Closers and themes

So I watch baseball and I listen to rock n' roll music and when the two come to together it's nice for me. I've been listening lately to walk up music that players have when they go up to bat and typically it's either some hip hop or metal machoness which is fine but what really appreciate are the songs chosen for the team's closing pitcher. Some examples:

Rob Nen: "Hells Bells" by AC/DC; it's ominous almost mysterious deep toll of church bells seeming informing the opposing team that they're dead.

Mariano Rivera and Billy Wagner: "Enter Sandman" by Metallica. It's evil sounding and powerful. I guess it says that they're going to be putting the other team to sleep.

John Rocker: "I Wanna' Rock" by Twisted Sister. He was so racist the band asked him not to play this song which unfortunately is a great energetic anthem that can really get a crowd into the situation.

Greg Gagne: "Welcome To The Jungle" by Guns N' Roses. This is a wicked beginning as if to tell the batters stepping up to the plate that they are entering a whole new ferocious realm of pitching.

J.J. Putz: "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC; it works well on an energizing level but he should really start hitting more batters if he wants it to be intimidating.

Johnathan Papelbon: "Shipping Up To Boston" by The Dropkick Murpheys. It anouces that there is a battle going on it is very territorial, the visiting team is not home and they are going to be beat by the Red Sox. If Papelbon ever leaves Boston I can't see him using this song as his theme music in another city so this piece may just become the team's song whenever the closer comes in.

There are some others but these are the best. I would use Slayer's, "Raining Blood", how evil is that, batters would decline their chance to bat feeling that they were about to be pitched a great ball of evil fire which would consume them as it boomed across the plate. I would be the best closer ever . . . this is assuming I had a 100mph fastball, control and a violent slider

Weekly Mix Tape Pt 21

This baby is a nice collection of hits with a bit of obscure tunes thrown in for my own sanity. There are a couple of bad ass covers by U2 and G N' R!
Go listen and enjoy!

1. La Grange by ZZ Top
A Song about a whore house . . . nice but why is it such a good driving song?
2. To Be A Lover by Billy Idol
Another good driving song. This was the last remnant of Billy Idol being cool and maybe even this as too late.
3. Padrino by Smash Mouth
Just like they say, "A funny song about the mob" Shout out to San Jose!
4. I Put A Spell On You by Marilyn Manson
This version is better than CCR's but is not as weird as Screamin' J's original; it's from The Lost Highway soundtrack
5. Night And Day by U2
Great Cole Porter cover, Red Hot & Blue is a real good album to pick up if you haven't got it in your collection.
6. Knock-Down Drag-Out by Weezer
A nice little ditty about relationships or something
7. I Did It by The Dave Matthews Band
The only Dave Matthews song I have in my collection, the only song that doesn't make me immediately reach to change it.
8. Emotional Rescue by The Rolling Stones
Even the Stones went Disco; it's like U2's "Discotheque" in the realm of rock bands trying to get danceable but much more ridiculous . . . or is it?
9. Bootylicious by Destiny's Child
There's no doubt about it!
10.Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz
The Best Lenny Song? It just might be; I remember the first time I ever heard this song I was in my kitchen eating breakfast on a cold morning and it perked me up more than the coffee I had.
11.Hair Of The Dog by Guns N' Roses
Another fantastic rock cover that I like more than the original. Sorry Nazareth.
12.Found Out About You by The Gin Blossoms
Their only good song, don't believe me? You're a wuss!
13.I Alone by Live
Their only good song, don't believe me? You suck!
14.Mask by Iggy Pop
Iggy has been better but this song makes me laugh
15.Animal by Pearl jam
Sometimes I agree with Mr. Veder's sentiments
16.Wild Child by The Doors
I love the intro to this song though I originally didn't care much for this tune it has grown on my tons.
17.Alex Chilton by The Replacements
This song is cool but Alex Chilton's music is apparently only cool if you're a music critic or a record store snob.
18.Money (That's What I Want) by Backbeat Band
It kinda' rocks
19.Do You Really Want To Hurt Me by Culture Club
The video has minstrels in it, what the hell were they thinking?
20.Get 'em On The Roopes by Brian Setzer
He keeps on doing his thing and it's not bad

My Current favorite Pop Couple

Katy Perry and Russell Brand deserve eachother, he's a pain in the ass Brit and she's a batshit crazy Yank. They both seem to probably spend a lot of time grooming; it ain't easy to look as disheveled as Mr. Brand often does and as for Ms. Perry her make up bag must weigh an easy 20 lbs. I imagine they have a ridiculous home life full of introspective moments that revolve around body image issues and making fun of each other's culture.
Good Luck guys and stay away from your own reality show

Weekly Mix Tape Pt 20

This mix has some progressions and regressions involving Boston connection. This mix gets a little sloppy, probably due to impatience or something. All Songs available on iTunes.
Listen and Enjoy.

