Song of the Day

Song: "Attack of the Ghost Riders"
Artist: The Raveonettes
Album: Whip It On (2002)

It's the Cramps meets Sonic Youth meets seedy horror movies in this 2002 tune from the Raveonettes debut EP. Someone they manage to mix garage rock and atonal noise and make it sound great.

Throw From Your Window Your Record Collection

I’ve always had a thing for lists, but lately I’ve been into really short lists. Don’t ask me why. So my question for today asks you for a short list. If you are cast away to a deserted island with just a record/CD player and you are only allowed to bring 3 albums to get you through the rest of your days, which 3 albums would you bring? I say 3 albums because it is kind of an uncomfortable number. You don’t get the luxury of the usual top 5, but it’s not as much all out pressure as picking only 1. So think about it for a bit...3 albums to listen to for the rest of your life. Mine would have to be...

Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker
I always rely on this record to keep me grounded. It reminds of my roots…of where I’m from. It lets me know that it’s okay to hurt sometimes or to be vulnerable sometimes. It is a beautiful album thanks in large part to its sheer simplicity. The album possesses a certain honesty that has kept me listening to it year after year. It always seems to evoke some sort of emotion from me, and it changes with nearly every listen.


Wilco – Summerteeth
This is kind of the opposite end of the spectrum from Heartbreaker. It is full of quirks and bells and whistles. But they all seem to come together so effortlessly and eloquently. It doesn’t make me forget about all of life’s hardships or problems, but it does sort of move them into a room with different lighting so that I can get a new perspective on them. I seem to hear something new every time I hear this album, so I think it would be a natural choice to take with me.

Neutral Milk Hotel – In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
This album would give me hope for a change. This is one that has remained completely refreshing and unique for a decade now. Whenever I hear Jeff Mangum singing on this record, I feel like he is really saying something. I’m not always sure what it is that he is saying, but it is a voice that demands to be heard. This one kind of runs the full gauntlet of emotions, but leaves you fulfilled in the end. I think this album would make me feel like it’s okay that I’m on a deserted island.

So...what are your three?


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Blah...College Basketball...Blah

I'm not sure what everyone else took away from the Saturday night matchup between Memphis and Tennessee. And I'm also not sure what you can take away from this, but this is what I got:

For the first time in nearly a five or six years, I don't have a clear favorite for a National Championship here in February. Until that group was beaten last season, I liked the Florida Gators from beginning to end. It's trite, but true. The year before, hyped to death by a close friend of ours here at the blog, I bought into UCLA and also had UConn in the mix. Of course, UConn fell victim to the Colonials of George Mason and lead by Farmar, Afflalo and the emergence of to that point, disappointment Ryan Hollins, UCLA went to the championship game. This year though, I know that the polls will have Tennessee as the number one team, but I'm not sure at all that they can make it to the Elite Eight, muchless be the champions. Unfortunately, I feel that way about everyone. I've got gut feelings about both North Carolina and UCLA, but most of that is just built up hype that never got released from early in the season. Overall though, I like them because of their ability to defend and they both have big guys who can convert and get to the free throw line. At this stage in the basketball season, neither of them have convinced me that they are worth my unwavering praise as the team to beat to get to the title.

I also realized that the piece that I wrote earlier this season about Memphis was unwarranted. I added them in a piece titled, "Will They Ever?" and in that I came to the conclusion that this was their best chance at winning it all. Looking at the evidence that they put forth on Saturday, I can tell you that this team is great, but not the best I've seen from the Tigers. The teams from the last two years to me, were better all around. Rose and CDR are great, but last night they missed two or three contested shots before realizing they were not hot. And then the free throws. This has played to death in regards to this Memphis team, but the truth hurts. Last nights game was no exception and the inability to put away the Vols from the stripe eventually killed them. I'm not saying that Memphis is incapable of making the Final Four or even cutting down the nets. What I am expressing is that after a loss to the Vols, this will be their last test before Selection Sunday. They are so far ahead of the curve when it comes to Conference USA that losing their last meaningful game before the tournament may prove to be too much for this team.

