Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, I bring you the BEST OF 2009

Sorry it has taken me sometime to post this, but I have been busy lately. Well, let’s not wait any longer.

Here are my best albums for 2009. Later on this week or weekend, I will post the top 50 albums from 2000-2009.

20. Karen O and the Kids – Where the Wild Things Are


Album Favorites: All is Love & Rumpus

19. Jarvis Cocker – Further Complications


Album Favorites: Further Complications & Angela

18. Depeche Mode - Sounds of the Universe


Album Favorites: Wrong & In Chains

17. the Dodos - Time to Die


Album Favorites: Fables & Small Deaths

16. Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career


Album Favorites - French Navy & Honey in the Sun

15. Sonic Youth - The Eternal


Album Favorites: Sacred Trickster & Anti-Orgasm

14. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug


Album Favorites: Crying Lightning & Cornerstone

13. Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains


Album Favorites: Indiana & Wind Phoenix

12. Beirut - March of the Zapotec and Realpeople Holland


Album Favorites: My Night with a Prostitute from Marseille & La Llorona

11. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion


Album Favorites: My Girls & In The Flowers

10. Super Furry Animals - Dark Days/Light Years


Album Favorites: Inaugural Trams & Helium Hearts

9. Mos Def - The Ecstatic


Album Favorites: Supermagic & Twilite Speedball

8. Flaming Lips - Embryonic


Album Favorites: Convinced of the Hex & Sparrow Looks Up at the Machine

7. Dan Auerbach - Keep It Hid


Album Favorites: I Want Some More & Mean Monsoon

6. Doves - Kingdom of Rust


Album Favorites: Kingdom of Rust & House of Mirrors

5. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix


Album Favorites: Lisztomania & 1901

4. Raveonettes - In and Out of Control


Album Favorites: Suicide & Bang

3. Japandroids - Post-Nothing


Album Favorites: The Boys are Leaving Town & Young Hearts Spark Fire

2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!


Album Favorites: Heads Will Roll & Zero

1. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart


Album Favorites: Young Adult Friction, Everything With You, Come Saturday & This Love is Fucking Right

Random Baseball Post

in the spirit of all of the top ten lists coming out, I give you my top 10 WORST White Sox players in the past 10 years.

10. Royce Clayton
9. Antonio Osuna
8. Rocky Biddle
7. David Riske (could not find a sox photo)
6. Dewon Day
5. Boone Logan
4.Mike Jackson
3. Jose Paniagua (look at that era!)
2. Billy Koch
1. Joe Borchard

Feel free to post your 10 least favorite players from your favorite team in the comments section

2009 Best of list coming soon.

in the meantime, start working on yours.

I am also working on the best albums from the last ten years as well as the best songs from the decade.

I'll try and post more regularly this week.

until then, check out this super sweet cover

30 Songs You Just Can't Live Without

My brother posted this to me the other day and I thought it would make a good post over here as well, so forgive me for stealing his "thunder" on this topic. Anyway, if you were told by someone, something or some higher being that for the rest of your life you can only listen to 30 songs, what would they be?

After putting a list together pretty quickly, I realized that I missed a few. After looking at this list again, I noticed that there were still some more missing, but I can swap songs on here for the rest of eternity, so I am just going to leave it as is.

Now these don't need to be in any specific order, just 30 songs.

well, here we go, here are mine

1. Ned’s Atomic Dustbin – Happy

2. Oasis – Supersonic

3. Blur – Chemical World

4. Beatles – A Day in the Life

5. Radiohead – The Bends

6. Rolling Stones – She’s A Rainbow

7. Jesus & the Mary Chain – Cracking Up

8. Catherine Wheel – Here Comes the Fat Controller

9. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Y Control

10. Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place

11. Jane’s Addiction – Three Days

12. Doves –There Goes The Fear

13. Neutral Milk Hotel – Two-Headed Boy pt. 2

14. David Bowie – Moonage Daydream

15. The Clash – (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais

16. Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now

17. Kings of Leon – Slow Night, So Long

18. Police – Murder By Numbers

19. Nine Inch Nails – Ringfinger

20. Beirut – Postcards from Italy

21. New Order –Ceremony

22. Smashing Pumpkins – Siva

23. Led Zeppelin – No Quarter

24. Ride – Time Machine

25. The Smiths – Boy With a Thorn in His Side
26. Van Halen – Hot for Teacher

27. Weezer – Only In Dreams
28. Spiritualized – Let it Flow

29. Nirvana – Drain You
30. Journey – Don’t Stop Believing


Post yours in the comment section

Top 5 Debut Albums

Well it has been awhile since I have done one of these, but here we go. Top 5 debut albums. Now this should be self explanatory, but just in case there is confusion, this would the first album released by an artist, not a reissue of an earlier work, but the first release.

For example, The Beastie Boys, their debut album would be “Licensed to Ill” and not the reissue of their old songs on “Some old Bullshit.” Got it?

Post yours in the comments section.

Here are mine:

1. The Clash – The Clash
2. Nine Inch Nails – Pretty Hate Machine
3. Spiritualized – Lazer Guided Melodies
4. Ned’s Atomic Dustbin – God Fodder
5. Oasis - Definitely Maybe

Top 5 Fight Scenes

Today’s top 5 is about being tough. When I was a kid, I remember watching such films as Die Hard and Road House and saying to myself, that scene was a tough as it gets. With that in mind, I bring you the top 5 best fight scenes.

1. They Live
2. Road House
3. Bloodsport
4. Kill Bill Vol. 1
5. The Last Dragon

I couldn’t find the clip for die hard when John McClaine beats up Karl, so that is not why it is on here.

Submit yours in the comments section

Top 5 late 80's early 90's dance songs

For some reason I am in some sort of weird late 80’s early 90’s dance mood. So, here we go. Top 5 dance tracks from that time. Seems like the more obnoxious the better.

And in no particular order

Dee Lite – Groove is in the heart
Snap – The Power
Nenah Cherry – Buffalo Stance
M.A.R.R.S. – Pump up the Volume
Expose – Point of No Return

leave your list if you dare, in the comments section.

Top 5 Concept Albums

It’s been a little while since I posted a new top 5, but out of a recommendation from my friend John, I bring you the Top 5 concept album list.

Now I know, some will vary on what they believe is a concept album, but general definition is an album that is unified by a single theme. I am sure this will be all over the place, but let’s have some fun with it.

Here are my Top 5 concept albums.

1. David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
2. Neutral Milk Hotel – In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
3. Pink Floyd – The Wall
4. The Who – Quadrophenia
5. The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

Put your top 5 in the comments section.

Lollapalooza 2009

It's right around the corner and I am starting to get really excited. On the side of this you will notice a new playlist I created that is filled with bands that will be playing this weekend in Grant Park.

If you are torn on whether to go or not, give it a listen and see if anything strikes your fancy.

Top 5 most underappreciated Bands of all-time

Now everyone knows the stones, the beatles, the beach boys and U2, but what about those bands that should have been huge, but never really caught on? Now I know this is going to vary from person to person, but that is the whole point of these, but what are yours? What bands do you think should have been bigger, but just didn’t get the respect they deserved?

Well, here are mine and these could either bands that no longer exist or current one.
1. Ned’s Atomic Dustbin (awful video)
2. Doves
3. Catherine Wheel
4. Olivia Tremor Control
5. Elf Power

Share your list in the comments section.

New Shows On Sale This Weekend

Here's a list of new shows going on sale this weekend.

Notables: BBD, Japandroids, Most Serene Republic & Phoenix



NEW LISTINGS

BELL BIV DEVOE Country Club Hills Theater, Country Club Hills, 8/22, 7 PM, 708-798-8133.

BIG SANDY & HIS FLY-RITE BOYS FitzGerald's, Berwyn, 8/28, 9:30 PM, on sale Fri 7/17, 9 AM.

BLOWOFF FEATURING DJS RICHARD MOREL & BOB MOULD Metro, 8/1, 11 PM, on sale Sat 7/18, noon, metrochicago.com.

