For a pessimist I'm pretty optimistic; Kendry Morales and his fractured leg.

Kendry Morales in pain after landing awkwardly on his leg celebrating a walk off grand slam to defeat the Seattle Mariners 5-1 Saturday afternoon in Anaheim, CA. It was revealed that Morales fractured his lower leg and is expected to be out for 10-12 weeks after undergoing surgery Sunday. Photo credit to Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

It was a scene that took such a twist that M. Night Shyamalan would be jealous. A moment so melancholy that even The Smiths would be hard pressed to match such a sight. One minute Kendry Morales is pumping his fist and flipping his helmet after hitting a walk-off grand slam to lift his Angels passed the Seattle Mariners. The next, he's being carted off after collapsing after leaping onto home plate into a sea of teammates (something that is customary after a walk off home run, mind you) and landing awkwardly.

Morales, according to Angels announcer Victor Rojas' twitter feed will have surgery Sunday for a fractured lower leg. Various reports have the slugger out 10-12 weeks; basically until September. Morales is currently leading the club in most offensive categories, including all three triple crown categories (.290/11/39). To say a long period of absence from Morales in a mostly lethargic offense is catastrophic would be an understatement. However, unlike most of my brethren Angel fans, I don't think Morales' injury is the end of the world.

Will Kendry's bat be missed? Of course. Morales was the Angels big bat. He was on pace for a mammoth 35 home run, 124 RBI season before the injury. He was heads and shoulders above everybody in those three triple crown categories, with Torii Hunter second in both RBI's (29) and home runs (7, tied with Mike Napoli), and Bobby Abreu behind Morales in average (.276). So barring an unlikely trade for another first baseman (which we'll get to in a bit), the Angels will be hard pressed to find any one person to duplicate Kendry's production.

However, keep in mind that through the first third of this season the Angels offense has completely under-achieved. Howie Kendrick, a career .296 hitter is hitting just .256 on the season. Juan Rivera, who last year had a line of .287.25/88 (.810 OPS) is hitting just .230 and is on-pace to hit 21 home runs and drive in 70 runs, with an OPS nearly .150 points lower. Hideki Matsui is playing WELL below his career averages of .289/25/104 that Angel skipper Mike Scioscia is contemplating benching the Japanese slugger against left-handers. Bobby Abreu's having a decent season thus far, and is showing more power then he did last year, but hasn't been the offensive force/on-base machine the Angels saw last season. Leadoff hitter Erick Aybar, after enjoying a breakout 2009, is hitting more than .60 points lower then he did last season. And Brandon Wood has been a complete and total bust thus far.

Throw in the AL's worst bullpen, an early season struggle from Joe Saunders, erratic pitching from Joel Pineiro and whatever the hell is wrong with Scott Kazmir, and you would think that the Angels wouldn't have a fighting chance at a playoff spot, yet alone even be sniffing .500.

Yet they're just three games under (24-27) and just 3.5 games behind first place Oakland. And remember, last season the Angels were 29-29 through their first 58 games. So anything is possible.

Is it realistic to believe that so many Angels will finish well below their career averages? I don't think so. Again, losing Morales hurts, but let's take a glass-half-full approach rather then screaming about how the sky is falling.

Morales injury means a few things. One is that Maicer Izturis will assume third base duties assuming that Brandon Wood will return as an option at first base. Other options include: Juan Rivera, Mike Napoli, Michael Ryan, Kevin Fransden, Howie Kendrick and Robb Quinlan. If it were me, I'd use the next ten to fourteen days or so to get Napoli better acquainted with first base (has had started there 68 times in the minors, but none since 2004) so when Jeff Mathis rejoins the team Napoli can take over at first. When Brandon Wood returns from the DL he assumes the "Izturis" role playing both third and first to spell Izturis/Napoli when needed. This could be two or three times a week as Napoli could also DH on days Matsui or Rivera need days off. The Angels could then field a lineup that looks something like this:

3b: Maicer Izturis
2b: Howie Kendrick
RF: Bobby Abreu
CF: Torii Hunter
1b: Mike Napoli
LF: Juan Rivera
DH: Hideki Matsui
C: Jeff Mathis
SS: Erick Aybar

Sure that lineup is missing some punch, but it's still very solid provided any combination of Rivera, Matsui and Kendrick regain their stroke. And lets not forget, it wasn't until injuries forced both Vladimir Guerrero and Hunter off the field last year that Morales broke out. The same could very well happen here.

Couple that with a suddenly sharp pitching staff led by Cy-Young contender (and, dare I say staff Ace) Jered Weaver, the Angels should be able to contend.
And as for Mike Napoli. The guy will finally get un-interrupted playing time and we'll finally see what Mike Napoli can do. Napoli is projected to get 456 at-bats this season and hit 26 home runs, driving in 64. Napoli has never had more than 382 at bats in a season, which came last year, yet has managed to hit 20 home runs in each of the last two years. According to ESPN.com's player card for Napoli, his 162 game seasonal average would give him a .256/.356/.495 line, with 29 home runs and 79 RBI's. If Napoli can put up numbers near his projected line and/or 162 game seasonal average, then the Angels can at least mask some of the power lost by Morales.

And if it turns out that either Rivera or Matsui isn't going to find their stroke this year, there's always the trade avenue. Paul Konerko or Lance Berkman could be fill-in candidates via trade. But don't expect Prince Fielder or Adrian Gonzalez to come walking through that door (heh, heh Rick Pitino), they'd come at far too highly a price. Remember, Morales is under contract until 2013. He's still the first baseman of the future. Plus, I personally think the Angels have the in-house personel to manage/compete while Morales is out. This lineup will prodcue.
Of course, this is all hypothetical. Things could go the complete opposite and this season could just crumble. But the Angels have shown time and time again (especially last season after the loss of Nick Adenhart) that when the going get's tough, these Halos get going. Plus, it's never fun to dwell on the bad. Look up, not down.

So the 2010 Angels are at a crossroads. Morales is out until at least September. Like Torii Hunter said last season, it's time for these guys to grow some...well... you know. I think they have what it takes. At least, I sure hope.

More than a feeling....this is going to end bad.

Yet another kick in the crotch by a Boston-area team. You would think I'd be used to this by now.

The Celtics are heading back to the NBA Finals after a Boston beatdown of the Orlando Magic, 96-84. Boston, the Eastern Conference's fourth seed, took a commanding 3-0 lead over the second seeded Magic before Orlando stormed back to take games four and five. Orlando needed to win game six to force a game seven at home.

But they didn't. And why would a Celtics win over a Magic team I have no affiliation with register as a "kick in the crotch?"

To understand that, you must first realize that I'm a gamblin' kind of man. And with no real team to root for in the NBA playoffs (because I'm a Clippers fan and it seems like Halley's comet appears more then the Clippers do in May) a bet with my good friend Christopher seemed to be the way to go. So we made a NCAA style bracket, with different point-values for each round. For every first round match you picked correctly, you got one point. For every second round match, two points. Every third round match correctly picked got you three points, and...you guessed it, The NBA Finals netted you a cool four points.

So far, I have picked every series right except for every series Boston has been a part of (three, currently) and the Dallas/San Antonio series. Chris, on the other hand, has also incorrectly picked every Boston series up to this point, as well as the Dallas/San Antonio series, and the Utah/Denver series. The Utah/Denver series gave me a cool +1 over Chris, and because I had Phoenix beating Dallas anyways (Chris had the reverse) the Phoenix win gave me a +2 in the second round. We both had Orlando vs. Los Angeles in the finals, so no harm-no-foul for the third round. Which means, heading into the final round I will be up three points. Here's the "kick in the crotch" part.

I had Orlando over the Lakers. Chris had the Lakers over Orlando. I can no longer with this round outright, thanks to Orlando collapsing in the Eastern Conference Final. If the Lakers win the finals, then Chris wins the bet. I am helpless. I am basically rooting against the Lakers to win (which isn't a shocker as I hate the Lakers anyways), but this will probably mean that I will have to root for the Celtics, a team from a city I loathe. Of course, if Phoenix can somehow figure out a way to win both game six and seven then I win the bet, get to root for Steve Nash, and this entire blog becomes moot. But that's like saying that "Prince of Persia" movie will be good. Sure, there's a slight possibility that could happen; but we all know that movie will blow equally as hard (if not harder) then "Troy," "Alexander," and the rest of those tired, contrived period pieces.

