I used to do this on Livejournal, but since that's obsolete (shame) I'll do it here. Don't worry, a rather lengthy wrestling related entry is on its way to completion, another few things to write for that as well as finding photos and formatting...I should have it up within a week.
But here is what I do. Make a checklist of things I want to do throughout the summer, and then at the end of the summer go back and check to see how I did...
Last year I got eight out of my eleven checks. So here go my ambitious goals.
1. Write in this blog more frequently.
2. Return to E-Fedding (don't know what that is, ask me)
3. Hike more and outside of Roosevelt
4. Spend more time with my extended family
5. Visit Chicago to see my brother and cousin.
6. Go to Yawgoog.
7. Camp somewhere that's not a 10 foot by 10 foot dirt patch.
8. Go mountain biking.
9. Find a legitimately good record store in CT that's not Cutlers.
10. Shoot a short or two.
11. Go to good concerts (already have 1 lined up).
12. Play a gig.
13. Jam with people I've never jammed with before.
That's it.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
My Weekend
Hello everyone. I don't really post that many bits of information on this blog about my personal life. I obviously editorialize a lot, but I don't really open the doors into what my days consist of etc. etc. but today I wanted to give you a quick rundown of how this past weekend has been for me. Starting with a rough Thursday AM, things really came together and I think that this weekend is a true full representation of who I am...
THURSDAY:
-Went to my Fitness For Life Class and upon final physical evaluation improved in every field (Upper body & ab strength, flexibility) EXCEPT for my 12 minute run, which I blame on terrible shin splints that hit me like 7 minutes in, however I did stay the same as I had the past 2 times. Running has never been my thing, I don't mind.
-Bombed a fine edit for my RTVF class partially because footage was bad and partially because the definition of "fine edit" is impossible to categorize. Luckily I wasn't graded and used the experience to make my final edit great.
-Worked my very last Atrium Table hour with my Freshman "family" Frank Buttafaro, Vinny Pezella, Ryan Sinnott and a slew of other people who aren't worthy enough to be named. I will truly miss those hours of just shooting the breeze with those kids.
-After weeks of talks got Mike Falzone out to Hofstra to perform at our very last Coffeehouse! I was worried it wouldn't end up working as he had to get from Hamden to Hempstead in a very fine cut window of time, and he made it early and performed for a very responsive and surprisingly big crowd. A great way to end the Coffeehouse Series with some fresh 203 flavor.
FRIDAY:
-Worked. Productively.
-Found out towards the middle of the afternoon a certain A-List celebrity might be coming in to talk about getting a reality show. Waited anxiously all day with the other interns, and after waiting an extra 45 minutes after the persons appointment was, left Chelsea Market. Upon getting outside we noticed a security guard waiting by the door, so like all starstruck interns we waited for about 10 minutes before a car pulled up with this A-Lister inside. Paparazzi came out following her and it was one of those things that made me go "Whoa. Followed that up with dinner and drinks with the Oxygen interns, which was awesome. I will miss them when they leave this week and I still have until the end of the month.
SATURDAY:
-Finished setting up Music Fest, as I had missed day 1. Saw Bad Rabbits after listening to them since February, and after the activities of the day I went backstage druing Kevin Devine and the God Damn Bands set. And there 10 feet in front of me was Ghostface Killah of the Wu-Tang Clan. Before Music Fest I had said I was going to forget about professionalism and just go up and ask for a picture, but I was sort of struck with responsibility (that or his 10 man entourage was too much for me to handle). However, when a bass needed autographing for a charity auction, I was lucky enough to ask him to sign it. I swear to god that bass was shaking like crazy when I went up to him. I told him I was a big fan and all of this stuff and he was just really soft spoken just saying "Aight?" and stuff like that. It was underwhelming, mostly because I didn't ask for a picture.
-When I heard Streetlight Manifesto play the opening line of "A Moment of Silence" it brought me back to the moment when I was 17 years old walking into the main hall of the Webster theater with Three Years Accident Free and hearing them sound check to the same tune. For a minute I was just like "Holy moly, I have lived quite a life in these 21 years."
TODAY (SUNDAY):
-Went to sleep at 9 AM after working all night.
-Donated to the Max Kolb Telethon and got a Fantastic Mr. Fox DVD and Poster! Hooray for good things!
-Found out TNA fired Bubba The Love Sponge.
THURSDAY:
-Went to my Fitness For Life Class and upon final physical evaluation improved in every field (Upper body & ab strength, flexibility) EXCEPT for my 12 minute run, which I blame on terrible shin splints that hit me like 7 minutes in, however I did stay the same as I had the past 2 times. Running has never been my thing, I don't mind.
-Bombed a fine edit for my RTVF class partially because footage was bad and partially because the definition of "fine edit" is impossible to categorize. Luckily I wasn't graded and used the experience to make my final edit great.
-Worked my very last Atrium Table hour with my Freshman "family" Frank Buttafaro, Vinny Pezella, Ryan Sinnott and a slew of other people who aren't worthy enough to be named. I will truly miss those hours of just shooting the breeze with those kids.