CAPTURED BY ROBOTS Abbey Pub, 10/17, 9 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 7/18, noon.

BRANDI CARLILE, ANGEL TAYLOR House of Blues, 9/25, 7:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Fri 7/17, 10 AM.

CELTIC THUNDER Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont, 10/30, 7:30 PM, on sale Fri 7/17, 10 AM.

CLARKS Beat Kitchen, 9/19, 10 PM, 17+.

CLUTCH, WINO, REVOLUTION MOTHER Metro, 9/26, 9 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 7/18, noon, metrochicago.com.

DIVISION DAY, BAD VEINS Subterranean, 9/15, 8:30 PM, 17+, on sale Sat 7/18, 10 AM.

DOES IT OFFEND YOU, YEAH? (DJ SET) Abbey Pub, 8/22, 11 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 7/18, noon.

DRUMMER Schubas, 10/23, 10:30 PM, 773-525-2508.

ELLIOT BROOD Schubas, 10/20, 9 PM, 773-525-2508.

TIM EXILE Sonotheque, 9/30, 9 PM.

FRUIT BATS, IRAN Schubas, 9/20, 7 PM; 9/21, 8 PM, 9/20 is all-ages, 773-525-2508.

GASLIGHT ANTHEM, CONSTANTINES Double Door, 8/8, 11 PM, tickets only available through q101.com.

GRIZZLY BEAR, BEACH HOUSE Metro, 7/27, 7 PM; 7/28, 9 PM, all-ages, 9/28 is 18+, metrochicago.com.

HAVOK, HATCHET Beat Kitchen, 9/17, 8 PM, 17+, on sale Sat 7/18, 10 AM.

JOLIE HOLLAND Schubas, 10/14, 9 PM, 773-525-2508.

IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE Abbey Pub, 9/26, 10 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 7/18, 10 PM.

INSANE CLOWN POSSE Pearl Room, Mokena, 10/27, 6 PM, on sale Sat 7/18, 11 AM.

JAPANDROIDS, COATHANGERS Schubas, 10/9, 10 PM, 773-525-2508.

MAT KEARNEY, DIANE BIRCH House of Blues, 10/9, 7:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Fri 7/17, 10 AM.

KID KOALA Abbey Pub, 10/4, 9 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 7/18, noon.

KORN, FILTER, POWERMAN 5000 Toyota Park, Bridgeview, 7/31, 7 PM.

IAN MCCLAGAN Martyrs', 11/20, 7 PM, 800-594-8499.

MOBY the Vic, 9/30, 7:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 7/18, 10 AM.

MOST SERENE REPUBLIC, STILL LIFE STILL Schubas, 9/10, 9 PM, 773-525-2508.

MUSHROOMHEAD Pearl Room, Mokena, 8/12, 6 PM.

NEEDTOBREATHE, ALTERNATE ROUTES Schubas, 10/30, 7 and 10:30 PM, 18+, 773-525-2508.

THEE OH SEES, FRESH & ONLYS Schubas, 9/27, 9 PM, 773-525-2508.

OMEGA MOOS, WYLLYS Double Door, 7/26, 10 PM, on sale Sat 7/18, noon.

OTEP Pearl Room, Mokena, 8/13, 6 PM.

OWEN, BOB NANNA Beat Kitchen, 9/18, 7:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 7/18, 10 AM.

OWEN, DAVEY VON BOHLEN Beat Kitchen, 9/18, 10:30 PM, on sale Sat 7/18, 10 AM.

MANDI PERKINS, RESIDENT HERO Abbey Pub, 8/10, 8 PM, on sale Sat 7/18, noon.

PHOENIX, CHAIRLIFT Riviera Theatre, 9/23, 7:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 7/18, 10 AM.

PIERCED ARROWS Empty Bottle, 10/3, 10 PM.

POLVO Bottom Lounge, 9/5, 9 PM.

DJ QBERT, DJ FRANCO DE LEON Smart Bar, 8/21, 10 PM, on sale Sat 7/18, noon, smartbarchicago.com.

SAVIOURS, SOURVEIN Subterranean, 8/3, 8:30 PM.

SON VOLT the Vic, 9/25, 8 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 7/18, 10 AM.

STEEL PANTHER Double Door, 8/30, 8 PM, on sale Sat 7/18, noon.

TEENA MARIE Country Club Hills Theater, Country Club Hills, 8/29, 7 PM, 708-798-8133.

ROB THOMAS the Venue at Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, 10/30, 7:30 PM, on sale Fri 7/17, noon.

PAUL THORN BAND FitzGerald's, Berwyn, 9/24, 8:30 PM, on sale Fri 7/17, 9 AM.

TOBACCO Empty Bottle, 9/24, 9:30 PM.

THE TWILIGHT SAD, BRAKES BRAKES BRAKES, WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS Empty Bottle, 10/12, 10 PM.

VADER Pearl Room, Mokena, 11/13, 7 PM, on sale Fri 7/17, 11 AM.

MARTIN VALVERDE UIC Pavilion, 8/27, 7:30 PM.

WEBB WILDER FitzGerald's, Berwyn, 8/8, 9 PM, on sale Fri 7/17, 9 AM.

Friday's Top 5 - Storytellers

Well, I know, I have been slacking here with the top 5 lists, but this one is not only difficult, but also very good.

Since everyone is famous in his or her own eyes, there is a possibility of your life story being publicized. If you were going to have someone write your life story who would it be?

I bring you, this week’s top 5.

Top 5 authors you would want to write your biography.

Here are mine.

1. Nick Hornby
2. Nelson Algren
3. David Eggers
4. David Sedaris
5. Steve Martin

Share yours in the comments section.

Live Concert of the Week

These guys are playing the Pitchfork Music Festival in a couple of weeks and if this the kind of show we are looking at, it should be a great one.


Watch the full concert at baeblemusic.com

New Shows On Sale This Weekend

A lot of new ones worth checking out, plus included in here you will find a lot of the Lollapalooza after shows going on throughout the city.