Which brings be back to the "kick in the crotch." I am forced to, for the second time in three years, watch two teams that would easily grace the presence of a "Matt's Ten Least Favorite Teams" list, with the outcome being either A.) The Lakers winning, me losing my bet and being forced to buy three drinks of Chris' choice and being subjected to drinking whiskey, rum, or straight rubbing alcohol because that might be the only way Chris gets any kind of buzz anymore; as well as having to listen to all my "Laker fan" friends gloat and brag about "their team," or B.) The Celtics win, I win my bet, and am subjected to watching both a city and a fan base I absolutely hate celebrate another piece of shit championship at the expense of a Southern California team, as well as be subjected to 10,000 articles over the next month by ESPN's Bill Simmons about how the Big Three are the greatest trio in NBA history, Rajon Rondo being the top point guard in basketball, as well as articles on Doc Rivers, Rasheed Wallace and 65,000 Larry Bird references. (Sidebar: I'm not hating on Bill Simmons. I love the guy. I just hate the Celtics). So it turns into a Catch-22 situation for me. Is winning the bet worth watching Boston celebrate? Or would watching the Lakers win a second straight NBA title coupled with losing the bet (I should add that I'm an extremely competitive person and that I don't like to be wrong when it comes to sports) be the worst thing that could possibly happen. Actually, this is the absolute worst thing that could possibly happen.

Again, this could all be a moot point if Phoenix can eliminate the Lakers, but again, "Prince of Persia."

The Random 20: 5/28 edition.

I'm gonna take a break from my Top 300 Favorite Songs series, and go back to my "The Random 20" series. Why? Because I have an hour before I go to work, am bored, and don't feel like putting in the effort it takes to make a Top 300 post, that's why. Okay.

1. Propagandhi - "Supporting Caste" (off of the album "Supporting Caste")
I wish I had gotten into Propagandhi way before I did. I really dig their earlier work, especially with Jon K. Samson. "Supporting Caste" is good, but for the most part it's too metal for me. I still love Propagandhi tough.

2. Conor Oberst - "NYC-Gone,Gone" (off of the album "Conor Oberst")
I'm not a huge Bright Eyes fan. In fact, it's safe to say that I'm not a Bright Eyes fan at all. With that said, I really like Conor's solo work. Why his solo work and not Bright Eyes? Well, for one, his voice is less...um... whiney. Also, I like the freedom he has as a solo artist. "NYC-Gone, Gone" is a perfect example of what I'm talking about.

3. Frank Turner - "Heartless Bastard Motherfucker" (off of the album "The First Three Years")
I saw Frank Turner perform for free at The Barn at UCR. He played this song. It was funny to see/hear the entire crowd not know any words to this song save for the "I'm a heartless bastard motherfucker" parts. Turner is amazing.

4. The Who - "Naked Eye" (off of the album "Who's Next")
As far as I'm concerned, "Who's Next" is one of the ten greatest albums ever released.

5. Glenn Miller - "Begin the Beguine" (off of the album "The Greatest Glenn Miller")
Yeah, I like big band music. I like 1920's culture. Glenn Miller was somewhat tame and conservative, but I don't care. I just like listening to a full band, and Miller was talented.

6. None More Black - "With the Transit Coat On" (off of the album "This is Satire")
I'm tired of talking about None More Black. Just pick up "This is Satire." It's worth the ten dollars or whatever it costs. While you're at it, pick up Kid Dynamite, LaGrecia, and anything else Jason is involved in.

7. She & Him - "I Was Made For You" (off of the album "Volume One")
Zooey Deschanel has the most beautiful voice. I feel like I'm beating a dead horse. Lets move on.

8. Social Distortion - "No Pain, No Gain" (live) (off of the album "Live at the Roxy")
For what it's worth, Social Distortion is one of the better rock and roll bands of the last twenty five years. 15 year old Matt loved Social D. 23 year old Matt doesn't listen much to Social Distortion anymore. But I still think Mike Ness is one of the coolest dudes ever. And "Live at the Roxy" is one of the better live albums that I have ever heard.

9. Vampire Weekend  - "I Think Ur a Contra" (off of the album "Contra")
Stupid spelling aside, "Contra" is one of the best albums of 2010. And Vampire Weekend is a great live band. I feel like I could say more, but most people already know all this.

10. Rise Against - "Hero of War" (off of the album "Appeal to Reason")
It's not that I don't like Rise Against, or "Appeal to Reason" because actually I think it has a few decent songs on it. But they're such a formulaic band. "Hero of War" is the typical acoustic song Rise Against has thrown on each album since the success of "Swing Life Away." "Hero of War" is actually a really good song, but it's the formulaic nature of Rise Against that bugs me.

11. The Promise Ring - "Red and Blue Jeans" (off of the album "Nothing Feels Good")
Ah, 18 year old Matt is stoked. If you're a fan of "emo," then do yourself a favor and check out The Promise Ring. "Red and Blue Jeans" is one of my favorite songs and is included on my Top 300 Favorite Songs series. Stay tuned.

12. The Format - "Tie the Rope" (off of the album "Interventions and Lullabies")
For the shitty genre The Format got lumped in, they were actually pretty good at what they did. "Interventions and Lullabies" is a solid album. It's too bad they broke up.

13. Copeland - "She Changes Your Mind" (off of the album "Beneath Medicine Tree")
"Beneath Medicine Tree" probably got more play then 90% of the albums I owned during my senior year of high school. I had a chance to see Copeland on their farewell tour, covering the show for my school paper. They were really good. Unfortunately I was sick and left early.

14. The Briggs - "Oblivion" (off of the album "Come All You Madmen")
The Briggs are great. But they piss me off because their "This is LA" song is the theme song for the Los Angeles Kings. I'm a Ducks fan, baby. No way am I supporting that.

15. The Band - "Don't Do It" (live) (off of the album "The Night They Drove Old Dixie")
How can you go wrong with Bob Dylan's one-time backing band?

16. Against Me! - "You Look Like I Need A Drink" (off of the album "As The Eternal Cowboy")
Remember when Against Me! was amazing. It seems like so long ago now. Sigh. "As The Eternal Cowboy" is one of my favorite albums ever, and the first Against Me! album I ever purchased. It kicked my ass, son. Let me tell you. I fell in love with them instantly.

17. Hot Hot Heat - "Get In or Get Out" (off of the album "Make Up The Breakdown")
Hot Hot Heat is fun in small doses, or when you're drunk. That's all I really have to say.

18. Justin Timberlake - "(Another Song) All Over Again" (off of the album "FutureSex/LoveSounds")
You're kidding yourself if you don't think that 1.) Justin Timberlake is uber talented and charismatic, and 2.) That "FutureSex/LoveSounds" isn't one of the best pop albums of the last decade. Check it out again. Trust me.

19. Midtown - "Become What You Hate" (off of the album "Living Well is the Best Revenge")
Drive-Thru Record bands ruled my life back in high school. "Become What You Hate" was one of my favorite songs back then. Too bad Gabe wanted to turn into a transsexual pop star, or whatever Cobra Starship is.

20. Anti-Flag - "Fuck The Flag" (off of the album "The Terror State")
Ah, another 18 year old Matt favorite. I used to drive around blasting this song just to piss off conservative assholes. I miss those days. Not really, but just moments like that. I would never be able to do that again.

I gotta get to work. Peace.

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS); numbers 290 - 281

(for number's 300-291, click here)

I don't plan on making a MT3FS post every day. Sorry children, but ole' Matthew needs his beauty sleep...and some peace of mind. But I'll make another one tonight. But before I do, I'd like to take a minute to thank Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest for making my night amazing for about three minutes and then absolutely killing it.

(muttering words that George Carlin said you can't say on television)

And we're back. Okay, so let's continue.

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS): numbers 290-281

Number 290: Hot Hot Heat - "Talk To Me, Dance With Me" (off of the album "Make Up The Breakdown," 2002)
 

This song will forever remind me of my friend Kyle. Kyle was an interesting dude. He had an obsession with the color green. He had green Vans that he wore once, because Sean and I made so much fun of him for having green shoes he never wore them again (this is before it was cool to have shoes of every color of the rainbow). His background on his computer in our Information Technology Class was a picture of an avocado, and a dog shitting. He had an El Camino, but the crashed it into a tree, totaling it. He once cried in my room, begging my buddy Justin to take him to buy porn when Justin turned 18 and we were all still 17. Seriously, I'm talking ballin'. He once explained to me how to make a hydrogen bomb, and wouldn't let me out of the car until he finished explaining how to. He walked around a Wal-Mart asking people to smell his fingers and if they had a quarter from 1978 because we were a scavenger hunt team trying to make nationals. He had naked pictures of his then-girlfriend Ashley, and would make Sean and I look at them. In fact, he once set his Myspace background to her...um... ladyparts covered just by underwear, leading to this hilarious exchange between him and our buddy Nathan:

Nathan: Dude, nice background picture.
Kyle: Thank's. It's my girlfriend.
Nathan: What's wrong with you?

