Random Start: Rhyme the Rhyme Well by Beastie Boys

Beastie Boys are the masters of the alternating run up into the frame music video.  This song is from their next to last record.  I think they peaked with Hello Nasty...didn't like their last 2 records at all, and I'm not even counting their instrumental record as a real record.

Random Start: Fazer by Quicksand

Quicksand influenced a LOT of the bands I like today.  I didn't listen to them when they were active, but went back and downloaded their records.  I like checking out things that influenced bands I like now to see where they came from.

Random Start: Disappearing World by Fair

This is probably one of the more decent bands no one's ever heard of.  The catalyst is Aaron Sprinkle who is somewhat of a house producer for bands on Tooth and Nail Records.  His first band, Poor Old Lu, was one of the first "alternative" bands to launch into the Christian marketplace.  Back then things were different, and bands weren't striving for mainstream exposure as they are now - they seemed more keen to go into the "Christian" subculture and just exist there.  Poor Old Lu broke up and Aaron started producing records for T&N...and making a few of his own.


Anyway - Fair is Aaron's current band and as far as I know it's just a studio project.  

Random Start: I Hope They Get To Me In Time by Darius Rucker

I like that Darius Rucker has moved into country music.  I didn't know how the fan base would accept him, but it's been with open arms and he's been a huge success.  I've liked several of his songs and this one came up today.  The video was made by a fan and is a very literal treatment of the lyrics...pretty good in my opinion.

Random Start: No Surprises by Radiohead

This is another nice way to start a morning.  I think I'm going to have my Zune app run a Smart DJ playlist of Radiohead today (kind of like Pandora).  Their videos have always been mindbending...in my opinion the best was for Just.

Random Start: Work It by Missy Elliott

I loved this song back when it was tracking on the charts.  Gotta hand it to Missy - her music was innovative (with help from Timbaland) and her videos were way over on the creative side too.  Haven't heard this song in a long time.  "It has a good beat and I can dance to it."

Random Start: Lithium by Nirvana

Not gonna lie.  I've never liked Nirvana.  I don't know why they never resonated with me like they seemed to with EVERYONE.  I can give them credit for being the catalyst that changed rock music which was going down a road that would surely lead to many more Nicklebacks in the mainstream.  A year or so ago I saw on Zune that some Nirvana records were reissued and I downloaded some of the hits just to have them...I still don't like them though.

Wake Up, Push Play: I Knew You Before by Dustin Kensrue

I love it when what I've been calling Random Start pulls up a winner.  Dustin Kensrue is the singer and lyricist for Thrice.  I downloaded this record a LONG time ago but didn't listen to it much until this past year.  It's an acoustic record and a stylistic departure from Thrice, but now that I have dug into it I LOVE it.  Dustin's lyrics bring a spriritual and uplifting aspect to Thrice's music, and this record (to me) is one of the earlier public professions of faith that are unveiled.  This song is possibly about someone he knew - but someone who got caught up into image and success and things, and he's reminding her that he knew her before all that and she was beautiful then too.  The title of this record is Please Come Home, which is also a song telling the story of the Prodigal Son.  Killer, killer song.  

Random Start: Don't Lose Touch by Against Me!

This song was my first exposure to Against Me! and I LOVE this song.  This is a "punkish" band that has developed some serious songwriting chops and has gotten a lot of backlash from fans of their early material for their development.  Thankfully they're not going the Green Day path and really becoming a pop band...there's still plenty of punk sound and attitude in their songs.  SPIN rated their 2007 release New Wave the best record of the year.  Their latest record White Crosses is also full of quality tracks, including one that shoots back at their detractors saying they're sellouts: I Was A Teenage Anarchist


Against Me! is from Tampa FL which has produced some good rock bands over the last few years...Anberlin and Underoath are also from Tampa.  