ARCTIC MONKEYS Metro, 8/7, 11 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM, metrochicago.com.
BAND OF HORSES, CASS MCCOMBS House of Blues, 8/7, 11 PM, 17+, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM.
BARCELONA, MEESE Beat Kitchen, 7/30, 7:30 PM, 17+.
BEASTIE BOYS Congress Theater, 8/6, 8 PM, 17+, on sale Fri 6/26, 10 AM, 773-276-1235.
BRENDAN BENSON Schubas, 8/20, 7 PM, 18+, 773-252-2508.
BLITZEN TRAPPER, LOCH LOMOND Empty Bottle, 7/19, 9:30 PM.
BREEDERS Metro, 8/13, 9 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 6/27, noon, metrochicago.com.
BUTTHOLE SURFERS Metro, 10/7, 6:30 PM, all-ages, part of Riot Fest, metrochicago.com.
TRACY CHAPMAN Park West, 8/12, 7:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM.
CHILDREN OF BODOM, SKELETONWITCH House of Blues, 9/27, 6 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM.
ROY CLARK Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet, 10/11, 6 PM.
COCK SPARRER, LOWER CLASS BRATS, FLATFOOT 56, FEAR CITY Metro, 10/11, 6:30 PM, all-ages, part of Riot Fest, metrochicago.com.
CROOKERS, MAJOR LAZER, BLOODY BEETROOTS Congress Theater, 8/7, 8 PM, 17+, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM, 773-276-1235.
CYMBALS EAT GUITARS, SYBRIS Bottom Lounge, 7/17, 8 PM.
DAVID MEAD, SILVER SEAS Schubas, 9/3, 8 PM, 773-525-2508.
DEAD MILKMEN, TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET, TEEN IDOLS Metro, 10/10, 6:30 PM, all-ages, part of Riot Fest, metrochicago.com.
DEATH, ROUGH FRANCIS Empty Bottle, 9/26, 10 PM.
DECEMBERISTS, HEARTLESS BASTARDS Metro, 8/6, 9 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM, metrochicago.com.
DEERHUNTER, DAN DEACON, NO AGE Logan Square Auditorium, 8/9, 10 PM, all-ages.
DRUG RUG Hideout, 8/20, 9 PM.
DUKE & THE KING Schubas, 8/14, 10:30 PM, 773-525-2508.
MARK FARINA, PEZZNER, FRANK SOLANO Smart Bar, 8/7, 10 PM, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM, smartbarchicago.com.
FIERY FURNACES FitzGerald's, Berwyn, 7/10, 9:30 PM.
FIERY FURNACES, DOUBLE DAGGER Hideout, 7/9, 9 PM.
FIERY FURNACES FitzGerald's, Berwyn, 7/10, 9:30 PM.
FLEET FOXES, DUNGEN Metro, 8/8, 11 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM, metrochicago.com.
LOU GRAMM Joe's, 9/19, 9:30 PM.
GREEN MUSIC FEST WITH ART BRUT, LUCERO, TAPES 'N TAPES, MURDER BY DEATH, THESE UNITED STATES, VAMPIRE HANDS, AND OTHERS Eckhart Park, 8/15-16.
WILL HOGE Double Door, 10/23, 8 PM, on sale Sat 6/27, noon.
KYLE HOLLINGSWORTH Martyrs', 9/12, 10 PM, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM.
EDDIE JOBSON Martyrs', 8/22, 8 PM, 800-598-8499.
DANIEL JOHNSTON Metro, 8/15, 9 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 6/27, noon, metrochicago.com.
JOURNEY, HEART Rockford Metro Centre, Rockford, 8/18, 7:30 PM, 877-598-8703.
KASKADE, JAMES AMATO Smart Bar, 8/8, 10 PM, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM, smartbarchicago.com.
KOTTONMOUTH KINGS, SWOLLEN MEMBERS House of Blues, 8/10, 5:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Fri 6/26, 10 AM.
LONEY DEAR, ASOBI SEKSU Bottom Lounge, 10/10, 8 PM, 18+.
MSTRKRFT, LA RIOTS Bottom Lounge, 8/9, 9 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM.
MUM Logan Square Auditorium, 10/28, 8 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM.
MURDER CITY DEVILS, DEAD MILKMEN, RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS Congress Theater, 10/9, 5:30 PM, all-ages, part of Riot Fest.
NAKED RAYGUN, NO EMPATHY Metro, 10/9, 6 PM, all-ages, part of Riot Fest, metrochicago.com.
NOBUNNY, SMITH WESTERNS, BIRD TALK Bottom Lounge, 8/15, 10 PM.
NOFX, COCK SPARRER, 88 FINGERS LOUIE, YOUTH BRIGADE, SHOT BAKER Congress Theater, 10/10, 4 PM, all-ages, part of Riot Fest.
OUR LADY PEACE the Vic, 8/22, 7:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM.
PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART, DEPRECIATION GUILD, CYMBALS EAT GUITARS Empty Bottle, 9/8, 8 PM.
PINBACK Bottom Lounge, 11/3, 8 PM, 18+.
PSYCHEDELIC FURS, HAPPY MONDAYS House of Blues, 9/8, 8 PM, 17+, on sale Fri 6/26, 10 AM.
QUEENSRYCHE Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet, 11/1, 7 PM.
RAVEONETTES, LIVING THINGS Empty Bottle, 8/8, 10 PM.
BRYAN SCARY & THE SHREDDING TEARS Schubas, 9/5, 10 PM, 773-525-2508.
SCREECHING WEASEL, ALKALINE TRIO, PEGBOY Congress Theater, 10/11, 5:30 PM, all-ages, part of Riot Fest.
BRITNEY SPEARS Allstate Arena, Rosemont, 9/9, 8 PM.
STRYPER, FLIGHT PATTERNS House of Blues, 10/4, 6:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM.
STS9 House of Blues, 8/8, midnight, 17+, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM.
SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE Metro, 9/24, 6:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 6/27, noon, metrochicago.com.
TAYLOR SWIFT, KELLIE PICKLER Allstate Arena, Rosemont, 10/9-10, 7:30 PM, on sale Fri 6/26, 10 AM.
TEENAGE JESUS & THE JERKS, DAILY VOID Empty Bottle, 10/5, 9:30 PM.
THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS the Vic, 10/10, 4 and 8 PM.
THIEVERY CORPORATION, FEDERICO AUBELE House of Blues, 8/6, 9 PM, 17+, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM.
THROW RAG Beat Kitchen, 8/29, 9:30 PM, on sale Sat 6/27, 10 AM.
WEAKERTHANS Bottom Lounge, 9/25, 8 PM, 18+.
CHUCK WICKS Joe's, 10/24, 9 PM.
WOVENHAND, DRMWPN Empty Bottle, 10/1, 9:30 PM.

Top 5 Movie Soundtracks

Everybody loves movies and everybody loves music. So, let’s see what would be on your top 5 soundtrack lists.

Submit yours in the comments section

Here are mine with clips of songs featured on each soundtrack.

1. A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles
2. Singles – Various Artists
3. Trainspotting – Various Artists
4. Pretty in Pink – Various Artists
5. Grosse Poinet Blank – Various Artists

Top 5 Bands You Want to See Reunited

Top 5 Bands You Want to See Reunited

Since this is the first day it seems like the sun has been out in June in Chicago, it got me thinking about the upcoming summer festivals that will be taking place in this great city.

One thing that has been consistent over the years has been bands reuniting to play Lollapalooza, Pitchfork or even the Taste. So, with that in mind, I bring you today’s top 5 list: Top 5 bands you want to see reunited to play live at your favorite summer festival. Now there is only one rule to this, the members need to alive, since John and George are gone. Now you could do something like Queen or Zeppelin since they have played live since the loss of Mercury & Bonham.

Anyway, here are mine, please submit yours in the comment section

1. The Smiths
2. Blur
3. Stone Roses
4. Catherine Wheel
5. Ned's Atomic Dustbin

On Sale This Weekend

Nothing that great going on sale this weekend, but De La Soul at the House of Blues and the Trash Can Sinatras at Schubas could be really cool.

RYAN BINGHAM, JESSE DAYTON Martyrs', 7/11.

C.J. CHENIER & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND, LOST CITY RAMBLERS FitzGerald's, Berwyn, 6/26, 9 PM.

CHICKENFOOT, DAVY KNOWLES & BACK DOOR SLAM Chicago Theatre, 8/7, 8 PM, on sale Sat 6/13 11 AM.

DAVID COOK, NEED TO BREATHE House of Blues, 7/12, 7:30 PM, all ages, on sale Sat 6/13 10 AM.

CURUMIN Rumba, 7/16, 10 PM, brownpapertickets.com.

MILEY CYRUS, METRO STATION United Center, 10/27, 7 PM, on sale Sat 6/13 10 AM.

DE LA SOUL House of Blues, 8/26, 9 PM, 17+, on sale Sat 6/13 10 AM.

DRAGONFORCE, SONATA ARCTICA House of Blues, 9/30, 5:30 PM, all ages, on sale Sat 6/13 10 AM.

JAMIE FOXX Arie Crown Theater, 8/1, 8 PM. Star Plaza Theatre, Merrillville, 7/31, 8 PM.

BRYAN GREENBERG Schubas, 7/16, 7 PM, all-ages, 773-525-2508.

HARVEY DANGER Schubas, 8/15, 10:30 PM, 18+, 773-525-2508.

COLIN HAY Abbey Pub, 8/16, 7:30 PM, on sale Sat 6/13 noon.

I AM GHOST, Reggie's Rock Club, 7/3, 5 PM, all ages.

JAMEY JOHNSON Joe's, 10/3, 11 PM.

KINDRED House of Blues, 7/9, 8 PM, 17+, on sale Sat 6/13 10 AM.

GREG LASWELL, ELIZABETH & THE CATAPULT Martyrs', 7/24, 9 PM, 800-594-8499.