He also had no problem pulling out his penis, or outright taking his pants off anywhere. This included, but was not limited to, in a movie theatre, in Sean's bedroom, on a golf course, and on a ski-lift where he grabbed Sean's penis and told him "it's okay. Best friend's let other best friend's touch each other's junk." He was quite the character. We haven't talked much lately; he joined the Navy and got engaged. Anyways, back in high school Kyle was dating this girl Tia that I had known since middle school. Tia basically controlled Kyle. It was quite sad really. Anyways, one day in Kyle's car, "Talk To Me, Dance With Me" came on in his car, and Kyle turned to me and said "this song is about me and how I feel about Tia." The lyric he was referring to was the "you are my only girl but you're not my owner girl." I laughed. Every time I hear this song I still think about that.

Number 289: Michael Jackson - "Rock With You" (off of the album "Off The Wall," 1979)


Whether or not you agreed with Michael Jackson's personal life or lifestyle choices, there is no denying the King of Pop's place in music history. From the dance moves to the chart-topping hits to revolutionizing the art of music video, Jackson's contribution's to pop music is unrivaled by most, if not all, of his contemporaries. And while Jackson had higher chart-topping numbers, but to me his most pleasing effort was "Rock With You." "Off The Wall" was Jackson's "comeback" album of sorts, and his first solo album free of the Jackson 5 moniker. It was also a precursor to "Thriller" which would absolutely destroy the charts and change the face of music as we knew it. "Rock With You" was one of the last huge hits of the disco-era. On a personal level, "Rock With You" is one of those booty-shakin' jams that I can't help but groove to. Jacko's contribution to music will be missed.

Number 288: Dr. Dre "Forgot About Dre" featuring Eminem (off of the album "The Chronic 2001," 2000)


When you talk about the best rap artists of all-time, both Dr. Dre and Eminem have to be included on the short list. I remember being in eighth grade and hearing this song and being floored. And in 8th grade I was listening to Blink-182, Green Day, The Ataris, and New Found Glory, so that was a big deal. My fondest memory involving this song happened a year or two ago, at Sheri's house. She was having a party and Chris, Nicole and I were huddled around the iPod dock. Nicole put this song on and Chris and I began to rap along with the song. It's weird how I still remember that. Also here's a ridiculously good live performance of the song.

Number 287: Something Corporate - "I Woke Up In A Car" (off of the album "Leaving Through the Window," 2002)


I actually got a chance to see Something Corporate earlier this year at the absolutely terrible Bamboozle Festival at Angel Stadium. Seriously, it was horrendous. The worst concert/show I have ever been to in my life. The only bright spot was Something Corporate, who had reunited for this performance. My friend Ashley made me stay. We were both really sick and basically laying on the ground. They played "I Woke Up In A Car." I was stoked. Also, when Jessica worked with me, we used to sing this song at the top of our lungs in the freezer when we'd have to clean out the freezer. Ah, the good/terrible times, haha.

Number 286: Atom And His Package - "Punk Rock Academy" (off of the album "A Society of People Named Elihu," 1997)


A few years back Sean and I were on his computer and looking up music when I downloaded "Puck Rock Academy" via Limewire (remember Limewire haha). Sean and I were cracking up. It was the craziest song either of us had ever heard. We couldn't figure out if Atom and His Package was one big joke, or if this dude was actually serious. And we both didn't know what to make of the line "We fired the guy from Bad Religion 'cause he sold the fuck out," as Bad Religion was our favorite band at the time. As time went on and I got sucked into Lifetime/Kid Dynamite/Paint it Black I learned that Adam Goren, aka "Atom" is in a band called Armalite with Dan Yemen of the aforementioned bands. Crazy.

Number 285: Jackson 5 - "ABC" (off of the album "ABC," 1970)


Before Jacko was wacko, the king of pop was a member of Jackson 5. "ABC," albeit cheesy, is one of the better Motown songs ever. Also, it led to an amazing scene in "Clerks II" with Rosario Dawson and Dante (fair warning, there will probably be a ton of Kevin Smith references  in this series). Jackson 5 were maybe the greatest band of the Motown era. That's all I really have to say about "ABC."

Number 284: Stevie Wonder - "Part-Time Lover" (off of the album "In Square Circle," 1985)


Ah, "Part-Time Lover" will forever remind me of taking a criminology class and this girl Donna that was in the class. I won't explain why a song named "Part-Time Lover" would remind me of someone, so we'll leave it at that. Stevie Wonder is incredible. Copeland did a really good cover of "Part-Time Lover" for their cover album, "Know Nothing Stays The Same."

Number 283: Smoke or Fire - "Filter" (off of the album "Above the City," 2005)


"Filter" was the first song I ever heard from Smoke or Fire, and it blew me away. The chorus of "We'll smoke this city to the filter. We'll empty every bottle, you'll see us by the river. We'll bring back those things you can't remember, like smiling in the winter. You're smiling while they burn your lives" knocked me on my ass. There's an honest, earnest quality to Smoke or Fire most newer punk rock bands lack. "Filter" was also included on Smoke or Fire front man Joe McMahon's split with The Lawrence Arm's Brendan Kelly, entitled "Wasted Potential." Here's a live performance of McMahon at The Fest 8 (go to the seven minute mark).

Number 282: She & Him - "Black Hole" (from the album "Volume One," 2008)



Lets just get this out of the way. I love Zooey Deschanel. I think she's beautiful. I love her voice. I love "500 Days of Summer." I love her style. I Love that scene in "ELF" with her and Will Ferrell, I even love that stupid Cotton commercial she does. Hell, she's in the main picture on my blog. But none of that (besides her voice) factors into why I like She & Him. Both her and M. Ward are talented at what they do, and "Black Hole" is my favorite She & Him song. Sidenote: I was fortunate enough to see She & Him a couple months ago, covering the show for The Daily Titan. Here's a video of She & Him performing "Black Hole" that I shot after my camera basically stopped producing any usable photographs. Sorry for the shaky camerawork, but I had to pretend as if I was taking photographs. And yes, she totally waves at me.

Number 281: Brand New - "Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't" (off of the album "Deja Entendu," 2003)


This song gives me the chills. "I'm heaven sent, don't you dare forget. I am all you ever wanted, what all the other boy's all promised." The song plays out more like a ransom note then a song. And I love it. I love how Jesse Lacey's voice trembles. I love the confidence masked with nerves. I love the raw anger; the fear. I love it all. "Deja Entendu" is one of my favorite albums, and it's because of everything described above. As a bonus, here's an acoustic version of "Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't."

So there's number's 290 to 281 on my list. Up next? Hayley Williams, Ice Cube and Max Bemis will grace my blog's presence. Stay tuned.

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS); numbers 300-291

Okay so here's the deal. Over the last couple days I have been formulating a list of my three hundred favorite songs of all time. Why? Well, because now that I'm out of school I have a bit of time on my hands and I like making lists and writing about music. It just seemed like a fit. So this will be the first in a series of 30 posts of my 300 favorite songs, from number 300 all the way down to number one. (10 songs a post/30 posts. Math is fun!)

Here are some notes/interesting facts on the list:

1. The list is my 300 favorite songs, not the 300 greatest songs of all time. So while "Stairway to Heaven," "Comfortably Numb," "Creep" and a billion other songs are probably much more deserving on a best of list then the likes of Paramore, Morris Day and the Time and None More Black, keep in mind that this is a list of MY favorite songs.
   
2. Here are the top five (technically seven) most represented bands on the list, just for fun: The Clash (15), Bad Religion (14), Get Up Kids (8), The Gaslight Anthem (8), and Green Day, Alkaline Trio, and The Lawrence Arms (6). That's a total of 63 tracks from these seven bands, or 21% of the list. But don't worry, there's plenty of diversity on it. Bands/singers/rappers/etc.. ranging from Liz Phair to Anti-Flag to Skeelo to Bob Marley are represented on the list.
   
3. Along the song will be a write up including links to live footage of the videos/covers/etc... along with why the song is on the list or anything I find interesting.
   
4. The list, as with any of opinion, is very subjective. So enjoy. Argue over a songs inclusion/exclusion. Tell me I have great taste in music, or my taste blows. It's all good. But hopefully you enjoy the list. 

So without further ado:

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS): Numbers 300 - 291.