-After weeks of talks got Mike Falzone out to Hofstra to perform at our very last Coffeehouse! I was worried it wouldn't end up working as he had to get from Hamden to Hempstead in a very fine cut window of time, and he made it early and performed for a very responsive and surprisingly big crowd. A great way to end the Coffeehouse Series with some fresh 203 flavor.
FRIDAY:
-Worked. Productively.
-Found out towards the middle of the afternoon a certain A-List celebrity might be coming in to talk about getting a reality show. Waited anxiously all day with the other interns, and after waiting an extra 45 minutes after the persons appointment was, left Chelsea Market. Upon getting outside we noticed a security guard waiting by the door, so like all starstruck interns we waited for about 10 minutes before a car pulled up with this A-Lister inside. Paparazzi came out following her and it was one of those things that made me go "Whoa. Followed that up with dinner and drinks with the Oxygen interns, which was awesome. I will miss them when they leave this week and I still have until the end of the month.
SATURDAY:
-Finished setting up Music Fest, as I had missed day 1. Saw Bad Rabbits after listening to them since February, and after the activities of the day I went backstage druing Kevin Devine and the God Damn Bands set. And there 10 feet in front of me was Ghostface Killah of the Wu-Tang Clan. Before Music Fest I had said I was going to forget about professionalism and just go up and ask for a picture, but I was sort of struck with responsibility (that or his 10 man entourage was too much for me to handle). However, when a bass needed autographing for a charity auction, I was lucky enough to ask him to sign it. I swear to god that bass was shaking like crazy when I went up to him. I told him I was a big fan and all of this stuff and he was just really soft spoken just saying "Aight?" and stuff like that. It was underwhelming, mostly because I didn't ask for a picture.
-When I heard Streetlight Manifesto play the opening line of "A Moment of Silence" it brought me back to the moment when I was 17 years old walking into the main hall of the Webster theater with Three Years Accident Free and hearing them sound check to the same tune. For a minute I was just like "Holy moly, I have lived quite a life in these 21 years."
TODAY (SUNDAY):
-Went to sleep at 9 AM after working all night.
-Donated to the Max Kolb Telethon and got a Fantastic Mr. Fox DVD and Poster! Hooray for good things!
-Found out TNA fired Bubba The Love Sponge.
Friday, April 30, 2010
A Brief TNA Talk.
Hey guys, just wanted to post something that I noticed. I'm listening to the Wrestling Roundtable Radio on Youtube and they are talking about TNA's ratings and such...(don't get me started on the Wrestling Roundtable guys, but they are one of the few wrestling programs I can listen to) I pulled up the TNA roster page and noticed that the roster has over 69 faces on it, granted a small number of those faces are managers, interviewers and announcers, but still...over 55 people on a roster that gets a 2 hour show and one "Explosion" match on Youtube. That's just WAY too many people, and let me tell you who should get cut. There are too many names to give reasons, but I'll explain after.
CUT:
-Bubba The Love Sponge
-Don West
-Mike Tenay
-Hamada
-Jimmy Hart
-Kiyoshi
-Shannon Moore
-Shark Boy
-Suicide
-Tomko
Okay, let me run down this quickly. Four guys on this list are X Division guys, granted Suicide is Kiyoshi/Kazarian/Daniels, but he is a true "character." It's become abundantly clear that TNA has stopped caring about the X Division and it has clearly become nothing more than warm up matches for the likes of Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. And you may notice that I didn't mention either of those names in my list, let's think about this for a minute. Scott Hall, when motivated, can be a great wrestler, even at the ripe age of 50. Nash, while he has rickety knees, is one of the best talkers and can surely transition into a great manager or announcer in a matter of years (the sooner the better). As far as announcers, Mike Tenay sucks plain and simple.This isn't WCW, so why get WCW's Jim Ross on your roster? It does no good. Tazz was a great step forward, but with Hulk Hogan, Eric Bishoff and the aforementioned Kevin Nash on your roster, as well as having free agents in Paul Heyman, John Bradshaw Layfield, and countless others that would probably work for them, there is no reason to stay stuck in the past.
Now let's look at who needs a push, I'll put what division they need the push in.
PUSH:
-Brian Kendrick (Heavyweight)
-Daffney (Knockout)
-Eric Young (Heavyweight)
-Homicide (Heavyweight)
-Jay Lethal (X)
-Jesse Neal (Global)
-Orlando Jordan (Global)
-Raven/Stevie Richards (Tag Team)
-Rhino (Global)
Okay, a brief breakdown here. Kendrick, as I've said before on this blog, is one of the most talented and charismatic little guys in the ring. He can transcend the X Division if he is given the proper time on screen, but unfortunately, with the 69 member roster, he is lumped in the X Division. Jesse Neal and Rhino are two guys I am torn on, Neal is good, and Rhino isn't good enough. Both men need this Global Title to try and make these guys relevant again.