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF SOUND, SILVERIO Congress Theater, 7/11, 7 PM, all ages, 773-276-1235.

MINT CONDITION House of Blues, 7/30, 9 PM, 17+, on sale Fri 6/12 10 AM.

BOB MOULD BAND Metro, 10/12, 8 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 6/13 noon, metrochicago.com.

LES NUBIANS Green Dolphin Street, 7/9, 9 PM, brownpapertickets.com.

OWL CITY, KATE HAVENIK, UNICORN KID Metro, 9/25, 7:30 PM, all ages, on sale Sat 6/13 noon, metrochicago.com.

PET SHOP BOYS Chicago Theatre, 9/14, 8 PM, on sale Sat 6/13 10 AM.

PRETENDERS, CAT POWER, JULIETTE LEWIS Aragon Ballroom, 8/18, 7:30 PM, on sale Sat 6/13 10 AM.

REEL BIG FISH, ENGLISH BEAT, SUPERVILLAINS House of Blues, 8/14, 7 PM, all ages, on sale Sat 6/13 10 AM.

LUPILLO RIVERA House of Blues, 7/11, 9 PM, 17+.

RUSLANA the Venue at Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, 7/25, 8 PM, on sale Fri 6/12 noon.

LEA SALONGA the Venue at Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, 9/26, 9 PM, on sale Fri 6/12 noon.

SERGENT GARCIA Logan Square Auditorium, 7/20, 8:30 PM, brownpapertickets.com.

SICK PUPPIES, HURT, VEER UNION House of Blues, 7/23, 5:30 PM, all ages, on sale Sat 6/13 10 AM.

TRASH CAN SINATRAS Schubas, 8/9, 8 PM.

ANDRE WILLIAMS, DEADSTRING BROTHERS, HARDLINE DRIVE FitzGerald's, Berwyn, 6/27, 9 PM.

WISIN Y YANDEL Allstate Arena, Rosemont, 9/24, 8 PM.

PETE YORN Park West, 8/3-4, 18+, on sale Sat 6/13 10 AM.

Top 5 Cover Songs

I’m going to have a lot of running around to do tomorrow, so I thought I would post the weekly top 5 list today instead of on Friday.

Going back to the music realm of top 5’s, I ask you for your top 5 cover songs.

Now I know I am going to catch shit from some of you on these because of who is covering the tunes, but god damn, if you can't admit they are quality, you in fact may be a (insert insult)

anyway, here they are:

1. Pixies – Head On (Jesus & Mary Chain)


2. Ned’s Atomic Dustbin – Saturday Night (Bay City Rollers)


3. The Cardigans – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Black Sabbath)


4. Travis – Killer Queen (Queen)


5. Nine Inch Nails - Dead Souls (Joy Division)



I originally had this as number 5, then I remembered how good of a version trent did of that joy division classic.

6. Oasis – Cum on Feel the Noize (Slade)

Random Updates for today

Here are some random links to interesting items I found on the interweb. Also, below you will find a list of new concerts going on sale.

Stream the new Sonic Youth album Eternal here

Pitchfork Reviews the new Jarvis Cocker album Further Complications. As always, I think pitchfork takes off a few points for everything that is not 100% “indie”

The new Mos Def album, True Magic comes out on August 24.

Baebelmusic posted a Beirut concert a few weeks ago, so I thought I would make sure you all got to check it out. The first song is “East Harlem” which apparently he wrote when he was 17.

Paste Magazine provides their top 10 list of music magazines to follow on twitter.

Filter Magazine lists their best albums of the year, thus far.

Michael Caine spills the beans on who will be the next villain in Batman. God, please let this be true.

Concerts going on sale this weekend:

AC/DC United Center, 8/14, 7:30 PM, on sale Sat 6/6, 10 AM.
AMERICA Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, 9/24, 8 PM.
APPLESEED CAST; BRIGHTON, MA Subterranean, 6/26, 9:30 PM.
ART BRUT Subterranean, 8/14, 10:30 PM, 17+, on sale Sat 6/6, 10 AM.
ADRIAN BELEW Martyrs', 7/22, 8 PM, on sale Sat 6/6, 10 AM.
BLINK 182, FALL OUT BOY, PANIC AT THE DISCO, CHESTER FRENCH First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, 8/15, 6:30 PM, on sale Sat 6/6, 10 AM, 877-598-8703.
BRIDGEVIEW MUSIC FEST WITH LITA FORD, BILLY SQUIER, STARSHIP, WARRANT, L.A. GUNS, AND OTHERS Toyota Park, Bridgeview, 7/3-4, 2 PM.
CANDLEBOX House of Blues, 7/18, 9 PM, 17+, on sale Fri 6/5, 10 AM.
CANS 7TH ANNIVERSARY BASH WITH NAUGHTY BY NATURE AND VANILLA ICE Cans Bar & Canteen, 6/26-27, 8 PM, 773-227-2277.
CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL WITH MADELEINE PEYROUX, GONZALO RUBALCABA QUINTET, DAVE HOLLAND BIG BAND, AMINA FIGAROVA SEXTET, WILLIAM PARKER, ARCHIE SHEPP QUARTET, NICOLE MITCHELL, DEE ALEXANDER, AND OTHERS Grant Park, 9/4-6, free.
HUGH CORNWELL Abbey Pub, 9/20, 7:30 PM, on sale Sat 6/6, noon.
DAT POLITICS Empty Bottle, 6/16, 9:30 PM.
MORRIS DAY & THE TIME Country Club Hills Theater, Country Club Hills, 6/27, 7 PM, 708-798-8133.
ANI DIFRANCO the Vic, 9/23, 7:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 6/6, 10 AM.
DOMMIN Beat Kitchen, 7/9, 6:30 PM, all-ages.
LUPE FIASCO Grant Park, 6/26, 5:30 PM, free.
HAVE HEART, SHIPWRECK A.D., CRUEL HAND Subterranean, 9/4, 6:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 6/6, 10 AM.
HEY MERCEDES Double Door, 9/19, 9 PM, on sale Sat 6/6, noon.
HONOR SOCIETY House of Blues, 7/11, 1 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 6/6, 10 AM.
JET Double Door, 7/5, 7 PM, on sale Sat 6/6, noon.
SYLEENA JOHNSON Congress Theater, 7/4, 10 PM, 18+, 773-276-1235.
KMFDM House of Blues, 10/3, 9 PM, 17+, on sale Fri 6/5, 10 AM.
TOBY LIGHTMAN Martyrs', 6/30, 8 PM, 800-594-8499.
LIL' MO Congress Theater, 7/3, 10 PM, 18+, 773-276-1235.
MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC CO., DONKEYS Schubas, 7/11, 10 PM, 18+, 773-525-2508.
MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC CO., SALLY TIMMS Hideout, 7/12, 9 PM.
STEPHEN MALKMUS & THE JICKS Bottom Lounge, 7/2, 8 PM, 18+.
MAN MAN Bottom Lounge, 7/5, 8 PM, 18+.
MEST, ROOM ONE ELEVEN Subterranean, 7/13, 6:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 6/6, 10 AM.
MOTORHEAD, REVEREND HORTON HEAT, NASHVILLE PUSSY House of Blues, 8/30, 8:30 PM, 17+, on sale Sat 6/6, 10 AM.
PETER MURPHY House of Blues, 7/14, 8:30 PM, 17+, on sale Sat 6/6, 10 AM.
PUSSYCAT DOLLS the Venue at Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, 8/28, 8 PM, on sale Fri 6/5, noon.
RADIATORS FitzGerald's, Berwyn, 7/10-11, 9 PM.
RAPTURE (DJ SET), HEARTSREVOLUTION, THE RUB, DJ FUNK, ROB THREEZY, AND OTHERS Congress Theater, 6/19, 7 PM, 17+.
RIOT FEST WITH SCREECHING WEASEL, NOFX, ALKALINE TRIO, DEAD MILKMEN, MURDER CITY DEVILS, COCK SPARRER, AND OTHERS Congress Theater, 10/7-11, five-day passes on sale Sat 6/6, noon.
JOSH RITTER Metro, 7/30, 7 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 6/6, noon, metrochicago.com.
RX BANDITS, DREDG Bottom Lounge, 8/6, 5 PM, all-ages.
SO MANY DYNAMOS, CAST SPELLS Beat Kitchen, 8/2, 7 PM, all-ages.
STEELY DAN Chicago Theatre, 8/31-9/1, 7:30 PM; 9/3-4, 7:30 PM, on sale Sat 6/6, 11 AM.
SUNN O))), EAGLE TWIN Empty Bottle, 7/2, 9:30 PM, on sale Fri 6/5, noon.
THOSE DARLINS, PUKING PEARLS Schubas, 7/17, 10:30 PM, 773-525-2508.
GRETCHEN WILSON, JOE NICHOLS Toyota Park, Bridgeview, 7/24, 2 PM.
NAT & ALEX WOLFF House of Blues, 8/12, 6:30 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 6/6, 10 AM.