Random Start: Become The Fuse by Hatebreed

For years I've loved this East coast hardcore sound.  Hatebreed seem like they've been around forever even though I think they got started in the 90s.  They're now synonymous with hardcore and carry the torch for that style of metal.  To me, their music is uplifting...the lyrics are generally positive and encouraging (except maybe that one song "Destroy Everything"...yeah, not that one).  In the times when I do run or work out I prefer heavy music, and Hatebreed has made frequent appearances in my exercise playlists.  So, if you're looking to get into shape or just for some positive energy to start your day, throw on some Hatebreed and get it on!  Become The Fuse!

Random Start: Me and Bobby McGee by Kris Kristofferson

It was cool to find this video of Highwaymen performing this Kris Kristofferson classic.  My brother-in-law, Danny, is a big fan of Kris, and the rest of these guys too.  Enjoy!

Random Start: Film Noir by The Gaslight Anthem

The Gaslight Anthem is one of my favorite bands that I've found the in the last few years.  This is just a good American rock 'n roll band.  Their first record was solid and their followup was a big improvement.  Now they're working on a 3rd and I'm guessing they'll be even better.  Their sound is a straightforward rock, but with a bit of a punk edge.  I'm hoping they'll swing by Nashville sometime on a tour as I'd love to see them live.  I've read comparisons of them to Springsteen (who I don't like at all).  Maybe it's because they're making rock music that sounds American and they're from Jersey.  I think what I appreciate most in their music is the writing - these are good songs and they keep them fairly short for a modern rock band.  They get in, do damage, and get out and do it again on the next song.  This track is from their first record, The '59 Sound.  If you haven't heard them check out the followup American Slang first...love this record!

Random Start: Trap Doors by Broken Bells

If you don't know, Broken Bells is made up of Danger Mouse and the singer from The Shins.  I just made a note to myself to listen to their record more because I KNOW it's good, I just haven't dug into it the way I need to...a result of my always being on the hunt and not slowing down when I find something good.  

Playoffs? You Still Want To Talk About Playoffs? Playoffs?

So we're into week 2 of the NFL playoffs and the four teams that won their first round games are visiting those who earned a bye.  Last week I picked both Saturday games right, but missed on both Sunday games.  Let's see if I can do better than 50% this week.  After all, I'm the guy that won NFL Pick'em contests among both co-workers and on a group put together by Thrice's Riley Breckenridge.  Maybe I have a bright future in gambling.


Saints at 49ers: Once again, I have friends on both sides of this one.  In talking with one today he said it won't be about what each team's strength does (Saints offense and 49ers defense) but about whose weakness is less weak.  I get that.  This is a tough game to pick.  These 49ers are new to success, but I have a feeling they're up to the task.  However, the Saints are rolling right now and I see their offense overwhelming the 49ers very high quality defense.  Saints win 24-13


Tebows, I mean Broncos at Patriots: I picked against Tebow last week and missed.  I bet most of the country did.  My mind says the Broncos simply won't be able to match up against the Patriots, but this other part of me (maybe an elbow) says don't bet against Tebow.  A team with a good ground game can get it done in New England.  Let's go with Broncos 27-21


Texans at Ravens: If things had worked out differently for the Titans over the last few years this could have been a game where I'd simply hate both teams.  The rivalry with Baltimore isn't what it used to be at all and Harbaugh is a good guy coach...an anti-Billick if you will.  This is the first time Houston has really challenged for a spot in the playoffs so instead of thinking of them as the intra-division rival I'm kind of happy for them...just wish they weren't down to a 3rd string quarterback.  In this case Baltimore should be far better with their running game and defense.  Ravens win 28-13


Giants at Packers: I don't think I even need to think about this one that hard.  Packers win big 31-17.  


Moving on to my other football love, Tottenham Hotspur.  They FINALLY played that game they've had in hand since August's riots in London and beat Everton 2-0 on Wednesday.  Now they sit level with Manchester United at 2nd place in the EPL table, and just 3 points behind Manchester City.  Spurs face Wolves tomorrow at White Hart Lane (home), then face Man City for the 2nd and final time this season next Sunday...and AT City.  Hopefully it will be a chance to pull level with them for top of the table...or perhaps even to rise to the top spot alone.  And hopefully Scott Parker will be back for both games, even though Jake Livermore was a quality backfill in his absence.  For what it's worth I think Spurs will beat Wolves, but that Man City will beat Wigan and they'll still be 3 points apart by the time they play each other.