That's all I have to say now. I might review Vampire Weekend's "Contra" because I meant to do that months ago.
CUT:
-Bubba The Love Sponge
-Don West
-Mike Tenay
-Hamada
-Jimmy Hart
-Kiyoshi
-Shannon Moore
-Shark Boy
-Suicide
-Tomko
Okay, let me run down this quickly. Four guys on this list are X Division guys, granted Suicide is Kiyoshi/Kazarian/Daniels, but he is a true "character." It's become abundantly clear that TNA has stopped caring about the X Division and it has clearly become nothing more than warm up matches for the likes of Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. And you may notice that I didn't mention either of those names in my list, let's think about this for a minute. Scott Hall, when motivated, can be a great wrestler, even at the ripe age of 50. Nash, while he has rickety knees, is one of the best talkers and can surely transition into a great manager or announcer in a matter of years (the sooner the better). As far as announcers, Mike Tenay sucks plain and simple.This isn't WCW, so why get WCW's Jim Ross on your roster? It does no good. Tazz was a great step forward, but with Hulk Hogan, Eric Bishoff and the aforementioned Kevin Nash on your roster, as well as having free agents in Paul Heyman, John Bradshaw Layfield, and countless others that would probably work for them, there is no reason to stay stuck in the past.
Now let's look at who needs a push, I'll put what division they need the push in.
PUSH:
-Brian Kendrick (Heavyweight)
-Daffney (Knockout)
-Eric Young (Heavyweight)
-Homicide (Heavyweight)
-Jay Lethal (X)
-Jesse Neal (Global)
-Orlando Jordan (Global)
-Raven/Stevie Richards (Tag Team)
-Rhino (Global)
Okay, a brief breakdown here. Kendrick, as I've said before on this blog, is one of the most talented and charismatic little guys in the ring. He can transcend the X Division if he is given the proper time on screen, but unfortunately, with the 69 member roster, he is lumped in the X Division. Jesse Neal and Rhino are two guys I am torn on, Neal is good, and Rhino isn't good enough. Both men need this Global Title to try and make these guys relevant again.
That's all I have to say now. I might review Vampire Weekend's "Contra" because I meant to do that months ago.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Extreme Rules 2010 Predictions
Okay so I think I got like 2 matches right for Wrestlemania...and I know you people reading probably wanna see me write about something that's NOT wrestling but right now I don't have much time to dedicate to writing reviews and this stuff is easy.
Before I start I'd like to say that I WILL come back with stuff on RVD winning the TNA title and WWE's releasing of Jimmy Wang Yang, Mike Knox, and the rest of them leading up to SHELTON BENJAMIN? Either way, expect stuff within the next few weeks.
So without further adieu, lets see if I can get more than I did last time...
Michelle McCool (c) vs. Beth Phoenix Extreme Makeover Match for the WWE Women's Championship
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Why: Because Beth is supposed to be this dominant woman who doesn't stoop herself to the low of the makeover stuff. These are probably the two best workers in the womens division right now, so they hopefully can actually entertain.
JTG vs. Shad Gaspard in a Strap Match
Winner: Shad Gaspard
Why: Cryme Tyme breaking up was dumb. But if they want to do this right they'll push Shad properly. JTG is a tad too gimmicky, perhaps the reason why CT never truly succeeded was because he was just too over the top. Shad has a bright future, he just needs to stop wrestling in blue jeans and Timberland boots.
Edge vs. Chris Jericho in a Steel Cage Match
Winner: Edge
Why: Jericho won at 'Mania, Edge will win now to give him the hero win. When will they turn him heel? Face Edge just doesn't work.
Triple H vs. Sheamus in a Street Fight
Winner: Sheamus
Why: Before WM, Triple H made some comments about how the guys that beat him at WM go on to become huge superstars and the guys that lose fade into oblivion. Sheamus lost. Triple H is the reason he has made it this far, so hopefully he will get off his throne and help put over this potential champion (who also sports a nice mustache).
Randy Orton vs. Jack Swagger (c) in an Extreme Rules Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Winner: Swagger
Why: Because WWE has invested a lot in this man in such a short amount of time. It would be a true injustice to them as promoters, writers and to Orton and Swagger to have him drop the belt. And this face turn has really changed the way Orton is, he is just so confused when people cheer for him.
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk, if Punk loses he has to shave his head
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Why: Because CM Punk wants to shave his head. These guys could've stolen the show at WM had they been given more time. Maybe they can prove in this match that they both should never have been demoted from the Main Event.
John Cena (c) vs. Batista for the WWE Championship in a Last Man Standing Match
Winner: John Cena
Why: You know what? At this point in time I don't hate Cena. I don't hate what he stands for. I don't hate him as a performer. I don't hate him at all. It's inevitable he's going to be champion, so why not put him over the equally overrated Dave Batista.
Okay, that's the card thus far, I'll update this if any more matches are added. Also, I have a new feature coming out soon for this blog. Get ready people!
