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And we're rolling... - 03.30.2006
Finally received the April edition of Spin magazine, with the feature article on the YYYs. In my review of the band’s latest album, Show Your Bones, I mentioned how a post on the YYYs official website had trashed the article, before it was mysteriously removed. Having read the piece, I can see how the band might feel exploited. The articles overall thesis is that Karen O and Nick Zinner are no longer able to work together, that Karen has her sights set on projects outside of the band, and that the group is due to break up any day now. At best the piece is sensational, at worst tabloid.
However, I don’t think Spin is as responsible for the situation as I had originally predicted (see my comments in our upcoming April Music roundtable). Assuming the band was wildly misquoted (and that’s what I assume, or else why would the YYYs have backed off their original post), each member made statements to the mag that could only really be interpreted one way. So the group can’t quite claim that they were taken advantage of.
I’m one of those people who hate finding out that artists (or athletes or wrestlers) aren’t actually friends behind the scenes. It would be a shame if the trappings of success claimed the relationship between Zinner and Karen O (who were once roommates at the beginning of the YYYs). Hopefully, this is just a transition point for the band, a rough patch they’ll get through. I stand by my review of Bones, I think it’s a really good album. I hope we can say that about the next album, if there is a next album.
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And we're rolling... - 03.09.2006
I came at the WBC from a different position, if only because I’m a huge soccer fan. The World Cup has been a huge sporting event in my life since Foxboro hosted games in the early 90s. The idea of athletes leaving their club teams to represent their countries in tournament-style competition was familiar to me. So far, I think the WBC has been a smashing success.
From the raucous cheers that greeted Papi, to the stunned silence of the crowd that witnessed the US’s stunning loss to Canada, the WBC has provided fun, exciting, and surprising games. Everyone mocked Italy, but they went out and drubbed Australia (not a powerhouse, but I can think of a few Australian major leaguers). Most people probably didn’t know who Adam Stern was (Sox fans exempted). Now, he’s the embodiment of playing the game the right way, whether it’s legging out an inside the park homerun or sacrificing your body to make an amazing catch.
Hopefully, those columnists that were dogging the event caught a few of the games, and the joy of fans from the likes of the Dominican Republic and Cuba. This event will be nothing but good for baseball.
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And we're rolling... - 02.21.2006
Did you all catch The Dresden Dolls in this month’s Spin? It’s amazing to watch this band grow, from unique local curiosity, to national “Band On The Rise.” Here’s hoping that Ms. Palmer and Mr. Viglione continue on this path, allowing their music to be heard by a wider audience. And here’s also hoping that the duo never, ever leave Boston. In my opinion, they are the city's biggest group since the days of Mission Of Burma and Pixies. |
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And we're rolling... - 02.19.2006
2005 was a good year for music. Good, not great. There were some excellent albums released in 05 (check out 411’s year-end wrap up for a sampling), but it seemed like something was missing. There seemed to be a lack of buzz last year.
Now, it might just be me, but 2006 looks to be pretty exciting. Cat Power has already released an amazing new album. The hype surrounding several UK bands (Arctic Monkeys, Editors, Art Brut) is heating up. New albums from the likes of Thursday, Mastodon, The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Dashboard Confessionals, and Pretty Girls Make Graves all seem promising. And new Guns ‘N Roses? Are you kidding?
Then there’s my own Holy Trinity of upcoming releases: The Dresden Dolls, Radiohead, and TOOL. Yeah, I’m pretty excited about 2006. Hope you are too.
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And we're rolling... - 02.17.2006
If I spelled that wrong, forgive me. Spelling isn’t my strong suit. Come to think of it, neither are obscure Hassidic inspired names. Anyway, why on Earth is a Jewish reggae artist garnering so much attention from scribes in both the pop and rock worlds? Or did I just answer my own question? Is the artists also known as Matthew Miller just a curiosity? Someone who’ll get 15 minutes of fame for selling his faith? Probably.