Lastly, this was an ugly basketball game. Someone that hasn't watched basketball since 1983 would haved barely recognized this game whose scattered play was only saved by television timeouts. The up and down pace reminded me of playing against a rival in high school where we were not concerned with winning the game nearly as much as we were trying to keep the home fans excited. Memphis and Tennessee both bring a ton of energy to any contest they are involved in, but they also pack a few terrible shots and unexplainable turnovers. At certain points during this game, and I know that I cannot be alone on this one, the game was hard to watch. And while this frantic pace is where we are now, I did find myself wishing that just once someone would run some offense. They both are extremely gifted teams loaded with truly blessed athletes, but what I wanted to see was something that could not be so closely compared with motion sickness. Every rebound could have been whistled for going over the back, every possession seemed to have at least one poorly chosen shot and every other possession was a breath away from a turnover. I enjoyed seeing the intesity that this game brought, but overall I did not enjoy watching it.

Another thing that I realized is that if Bruce Pearl would speak to me at the beginning of every day, I would get a lot more accomplished. He's a gifted speaker. I lack motivation. What can I say?

The college basketball home stretch is officially underway. In just three short weeks the dreams that every team shares will be a realistic chance for only 65. I'm incredibly excited, but I guess you kind of figured that one.

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Song of the Day

Song: "Keep the Car Running"
Artist: Arcade Fire
Album: Neon Bible (2007)

All 72 members of the Arcade Fire perform this track from 2007's Neon Bible on a British late-night TV show. Great song for a drunken Friday night/Saturday morning.

Song of the Day

Song: "A Postcard to Nina"
Artist: Jens Lekman
Album: Night Falls Over Kortedala (2007)

Jens Lekman is a funny guy. He also writes amazing songs. This is a live version of one of my favs from last year's critically acclaimed (especially here at the OBS) album Night Falls Over Kortedala.

Song of the Day

Song: "Skinny Love"
Artist: Bon Iver
Album: For Emma, Forever Ago (2008)

Wisconsin native Justin Vernon has just re-released his fantastic debut album under the moniker Bon Iver. Vernon actually self-released the album in late 2007, and after garnering much critical acclaim, Bloomington, IN record label Jagjaguwar (Okkervil River, Ladyhawk, Sunset Rubdown) picked up the album. For Emma, Forever Ago is a refreshing debut that is ideal for wintery days and/or ice storms. Lyrics to "Skinny Love" can be found by visiting Bon Iver's myspace page.

Song of the Day

Song: "Where Have All the Rudeboys Gone?"
Artist: Ted Leo & The Pharmacists
Album: Hearts of Oak (2003)

My favorite song of 2003...which was probably around the time I started keeping track of such things. This is the single version, so it's a little shorter than the album version, but it's still a great tune.

Song of the Day

Song: "For Real"
Artist: Okkervil River
Album: Black Sheep Boy (2005)

This song has been on my list of favorites since the first time I heard it. It captures a sense of urgency and desperation, while somehow managing to keep confidence and swagger throughout. I've always been a huge fan of really good lyrics, and the words to this song don't just paint a picture, but they capture a dynamic. If you're a fan of great lyrics, you should check them out here. The video is kinda dark and creepy, but the song more than makes up for it.

Random Rambling

Unfortunately, Tuesday night was more of a funeral than I could have imagined earlier that morning. Although the committee is still roughly a month from locking themselves into a room for a day and coming out with 65 teams that will take part in the NCAA Tournament, Kentucky has just sealed their fate for March.

It was no surprise that they were on the bubble here in the second week of February. You could argue that it was more of a surprise that they lasted there long enough to even have this discussion now, instead of a month and a half ago when they were losing to UAB and San Diego at home. With the record loss to Vanderbilt on Tuesday though, the ticket to the NIT has been punched for the Cats. With the recent hot streak they were on, nobody could have predicted this one.

Sticking with college basketball, can anyone explain the luck of the Georgetown Hoyas? Seemingly every game they win is the lead story on SportsCenter coupled with the caption, "Bad Call". It was just three weeks ago that Bob Huggins had to use every Rage-aholics Anonymous technique to keep from destroying the referee that decided to chew his whistle when Ewing Jr. goal-tended a last second Mountaineer basket. Now, 75-feet away from the basket, a different ref decided the outcome of Monday nights game against Villanova by opting to blow the whistle on a meaningless bump.

The saddest part of this to me, is that on Tuesday Big East coordinator of officials Art Hyland, publicly backed the call made on Monday saying, "A foul is a foul". C'mon.

The refs who called the 2006 NBA Finals where the Mavericks were whistled when they breathed to close to Dwayne Wade thinks that call is a total joke. The truth is that we fans can live with a judgment no call, but putting a kid at the line with .01 second left in a Big East game is inexcusable.