Before I start I'd like to say that I WILL come back with stuff on RVD winning the TNA title and WWE's releasing of Jimmy Wang Yang, Mike Knox, and the rest of them leading up to SHELTON BENJAMIN? Either way, expect stuff within the next few weeks.
So without further adieu, lets see if I can get more than I did last time...
Michelle McCool (c) vs. Beth Phoenix Extreme Makeover Match for the WWE Women's Championship
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Why: Because Beth is supposed to be this dominant woman who doesn't stoop herself to the low of the makeover stuff. These are probably the two best workers in the womens division right now, so they hopefully can actually entertain.
JTG vs. Shad Gaspard in a Strap Match
Winner: Shad Gaspard
Why: Cryme Tyme breaking up was dumb. But if they want to do this right they'll push Shad properly. JTG is a tad too gimmicky, perhaps the reason why CT never truly succeeded was because he was just too over the top. Shad has a bright future, he just needs to stop wrestling in blue jeans and Timberland boots.
Edge vs. Chris Jericho in a Steel Cage Match
Winner: Edge
Why: Jericho won at 'Mania, Edge will win now to give him the hero win. When will they turn him heel? Face Edge just doesn't work.
Triple H vs. Sheamus in a Street Fight
Winner: Sheamus
Why: Before WM, Triple H made some comments about how the guys that beat him at WM go on to become huge superstars and the guys that lose fade into oblivion. Sheamus lost. Triple H is the reason he has made it this far, so hopefully he will get off his throne and help put over this potential champion (who also sports a nice mustache).
Randy Orton vs. Jack Swagger (c) in an Extreme Rules Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Winner: Swagger
Why: Because WWE has invested a lot in this man in such a short amount of time. It would be a true injustice to them as promoters, writers and to Orton and Swagger to have him drop the belt. And this face turn has really changed the way Orton is, he is just so confused when people cheer for him.
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk, if Punk loses he has to shave his head
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Why: Because CM Punk wants to shave his head. These guys could've stolen the show at WM had they been given more time. Maybe they can prove in this match that they both should never have been demoted from the Main Event.
John Cena (c) vs. Batista for the WWE Championship in a Last Man Standing Match
Winner: John Cena
Why: You know what? At this point in time I don't hate Cena. I don't hate what he stands for. I don't hate him as a performer. I don't hate him at all. It's inevitable he's going to be champion, so why not put him over the equally overrated Dave Batista.
Okay, that's the card thus far, I'll update this if any more matches are added. Also, I have a new feature coming out soon for this blog. Get ready people!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Wrestlemania XXVI Predictions
Just wanted to come on here and give my reviews for Sunday's Wrestlemania Pay Per View. Usually I try and avoid talking WWE on this blog, as TNA and Ring of Honor seem a bit more okay for a 21 year old male to watch. Granted I don't actually watch WWE regularly, but I still feel as though my opinion is valid. So here are my predictions for the biggest night of wrestling...
**Just added**
Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Mickie James, Gail Kim and Beth Phoenix vs. Vickie Guerrero, Maryse, Michelle McCool, Layla and Alicia Fox
Winner: Eve, Kelly, Mickie, Gail, Beth
Reason: They're collectively hotter than the other team.
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk
Stipulation: If Punk wins, Mysterio is forced to join the Straight Edge Society
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Reason: They would never have Rey join Punk's awesome Straight Edge Society. Punk's bad guy gimmick is so over and they need to have the good guy beat him. This may be match of the night if treated properly.
Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase
Winner: Ted DiBiase
Reason: Orton doesn't need the victory and Cody isn't over enough. I would love it if Cody won, because I think he has more charisma and in ring ability than Ted, but putting Ted over on this stage could move him to the level he needs to be at.
Triple H vs. Sheamus
Winner: Sheamus
Reason: Triple H only puts over people he likes, and Sheamus is an Irish version of him. It'd be pointless to have Triple H win, I mean it's possible, but I think even the Game himself knows Sheamus needs to get over to seem legitimate.
ShowMiz (c) (Big Show and the Miz) vs. John Morrison and R-Truth
Stipulation: WWE Unified Tag Team Championships on the line.
Winner: ShowMiz
Reason: Morrison and R-Truth were thrown together so they don't have to be in the Money in the Bank match. ShowMiz have potential.
Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon
Stipulation: No hold barred
Winner: Vince McMahon
Reason: I think this is what will happen; Vince screws Bret yet again and wins the match and then all of the good guys will destroy Vince and Bret will get his moment.
Christian vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Kane vs. Matt Hardy vs. Jack Swagger vs. M.V.P. vs. Drew McEntyre vs. Evan Bourne vs. Kofi Kingston
Stipulation: Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Winner: #1 Choice Christian #2 Choice Matt Hardy
Reason: Not many people in this match actually seem to have the legitimacy to gain the victory. Matt and Christian have both proven themselves as ECW Champions and I think are over enough to deserve a shot. If not either of them Kofi Kingston will win. Expect the 10 guys to make this match really spot heavy obviously, but it won't have much time to focus on each man.