Number 300: Banner Pilot - "Skeleton Key" (off of the album "Collapser," 2009)


Banner Pilot caught my attention about midway through 2009 with "Collapser." Think The Lawrence Arms meets Jawbreaker meets The Alkaline Trio (all bands on this list). "Skeleton Key" is by far the standout track on a great album I named the second best album of 2009. If you're a fan of good, honest blue collar punk rock, check out Banner Pilot... and definitely check out "Skeleton Key."

Number 299: The Riot Before - "Words Written Over Coffee" (off of the album "Fists Buried in Pockets," 2008)


The Riot Before pick up right where the likes of Hot Water Music and Against Me! left off. With a bit of Bob Dylan in it, "Words Written Over Coffee" is a piece of folk-punk perfection, but that's not what I love about the track. It's the lyrical content. The song deal's with an internal struggle of faith, and how much of life should be left up to faith. "I cried to God but God did not respond," cries out Brett Adams, vocalist of the band, before ultimately declaring "But my empty hands, my empty heart, could no longer be denied. Yeah I quit, I forfeit eternal life" For a self-proclaimed "god fearing atheist" like myself, the song is absolutely powerful. I don't know. I'm not saying that there is no God, or that religion and spirituality is bad as I don't think The Riot Before is saying that either. What I think the song conveys is that you can't leave everything up to a higher power. You have to do it all yourself.

Number 298: Liz Phair - Why Can't I? (off of the album "Liz Phair," 2003)


Lets get this out of the way. Yes, Liz Phair is hot. No, that's not why she ended up on my top 300 list. Yes, I actually do like this song. Why, you ask? Because I love that this song was heavily played on top 40 radio stations across America and featured in films like "13 Going on 30" and "How to Deal" when the song is about having sex with someone who isn't your spouse (and for the record, I have no idea what "13 Going on 30" and "How to Deal" are other then they are chick flicks. How do I know the song is featured in those movies? Wikipedia!). You might also be asking yourself, "wait, it's not about adultery Matt, what are you talking about. It's a lovey-dovey pop song." Listen to the lyrics again. My favorite lines? "But this is just the beginning. We're already wet and we're gonna go swimming." and "Here we are, we're at the beginning. We haven't fucked yet but my head is spinning." Yes, those are actual lines. Liz Phair is a pretty bad ass chick. Check out her back catalog. But don't overlook "Why Can't I" because you think it's a cheesy love song. Yes, it's a pop song. But it's a good song, and isn't your typical pop song.

Number 297: Coldplay - "Lovers in Japan" (off the album "Viva La Vida or Death and All of His Friends," 2008)


I don't care much for Coldplay, but "Lovers in Japan" is a really, really good song. It's one of those songs that you want to close your eyes to and let the music paint the scene for you. That's not a very common occurrence in music these days. When I close my eyes while listening to this song, I picture rain falling all around me in a big city. It's a pretty cool visualization. Again, I don't really like Coldplay, but I do really like "Lovers in Japan."

Number 296: Notorious B.I.G - "Mo Money, Mo Problems" feat. Puff Daddy and Ma$e (off of the album "Life After Death," 1997)


Back when Diddy was just Puff Daddy, and Ma$e was still a rapper, "Mo Money, Mo Problems" was in heavy rotation on my cd walkman. Released after Biggie's death, the track actually knocked Puff Daddy's "I'll Be Missing You" off the top of the Billboard charts, which I find interesting. Also, the video is ridiculous, and Puff Daddy happens to be playing golf and wins with the help of Biggie.In 1997, do you think Tiger Woods had anything to do with Puffy playing golf?

Number 295: Barry White - "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" (off of the album "Can't Get Enough," 1974)


Yes, that says' Barry White. Say what you will, but White had an absolutely incredible voice. I'm talking seductive. Hell, the dude's voice could soothe even snakes (I couldn't find the actual snake-soothing clip, so here's this clip, just because I think it's hilarious). And don't kid yourself, "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" is a slow jam, for sure. A personal story. When I was trying to woo an ex-girlfriend (and doing a damn fine job of it I might add) I was driving her home and put on this song in the car. She laughed and said "are you kidding me." I started singing with White and dancing along to the song. She was loving it. At the end she told me "you're absolutely adorable." Whenever we'd hear that song afterward she'd laugh and smile. Yeah. I'm a Casanova, what can I say.

Number 294: Dashboard Confessional "Again I Go Unnoticed" (off of the album "The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most," 2001)


In high school, my best friend Sean nicknamed me "Mattboard Japfessional," so it's safe to say that high-school Matt liked Dashboard. Yeah, I listened to Bad Religion and Social Distortion too, but I had a soft side as well. Maybe I don't listen to Dashboard Confessional much anymore, but "Again I Go Unnoticed" is still a good song. Who hasn't been in the situation Chris Carrabba find's himself in. I know the dude gets a lot of shit for being a pussy, but he knows how to write a tune.

Number 293: Johnny Cash - "God's Gonna Cut You Down" (off of the album "American V: A Hundred Highways, 2006)


I didn't know until recently that this wasn't an original Johnny Cash track. Weird. Apparently it's an old traditional folk song that has been performed by the likes of Odetta and Elvis Presley before Cash tackled the tune. To be honest, I first heard the track when The Gaslight Anthem covered it for Anchorless Record's Johnny Cash tribute album "All Aboard: A Tribute to Johnny Cash," and I'm glad Gaslight covered it. Cash was an icon. He's one of those artists that, if you're a music fan, you have to like. Also, check out the video. It's a who's who of music superstars, including Mick Jones of the Clash, Iggy Pop, Travis Barker, Bono, Chris Martin and Brian Wilson, to name a few. Johnny Depp and Chris Rock also show up.

Number 292: The Time - "Jungle Love" (off of the album "Ice Cream Castle," 1984)


If you can't groove to "Jungle Love," then something is wrong with you. And yes, I discovered this song watching Kevin Smith films.

Number 291: The Killers -Mr. Brightside (off of the album "Hot Fuss," 2004)


So let me take you back to 2004. I had just started college, albeit at Riverside Community College, Norco Campus, and was enrolled in a math class. I can't remember what math class it was, but it was math. I kind of kept to myself and was a bit bummed because my then-girlfriend Stephanie and I had just broken up. There were these two girls who sat behind me. They were cool chicks, but I know these were the girls who thought they were the shit at their previous high school. They didn't like anyone in that class, and constantly talked shit. Well, for whatever reason they took a liking to me. They would bring me Starbucks every morning, or breakfast from wherever they went to breakfast; stuff like that. Well one day they were talking to me about music and asked me what I listened to. I named artists like Bad Religion, The Clash, and The Postal Service. They looked at me in confusion. I asked them what they listened to. They said "The Killers." I laughed. I said "that stupid, 'somebody told me that you have a girlfriend that looks like a boyfriend' or whatever band? (PS, Watch the link. It's ridiculous). They defended The Killers and said I should listen to "Mr. Brightside." I didn't. Then next class rolled around and they burned me The Killers "Hot Fuss" album. So I took it home and listened to it. It wasn't horrible, and "Mr. Brightside" was actually a good song. Now, six years later, I'm still listening to "Mr. Brightside." I have no idea what happened to those girls. Oh well.

There's the first ten of a long series of blogs. Up next, tracks from Dr. Dre, Atom and His Package, Jackson Five and others. Stay tuned.

Much Ado About Napoli

Like The Temptations, when it's cold outside Mike Napoli's got the month of May. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim catcher has been on a tear this month after a very cold April. In his last eight games the Napster has five home runs and 10 runs batted in; hitting .385 in that span. In fact, all seven of Napoli's home runs have come in the month of May, where he's hitting .324 with 15 rbi's. Compare that to an April which Napoli hit just .167 with two runs batted in. Part of Napoli's early struggles could be attributed to a lack of consistent play due in large part to Jeff Mathis' strong play and part can be attributed to his reputation as a very streaky hitter. The same two points could also help to explain Napoli's sudden surge. The injury to Mathis has allowed Napoli to get more regular, consistent playing time, allowing Napoli to get into a groove and settle into a hot streak. Napoli has helped a struggling slumping Angels offense regain a bit of its swagger. Yet the question has to be asked, what happens when Mathis returns from the DL?

Mathis should be back in the next two weeks. He is the better defensive catcher of the two, and was enjoying what was shaping up to be his best season following up a scorching hot 2009 postseason. Before injuring his wrist, Mathis was hitting .324 with a home run and three RBI's. He also had hits in all ten of his starts. It's also worth noting that Angels manager Mike Scioscia, a former big league catcher himself, favors the defensive savvy Mathis over the defensive liability Napoli. So it's fair to assume that Mathis, when he returns, will regain his starting catching duties. Where does that leave Napoli?

Full-Time DH duty?