I'm new to following EPL and don't know all the history, but I think Spurs really do have a shot at winning the league this year, and they do look at least to be in solid position to qualify for Champions League play next year.  When that happens I only hope they can keep together the core who are making this happen now.  Adebayor and Parker were just signed this Fall and they have been MAJOR cogs in this machine that is Spurs.  COYS!


Speaking of playoffs, I find myself wishing there was a playoff scenario in EPL.  I guess that's a topic for another time...

Random Start: The Persecuted Won't Forget by Testament

I think I found this band from a Facebook posting by my friend Roy Culver a few years ago.  I had heard of them but never gave them a listen until then.  This is a band who's good at what they do, and they haven't really changed from what I can tell - Thrash Metal.  I like it for the same reason I like Living Sacrifice - they're super tight and good at what they do...and I always liked this thrashy, kind of speed metal sound.  I've downloaded all their records into my catalog but frankly it's so much material I haven't dug deep into it.  Just yesterday I was thinking it would be cool if a Testament track would pop up in Random Start (since one hadn't yet and I think this is a band worthy of some attention).  Way to go Random Start!

More Windows Phone Musings

A month or so ago I wrote a post about what's going right and wrong for Windows Phone, and it focused mostly on ways that I think Microsoft is blowing it when they actually do have something killer to offer.  This is CES week in Las Vegas, a time when makers of tech gadgets launch new products or simply promote what they already have.  In the last post I also mentioned that Nokia was going to be launching new Windows Phone handsets and would be the biggest hardware partner supporting the OS.  My first good cell phone was by Nokia.  While they've been out of the mobile scene in the U.S. they're still a major player worldwide.  This will end up being a good move for both Microsoft and Nokia.  The handsets already launched in Europe are very popular and the handsets launching in the U.S. are receiving positive reviews.

So now for some post-CES happenings commentary.  I've read a lot of articles saying that the Nokia Lumia 900 and HTC Titan II, both of which will be on AT&T, stole the show in the mobility category.  Admittedly, I'm getting this from blogs and Twitter posts from writers who are supportive of the Windows Phone platform, but I do see the excitement there.  I also see this as an opportunity that simply can't be missed.  There are killer devices out for Android and the iPhone 4S is pretty awesome (I must admit).  So what's the barrier to really making this thing happen?

Carriers.  Carriers rule the world in mobile.  Yes, the iPhone thrived for years exclusively with AT&T.  When it launched it was a revolutionary product that was supported by unending marketing.  They could afford to place all emphasis with one carrier, and frankly still could today.  

This week a Sprint executive told PC Magazine they were disappointed in Windows Phone sales on their network and aren't that excited to offer another handset...that maybe they'd think about it in August/September.  This is getting lots of backlash from Sprint customers and has even led to a petition being launched to make Sprint aware that its customers would like more choice.  It shouldn't be news to anyone that Sprint's sales of their ONLY Windows Phone device has been disappointing.  Their offering is the HTC Arrive, a heavy handset with a slideout physical keyboard and a screen that tilts up at an angle when slid out.  I've been with Sprint for over 15 years and jumped at the chance to get a Windows Phone on their network.  I have zero use for the physical keyboard which makes the phone far too heavy and bulky...would much prefer a body style like a Samsung Focus S or HTC Titan, both of which boast a larger screen but weigh less than my phone.  And both of which are more traditional form factors that users are looking for these days.  I settled for this oddball, heavy handset because I wanted to use the Windows Phone OS, but users who are simply shopping won't be so forgiving - so again, Sprint shouldn't act surprised that sales are low for this handset.  

After reading blogs and articles and comments on those articles it's clear that people are passionate about their phones.  These aren't just phones anymore.  We're using them all day, every day for just about any task you can imagine.  It's my link to my social networks, my family, my news, sports teams, maps, music, recipes, games, books and more.  We're all constantly looking at our phones for a reason - because there's always something going on there or something to do there.  I saw video of people who were passionate about their current phones trying out Windows Phone, or even competing with it in Ben the PC Guy's #smokedbywindowsphone challenges.  People came away truly impressed at the style and speed demonstrated in the platform...and the few that won the challenge walked away with $100.  