Batista (c) vs. John Cena
Stipulation: WWE Championship match
Winner: Cena
Reason: This match will be mad boring. The good guy wins, Batista gets a year older.
The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels
Stipulation: Taker's streak vs. Michael's career
Winner: HBK
Reason: They won't make him retire. Undertaker is closer to that door than Shawn.
Chris Jericho (c) vs. Edge
Stipulation: WWE Heavyweight Championship match
Winner: Jericho
Reason: Edge is hot off coming back from his injury, but Jericho has never had his "Wrestlemania moment" and this is his chance. Also, I think this feud has the potential to keep going for another few months and this is a good starting point.
That's it.
**Just added**
Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Mickie James, Gail Kim and Beth Phoenix vs. Vickie Guerrero, Maryse, Michelle McCool, Layla and Alicia Fox
Winner: Eve, Kelly, Mickie, Gail, Beth
Reason: They're collectively hotter than the other team.
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk
Stipulation: If Punk wins, Mysterio is forced to join the Straight Edge Society
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Reason: They would never have Rey join Punk's awesome Straight Edge Society. Punk's bad guy gimmick is so over and they need to have the good guy beat him. This may be match of the night if treated properly.
Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase
Winner: Ted DiBiase
Reason: Orton doesn't need the victory and Cody isn't over enough. I would love it if Cody won, because I think he has more charisma and in ring ability than Ted, but putting Ted over on this stage could move him to the level he needs to be at.
Triple H vs. Sheamus
Winner: Sheamus
Reason: Triple H only puts over people he likes, and Sheamus is an Irish version of him. It'd be pointless to have Triple H win, I mean it's possible, but I think even the Game himself knows Sheamus needs to get over to seem legitimate.
ShowMiz (c) (Big Show and the Miz) vs. John Morrison and R-Truth
Stipulation: WWE Unified Tag Team Championships on the line.
Winner: ShowMiz
Reason: Morrison and R-Truth were thrown together so they don't have to be in the Money in the Bank match. ShowMiz have potential.
Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon
Stipulation: No hold barred
Winner: Vince McMahon
Reason: I think this is what will happen; Vince screws Bret yet again and wins the match and then all of the good guys will destroy Vince and Bret will get his moment.
Christian vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Kane vs. Matt Hardy vs. Jack Swagger vs. M.V.P. vs. Drew McEntyre vs. Evan Bourne vs. Kofi Kingston
Stipulation: Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Winner: #1 Choice Christian #2 Choice Matt Hardy
Reason: Not many people in this match actually seem to have the legitimacy to gain the victory. Matt and Christian have both proven themselves as ECW Champions and I think are over enough to deserve a shot. If not either of them Kofi Kingston will win. Expect the 10 guys to make this match really spot heavy obviously, but it won't have much time to focus on each man.
Batista (c) vs. John Cena
Stipulation: WWE Championship match
Winner: Cena
Reason: This match will be mad boring. The good guy wins, Batista gets a year older.
The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels
Stipulation: Taker's streak vs. Michael's career
Winner: HBK
Reason: They won't make him retire. Undertaker is closer to that door than Shawn.
Chris Jericho (c) vs. Edge
Stipulation: WWE Heavyweight Championship match
Winner: Jericho
Reason: Edge is hot off coming back from his injury, but Jericho has never had his "Wrestlemania moment" and this is his chance. Also, I think this feud has the potential to keep going for another few months and this is a good starting point.
That's it.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Review: Gorillaz-Plastic Beach
Let us take a time machine back some years to 2001. I was in eighth grade and had heard about a cartoon band that played a song called “Clint Eastwood,” At the time I would listen to any rock band I was told to by my peers and the great Total Request Live, so I went on Napster and downloaded the song and liked it. I didn’t understand any of the lyrical content, but it was pretty cool. A few weeks later I went to the mall and bought the self titled album, reveling in the fact that a 13 year old managed to buy a CD with an Explicit Lyrics sticker without getting carded or thrown out of F.Y.E. (I still think that the two F bombs on that album don't warrant a sticker) I listened to “Clint” along with the other single “Rock The House” but never really appreciated the album as a whole; I mean lets look at what was in my CD collection at that juncture. I can literally tell you every CD I owned at that point and I will; I had Let it Be and Magical Mystery Tour, Sum 41’s All Killer No Filler, Weezer’s Green Album, U.K. industrial band Pitchshifter’s www.pitchshifter.com, and Cartoon Network’s Brak Presents the Brak Album Starring Brak. So of course at this point in time I had no idea what I was getting myself into. My young brain couldn’t fathom hip hop or Britpop, so I would skip to “Clint” and “Rock the House” and then eject the CD and carry on with my day. So as the years passed and I learned more about music in general, my appreciation for the Gorillaz as well as Damon Albarn’s other works grew exceedingly. Demon Days has been consistently in my driving only CD book since I’ve had my license and I was lucky enough to see Albarn alongside Paul Simonon and other famous people with The Good, The Bad and The Queen back in my freshman year of college. With all of that in mind, you can imagine the amount of joy I was in when I heard Plastic Beach was coming out...