Napoli last season appeared as the Angels DH eighteen times (72 plate appearances). His numbers? .359 BA/3 HR/11 RBI/.431 OBP /.594 SLG. For the record his career OBP/SLG of .357/.497. With Hideki Matsui (.231 BA, .176 BA/ 1 HR/ 9 RBI in May) and Juan Rivera (.235 BA, .687 OPS) struggling/ losing playing time to the likes of Michael Ryan and Reggie Willits, it could make a lot of sense to make Napoli the teams full-time designated hitter. Matsui, whose May slump along with Vladimir Guerrero's strong play in Texas has his signing reminding Halo fans more of Steve Finley then Bobby Abreu, and Rivera, who has struggled mightily against right-handed pitching (.219 BA, .659 OPS) could platoon in left and at DH when Napoli logs in his time behind the plate. Napoli, in turn, will be able to keep his powerful bat in the lineup behind Kendry Morales in the six spot, giving the Angels top run producer some protection. And with it unlikely that Matsui will be retained after this season, Nap could slide into a permanent DH role. Napoli's bat is far too potent to ride the pine for 70+ games.

Trade Napoli?

Napoli's power masks a lot of his defensive shortcomings/ streaky tendencies. If the Angels don't want to play Napoli full-time, the guy could fetch some help on the market. The Angels need bullpen help. Napoli could be used to bring in a quality middle to late inning reliever and shore up the AL worst bullpen. And what about Astros ace Roy Oswalt, who recently asked Houston management for a trade. Napoli, at 28, would be the young talent the Astros would covet. And given their current catching situation (Humberto Quintero and career backup Kevin Cash) the Astros could certainly use Napoli's service. Also its worth noting that Bobby Wilson, who would assume second catching duties if Napoli were traded would be a serviceable backup until Hank Conger was ready to step in.

Personally, I'd like to see Napoli become the Angels full-time DH, but if he can he'll the Angels terrible bullpen, maybe the Angels should look into moving the slugger. Or teach him to play third. Yeah, let's go with that.

The Random 20: May 20th edition

So maybe I'll turn this "Random 20" thing into a weekly segment? I don't know. I can say that now, but between work, my most recent purchase (a X-Box), and the stack of books that are calling my name that I can now read because 1.) I'm out of school for three months and 2.) My lovely depression state seems to be somewhat far behind me, allowing me to focus on such things as reading, I'll probably neglect my blog for weeks. But for now, let's run with it.

Also, before we start I'd like to thank Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis and the rest of the Orlando Magic for  absolutely rolling over for two games AT HOME against the Boston Celtics, and more than likely subjecting me to yet another Celtics/Lakers series I have no vesting interest in, and can't figure out which team I'd rather root for. Thank you so very much. Dwight Howard, you will NEVER make the leap. Rashard Lewis, you're a $100 million waste of space. Vince Carter, you disappear faster then Clark Kent in pressure situations, only this time "Superman" ain't there to bail you out (that's another shot at Howard, whose nickname is "Superman," in case you didn't know that), and Stan Van Gundy. You fat, excuse for a coach. Ron Jeremey called, he want's his apperance back.

The Random 20: May 20th edition.

1. Tegan and Sara - "Don't Rush" (off of "Sainthood") In my "Best of 2009" blog (on my essentially defunct previous blog), I put "Sainthood" under the "honorable mention" category, and not in my Top 10. If I were re-doing this list today, "Sainthood" would fall in between Big D and the Kids Table and Chris Wollard and the Ship Thieves in the cleanup spot. It's that good. I was a fan of "So Jealous," and really liked "The Con," but "Sainthood" is the best Tegan and Sara album yet. "Don't Rush" has a cool electronica vibe, but isn't over-indulgant and doesn't forget it's a punk-tinged indie track. I love how upbeat the song is. Tegan and Sara is playing with Paramore this Summer/Fall. I'm seriously contemplating on going to The Honda Center to see that concert. Paramore, although I didn't really like "Brand New Eyes" puts on a great show, and I've never seen Tegan and Sara. Hmm. Decisions, decisions.

2. Bedouin Soundclash - "Hearts in the Night" (off of "Street Gospels") "Street Gospels" is another great album. "Hearts in the Night" is a simple song. Just a couple guitars, for the most part. I love the "that's the sound of the heart in the night" part. Bedouin should be so much bigger. I don't know why they're not.

3. The Raconteurs - "Old Enough" (off of "Consolers of the Lonely") While I'm not a huge fan of The White Stripes, I do really like The Raconteurs. In a previous Random 20 I gushed about Jack White and his guitar playing, so I'll spare you guys another love fest. What I will say is that over the weekend my Mom and I watched "It Might Get Loud" a documentary on the electric guitar as told by Jimmy Page of Led Zepplin fame, The Edge from U2, and White. My Mom is a huge Led Zepplin nut, and she was stoked to watch the documentary. I enjoyed it a lot. You guys should check it out.

4. The Clash -" Hitsville U.K." (off of "Sandinista") Ahhhh "Sandinista." Such a crazy, diverse, amazing album. "Hitsville U.K. has a total 80's pop vibe to it. Like, it would have fit perfectly in a John Hughes film. Apparently the chick who sings with Mick Jones on the song is named Ellen Foley and at the time was dating Jones. Both Jones and Joe Strummer appeared on and co-wrote songs on one of her albums. Some weirder notes on Ellen Foley:

• Foley is best known in music for her collaborations with singer Meat Loaf. She's even featured on his smash hit "Paradise by the Dashboard Light," which includes a line borrowed by the Gaslight Anthem,"glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife"which was used in the song "The Senor and the Queen." Also, if someone could teach me to make that ~ thing over the "n" it would be much appreciated.
• Foley was also an actress, best known for her role on "Night Court." She also appeared in "Fatal Attraction," and "Cocktail."
• The song "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash was written about Jones relationship with Foley.

I feel you guys needed to know all this. Anyways, the bottom line is "Hitsville U.K." is a legit song, and "Sandinista" is amazing. And if you're a punk rocker, the say the hell away from women that worked with Meat Loaf.

5. Mott The Hoople - "All The Young Dudes" (off of "All The Young Dudes") A song written by David Bowie for Mott The Hoople. Weird. And yes, this is the song that Ellen Page and Jason Bateman dance to in that creepy scene in "Juno." No, it has nothing to do with babies, creepy older men that dig pregnant high schoolers, or hamburger telephones. And yes, I would totally dance with Ellen Page, even if her eggo was preggo. And finally, yes, I am done making Juno references for the rest of the year.

6. The Bouncing Souls - "Like the Sun" (off of "Ghosts On The Boardwalk") To be honest, "Like the Sun" is one of the weaker tracks in the Souls catalog. The middle of the song is pretty cool though. It's just boring, overall. I did like "Ghosts On The Boardwalk," despite it being a more tame Bouncing Souls, but I just can't get into this song. Check out "Big Eyes" or "Gasoline." Both are better tracks.

7. The Ataris - "Fast Times at Dropout High" (off of "End is Forever") My all-time favorite Ataris song, only for that awesome piano part at the end and the "Good Will Hunting" quote. When I was fifteen, The Ataris were my favorite band. I remember I started growing out my hair because Ataris frontman Kris Roe (along with Tom Delonge, but we don't talk about that) grew out his. He was left-handed like I was, and wrote songs that I related to in high school. I recently saw them (well, kind of recent. Last year's Warped Tour) and they were amazing. I still bust out this song every now and then.

8. Dillinger Four - "D4 = Putting the 'F' back in 'Art'" (off of "Situationist Comedy" ) I'll be honest. I never really got into D4. I only have this album because Chris gave it to me. It's not bad. I'm just not into it. Lets move on.

9. The Alkaline Trio - "My Friend Peter" (off of "Alkaline Trio") Quite possibly my favorite Trio track, along with "Radio," and "Warbrain." "I need a beer to wash it all away without a trace, and then I'll drink 23 more to wipe this stupid smile off my fucking face." Kills me every time.

10. The Hold Steady - "Hot Soft Light" (off of "Boys And Girls in America") If you're not familiar with The Hold Steady, do yourself a favor. Head down to your local record store (please try and avoid Best Buy and Wal-Mart) and pick up "Boys And Girls in America." I promise you that you won't be disappointed. "Hot Soft Life" is self-deprecation at it's finest.

11. A.F.I - "Triple Zero" (off of "Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes") Oh my god, I forgot how good A.F.I used to be. "Triple Zero" just came on and I got that "knocked on your ass" feeling. I miss the days when A.F.I was a hardcore punk band trying to blend Minor Threat and the Misfits. Then Davey Havok turned into a women, Jade joined the band with his stupid hair cut and started sodomizing both the band and Havok and A.F.I turned into a glam rock band. At least Hunter Burdgen is still a bad ass.