The first time I heard the single “King Without A Crown,” I had the same reaction as many others have (undoubtedly) had. It has a good beat. The singer has an interesting delivery. It’s catchy, and simple. But is it the next big thing? No, it’s a novelty that will probably pass before Matisyahu even releases his actual debut album.
It’s funny how you can hear a song, and instantly recognize it as a “One Hit Wonder” or something similar to that moniker. There’s just something about certain artists that is appealing, but only for a fleeting moment. I’m afraid Mr. Yahu might fall into that category.
But then, I’m still waiting for the Reggaeton fiasco to pass us by. So don’t be surprised if a genre-blending hip-hop artist suddenly represents every obscure faith…
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And we're rolling... - 02.17.2006
It seems that everyone in the music zone is offering up his or her (not that we have any hers) thoughts on GNR with the recent revelation that this might finally be the year Chinese Democracy hits store shelves. Personally, I loathe “Hair Metal.” The entire mid 80’s Sunset Strip scene represents everything that is wrong with music, in my opinion. Bands like Motley Crue and Poison were in it for the wrong reasons, glorified terrible habits, and in the Crue’s case, murdered people regularly. But then, I was born in 1982 and didn’t catch the genre at the right time.
In any case, there are a few bands from that era that stood above their peers. Skid Row is one; they just seemed harder than traditional Hair bands. And GNR, of course, stood out as the pinnacle of the genre. It’s easy to forget that GNR were the most important band in the world in the early 90s. They were bigger than Metallica, and no one had heard of Cobain and Co yet. Appetite For Destruction truly is an amazing album, and placed pretty highly on my list for our upcoming 411Mania “Top 100 Albums List.” No one can marginalize the output of GNR, no matter how eccentric Rose has become.
Now, over a decade removed from Guns’ prime, the band still creates a fuss on sites such as ours. Will a new GNR album rock the musical world? I honestly don’t know. Is Rose a genius, or a victim of his own delusions of grandeur? Again, your guess is as good as mine. Most importantly, will today’s teens respond to a GNR album? We’ll see. But if Democracy is (ever) released, I for one will give it a shot. And if it still rocks, then Axl is ok in my book, no matter the hair loss and hip hop fixation…
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And we're rolling... - 02.17.2006
I'm new to the whole blog culture, and I imagine not too many readers will actually see this. But in case you do, remember, these are just my opinions, and they are as uninformed as possible. Feel free to question or comment. I am an attention whore. |
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| Archive |
The MMA News Report 12.10.08
(12.10.2008)
The UFC re-signs a top lightweight, tabs a future welterweight title contender, and sees two talented fighters drop weight divisions. Plus, thoughts on both UFC shows and a TUF-related Reader’s Question inside! |
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The MMA News Report 12.03.08
(12.03.2008)
It’s a special “lightweights and below” edition of the Wednesday report! Two top 10 lightweights may collide at the K-1 year end extravaganza, two rising lightweights will face off at Fight for the Troops and a former lightweight champion takes on a former title contender at WEC 38. Plus, thoughts on bantamweight champ Miguel Angel Torres, plus more inside. |
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The MMA News Report 11.26.08
(11.26.2008)
The WEC closes in on a major rematch, a TUF champion closes in on an octagon return, and the BFC closes in on a top ten featherweight. What’s the BFC? I didn’t know either until recently. Plus, Holiday leftovers and a non-MMA gripe. It is the season, you know. |
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The MMA News Report 11.05.08
(11.05.2008)
A champion can’t make weight, the UFC adds depth at 185, ATT keeps growing stronger, and the Irish Hand Grenade gets his wish. Plus, quick picks for WEC 36 and the links of the week |
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The MMA News Report 10.22.08
(10.22.2008)
Another major (or semi-major at least) MMA promotion bites the dust, a rush to sign Elite XC talent may begin with a former champion, UFC 92 is officially announced, Brock Lesnar passes a big test, and local MMA in the spotlight. Plus, three great articles from around the blogosphere in this week’s report. |