The "Experience Edition"
The album’s “Orchestral Intro” does for this album what the grim “You are now entering the harmonic room...” did for Demon Days, it opens the door for the audience to enter into the artificially wonderful world of Plastic Beach. The next track, the aptly named “Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach” shows just how uppity and over produced the Beach really is. Toting a prominent guest spot from Snoop Dogg, arguably one of our days most “plastic” rappers who doesn't have the price tag of a Jay-Z or Lil Wayne. To me Snoop’s appearance comes off as a bit forced, Albarn has connections to several great rappers, some of which appear later on the album, but really? Snoop Dogg? How great would it have been to start the album with a returning verse from Del Tha Funky Homosapien? Del’s voice lends itself well to the sound Albarn wants, not to mention the check would be much smaller than that of the multi-platinum Dogg. But Snoop aside, the tracks quirky synths and tweaked vocals from Albarn make for a great introduction.
“White Flag,” the next track, features a smoothly layered beat from The National Orchestra For Arab Music alongside rappers Bashy and Kano, with no lyrical contributions from Albarn himself. The synth-pop drum machine loops compliment the layers of strings and flutes incredibly well. Following “White Flag” is “Rhinestone Eyes,” which may be the best track on the album. Albarn resumes the role of lead singer while punchy drum kicks behind the catchiest synth line I’ve heard in a long time. This track truly encompasses Albarn’s desire to truly innovatively combine hip hop, pop and rock. While it doesn’t tote heavy guitars, rap, or a catchy chorus, the laid back vocals, head nodding musicals and heavy bass get the job done. The next two tracks had been leaked weeks earlier, and feel much more at home and relevant in the context of the album rather than standalone songs. Following “Rhinestone” the 80’s synthesized bass and drums of “Stylo” drone over and over. At first I found the song boring, especially considering the miniscule role Mos Def plays. However, the incredibly abstract Bobby Womack breathes life into the repetitive track. “Superfast Jellyfish” the next track, with “Feel Good Inc.” alums De La Soul reappearing, is another one of the albums highlights. The layers come in gradually and effectively, with Albarn singing a fun hook that is reminiscent of the aforementioned “Feel Good Inc.” and “Clint Eastwood” however talking about eating jellyfish is a tad awkward, even for the Gorillaz standards. “Empire Ants” is a relaxing next track, showing us another more serene side of the Beach. Even when the drums and bass kick two and a half minutes into the song, this track serves as a bit of a cool down, and a really funky one too.
“Glitter Freeze” starts thumping with a Muse-like bass line with jumpy keyboards and keeps on layering them over and over for the mostly instrumental track, which almost acts as a beginning to Act II of the album. “Some Kind of Nature” follows up with the lazy vocals of Lou Reed over happy instrumentals. While I’m not a fan of The Velvet Underground or Reed’s solo work, I must say that his vocals are rather underwhelming. He seems to trot along waiting for Albarn to come in and bring the hook in each chorus. When they finally start trading the vocals back and forth things get more interesting, but just as with Snoop Dogg, I feel as though the guest spot could’ve been shelled out to a more deserving, lesser-known name. The 80’s ballad-esque “On Melancholy Hill” is another fun track, although it is a bit forgettable. It’s a harmless track, but I can’t deny it’s catchy. The next song, “Broken,” is in the same vain. It’s not going to be one of the songs that goes down in the history books as one of Damon’s greatest, but it is good within the context of Plastic Beach.
The Mos Def driven “Sweepstakes” is another one of those tracks I can’t quite wrap my head around. I love the chaotic music, but I think Mos delivers some of the weakest stuff we’ve heard from him. The song pushes in at over 5 minutes, which is a bit of a feat for a rapper, and the constant repetition of the songs title is really off putting, especially at this point of the album. I don’t feel like a winner, regardless of how many times Mos Def says I am. However, following “Sweepstakes” is one of the albums greatest tracks. “Plastic Beach” features former Clash members Mick Jones and Paul Simonon along with Damon delivering cool lyrics. While the musical contributiones don’t scream “THE CLASH WAS HERE!” the thumping bass is certainly reminiscent of The Good, The Bad and The Queen. “To Binge” is another one of those sort of forgettable tracks, good but not great.
“Cloud of Unknowing” brings back Bobby Womack, who seems so genuine when singing along to the slower track that for once doesn’t kick in with drums and bass. It is a truly unique point of the album that Womack more or less gives himself. And the albums closing track “Pirate Jet” contains all the elements that made the rest of the album great, synthesizers layered above dub style bass with Albarn singing harmonies over himself. It is a good closer, it’s a great sendoff to the over produced world of Plastic Beach.