1. Lust For Life by Iggy Pop
Song about drugs used to advertise Family vacations . . . YES!
2. Rise by The Cult
This wasn't a big hit but man did it rock compared to everything else in 2001
3. Hash Pipe by Weezer
The return of Weezer! In 2001 everyone thought they were long gone. Produced by Ric Ocasek of the Cars
4. Subbacultcha by Pixies
Black Frances wanted to sound like the cars
5. Just What I needed by Cars
Ric Ocasek's Band
6. Lovefool by Cardigans
Only sugar is sweeter
7. Dream On by Depeche Mode
Doing there thing
8. Santa Monica by Everclear
So catchy it hurts
9. Seether by Veruca Salt
good 90s band
10.Scar by American Hi-Fi
The singer drummed for Veruca Salt
11.The Dope Show by Marilyn Manson
We're all stars, great video
12.Common People by Pulp
William Shatner covered this song, that's how seminal it is
13.Atomic by Sleeper
Doing a great version of a Blondie song
14.White Wedding by Billy Idol
Billy Doesn't get any better than this song about his sister
15.Tie Your Mother Down
Queen Rocks
16.Trippin' On A Hole With A Paper Heart by Stone Temple Pilots
Scott Weiland was great when he was on drugs (yes that's a reference to their newest song, "Between The Lines"
17.You Shook Me All Night Long AC/DC
The older I get the less I like this song
18.Jungle Boogie by Kool & The Gang
If you don't get down to this song the you can't get down
19.Go by Pearl Jam
You would think this is how I would start the mix but you would be wrong and be penalized

Also this is a cool link about Mix Tapes from The Toilet Paper (click it)

World Cup and Affairs

How much BP did Green put on his gloves, that's the question.

In addition if you see this man, take his money, shit in his mouth and inquire about how his life is going.

Yeah I know this entry is incredibly random and probably not fair to anyone involved but sometimes I fill with ire!

Weekly Mix Tape Pt 19

Weekly Mix time again! This one's got a lot of Diva power behind it so you may feel it's a breath of fresh air or you may want to puke. It's all music so just get over yourself and enjoy the sounds. It's all pretty much mainstream music except that Cornershop version of Norwegian wood.

1. I stole Your Love by Kiss
I'm not sure if this song is about rape or not
2. Midnite Snack by The Donnas
A great Song with production that gives me a headache
3. South Side by Moby w/ Gwen Stefani
I'm not fond of this song anymore. 1 Diva
4. Exit by U2
Smetimes I like this U2 Song more than all the others
5. Hide U by Kosheen
Not as Good as Empty Skies but it will do
6. Survivor by Destiny's Child
This song was a big deal when it was released. 3 Divas
7. My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It) by En Vogue
Great James Brown groove a classic on the dance floor. 4 funky Divas
8. Backwards Dog by The Soup Dragons
"I'm Free" was the hit but this one had bigger guitars
9. Flavor OF The Weak by American Hi-Fi
This is the drummer from Letters to Cleo and Veruca Salt Band
10.Yellow by Cold Play
Before they ruled the world
11.Dancing With Myself by Billy Idol
I loved this video back in the day, maybe it even changed my life
12.Play by Jennifer Lopez
Her version of "Music". 1 Diva
13.Lady Marmalade by Moulin Rouge
I can't listen to this song anymore. 5 Divas
14.Spoonman by Soundgarden
Soundgarden goes mainstream
15.Stone Cold Crazy by Queen
This one rocks and is manic. 1 Diva
16.Toys In The Attic by Aerosmith
From the bands best 1970s album
17.Sabotage by The Beastie Boys
Biggest song of their career next to "Fight For Your Right To Party"
18.Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode
I used to thing he was singing, "Reach out and touch ME"
19.Bigmouth Strikes Again by The Smiths
Who hasn't wanted to bludgeon their loved one. 1 Diva
20. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) by Cornershop
No clue what language this is. Cornershop: Critcs Darling
21.One Love/People Get Ready by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Just a good mellow way to end the mix . . . . dig


That's 16 Divas! Never again!