Top 5 Lists - Simpsons Episodes & Quotes

Since I have been slacking on the updates and the top 5 lists, I decided to do two today.

After talking with some friends, I thought these two would be fun and also a little difficult. Please feel free to email or put yours in the comment section.

Top 5 Simpsons Episodes

1. Lisa on Ice – This is the episode where Lisa needs to play an outside sport in order to avoid getting a “F” in gym class. A Bart vs. Lisa classic.
2. Last Exit to Springfield – Homer because the union rep for the power plant and goes into negotiations with Mr. Burns after the plant goes on strike.
3. Homer the Great – In this episode, Homer becomes the chosen one to a underground group known as the Stonecutters
4. Cape Feare – The Simpsons re-inactment of the movie with Side Show Bob
5. Bart Sells His Soul – This one starts off with Bart getting Iron Butterfly played in a church service. Moe also opens up a family restaurant in his bar too. A classic!


Top 5 Simpsons Lines (I know, this one is impossible)

1. “Surly on looks out for one guy...Surly” – Surly Dwarf
2. “In America, first you get the sugar, then you get the power, then you get the women.” – Homer
3. “No children have ever meddled with the Republican Party and lived to tell about it..” – Sideshow Bob
4. “I’m going to the back seat of my car, with the woman I love, and I won’t be back for ten minutes!” – Homer
5. “Women and seamen don’t mix.” - Smithers

New Shows Announced

I am going to be updating this every week with new shows that have either been announced or go on sale the upcoming weekend. Now I am copying and pasting these without any filter, so just because they are on here, does not mean they are worth seeing. Some however are must sees. Charlatans UK, anyone?

JP

NEW LISTINGS

TORI AMOS Chicago Theatre, 8/3, 7:30 PM, on sale Sat 5/30, 10 AM.

ARC ANGELS House of Blues, 8/1, 9 PM, 17+, on sale Fri 5/29, 10 AM.

BABYFACE, AFTER 7 Country Club Hills Theater, Country Club Hills, 6/13, 7 PM, 708-798-8133.

BENGA Smart Bar, 6/11, 10 PM, smartbarchicago.com.

CAGE Reggie's Rock Club, 7/7, 8 PM, 17+.

CASIOKIDS Schubas, 8/4, 9 PM, 18+, 773-525-2508.

KASEY CHAMBERS & SHANE NICHOLSON FitzGerald's, Berwyn, 6/13, 9 PM.

CHARLATANS, HATCHAM SOCIAL Double Door, 9/20, 9 PM, on sale Fri 5/29, noon.

CKY, GRAVEYARD, ASG House of Blues, 8/5, 7:30 PM, 17+, on sale Fri 5/29, 10 AM.

THE CULT House of Blues, 9/2, 8 PM, 17+, on sale Sat 5/30, 10 AM.

ALBERT CUMMINGS House of Blues, 8/14, 10 PM, on sale Fri 5/29, 10 AM.

ROB DICKINSON Schubas, 6/21, 8 PM, 773-525-2508.

DR. JOHN & THE LOWER 911 BAND Beverly Arts Center, 6/26, 8 PM, all-ages.

FEATURES, AUTOVAUGHN Schubas, 7/10, 10 PM, 773-525-2508.

FOGHAT Beverly Arts Center, 6/19, 8 PM, all-ages.

FUTURE OF THE LEFT Schubas, 7/21, 9 PM, 773-525-2508.

GAELIC STORM Beverly Arts Center, 8/13, 8 PM, all-ages.

TREVOR HALL Beat Kitchen, 8/6, 7 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 5/30, 10 AM.

HATEBREED, CHIMAIRA Pearl Room, Mokena, 8/7, 6 PM, all-ages, on sale Sat 5/30, 11 AM.

JEFFREE STAR, ARTIST VS. POET Reggie's Rock Club, 8/10, 6 PM, all-ages.

LITTLE FEAT Old Town School of Folk Music, 8/28, 7:30 and 10 PM, all-ages, on sale Fri 5/29, 9 AM, 773-728-6000.

MEKONS Schubas, 7/30, 7 PM, 773-525-2508.

MONO, MASERATI Bottom Lounge, 10/4, 8 PM, on sale Mon 6/1, 4 PM.

OUTLAWS Beverly Arts Center, 8/7, 8 PM, all-ages.

PETE AND J Schubas, 7/31, 10:30 PM, 773-525-2508.

RATT, EXTREME House of Blues, 7/24, 9 PM, 17+, on sale Sat 5/30, 10 AM.

REBIRTH BRASS BAND, MAS TRUENO Martyrs', 7/31, 10 PM, 800-594-8499.

RIBFEST CHICAGO WITH MARGOT & THE NUCLEAR SO AND SO'S, HARLEM SHAKES, WALTER MEEGO, ANNUALS, OFFICE, ASYLUM STREET SPANKERS, AND OTHERS Lincoln & Irving Park, 6/12-14, 773-525-3609.

XAVIER RUDD, JEREMY FISHER the Vic, 8/11, 8 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 5/30, 10 AM.

SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS Empty Bottle, 10/14, 9:30 PM.

THE SCRIPT, PARACHUTE Martyrs', 8/9, 9:30 PM, on sale Sat 5/30, 10 AM.

SMV, REGGIE HELM Country Club Hills Theater, Country Club Hills, 6/20, 7 PM, 708-798-8133.

STAIND, SHINEDOWN, CHEVELLE, HALESTORM Congress Theater, 8/27, on sale Sat 5/30, 10 AM, 888-512-7469.

TEEN IDOLS, SQUIRTGUN Reggie's Rock Club, 6/24, 7 PM, 17+.

THIN LIZZY House of Blues, 7/16, 9 PM, on sale Fri 5/29, 10 AM.

TREWS, ZO2 Schubas, 8/5, 9 PM, 773-525-2508.

TYCHO, SOLVENT, KILL MEMORY CRASH, DARK PARTY Empty Bottle, 8/21, 9 PM.

KANYE WEST Chicago Theatre, 6/11, 8:30 PM.

DAR WILLIAMS, STEPHEN KELLOGG & THE SIXERS Old Town School of Folk Music, 8/23, 7 PM, all-ages, on sale Fri 5/29, 9 AM, 773-728-6000.

KELLER WILLIAMS Park West, 10/17, 8 PM, 18+, on sale Sat 5/30, 10 AM.

JOHNNY WINTER Beverly Arts Center, 7/17, 8 PM, all-ages.

WORLD'S LARGEST BLOCK PARTY WITH BEN FOLDS, GAVIN DEGRAW, COLLECTIVE SOUL, AND OTHERS Madison & Des Plaines, 7/10-11, 5:30 PM, worldslargestblockparty.com.

Friday's Top 5 list - Toughest Guitar Solos

After rocking out on my way home last night, I thought this week’s top 5 should deal with shredding.

Ok people, your top 5 tough as nails guitar solos and we are talking kick you in the face tough, not difficulty. We’re talking the kind of tough where after you heard it, you wanted to buy a guitar, get a hotel room and trash the fuck out of it.