So overall, the album is good. To say it’s as good as Demon Days is an overstatement, but as an album, there is certainly some purpose to what is going on. My problems come in three places here. Number one is the fact that while the synth lines are catchy and fun, they are abused to no end on this album. I understand it’s all part of the concept, but on both prior Gorillaz albums, there is no such repeating musical theme, and that’s what makes them two classic albums! My second complaint is the abundance of guest spots from big musical names. While they don’t entirely detract from the overall product, they don’t do much to add to it. The best guest spots are from prior collaborators and lesser known acts. What I loved about the prior records was the way the Albarn took lesser known people and put them on a pedestal, giving them the most exposure some of them have ever had. Del the Funky Homosapien and MF Doom have never seen such prominent sales numbers as on their Gorillaz tracks and Damon brought De La Soul back into the limelight after they had been underground for several years. I don’t listen to Gorillaz because of the guest stars, I listen because I love Damon Albarn’s songwriting. And while it is certainly very much sound on Plastic Beach, the overflow of big names detracts from the product. And while it can be argued that the guest list is meant to compliment the plastic theme of the album, I think it’s plastic enough musically. My last complaint is that on the prior two albums, I felt as though I was in the world of 2-D, Russel, Murdoch and Noodle, but on this I feel like I am alongside Damon Albarn. I don't feel as swept into the world of these 4 characters as I once did, maybe it's because I'm older and I watched the making of DVD, or maybe it's because the characterization isn't as important as it once was.
All in all Plastic Beach is a good album, and at this point of the year, a contender for the best. But alongside Damon Albarn’s other works with Gorillaz, Blur and other side projects, this album isn’t the greatest.
The "Experience Edition"
The album’s “Orchestral Intro” does for this album what the grim “You are now entering the harmonic room...” did for Demon Days, it opens the door for the audience to enter into the artificially wonderful world of Plastic Beach. The next track, the aptly named “Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach” shows just how uppity and over produced the Beach really is. Toting a prominent guest spot from Snoop Dogg, arguably one of our days most “plastic” rappers who doesn't have the price tag of a Jay-Z or Lil Wayne. To me Snoop’s appearance comes off as a bit forced, Albarn has connections to several great rappers, some of which appear later on the album, but really? Snoop Dogg? How great would it have been to start the album with a returning verse from Del Tha Funky Homosapien? Del’s voice lends itself well to the sound Albarn wants, not to mention the check would be much smaller than that of the multi-platinum Dogg. But Snoop aside, the tracks quirky synths and tweaked vocals from Albarn make for a great introduction.
“White Flag,” the next track, features a smoothly layered beat from The National Orchestra For Arab Music alongside rappers Bashy and Kano, with no lyrical contributions from Albarn himself. The synth-pop drum machine loops compliment the layers of strings and flutes incredibly well. Following “White Flag” is “Rhinestone Eyes,” which may be the best track on the album. Albarn resumes the role of lead singer while punchy drum kicks behind the catchiest synth line I’ve heard in a long time. This track truly encompasses Albarn’s desire to truly innovatively combine hip hop, pop and rock. While it doesn’t tote heavy guitars, rap, or a catchy chorus, the laid back vocals, head nodding musicals and heavy bass get the job done. The next two tracks had been leaked weeks earlier, and feel much more at home and relevant in the context of the album rather than standalone songs. Following “Rhinestone” the 80’s synthesized bass and drums of “Stylo” drone over and over. At first I found the song boring, especially considering the miniscule role Mos Def plays. However, the incredibly abstract Bobby Womack breathes life into the repetitive track. “Superfast Jellyfish” the next track, with “Feel Good Inc.” alums De La Soul reappearing, is another one of the albums highlights. The layers come in gradually and effectively, with Albarn singing a fun hook that is reminiscent of the aforementioned “Feel Good Inc.” and “Clint Eastwood” however talking about eating jellyfish is a tad awkward, even for the Gorillaz standards. “Empire Ants” is a relaxing next track, showing us another more serene side of the Beach. Even when the drums and bass kick two and a half minutes into the song, this track serves as a bit of a cool down, and a really funky one too.
“Glitter Freeze” starts thumping with a Muse-like bass line with jumpy keyboards and keeps on layering them over and over for the mostly instrumental track, which almost acts as a beginning to Act II of the album. “Some Kind of Nature” follows up with the lazy vocals of Lou Reed over happy instrumentals. While I’m not a fan of The Velvet Underground or Reed’s solo work, I must say that his vocals are rather underwhelming. He seems to trot along waiting for Albarn to come in and bring the hook in each chorus. When they finally start trading the vocals back and forth things get more interesting, but just as with Snoop Dogg, I feel as though the guest spot could’ve been shelled out to a more deserving, lesser-known name. The 80’s ballad-esque “On Melancholy Hill” is another fun track, although it is a bit forgettable. It’s a harmless track, but I can’t deny it’s catchy. The next song, “Broken,” is in the same vain. It’s not going to be one of the songs that goes down in the history books as one of Damon’s greatest, but it is good within the context of Plastic Beach.