The Nationals' Treasure

The greatest pitcher of the 21st century has taken the mound and converted our nation's capitol to baseball fanatics. Sort of . . .
There is no doubt that the highly praised prospect, Stephen Strasburg had a very exceptional debut in the major leagues (7Innings Pitched 4Hits 2Runs 0 Walks 14 Strikeouts) and was very fun to watch as he struck out the final 7 batters he faced. Anytime you see a pitcher dominate with strikeouts it's a great show, seeing the angry hitters as they talk to themselves with angry little faces is hilarious. I know Crash Davis in "Bull Durham" claimed that strikeouts were fascist and ground ball were democratic but I say, whateveh. The K is special, it's why people love Nolan Ryan who is the all time strikeout leader with 5714 (5386 IP), it's why people used to love Roger Clemens who struck out 20 batters in a 9 inning game, TWICE. Watching the pitcher pile up strikeouts is like watching a basketball player hit outisde shots over and over; the seem unstoppable.
Let's not get over excited though, let's keep perspective, Stasburg will lose and he will have horrible games where people boo him, no pitcher has their A stuff every outing no matter how good they are. Let's also take into account he was pitching against the Pittsburgh Pirates who are one of the worst team in baseball; one could argue if his debut was against the New York Yankees the pitching line would have been less stellar.
His next start is against the Cleveland Indians who have the second worst record in the American League; Strasburg will more than likely have another solid outing. I wish the young man good fortune as it was mighty grand to see Washington DC go nuts while he was on the mound, reacting to his performance like it was a World Series game; you could say the arrival of number 37 was more exciting than the return of baseball it's self in the capitol.

Next stop Bryce Harper . . .

Weekly Mix Tape Pt 18

This weeks mix is rad! There are a lot of awesome tracks so rock out!

1. We Got the Beat by The Go-Go's
There first single
2. Tough Guy by The Beastie Boys
Sort of rap
3. Jaded by Aerosmith
I thought this song was so great when it came out but it has dwindled in awesomeness since.
4. It's No Good by Depeche Mode
Lounge at it's best
5. Running To Stand Still by U2
One of their 5 best songs
6. Johnny 99 by Bruce Springsteen
A song that makes me want to die
7. Life On A Chain by Pete Yorn
Before Scarlet, before the dark times
8. Beautiful Disaster by 311
311's best song eveh!
9. Outshined by Soundgarden
How can you dispute looking California but feeling Minnesota
10.Black Betty by Ram Jam
Sometimes this song is great but sometimes it sucks, the Leadbelly version is good too
11.Connected by Stereo MC's
GEt down and dance 90s style
12.Superstition by Stevie Wonder
So funky, so good!
13.Show Me your Soul by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Obvious transition
14.Let's Go Crazy by Prince
That guitar is smokin'!
15.Stop by Jane's Addiction
Greatness and their whole career in one song!
16.Hot For teacher by Van Halen
Class Dismissed!
17.Eyes Without A Face by Billy Idol
It's all about the gigolo pool!
18.3 Small Words by Josie and the Pussycats
This song is actually by Kay Hanley the singer for Letters to Cleo
19.American Girl by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
This song got better when I saw Everclear cover it live

Dead Stars: Dennis Hopper

Dead at 74 from Cancer, Dennis Hopper was a mad man of an actor. he pushed counter culture in his films but probably can't recall any of in. Did you know he was born in Dodge City, KS?
Top 5 Dennis Hopper Roles (no order)
Easy Rider: Billy
Blue Velvet" Frank Booth
Basquiat: Bruno Bischofberger
Speed: Howard Payne
Apocalypse Now: Photojournalist

Here's to you're fuck, Frank!

Dead Stars: Gary Coleman

Gary Coleman became a TV icon as his show Diff'rent Strokes was a massive hit in the the late 70s and early 80s. If you grew up in this era his character Arnold was the funniest guy on TV!

RIP Gary

Mr. Coleman unfortunately didn't do very well after the show as he had money and health problems until his death on May 28th 2010. I'm not going to lie his TV work made me laugh a lot as a boy.