12. Fake Problems - "There Are Times" (off of "It's Great To Be Alive") I didn't jump head over heels for Fake Problems like the rest of the .orgcore did, but I do really like "There Are Times." It's actually my favorite track off of "It's Great To Be Alive." The horns are pretty interesting, to say the least.

13. Saves The Day - "Deciding" (off of "Can't Slow Down") The good ole' days, when Saves The Day was just another Lifetime ripoff band. The entire "Can't Slow Down" album is really good, even it is a complete and total attempt at copying "Jersey's Best Dancers." I think I'd be happier if more bands tried to emulate that album instead of some lame Fall Out Boy album.

14. Joe Strummer and the Mescalros - "Johnny Appleseed" (off of "Global Agogo" ) Hey, it's that song from "John From Cincinnati." In order for you to get that joke, you'd have to realize that "John From Cincinnati" was a show on Showtime that used "Johnny Appleseed" as it's theme song. Didn't know that? It's okay, you're not alone. Nobody watched that show. But anyways, "Johnny Appleseed" is one of Strummer's finest songs, Clash included. Sometimes I cringe that we live in a world where Brett Michaels is spared, yet Strummer was not. I'm also going to hell.

15. The Get Up Kids - "My Apology" (off of "Something To Write Home About" ) When I was sixteen, this was my favorite track off of my favorite album. Now, I'm more partial to "Valentine." In a semi-related story, I was vinyl shopping a couple weeks ago and came across "Something To Write Home About" and had every intention of purchasing the album, but left my ATM card at home. Bummer. I found "Simple Science" today, but they wanted $20 for it. $20 for a four song album? Getthafuckouttaere. It's only mediocre at best anyways.

16. Atmosphere - "Your Glass House" (off of "If Life Give You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold") Pssst... Matthew. Your hip-hop is showing. Nah, Atmosphere is ridiculously talented. If you're a fan of hip-hop, check him out.

17. Jay-Z - "Change Clothes" (off of "The Black Album") Psst...Matthew. Your hip-hop is STILL showing. "The Black Album" is incredible. Jay is one of the few modern rappers I enjoy. "Change Clothes" has a pretty sexy beat to it. Not gonna lie. But that might be because Pharell from The Neptunes is behind the beat. Everything that dude does sounds so good.

18. Senses Fail - "Dreaming A Reality" (off of "From The Depths of Dreams" ) This song and this album remind me of that amazing summer break between junior and senior year of high school, and of this girl Deni, who turned me onto Senses Fail. Let me reminisce in nostalgic bliss for just a bit. (Reminiscing)....(Still Reminiscing)...(Done). Okay. And you're also kidding yourselves if you think "From The Depths of Dreams" didn't bring it. It totally did.

19. The Weakerthans - "Plea From a Cat Named Virtute" (off of "Reconstruction Site" ) I bought The Weakerthans' live album on vinyl today. It's on 2 LP's (four sides) and comes with a DVD of the show. This track is on that album. They sound just like they do on album. That's pretty rad. I love The Weakerthans.

20. MGMT - "Boogie Down" (off of "Time To Pretend EP") I have worse on my iTunes then MGMT, like Katy Perry. Yeah. Let's try and move past Katy Perry. Can I defend myself by saying she's hot. She totally is! That Russell Brand is one lucky cat. Wait... I don't have to defend myself. Sometimes I like crappy pop music. MGMT, while not crappy, can fall into that category. They're better than Katy Perry, leagues better. But Katy Perry is hot. I don't know what the MGMT boys look like. I'm gonna guess not as hot as Katy Perry. Most people aren't.

That's all for now. Peace.

What I've been spinning, and some other fun stuff....

So tomorrow is my first final of the week. I've been studying for the last four hours, and feel like I've done enough studying for the night. I'm about to get some sleep, but before I do so, I'd like to share a few things. Seeing is how this is my blog, I will do so.

I made two purchases today. The first via the No Idea website. What did I purchase?  

I also made a purchase at the NBA.com Store. I went with Blake Griffin over Eric Gordon because as much as I love Gordon, Griffin is the face of the franchise (for now) and there's a better chance of him still being a Clipper in five years then EG. I also got the jersey for only $39.00 (and that includes shipping). It's times like these that make me love being a Clipper fan. My previous Clipper jersey, an Elton (fucking) Brand jersey, cost me only $30 at Champs. So what if the people at Champs looked at me like I was crazy for buying a Clipper jersey. And so what if people either laugh or apologize when I tell them I'm a Clippers fan. I love being a Clippers fan. 

Shifting gears a bit, here is what I've been listening to lately:

Propagandhi - "Gifts": One of the few John K. Samson sung Propagandhi tunes. To be honest, this song would have probably worked much better as a Weakerthans song (as evidenced here), but that doesn't stop it from being my favorite Propagandhi song. 

The Gaslight Anthem - "Bring it On": Shhhhh, this isn't technically out yet. But, Mr. Gaslight Anthem, I have already paid for my vinyl copy, so please don't think I'm outright stealing "American Slang." I'm not. I just couldn't wait. I'm like that kid at Christmas who just can't wait until morning to open gifts, so he goes snooping around to try and find the gifts. Sorry, I just couldn't wait.

The Black Keys - "The Lengths": Maybe the most hauntingly beautiful song I have ever heard. 

The Band - "The Weight": One of my favorite songs of all time, and one of the funnest songs to sing drunkenly with a group of people. An interesting note, I watched "It Might Get Loud" today with my Mom, and at the end of the documentary Jimmy Page, Jack White and The Edge play this song. It sounded weird, but interesting. Check it out.

Bad Religion - "Man With a Mission": I've been on a Bad Religion kick lately. I'm really not sure why, though. I do know that I'm starting my Bad Religion vinyl collection, and in the last week have picked up "Against the Grain" on purple vinyl, and "Recipe For Hate."

The Clash - "Mustapha Dance": A dance/remix version of "Rock the Casbah" that found its way onto "Super Black Market Clash" Wanna groove? Check the track out.

She and Him - "In The Sun": Quite possibly my favorite music video ever (for very obvious reasons).

Brian Fallon - "She Loves You": Currently there's only an acoustic version by Fallon floating around that was done on a radio station. "She Loves You" is a bonus iTunes track on "American Slang," but anyone who attended his solo show at The Troubadour (Edit: I, for whatever reason wrote "The Palladium." Yeah. I know Gaslight is getting big, but Fallon ain't big enough to sell out the Palladium with a solo show. My bad) earlier this year heard Fallon unknowingly play this song. I can't wait to hear a full band version.

Charles Hamilton - "Brooklyn Girls": I heard this song on an episode of "Entourage" and really liked it. Its fun to drive around to. I like hip-hop every now and then.

The Get Up Kids - "Wish You Were Here": Probably my favorite Get Up Kids song ever. 

The Hold Steady - "The Weekenders": Off their new album "Heaven is Whenever" Like good music? Pick it up!

Hot Water Music - "Trusty Chords": Duh.

John K. Samson - "Cruise Night": Mr. Samson crafts quite a tune. Check out his work in Propagandhi (as mentioned earlier), The Weakerthans, as well as his solo work.

I gotta get sleep. peace.

Let's talk a little basketball...

So I correctly predicted three of the four Conference Finals participants (for those keeping score at home with my bet with Chris, he correctly predicted two. I have a commanding lead in our bet). And for the record, nobody...not even the Bawston faithful picked the Celtics over the Cavs last round. So can't fault me on that one.

How do my pre-playoff picks play out in the Conference Finals? Lets take a look:

Western Conference Finals: Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers (My pick: Lakers in six)
Eastern Conference Finals: Cleveland Cavilers (doh!) Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic  (My pick: Magic in seven)

Would I change my mind if I could revise anything? Well, obviously had I known that Rajon Rondo was going to end up being the best player on the court in a Celtics/Cavs series that included: Lebron James, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Antwoin Jamison, and Shaquille O'Neal... had I known that James would play the "injury card" and basically roll over in the series and look more relieved than in rage over losing... had I known that Cavs coach Mike Brown would have severe mental lapses and play name status instead of smart match-ups...then yeah, I would have taken Boston (but I would have also had to take them over the Heat in the first round, which I didn't do. Whoops). But it's tough to know those things, despite kind of knowing that James doesn't have that killer instinct in him (we'll jump to that later) and that Rondo is one of the five best point guards in the league.