1. Eddie Van Halen – Eruption (this solo was so fucking bad ass, they just made it a song)


2. Jimi Hendrix – Voodoo Child – I can hear Jimi, can you?


3. George Lynch – Mr. Scary – You gotta love the hair and the triggered drums, but they don’t come close to taming the massive shredding going on here.



4. Kirk Hammet (Metallica) – One – It may have been their first video, but in this song you can hear how amazing of a guitar player Kirk Hammet is. One of the best and smoothest shredders of all time. Solo begins at 5:45.


5. Marty Freedman (Megadeath) – Holy Wars – The actual solo begins at 4:36 mark, but the song as whole is pretty bad ass!

2009 Lollapalooza lineup

The Lineup for Lollapalooza 2009 was announced this week and in my opinion, looks like it will be a good time. Lots of Rock and more importantly the reformation of my favorite childhood band, Jane's Addiction. Yes, I know, they have played together a couple of years ago, but that wasn't the same. Flea was not in the original lineup, Eric A was. Now that Eric A is back, Jane's Addiction is back! Chances of them being boring 50/50.

Below is the lineup for this years festival. Chances are there will be at least 3 more bands added. I am hoping for Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Super Furry Animals & Blur!

* Depeche Mode
* Tool
* The Killers
* Jane's Addiction
* Beastie Boys
* Kings of Leon

* Lou Reed
* Ben Harper and Relentless7
* Thievery Corporation
* Snoop Dogg
* Rise Against
* Andrew Bird
* TV on the Radio

* Vampire Weekend
* The Decemberists
* Neko Case
* STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9)
* Animal Collective
* Band of Horses
* Of Montreal

* Arctic Monkeys
* Coheed and Cambria
* Ben Folds
* Fleet Foxes
* Silversun Pickups
* Kaiser Chiefs
* Crystal Castles
* Bon Iver
* Santigold
* Atmosphere
* Dan Auerbach
* Cold War Kids
* Deerhunter
* Lykke Li
* Robert Earl Keen
* Peter Bjorn and John
* Heartless Bastards
* Gomez
* Glasvegas
* Federico Aubele
* Dan Deacon
* Passion Pit
* Zap Mama
* The Raveonettes
* The Gaslight Anthem

* The Airborne Toxic Event
* White Lies
* Ra Ra Riot
* No Age
* Asher Roth
* Los Campesinos!
* Bat For Lashes
* Chairlift
* Gang Gang Dance
* The Virgins
* Amazing Baby
* Portugal. The Man
* The Knux
* Ida Maria
* Delta Spirit
* Friendly Fires
* Manchester Orchestra
* Constantines
* Ezra Furman & The Harpoons
* Hockey
* Miike Snow
* Alberta Cross
* Hey Champ
* Sam Roberts Band
* The Henry Clay People
* Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam
* Cage the Elephant
* Living Things
* The Low Anthem
* Blind Pilot
* Langhorne Slim
* Other Lives
* The Builders and The Butchers
* Eric Church
* Joe Pug
* Kevin Devine
* The Greencards
* Carney
* Thenewno2

And spinning at PERRY'S

* Bassnectar
* MSTRKRFT
* Simian Mobile Disco
* Deadmau5
* Boys Noize
* KiD CuDi
* Crookers
* A-Trak
* Hercules and Love Affair (DJ Set)
* The Bloody Beetroots (DJ Set)
* LA Riots
* Kaskade
* The Glitch Mob
* Hollywood Holt
* Rye Rye
* He Say, She Say
* Car Stereo (Wars)
* Dark Wave Disco
* Moneypenny
* Yello Fever
* Animal Collective (DJ Set)

Top 5 Hot Summer Jams

The weather outside is no longer frightful, so it is time to crank up those jams that make you want to sit outside with some friends, have a cold one and just have a great time. Think of the kind of jam that you hear, roll the window down and just blast!

Top 5 Hot Summer Jams

1. Talking Heads - This must Be the Place
2.David Bowie - Young Americans
3. Masters of the Hemisphere - Take Time
4. Elf Power - The Naughty Villain
5. The Icicle Works - Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)

put yours in the comments section.

Friday's Top 5 list - Action Movies

Every now and again, a couple friends of mine and I would put together top 5 lists to demonstrate what we thought would be the best 5 in our minds on a specific subject. So, to kick off that idea on this website, I bring to the world, the BMAOGS first Friday top 5 list.

Top 5 action movies. Now we are talking straight up action here. No comedy action films or sci-fi, just straight blowin' shit up action.

here are mine

1. Die Hard
2. Dark Knight
3. Predator
4. Leon: The Professional
5. Raiders of the Lost Ark

put yours in the comment section and feel free to explain if necessary.

And The Winner is...

THE CLASH – LONDONG CALLING

#1 The Clash – London Calling vs. #2 Bob Dylan – Like A Rolling Stone

Like the actual national championship game, this one was no contest. Having received more votes for this contest than any other in the tournament, the Clash walked away with the rock and roll trophy of the year, by putting Mr. Dylan down for good.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this tournament. It was just as much fun putting it together as it was to participate in the voting.

Now I think the best way to pay tribute to the winner and the late great Joe Strummer is by sharing some of my favorites of their catalog.

And to thank all for participating, I have cd’s of the sweet 16 for everyone.

Thanks again, JP

Also, keep checking back every now and again, because I have some other ideas for fun time killers.



The Guns of Brixton


Tommy Gun

Rudie Can’t Fail


White Riot


White Man (In Hammersmith Palais)


Hateful


This is Radio Clash


Safe European Home


Police & Thieves

The Championship Game

and then there were just 2.

#1 Led Zeppelin - Immigrant Song vs. #1 The Clash - London Calling

Joe vs. Robert and Mick vs. Jimmy. A tough and very even match, but in the end The Clash had more support.

Winner: The Clash



#2 Bob Dylan - Like A Rolling Stone vs. #2 David Bowie - Space Oddity

The Folk legend met up with the Starman for a nail biter. After going back and forth, and I do mean this because almost every vote that came in for this one would be in favor of one and then the other. In fact someone tried to vote for both of them.
In the end, the protest song writer earned one more point than the labyrinth king.

Winner - Bob Dylan

and now, our Championship Game

#1 The Clash - London Calling

VS.

#2 Bob Dylan - Like A Rolling Stone

2009 Great Rock N’ Roll Tournament FINAL FOUR

It’s a battle of number 1 seeds and number 2 seeds. Please get your votes into me by the end of the day on Friday. I would like to have these posted Saturday morning so we can vote over the weekend and crown our champion on Monday.

#1 Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song

VS.

#1 The Clash – London Calling



#2 Bob Dylan – Like A Rolling Stone

VS.

#2 David Bowie – Space Oddity

The Road to the Final Four

Wow! This round received the most participation out of any round we have had so far. Some good matches here, but they will only lead to more difficult decisions in the next round.

Hacienda Bracket

#1 Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song vs. #2 The Beatles – A Day In The Life

A matchup of heavyweights that could only happen in a tournament like this one. McLennon vs. PlantPage If this were an actual fight, it would probably be on the level of Ali vs. Frasor, Lakers vs. Celtics or Manchester United vs. Chelsea. A true matchup of some of Rock n’ Rolls all time greatest square off here and in the end, there was just too much rock. Ringo got a hangnail and had to leave early and McCartney had some benefit show that he felt was more important. So after halftime, it was just John and George and despite their best effort they could not keep up with Viking Rock!

Winner: Led Zeppelin



CBGB Bracket

#1 The Clash – London Calling vs. #2 The Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop

This could have been a final four matchup if not a finals matchup, but due to some unfortunate breaks with the seeding, The Ramones could not handle Joe Strummer and his songwriting abilities.

Winner: The Clash



100 Club Bracket

#2 Bob Dylan – Like A Rolling Stone vs. #4 Black Sabbath – War Pigs

In a close matchup, beautiful songwriting ended up being a little too much for face melting rock and roll. Ozzy and Dylan traded shot for shot for much of this battle but in the end the movement that Dylan created with his song writing was just too much for sweet guitar riffs.