Congratulations and Good Luck to the Indiana Hoosiers. I'm glad that I'll get to see you in the NCCA Tournament this year and look forward to watching Gordon in the pros, but if the damning evidence surrounding coach Sampson rings true, then Indiana and Kelvin are done for a while. This makes the second consecutive year that Sampson has received a letter from the NCAA saying that his recruiting practices are in violation of their rules. And while one could easily argue that the entire NCAA could be getting these letters and that the rules are a joke at best, Sampson continues to find himself on the wrong end. His arrival to Bloomington was met with charges stemming from his time at Oklahoma and now it appears that this is a pattern instead of just a single lapse in judgment.

Finally, to tail away from college basketball into some sad and bizarre news. As if the skate that a hockey player took to the carotid artery this weekend did not humanize sports enough for you, Vikings defensive lineman Kenechi Udeze has reportedly been diagnosed with leukemia. Leukemia? A four year pro out of USC, Udeze who stands in at about 6'3", 280 lbs., does not look like the type of guy who could be mentioned in the same breath with cancer, certainly not leukemia.

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Song of the Day

Song: "Oxford Comma"
Artist: Vampire Weekend
Album: Vampire Weekend (2008)

If you have the internet, you've probably heard the hype surrounding this band. This is a rare case of the hype being well-deserved. Their self-titled debut album is a breath of fresh air. It's one clever, catchy tune after another. And it reminds me of summer, which is always a plus when it is less than 20 degrees outside, as it is here right now. Pour yourself a glass of lemonade and enjoy the breeze.

Song of the Day

Song: "Foam Hands"
Artist: Destroyer
Album: Trouble in Dreams (2008)

This is a clip of Dan Bejar performing the first single from the forthcoming Destroyer album Trouble in Dreams (due 3/18/08) at a festival in Calgary last summer. Is this my most anticipated release of '08 thusfar? Possibly. Is this more of the same sweet sounding musical landscape that is Dan Bejar? Definitely. You should also check out Dan and his main squeeze Sydney Vermont performing as Hello, Blue Roses if you haven't yet heard them, or if you need a Bejar fix to tide you over until March. The happy couple's album The Portrait is Finished And I Have Failed to Capture Your Beauty is out now, and just in time for Valentine's Day! Awwww....

Song of the Day

Song: "Have You Forgotten"
Artist: Red House Painters
Album: Songs From A Blue Guitar (1996)

Absolutely beautiful song. Kind of a cool fan-made video of a drive through North Carolina to accompany it. Great stuff! Sentence fragments.

Song of the Day

Song: "Waving Flags"
Artist: British Sea Power
Album: Do You Like Rock Music? (2008)

This is a great track that was actually released as a single in late 2007. The album officially drops on 2/12/08, and it is definitely worth picking up if you have not yet heard it. You can check out their new video for the song "No Lucifer" over at the band's myspace page. It's tough to go wrong with any track by this band.

Really? Why?

Shaquille O'Neal to Phoenix??

Somebody please tell me how this makes any sense. King? Harris?

This potential trade is almost as crazy as if Chris Webber signed to play with the Warriors or something like that. I mean, think about it, an old post player with no spring in the legs becoming a member of a team that runs constantly and doesnt really ever utilize a halfcourt offense. What? Webber DID sign with GState??

Song of the Day/Prediction

The Super Bowl is today. Finally. Much has been made about the Giants chances of ruining or making history tonight. While I do not expect them to be overwhelmed by the spectacle, I do expect them to be floored by New England. I actually had this predicted to be a close game earlier in the week until Sen. Specter mentioned them. Now they're going to use this as fuel to send a message. That is if you don't consider running over the rest of the league all season a message.

My prediction is lame, but I see the Patriots 38, Giants 14. I would be shocked if this were a game and completely floored if the Giants won. In other lame prediction news, look for Brady to win his third Super Bowl MVP. I know he needs one like he needs more sex with beautiful women, but it just cements his and the Patriots place in history.

And with that, here's your song of the day. Only one to choose from really.

Artist: Bears Shufflin' Crew
Song: Super Bowl Shuffle

Bluegrass Song of the Day

Artist: Larry Sparks
Song: Tennessee 1949
Apparently this was recorded at the 2006 Bass Mountain Bluegrass Festival (whatever that is).



The audio isn't the best in the world, but its good enough to appreciate the beautiful simplicity that makes bluegrass music special. I know its not for everyone, but if you like bluegrass, it doesnt get much better than this.