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The MMA News Report 10.15.08
(10.15.2008)
Injuries force changes to two UFC 90 fights and ruin Yoshiyuki Yoshida’s day once again. Plus, thoughts on the transformation of Chris Leben and an unlikely cameo by Bas Rutten |
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The MMA News Report 10.08.08
(10.08.2008)
An official response to allegations of wrongdoing at EliteXC: Heat, Brian Stann will have to wait to make his UFC debut, and fight additions to upcoming UFC cards. Plus, a few thoughts on this Saturday’s EliteXC card, but I’ll hold the outrage to a minimum, I promise… |
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The MMA News Report 10.01.08
(10.01.2008)
The UFC heads to the UK (again), Karo inks a new deal, additions abound for UFC 91 and 92, and the WEC presents a new special tonight. Plus, optimistic thoughts on Elite XC’s Saturday show and an in-depth look at the numbers behind Kelly Kobald. |
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The MMA News Report 09.24.08
(09.24.2008)
A special Wednesday Report as we recap DREAM 6, running diary style. |
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The MMA News Report 09.17.08
(09.17.2008)
A WEC champion talks future fights, Strikeforce finalizes its card, and DREAM adds a title finalist to its next event. Plus, thoughts on he Ultimate Fighter 8, Frank Mir, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and terrible fight picks... |
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411 Fighter Profile: Renato “Babalu” Sobral
(09.16.2008)
He’s defeated Shogun, Gumby, and Pele. He’s taken Henderson, Randlemen, and Fedor to decision. He’s been banned from the UFC and participated at the debut of Affliction: Banned. He has one of the best nicknames in MMA.
He is Renato “Babalu” Sobral.
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The MMA News Report 09.10.08
(09.10.2008)
MMA loses a truly original fighter in Evan Tanner. Plus, news on fight additions to UFC 90 and 91, the US debut of a Japanese star, and changes for the second Affliction broadcast. |
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The MMA News Report 09.03.08
(09.03.2008)
Randy Couture returns to the UFC and gets a massive homecoming gift. Thoughts on Couture’s return, Brock Lesnar, and Fedor Emelianenko inside. Plus, a list of the UFC 88 underdogs and their chances at surprising on Saturday night. What? Who’s Fabricio Werdum? |
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The MMA News Report 08.27.08
(08.27.2008)
Kimbo Slice gets a new opponent (groan) and injuries force changes to upcoming WEC and Strikeforce cards. Plus, a review of 'Title Shot: Inside the Shark Tank of Mixed Martial Arts'... |
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The MMA News Report 08.13.08
(08.13.2008)
An all news edition of the report: where will the IFL castoffs sign, what fights have been added to upcoming UFC events, which foreign fighters will be making US appearances, and what is the future for MMA Live? All this plus more (I know, I couldn’t believe how much news there was either) inside. |
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The MMA News Report 08.06.08
(08.06.2008)
Affliction lands several new stars including the biggest free agent in MMA, a former UFC champ returns to the cage, and one of MMA’s most controversial figures makes his way to the big screen. Plus, three thoughts on UFC 87: St-Pierre v. Fitch! |
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The MMA News Report 07.30.08
(07.30.2008)
Big changes within the ProElite hierarchy, Affliction targets a major free agent, and a UFC main event fighter tests positive for banned substances. All this, plus thoughts on this Sunday’s WEC event headlined by Condit v. Miura! |
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The MMA News Report 07.23.08
(07.23.2008)
An epic (kinda), well written (well sorta), in depth (I may have missed a fight while foraging for food), look at Affliction: Banned from someone in attendance. |
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More News and Notes from Affliction: Banned Fighters Press Conference
(07.21.2008)
Quotes from Josh Barnett, Andrei Arlovski, Tim Sylvia, and Fedor Emelianenko |
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News and Notes from Affliction: Banned Fighters Press Conference
(07.21.2008)
Quotes from Matt Lindland, Fabio Nascimento, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Mike Whitehead and Renato Sobral. |
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| full archive |
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