Winner: Bob Dylan



Whiskey-a-Go-Go Bracket

#1 The Who – My Generation vs. #2 David Bowie – Space Oddity

This was definitely the best matchup of the entire tournament. People were torn, rock was at a standstill and charts were to be broken with both of these songs, but in the end Mr. Stardust was just too much for Roger and co.

Winner: Bowie

THE ELITE 8

Wow, there are some tough ones here. Please get these into me by Wednesday night. I would like to post our Final 4 brackets up Thursday morning.

Hacienda Bracket

#1 Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song
vs.
#2 The Beatles - A Day In The Life



CBGB Bracket

#1 The Clash – London Calling
vs.
#2 The Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop



100 Club Bracket

#2 Bob Dylan – Like A Rolling Stone
vs
#4 Black Sabbath – War Pigs



Whiskey-a-Go-Go Bracket

#1 The Who – My Generation
vs.
#2 David Bowie – Space Oddity

Sweet 16 Results

Here are the results from the Sweet 16. Looks like the Elite 8 will be a war!

Hacienda Bracket

#1 Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song vs. #5 Prince – I would Die 4 U

Well, the kid may have put up a good fight against his dad and Morris Day & the Time, but this time, he was no match for the Thunder brought down by Plant & Page.

Winner: Led Zeppelin

#2 The Beatles – A Day In The Life vs. #3 Bruce Springsteen – Born To Run

At the tip, the Boss took a quick lead and looked like he was going to cruise to victory. However, at half time, Bruce was visited by an awkward dancing Courtney Cox and ruined any sort of mojo he had. McLennon & company then began getting better by fixing a hole where the rain was coming in by raining some long distance bombs of their own.

Winner: The Beatles



CBGB Bracket

#1 The Clash – Debaser vs. #4 Pixies – Debaser

This was a tough one. I will just say that the votes did not reflect how difficult this one was because almost everyone who voted for it mentioned how difficult it was. After the game, both teams met at half court to shake hands and praise each other for their rockin’ efforts.

Winner: The Clash

#2 The Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop vs. #6 Pink Floyd – Fearless

One of two #6 seeds in the sweet 16, Pink Floyd put up decent fight, but just could not match the 3 minute 3 chord power of the Ramones.

Winner: The Ramones



100 Club Bracket

#1 Rolling Stones – She’s A Rainbow vs. #4 Black Sabbath – War Pigs

This was the Villanova Pitt game of this round. A back and forth matchup turned in some of the most clutch performances of the tournament. When the Stones started off slow, Mick brought them back with his range. When Sabbath trailed, Ozzy put the team on his shoulders slayed the dragon of doubt. In the end, Ozzy’s frontcourt dominance and baby breaking skyhook sent the Stones home and the Pigs of War to the Elite 8.

Winner: Sabbath

#2 Bob Dylan – Like A Rolling Stone vs. #3 The Animals – We Gotta Get Out of this Place

No contest here. Dylan and his harmonica blew out the animals. They didn’t have to go home, but they gotta get out of this tournament.

Winner: Dylan



Whiskey-a-Go-Go Bracket

#1 The Who – My Generation vs. #5 Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place (Naïve Melody)

David Byrne and company started this game off hot. They felt there were right were they wanted to be because The Who benched Keith Moon because he failed to show up at a mandatory work out and a pre-game meeting. Moon was then allowed to get into the game after the half and he brought the Who back from a double-digit deficit to take the lead for good.

Winner: The Who

#2 David Bowie – Space Oddity vs. #6 Elvis – Suspicious Minds

One of the most hyped matchups of the tourney put the King up against the Starman. Well, it looks like the king took the chameleon of rock for granted, because Ziggy knocked the King off his throne, and he did it convincingly.

Winner: Bowie

So, I am on a chick kick

Seems like I have been listening to a lot of bands that are headed by women. Does that make me weird?

I don't think so, especially when the songs are just down right good.

I bring you Canada's own, Stars

Looking forward to this album

I just heard the new single from the upcoming Camera Obscura album, and all I can say is I can't wait for the full album to come out.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. JP

2009 Great Rock N’ Roll Tournament Sweet 16 Matchups

If you thought it was hard before, this is only going to get more difficult.

Time to separate the Casey Kasems from the Mark Goodmans

The Hacienda Bracket

#1 Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song
vs.
#5 Prince – I Would Die 4 U

#2 The Beatles – A Day In The Life
vs.
#3 Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run



CBGBs Bracket

#1 The Clash – London Calling
vs.
#4 The Pixies – Debaser

#2 The Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop
vs.
#6 Pink Floyd – Fearless



The 100 Club Bracket

#1 The Rolling Stones – She’s A Rainbow
vs.
#4 Black Sabbath – War Pigs

#2 Bob Dylan – Like A Rolling Stone
vs.
#3 The Animals – We Gotta Get Out Of This Place



Whiskey-a-Go-Go Bracket

#1 The Who – My Generation
vs.
#5 Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place (Naïve Melody)

#2 David Bowie – Space Oddity
vs.
#6 Elvis – Suspicious Minds

Results from the CBGBs & 100 Club Bracket

some very close matchups and of course some blowouts as well.

#1 Rolling Stones – She’s A Rainbow vs. #9 Echo & The Bunnymen – Killing Moon

Echo came running out of the locker room and took a quick and convincing lead. Mick and the boys were a bit shocked by this, then they all started to drink the “vitamin water” that Keith brought with him and then the game quickly turned around.

Winner: The Stones



#4 Black Sabbath – War Pigs vs. #5 Joy Division – Love Will Tear You Apart

Ozzy and company came into this tournament riding a solid winning streak and were picked to be one of the biggest sleepers in this tourney, but Joy Division gave them a run for their money. In what ended by some tough defense put up by Luke’s Wall, Sabbath prevails.

Winner: Sabbath Bloody Sabbath!



#3 The Animals – We Gotta Get Out of this Place vs. Neutral Milk Hotel – Holland, 1945

All I have to say is now I know who the cool kids are and who the VH1 fans are.

I can’t write about this matchup.

Winner: the animals.



#2 Bob Dylan – Like A Rolling Stone vs. #7 Blondie – Heart of Glass

Not the biggest blowout of the tournament, but one of them. Sorry Debbie, but Dylan’s got your number.

Winner: Bob Dylan



CBGB Bracket

#1 The Clash – London Calling vs. The Jam – A Town Called Malice

Now I love me some Paul Weller and the Jam, but sorry, as my boy Tekachi said in Revenge of the Nerds, “they stand no chance now.”

This was the biggest blowout by far in the tournament.

Winner: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon & Toppe Headon – The Clash



#4 Pixies – Debaser vs. The Kinks – You Really Got Me

Well, Black Francis really had Ray Davies here, because not only did the pixies get the kinks, they destroyed them.

Winner: Pixies



#3 Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody vs. Pink Floyd – Fearless

David Gilmour really stuck it to Freddy Mercury in the 2nd half of this game. NO, not like that you sickos. Let me clear this up, David Gilmour did not, I repeat, did not fuck Freddy Mercury. His song did come from behind to claim victory though.

Winner: Pink Floyd



#2 The Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop vs. #7 Guns N’ Roses – Welcome to the Jungle

OK, no doubt about it, this may have been one of the toughest matchups in the tourney. Not the closest, because people still know right from wrong, but definitely one of the more difficult choices. In the end, Joey Ramone kicks Axl’s dick and Slash asks for a trade.