To reiterate the closing of my last post, I'd like to see more carriers offering multiple handsets running Windows Phone.  Personally, I don't see light at the end of the tunnel with Sprint and plan to jump to AT&T since they are showing commitment to the platform, AND are launching phones that will work on their LTE network.  I love everything my phone does, but am tired of this heavy, bulky device...looking forward to the Lumia 900 or Titan II.

Random Start: Clint Eastwood by Gorillaz

This song reminds me of watching MTV in the mornings while getting ready - the ONLY time they play videos anymore.  I really liked this track when it came out and thought I'd be really into Gorillaz, but it hasn't happened.  This is still a crazy good song though.  And I love the voice and flow of Del the Funky Homo Sapien over it.  The song Gorillaz did with the guy from De La Soul is a winner too...Feel Good Inc. I think.

Random Start: 6 x 6 by Puller

The track Random Start actually selected was No Use Running, off the same album as this track.  I couldn't find any media of it so I went with this instead.  Puller was one of the more progressive T&N bands in the 90s, and frankly it took me awhile to get into them.  At the time I was listening to hardcore and punk rock and the rhythms and tone here were tough to adjust to.  I remember driving around and really paying attention trying to get the rhythms since they weren't straightforward.  


This was a good band and I only got to see them once on a tour with Stavesacre.  I never got to know Mike Lewis (we may have talked some back when I was booking concerts) but he's lived in Nashville for years now.  I think he's now running a merchandise company with Bruce Fitzhugh.


Lots of music folks I know or am acquainted with have moved to Nashville...maybe that's worth a post sometime.  I keep finding out people have moved here that I wouldn't have expected to.

Random Start: One More Time by Daft Punk

When I moved to Nashville I got involved in a local club for teens called Rocketown, and learned how to DJ there under Mike Linney and DJ Majik.  A lot of my friends at the time were into house music as well and we started going to "raves" or parties together.  My best friend Danny and I eventually became Rocketown's house DJs and I got the chance to be in the weekend rotation at the Underground, a club that was on 2nd Ave in Nashville that's now closed.  I started in the back room but eventually got moved into the main room.  I didn't know anything about anything then and they barely paid me at all.  DJing and hunting for records was at lot of fun back then, but it was an expensive hobby.  At the time we'd have to go to Atlanta or St. Louis to find decent records, and you'd be able to get a record for $6-12 that you only use one track from.  


The one "set" I remember developing would go from kind of traditional deep house to Chicago house, then get into breakbeats and the acidy sound that was popular at the time.  I would usually work in a Daft Punk track in the transition into the breakbeats.  Man, this was a long time ago, but it was fun.  

Playoffs? You Wanna Talk About Playoffs? Playoffs?

Even though my interest in the NFL has waned this year we're now into the playoffs and it gets more interesting.  Some good matchups this weekend.

Bengals at Texans: If the Titans aren't in the playoffs I'm glad to see that the Texans are (and NOT the Colts...sorry Indy family).  They're a division rival, but I like what they've done in building their team.  It's just too bad they're down to a 3rd or 4th string quarterback (with about 4 more sitting on the sideline) or they could really do something.  This is the first of what I think are several tossup games this weekend.  It's hard to like the Bengals, but I find myself rooting for their rookie QB, Andy Dalton.  I think this kid has "it" and will be a good player for years.  Too bad he's in Cincy.  Texans win 34-28

Lions at Saints: This, to me, is the premier matchup of the weekend.  If it's what it appears to be we'll get a shootout, which should make for fun watching.  Stats aside, I have a lot of friends on both sides of this game and find it hard to root one way or the other.  I don't think I'll really decide who I'm pulling for until the game is going - when I'll probably start pulling for the team that's behind to make a comeback.  The Saints are a powerhouse and that goes without saying.  I really like that the Lions have done.  As soon as they hired Jim Schwartz from the Titans I thought it was the start of good things.  He's brought in some good players, including Vanden Bosch from the Titans, to be a guy that sets the pace for work ethic.  They've drafted well and are playing with self-respect again.  They're still a team that is developing, and heading upward with some distance to go.  Saints win 38-34

