazers you love from their 2005 effort When the Dawn Heals Us. Good song. Few Lyrics.
Feature one down. I hope you come to enjoy A Sign in Salem, as much as many of you like Watch Batteries. For those of you coming here via AIM or facebook-enjoy the humor, aight?
Aight,
H.S.
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