As for the Conference Finals, I keep with my predicitons. Boston looks rejuvenated, but they won't hang with Orlando. Dwight Howard is a beast. Vince Carter is actually trying, and Jameer Nelson is healthy. And in the West, as much as I'd love to see Phoenix take it to LA, the Lakers are just too strong. Although I want to warn Laker fans, this isn't going to be a cakewalk like you guys think. Just because Utah was a walk in the park doesn't mean Phoenix will, and they won't. I'm actually stoked for this series. Phoenix, thanks to the Clippers futility have always been my NBA playoff team to root for. How can I root for the Suns when 1.) They play in the Pacific Division, same as my beloved Clippers and 2.) They are the team that knocked the Clips out of the playoffs in '06, you say? Well, my virtual friends, that's easy. Steve Nash.

We'll see how I fare in the Conference Finals.

The rest of this blog will be dedicated to King James, himself.

You see, I think this series with Boston really made people think about Lebron James and his career arc, so to speak. And it's not that Lebron was terrible in this series, because he wasn't. Sure he had a clunker in Game 5 (3-14 shooting, 15 points) but overall he played a good series. The problem was that Lebron played with no urgency, and completely lacked that shut-down killer instinct. There's a certain element inside the truely special players game that kick's in must win situations like Game 5 and 6 of the Boston/Cleveland series. Kobe Bryant has that element, that's why he is known as "Black Mamba" which I learned thanks to "South Park" is the most deadly snake on the planet. Michael Jordan had that element. Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and even Isiah Thomas all had that element. I don't see it in Lebron James. I've said it time and time again that in a close game under two minutes, James isn't Carmelo Anthony or Bryant. I'm not saying he disappears, but he doesn't exactly rise to the occasion either.

But that's not what bothers me about James.

The way Game 6 ended bothered me. The way Lebron looked almost relieved to lose bothered me. Remember two years ago when Bryant and the Lakers were absolutely destroyed by Boston in Game 5? Did Bryant look relieved? Did Bryant high five and hug the Celtics? No! Bryant looked pissed. He walked off the court with anger. With James, it did not seem that way. So what do we make of this?

Well, we can go one of two ways. The first would be that Lebron does not have that special element in his game like the Jordan's and the Kobe's of the NBA. If that is the case, then doesn't Lebron's career arc change dramatically? I read in a post from ESPN.com's Bill Simmons that Lebron's career arc now has to resemble the likes of Karl Malone and Charles Barkley and not MJ and Larry Legend. I'm not sure if I'm ready to believe that yet (as Simmons wasn't either), but it's now definately a thought in my head.

The second way to go with it would be to think that Lebron wanted out of Cleveland all together and just quit at the end. Now, as much as I hope that Lebron didn't quit on his team, part of me kind of actually does hope that was it. I want Lebron to be one of the greatest to ever play in the same way I want Tiger Woods and Sidney Crosby and Tom Brady and Albert Pujols to be. I want to witness greatness. I want to be able to tell my grandkids that I got to watch these dudes play.

It's probably the former more-so then the latter, but we don't know.

What is fairly certain is Lebron will be calling a new city home come October 2010. Why won't he re-sign with Cleveland? Simple. If he wanted to, he would have done so already. Lebron is gone. There are five possible destinations for Lebron. Chicago, Los Angeles (Clippers), Miami, New Jersey, and New York. Before I speak from my heart, lets look at this logically.

If Lebron wants to win right now, his best bets in order are: Miami (assuming they keep Dwayne Wade), Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey, New York.
If Lebron wants to get paid and bask in the spotlight, his best bets in order are: New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami.
If Lebron wants to transcend basketball in a city and become an icon, his best bets in order are: New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami in Chicago.

Chicago would be Lebron's best bet if he wanted to win. They were a playoff team this year, and have a good group of young talent in Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, not to mention Kirk Hinrich and Leol Deng. Adding Lebron to the mix would be deadly for the Eastern Conference. Only Chicago will find it easier to sign hometown boy Wade then James. Lebron will not play in the shadow of Michael Jordan. He's changing his number from 23 to 6 in "honor" of His Airness, and personally I think it's because he'll never live up to Jordan and he knows that so he's trying to move out of his shadow. Playing in Chicago would only further unlofty expectations that James could never live up to. Chicago is out of the picture.

Miami is gone too. There is no way in hell Lebron will play with and share top billing with Dwayne Wade. Sorry. Ain't happening.

So that leaves New York, New Jersey and LA.

New York is the overwhelming favorites to land James. Madison Square Garden is the biggest stage under the brighest lights Lebron is going to find. And hell, New York basically threw the last two years away to set up to grab James this Summer. New York also has the luxury of pairing James with another top free agent, whether it be Amare Stodoumire, Chris Bosh or Joe Johnson. But after that, New York will field a supporting cast no better (and actually, probably worse) then what Cleveland has given James the past couple seasons.

New Jersey has cash, Lebron's friend Jay-Z as a part owner, a possible first pick in the upcoming NBA draft, and a Russian bajillionare as an owner. They also are coming off a seventy loss season. It would be real hard to justify coming to Jersey for a chance to win.

And as for my Los Angeles Clippers. Well, they certainly have the talent to lure James. Think of a starting five of:  Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, James, Blake Griffin and Chris Kamen. That has to be good for 55+ wins, right? And he'd also be in LA, where the stars hang out. Ask Baron Davis how he's loving the Hollywood scene. The problem, however, is that he'd be playing for a second banana in Kobe country. Throw in Donald Sterling and a history of futility, and that might be too much to lure in Lebron.

Where do I think he's going to go? New York. I think he wants to play at MSG. I think it's a foregone conclusion. There's the logical side. Here comes the talk from my heart.

If Lebron James wants to win, both right now and in the future, The Los Angeles Clippers is his destination. The Clippers have a ton of young talent in last year's top draft choice Blake Griffin up-and-coming future All-Star Eric Gordon. Speaking of All-Stars, Chris Kaman, the Clippers center was selected to the Western Conference All-Star squad last year. Throw in Baron Davis at point guard, and the Clippers could have maybe the best starting five in the league with James.

But truthfully, The Clippers NEED to realistically chase Lebron. The fans need the reassurance that Donald Sterling actually gives a shit about the franchise. Sterling needs to show the league that he is actually taking his ownership seriously. Personally, I think he is. A couple years back, he chased Kobe. Two years ago, he threw money at both Davis and Elton Brand. It just hasn't worked out well for Sterling. And maybe, as Phil Jackson suggested, there is something to karma and Sterling is getting his. But Clipper fans don't deserve to feel the brunt of Sterling's karmic backlash. We've suffered enough. We've sat and watched Moses Malone come and go in a blink of an eye. We watched Bill Walton's career deteriorate after acquiring him. We watched Danny Manning, Shaun Livingston and tons of other young talent fall victim to injury far too early. Hell, we watched Elton Brand, the one person proud to be a Clipper spurn us for Philly. We need this. We need Lebron. We need an icon. We need a legend.

That's all for now, late.

The Random 20: May 14th edition.

I know I just did this on the 5th, but I'm bored and need a break from studying for finals and this seems like kind of a fun way to help me relax and get ready for sleep. Just throw me a bone here and run with it, okay! So here we go.

1. The Lawrence Arms - "The Disaster March": (off of "Greatest Story Ever Told") I think in the previous "Random 20" blog that I talked about both The Lawrence Arms and "Greatest Story Ever Told," and how both are one of my favorite (insert "bands" or "albums" depending on which is being mentioned) ever. Well "The Disaster March" is possibly my favorite song off the album (with "The Wishful Puppeteer"). "Ugly is ugly. Transformation is a dream. So love what you are not what you would like to be." So true. And I love how the last line is a callback to a line in "Chapter 13."  There is such an honest quality to The Lawrence Arms that very few bands have. Seriously, check out this tune, or the entire album, actually.

2. Against Me! - "Reinventing Axl Rose" (off of "Reinventing Axl Rose") I wish I could mix the "Reinventing Axl Rose" version of this song with the "Acoustic E.P". version. Actually, all I would do is replace the lame "whoooooooooooooooooooooooooaa" of the "Reinventing Axl Rose" version with the "Whoaaa-oh-ohaaaaas" from the acoustic version. It would be the best song on the album. Also, I swear I listen to more than just The Lawrence Arms and Against Me!

3. Saves The Day - "In My Waking Life" (off of "In Reverie") "In Reverie" was a terribly polarizing album. I commend Saves The Day for trying something different, but it really just fell flat on it's face. It's basically their attempt at making... I don't know...something like "Pet Sounds," or "Rubber Soul." The problem was that it was Saves The Day doing so. And I'm not saying that Saves the Day is terrible, not at all. I loved Saves The Day. I still know every word to every album made before "In Reverie." But they're a pop-punk band. There's a reason for that. Anyways, like I said, the album fell flat on it's face. "In My Waking Life," however, was the only song I really enjoyed on the album. Sure it's Beatles-esque, but it still has a bit of Saves The Day-like quality, which is what "In Reverie" lacked. It did have some pretty badass artwork though.