The Mos Def driven “Sweepstakes” is another one of those tracks I can’t quite wrap my head around. I love the chaotic music, but I think Mos delivers some of the weakest stuff we’ve heard from him. The song pushes in at over 5 minutes, which is a bit of a feat for a rapper, and the constant repetition of the songs title is really off putting, especially at this point of the album. I don’t feel like a winner, regardless of how many times Mos Def says I am. However, following “Sweepstakes” is one of the albums greatest tracks. “Plastic Beach” features former Clash members Mick Jones and Paul Simonon along with Damon delivering cool lyrics. While the musical contributiones don’t scream “THE CLASH WAS HERE!” the thumping bass is certainly reminiscent of The Good, The Bad and The Queen. “To Binge” is another one of those sort of forgettable tracks, good but not great.
“Cloud of Unknowing” brings back Bobby Womack, who seems so genuine when singing along to the slower track that for once doesn’t kick in with drums and bass. It is a truly unique point of the album that Womack more or less gives himself. And the albums closing track “Pirate Jet” contains all the elements that made the rest of the album great, synthesizers layered above dub style bass with Albarn singing harmonies over himself. It is a good closer, it’s a great sendoff to the over produced world of Plastic Beach.
So overall, the album is good. To say it’s as good as Demon Days is an overstatement, but as an album, there is certainly some purpose to what is going on. My problems come in three places here. Number one is the fact that while the synth lines are catchy and fun, they are abused to no end on this album. I understand it’s all part of the concept, but on both prior Gorillaz albums, there is no such repeating musical theme, and that’s what makes them two classic albums! My second complaint is the abundance of guest spots from big musical names. While they don’t entirely detract from the overall product, they don’t do much to add to it. The best guest spots are from prior collaborators and lesser known acts. What I loved about the prior records was the way the Albarn took lesser known people and put them on a pedestal, giving them the most exposure some of them have ever had. Del the Funky Homosapien and MF Doom have never seen such prominent sales numbers as on their Gorillaz tracks and Damon brought De La Soul back into the limelight after they had been underground for several years. I don’t listen to Gorillaz because of the guest stars, I listen because I love Damon Albarn’s songwriting. And while it is certainly very much sound on Plastic Beach, the overflow of big names detracts from the product. And while it can be argued that the guest list is meant to compliment the plastic theme of the album, I think it’s plastic enough musically. My last complaint is that on the prior two albums, I felt as though I was in the world of 2-D, Russel, Murdoch and Noodle, but on this I feel like I am alongside Damon Albarn. I don't feel as swept into the world of these 4 characters as I once did, maybe it's because I'm older and I watched the making of DVD, or maybe it's because the characterization isn't as important as it once was.
All in all Plastic Beach is a good album, and at this point of the year, a contender for the best. But alongside Damon Albarn’s other works with Gorillaz, Blur and other side projects, this album isn’t the greatest.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
To Health!
So I'm taking this class called "Fitness For Life" and it's sort of a pointless easy 2 credits that you get by working out. I've been in the class for 2-3 weeks now and we still haven't filled out our "Fitness Prescriptions" or whatever we are doing, but bottom line is your boy DW needs to get fit.
One thing that struck me right off the bat was my professor saying "Tell people your goals because you'll feel like you have to stick to your word" and I thought of Kanye West's short book of wisdom Thank You and You're Welcome and how in that book he said people dislike him for making outrageous claims, but by making said outrageous claims he has to do all within his power to live up to them. With this in mind, I open this up to the readers of this blog.
I am going to get in shape.
I said I'd stop eating potato chips on twitter at the beginning of the semester and I haven't had them since then. But I found the loophole in Doritos (which do have 10 less calories per serving, but in the long run they are still bad) and for Lent (and hopefully onward) I have given up Doritos. So now, I realize that I want to stick to my word.
SO blog readers, your job is to merely read this. Since I have said it I will now do all in my power to get healthy, and that doesn't mean give up junk food completely, just make it a reward rather than a crutch!
Well at least I have a cool mustache.
THANK YOU FRIENDS AND LETS HOPE I CAN DO THIS!
One thing that struck me right off the bat was my professor saying "Tell people your goals because you'll feel like you have to stick to your word" and I thought of Kanye West's short book of wisdom Thank You and You're Welcome and how in that book he said people dislike him for making outrageous claims, but by making said outrageous claims he has to do all within his power to live up to them. With this in mind, I open this up to the readers of this blog.
I am going to get in shape.
I said I'd stop eating potato chips on twitter at the beginning of the semester and I haven't had them since then. But I found the loophole in Doritos (which do have 10 less calories per serving, but in the long run they are still bad) and for Lent (and hopefully onward) I have given up Doritos. So now, I realize that I want to stick to my word.
SO blog readers, your job is to merely read this. Since I have said it I will now do all in my power to get healthy, and that doesn't mean give up junk food completely, just make it a reward rather than a crutch!
Well at least I have a cool mustache.
THANK YOU FRIENDS AND LETS HOPE I CAN DO THIS!
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