Falcons at Giants: I don't follow the NFC too closely, but from that knowledge I see the Giants as a flawed team with a QB who can be perfect at times and vulnerable at others, and a strong running game...and oh yeah, a receiver named Cruz who is lighting up the stats this year.  In the ATL I see a solid QB who's had a bad year, and an elite running back and a strong defense.  I think Falcons win this one on the road, and keep our family and friends down in GA happy for this weekend.  Falcons win 24-17

Steelers at Tebows, I mean Broncos: It's been a crazy year for the Broncos with their awful start followed by their miraculous rescue by Tim Tebow.  I didn't think he'd be any good in the NFL either, and it's cool to see him proving people wrong.  And while we can never judge someone's heart or spiritual life, I do have a sense that Tebow is legit.  There's been a lot of funny stuff coming out this week about the sinful Steelers/Big Ben (don't want to look up how to spell his last name) coming to town vs. the saintly Tebow: "Hide yo wives, Big Ben is in town", "Who do you think God is for - his follower Tebow, or the rapist?"....well, they're funny to me.  In the end I think the Steelers will be too much, and have too much experience for the Broncos.  Steelers win 24-13

Saturday 2 home winners, Sunday 2 road winners.  These picks are based on nothing but my sitting here and typing for 5 minutes and gut feeling.  No research.  Place your bets!!

Spurs are playing their B team in a 3rd round FA Cup match against a lower tier team and hold a 2 goal lead at half.  Not much interesting happening in the soccer world this weekend.  Looking forward to seeing Spurs play their makeup game v Everton on Wednesday.  Even though Tim Howard and Landon Donovan are on the Everton side I'll still be supporting Spurs.

Random Start: The Moonn and Sixpence by Falling Up

I don't remember where I heard of this band, but I've downloaded a few of their records and have liked them.  I used to have the idea that they were previously known by another name and were a band that had sent demos to us at Davdon back when I was booking concerts.  Reading their bio makes me think I'm wrong on that.  I dig the big, atmospheric sound.  Part of this song sounds Vheissu era Thrice-ish to me, although I don't know if such a comparison is warranted.

Random Start: Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down by Brand Nubian

Yes, punks do indeed jump up to get beat down.  Enjoy your Friday.

Random Start: January 1979 by MeWithoutYou

Look Danno - told you I had some MeWithoutYou in my collection.  This is a band that most people I know who like quality rock music are into.  And pretty much all the bands I'm into are into MeWithoutYou.  I just haven't been able to catch on yet.  Maybe I don't get it.  The other day I was playing some La Dispute, Touche Amore and some other stuff for my brother-in-law (Danny) and he said "And you don't like MeWithoutYou?"  Will try it out again - this song is a good one.  I think all of their stuff lyrically is going to be like reading poetry, where you have to really dig into it to find meaning.

New Recipe - Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze

We just made this for dinner tonight and it was both super easy and super tasty.  I got this from Allrecipes.com (link below)


Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Ingredients:
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
4 (6 ounce) boneless salmon fillets
salt and ground black pepper to taste



Directions:
Preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack at about 6 inches from the heat source; prepare the rack of a broiler pan with cooking spray.
Season the salmon with salt and pepper and arrange onto the prepared broiler pan. Whisk together the brown sugar and Dijon mustard in a small bowl; spoon mixture evenly onto top of salmon fillets.
Cook under the preheated broiler until the fish flakes easily with a fork, 10 to 15 minutes.


View this recipe and others:
Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze

Random Start: Don't Think Twice, It's All Right by Bob Dylan

My first exposure to this song was from Mike Ness' first solo album, Cheating at Solitaire.  Frankly, I didn't realize until today that it was a Dylan cover.  Wow - he's written some really good songs I didn't realize for a long time were his.