Winner: The Ramones

Round 2 for the 100 Club & CBGBs Brackets

I want to speed this up a bit, so please get these into me by Thursday Night. I would like to post the results Friday morning if possible.

thanks, JP

100 Club – Round 2

#1 Rolling Stones – She’s a Rainbow
vs.
#9 Echo & The Bunnymen – The Killing Moon



#4 Black Sabbath – War Pigs
vs.
#5 Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart



#3 The Animals – We Gotta Get Out Of This Place
vs.
#6 Neutral Milk Hotel – Holland, 1945



#2 Bob Dylan – Like A Rolling Stone
vs.
#7 Blondie – Heart of Glass



CBGBs – 2nd Round

#1 The Clash – London Calling
vs.
#8 The Jam – Town Called Malice



#4 The Pixies – Debaser
vs.
#5 The Kinks – You Really Got Me



#3 Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
vs.
#6 Pink Floyd – Fearless



#2 The Ramones – Blitzkreig Bop
vs.
#7 Guns N’ Roses – Welcome to the Jungle

Results from Round 2 of the Whiskey-A-Go-Go & Hacienda Brackets

Whiskey-A-Go-Go – Round 2

#1 The Who – My Generation vs. #8 The Smiths – How Soon is Now?

Before tip-off, Johnny Marr & Pete Townsend shared some heated words, which turned into pure fuel for Keith Moon. Morrissey scored a quick basket and then followed with a foul for making fun of a girlfriend in a coma in the front row. Keith Moon then became the boy with the thorn in his side by banging the boards and taking over with his pure rock star drumming. At half-time Morrissey refused to come out of the locker room and the Smith’s had to forfeit.

Winner: The Who

#5 Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place (Naïve Melody) vs. #4 Nirvana – Drain You

In what turned out to be the first double overtime game of the tournament, New York withstood the seesaw matchup from the grunge rock gods from Seattle.

Winner: Talking Heads



#6 Elvis – Suspicious Minds vs. #14 Van Halen – Hot For Teacher

The underdog Van Halen brothers brought the thunder in the beginning of this matchup with some of the toughest drumming & guitar openings in rock n’ roll history, but as they said in Highlander, there can be only one (king of rock and roll). Elvis proves to be too much in the end, drawing tears from DLR and causing Michael Anthony to join Sammy Hagar in Cabo.

Winner: The King



#2 David Bowie – Space Oddity vs. #10 Arcade Fire – Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)

This is Bowie to Canada, the French Part: FUCK OFF!! No contest. Actually, Canada abandoned the monarchy after this. Oh well.

Winner: Major Tom



The Hacienda Bracket - Round 2

#1 Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song vs. #8 Radiohead – The Bends

They came from the land of the ice and snow to melt the faces of their art rock foes. Another #1 seed blows out their competition and straightens out Thom Yorke’s eyes.

Winner: Led Motherfucking Zeppelin



#4 Sex Pistols – God Save the Queen vs. #5 Prince – I Would Die 4 U

These 4/5 matchups are really turning into being the best of the tourney. Johnny Rotten and company got off to an early lead, but as always, the boys from London got distracted and Sid Vicious starting shooting up syringes instead of 3’s. The Purple Blouses put on one hell of a show in the 2nd half and cruise to victory.

Winner: Prince



#3 Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run vs. #6 Elvis Costello – (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love & Understanding

This was another difficult choice for me because Elvis Costello rules, but Born to Run is absolutely mega. It is one of the songs that you hear and can just loose your shit. In a good way, not in a “Depends” way. Bruce keeps moving on in this runaway American Dream.

Winner: The Boss


#2 The Beatles – A Day in the Life vs. #7 Rod Stewart – Maggie May

I really thought this would be a lot closer matchup then the end result showed, but I guess a tiny man from Scotland is no match for a god from Liverpool.

Winner: The Beatles.

2nd Round - Whiskey-A-Go-Go & Hacienda Brackets

And now we move on to the 2nd round.

Since we have been doing 8 matchups per voting period, I say we continue doing to that to speed up the process. I've been terribly busy lately, so let's say, just get these into me by Sunday Night. I am sure the actual NCAA Tournament will take away from some people's free time this weekend too.

Here are the second round matchups for the games in the Whiskey-A-Go-Go and Hacienda brackets.

Whiskey-A-Go-Go Bracket – 2nd Round

#1 The Who – My Generation
vs.
#8 The Smiths – How Soon is Now?


#5 Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place (Naïve Melody)
vs.
#4 Nirvana – Drain You


#6 Elvis – Suspicious Minds
vs.
#14 Van Halen – Hot For Teacher


#10 Arcade Fire – Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
vs.
#2 David Bowie – Space Oddity



Hacienda Bracket – 2nd Round

#1 Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song
vs.
#8 Radiohead – The Bends


#5 Prince – I Would Die 4 U
vs.
#4 Sex Pistols – God Save The Queen


#6 Elvis Costello – (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love & Understanding
vs.
#3 Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run


#7 Rod Stewart – Maggie May
vs.
#2 The Beatles – A Day In The Life

Results from the CBGB Bracket

No surprises in this bracket. None at all.

#1 The Clash – London Calling vs. #16 B-52’s – Rock Lobster

This thing was over before Joe Strummer hit the first notes on this tele. All this rock from Joe Strummer and company almost turned Fred Schneider straight.

Winner – The Clash



#2 The Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop vs. #15 Ned’s Atomic Dustbin – Happy

This was a personal conflict for me because there are very few songs that have had a greater impact in my life than this Ned’s song. I can remember the first time I heard it and to this day, it changed the way I listen to music. That being said, it was still no match for the 3-chord brilliance of the Ramones.

Winner – The Ramones



#3 Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody vs. #14 Beck – Girl

This may not be Queen’s best song, but is probably their most recognizable. This song goes through a variety of flavors and ends up with the most common in this tournament, the rock! Brian May’s solo melted Beck’s face. It was not restored.

Winner – Queen



#4 Pixies – Debaser vs. The Doors – L.A. Woman

Say what you want about Jim Morrison, but he was an overrated songwriter and turned into an even fatter prick. This song may rock and is my favorite Doors song, but it doesn’t stand up against Black Francis.

Winner – The Pixies



#5 The Kinks – You Really Got Me vs. #12 The Police – Roxanne

This was the closest match in this bracket, but in the end, the better songwriter came out on top. I am certain that if Sting didn’t break this band up and didn’t turn into a complete douche, this song might have been rated higher, but since he did, Ray Davies owned him in this matchup.

Winner – The Kinks



#6 Pink Floyd – Fearless vs. #11 The Stooges – I Wanna Be Your Dog

In one of the strangest matchups of the tournament, straightforward raw rock and roll met beautiful psychedlia. Turns out beauty overwhelmed brute force.

Winner – Pink Floyd



#7 Guns n’ Roses – Welcome to the Jungle vs. Kings of Leon – Slow Night So Long

This was possibly the most rockin matchup of the tournament. In what started out as a close game, Slash took over in the 2nd half and completely killed the kings with his massive solo and pure shredding. If you could compare guitar work with the basketball, Slash got a triple double in this game.

Winner – G n Fucking R



#8 The Jam – Town Called Malice vs. #9 Elton John – Tiny Dancer

Up until right now, I didn’t realize how many gay musicians were in this bracket. Despite sexual orientation and the use of Kate Hudson to sing this song, Elton could not handle the pure brilliance of Paul Weller and the Jam. One of the more forgotten British Rock groups, The Jam came back from an early deficit in this game to really stick it to Elton.

Winner – The Jam

Opening Round of the CBGBs Bracket

Please have your votes in by Tuesday night. I would like to post the 2nd round Wednesday morning.

Here we go

#1 The Clash – London Calling
vs.
#16 B-52’s – Rock Lobster



#2 The Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop
vs.
#15 Ned’s Atomic Dustbin – Happy



#3 Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
vs.
#14 Beck – Girl



#4 Pixies – Debaser
vs.
#13 The Doors – L.A. Woman



#5 The Kinks – You Really Got Me
vs.
#12 The Police – Roxanne



#6 Pink Floyd – Fearless
vs.
#11 The Stooges – I Wanna Be Your Dog



#7 Guns n’ Roses – Welcome to the Jungle
vs.
#10 Kings of Leon – Slow Night So Long



#8 The Jam – Town Called Malice
vs.
#9 Elton John - Tiny Dancer