Random Start: Your Song by Elton John

Random Start rolls out a classic today.  I'm not a regular listener of Elton John, and probably not to a lot of the other all time great artists, but he's one of the greats.  I was actually inspired to download some of his stuff by a recent season of American Idol.  They did Elton John week and I realized how great every song was and needed to get to know them better.  

A Weekend of Missed Opportunities

Two of the teams I follow had rough weekends.  Up until this year I was a rabid Tennessee Titans fan and was meticulous about keeping up with everything happening in their world.  I lost interest this year, but still kept up with what was going on and watched several games.  Now that the playoff seedings are set the Titans are just barely on the outside looking in.  


Yesterday they had to win to get in...but also needed 3 other things to happen.  Only one of the other things happened so they're out.  They were in the same boat a few years ago and ended up losing their game to the Patriots while the other pieces fell into place.  Looking back at the season the easiest games to point to are losses to the Colts, who were AWFUL this year, and to the Bengals, who overcame a 10 point 2nd half deficit to win - and are in the playoff spot the Titans could have had.  The part that should be painful to the team is that just one more win would have sealed their spot.  Had they beaten the Colts a few weeks ago none of this would have mattered.  


Bright spots for the Titans: 


1. Mike Munchak kept the team playing hard all season long, when they were arguably in the toughest spot starting the season with new coaches and a new quarterback.  
2. Matthew Hasselbeck (yes, he prefers Matthew) was far better than any of us thought he could be both on the field and as a leader.  He ended up having one of the best ever passing seasons for a Titans QB, was a great mentor to Jake Locker, and seems to be a pretty nice guy - good in the community. Plus, he's a Windows Phone user.
3.  The passing game was solid WITHOUT Kenny Britt.  It can only improve once he gets back.


Areas of concern: 
1. Chris Johnson.  Chris Johnson.  Chris Johnson.  What the heck happened?  Dude got paid and fell off the map.  He only had a few games where it looked like he had his game together.  Otherwise he was generally running into tacklers instead of evading them, and certainly wasn't running away from anyone.  I don't care what he says, he was slower this year.  I'm not an Xs and Os expert, but there were chances to get away from tacklers and take off and it didn't happen.
2. Defensive secondary.  Michael Griffin is one of the players who will be a free agent and they need to let him go.  He's had one good year - the rest has been lackluster.  Too many missed tackles and what seem like blown coverages.


My other team, and the one that I'm much more interested in now, Tottenham Hotspur also missed an opportunity this weekend.  The Premier League season started back in August but Spurs' season started a week late because of rioting in their part of London.  They missed their match with Everton (to be made up on Jan 11th) and their next two were BIG losses to both Manchester clubs - United and City.  After those 2 losses Spurs have been rolling and going into the weekend were 7 points from the top of the table with a game in hand.  Spurs played against Swansea City, who was promoted into the EPL this season.  Spurs got a Van der Vaart goal in the 44th minute but gave up a tying goal late in the match and played to a draw, earning just 1 point.  The lost opportunity was that Man U lost at Old Trafford to Blackburn, who is at the bottom of the table, and City lost to Sunderland, who is also near the bottom of the table.  So when Spurs should have earned 3 points they got 1 - and both Manchester clubs lost games they should have won.  Spurs now sit 6 points from the top of the table and still have that game in hand.  We're nearing the halfway mark of the season and it seems the questions are can Spurs overtake either Manchester club for top spot, but also will Chelsea or Arsenal...or maybe even Liverpool be able to rise up and get into the last spot to qualify for Champions League play next year?  It's looking like Spurs will be a sure qualifier if they keep it up, and with the way Adebayor, Parker, Modric, Bale, Van der Vaart, Walker, Friedel and others are playing they should be in good shape.  COYS

Random Start: Gas Station by The Cool Kids

Good to see The Cool Kids getting another entry into Random Start.  This is one of my favorite tracks from When Fish Ride Bicycles - probably because it has Bun B and Ghostface Killah on it.  Still trying to like this record as much as the first one, but this track is a winner.