4. Alkaline Trio - Cooking Wine (off of "Alkaline Trio") I miss the days when Matt Skiba sang and wrote about girls and getting drunk. Sure beats the hell out of vampire bats and death and whatever "Agony and Irony" was about. For the record, I really enjoyed "This Addiction."

5. The Misfits - "Braineaters" (off of "Walk Among Us") It took me a long time to jump on The Misfits bandwagon. Most of the kids who were all about The Misfits annoyed me. Glen Danzig annoyed me. Jerry Only annoyed me. Michael Graves annoyed me. But I credit my buddies Sean and Chris for turning me onto The Misfits. "Static Age" and "Walk Among Us" are two very solid, borderline awesome albums. "Braineaters" is a great short punk rock track.

6. Fugazi - "Provisional" (off of "13 Songs") Ian Mackaye is one of the greatest individuals walking the Earth. And if you kids want to hear what real emo sounds like, and not that Paramore/My Chemical Romance/Fall Out Boy "emo" that MTV feeds down your throat, pick up "13 Songs."

7. NOFX - "Bob" (off of "White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean") If you have never heard "Bob" by NOFX, then 1.) you probably don't listen to NOFX or punk rock in general, and 2.) you probably think I have terrible taste in music. I understand completely. I also love "Bob." One of the first NOFX songs, and punk rock songs I ever heard.

8. The Menzingers - "Come Here Often" (off of "Chamerblain Waits") "Chamberlain Waits" is one of my favorite albums of the year so far. I interviewed Greg from The Menzingers. He's a totally rad dude. I really did The Menzingers. "Come Here Often" is a rocker. It will definately knock you on your ass. Be warned.

9. The Movielife - "I Hope You Die Soon" (off of "This Time Next Year") Ah, The Movielife, a total band from my youth. Fourteen year old Matt absolutely adored The Movielife (and anything off of Drive Thru Records, really). Ignacio called me today and told me Vinnie from The Movielife was playing for free at my school. Part of me wanted to go.

10. Buffalo Springfield - "Go and Say Goodbye" (off of "Buffalo Springfield") One of my favorite bands from the 1960's and the entire protest-era. Everybody should listen to Buffalo Springfield.

11. Sundowner - "Endless Miles" (off of "One Four Five Two") On August 10th, Chris promises a new Sundowner album. I'm giddy. Downright giddy. "Endless Miles" is my favorite Sundowner song. Everybody, do yourself a favor and check out this amazing solo project by Chris from The Lawrence Arms.

12. A Wilhelm Scream - "Retiring" (off of "Mute Print") Strung Out wishes they could mix metal and punk. It's quite incredible that I love A Wilhelm Scream considering the fact that I'm not huge on metal. At all. But I love A Wilhelm Scream. "Retiring" is one of my favorite A Wilhelm Scream songs.

13 Cobra Skulls - "There's a Skeleton in my Military Industrial Closet" (off of "American Rubicon") Chris calls Cobra Skulls a "broke-ass Misfits." He's kind of right. But in terms of punk bands today, they're one of the better acts going. "There's a Skeleton..." is an interesting tune. It doesn't really rock, but it's catchy and fast. Think "Kerplunk"-era Green Day, but more political.

14. Midtown - "Until it Kills" (off of "Forget What You Know") It saddens me to listen to Midtown now and realize that the assclown from Cobra Starship used to be in Midtown. And for the record, I actually like "Forget What You Know." I know it got a bad wrap, and I understand why. It's much more radio-friendly and much less pop-punky. I dunno. I dig it. Until it Kills" is actually a lovely track. Check it out sometime. It might make you as sad to realize the Cobra Starship loon used to actually used to care about making decent music.

15. Frank Turner - "Sunshine State" (off of "The First Three Years") Yeah, I dig "The First Three Years" but it's safe to say that Turner has gotten better with each and every release. "Sunshine State" is okay. Plenty of better tracks in his library.

16. Rancid - "Disorder and Dissaray" (off of "...And Out Comes The Wolves") Todays shuffle is playing a lot of bands I don't really listen to anymore. Rancid is one of them. They don't suck or anything. Just kind of over them. I do like "...And Out Come the Wolves," though.

17. Mike Ness - "Dope Fiend Blues" (off of "Cheating at Solitare") If you're a fan of real country music, check out Mr. Social Distortion's solo work. It's downright depressing...and surprisingly decent.

18. Strung Out - "Satellite" (off of "An American Paradox") Of course, I shit talk Strung Out earlier and they show up on the list. I read somewhere a while back that "Satellite" was written about Greg Graffin of Bad Religion. My friend Kyle, in high school, used to play it for his ladylove Tia. In fact, he had it twice on one mix cd for her. To be fair, I'm pretty sure I put it on a mix cd for my high school girlfriend Stephanie. It's weird to find out this song isn't about a girl. Although it makes complete sense.

19. Cap'n Jazz - "The Sands've Turned People" (off of "Analphabetapolothology") What the hell kind of album title is that. Anyways. So stoked that Cap'n Jazz is playing in LA later on this year. I will totally be there.

20. Belle and Sebastian - "The State I Am In" (off of "Tigermilk") I secretly dig Bellee and Sebastian. So sue me.

That's all for now.

Give me a "hell yeah!"

When I was younger, around ten or so, I lived for the WWF. This was before the name change to WWE, before the WCW merger, before "Smackdown" and whatever goofy shows they might have now; this was during the "Attitude" era. And my favorite wrestler was Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Texas Rattlesnake. The dude was a bad ass, plain and simple. I had Stone Cold t-shirts. I had Stone Cold action figures. Hell, when we would wrestle on my friend's trampoline, I would come out to Stone Cold's entrance music. He was my guy. I remember watching Wrestlemania XV and Summerslam '98 and being so stoked he won his match to reclaim/keep the WWF title. I get a lot of shit for liking the WWF when I was younger. I don't care. I liked the WWF, and Stone Cold was my guy.

I bring this up because I just finished watching a Wrestlemania XIX special that someone put on youtube. I haven't watched wrestling in close to ten years, other then random youtube clips here and there, mostly Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Stone Cold, and D-Generation X clips. But this was the first time I watched something I had never seen from the WWF (or I guess now the WWE) in nearly a decade. It was behind the scenes on the match at Wrestlemania XIX between Steve Austin and The Rock, which happened to be Austin's final match. And I'll be honest, I got a bit choked up.

We see these wrestlers as pompous, arrogant degenerates. Lowlifes who look like failed porn-stars (or in Val Venis' case, a failed wrestler portraying a porn star) who follow a script. It's not a sport. It's scripted. It's fake. They're not really hitting each other. And while all that may be true, these guys take a god damn pounding. Sure, they might not be throwing real hay-makers,  but that slam to the mat, or flying over the rope; you can't fake that. That's real. That's painful.

Austin, in 1996 or 1997 sustained serious spinal damage after a botched pile-driver by Owen Hart. He was left nearly paralyzed. Watching this video, it as clear that Austin had never fully recovered from that injury, and this is nearly a decade after the the original injury took place. Austin was in serious pain. He needed to hang it up. He knew it.

Only, you could see in his eyes that he didn't want to. Austin choked up when talking about leaving the WWF. He loved what he did. It's a side to these guys you don't often see. Here's Stone Cold Steve Austin, the self proclaimed "toughest S.O.B" on the planet nearly in tears about his wrestling career coming to a close. And it's not like he has no other options other than wrestling. The dude might be the single most successful wrestler of all time, and has appeared in movies such as "The Longest Yard" and "The Condemned."  And as The Rock has shown us, it is possible to be a successful actor following a life in the ring.

Austin lost the match, after three consecutive Rock Bottom's (The Rock's signature finishing move). Austin kicked out of the first one, then kicked out of the second one. I found myself rooting for Austin to find a way out of trouble and to apply his finishing move, The Stone Cold Stunner, on The Rock. It was weird. I felt eleven again. Sadly, The Rock hit Austin with the third Rock Bottom, and Austin was down for the three-count. Right after, Austin would say that he was "relieved" that the match was over.

There was a really nice moment after the match where The Rock shooed away the ref, and whispered something to Austin, later refusing to tell the cameras what he said. Austin would share with the cameras what The Rock told him. According to Austin, The Rock told him he loved him and that it was a pleasure working with him for so long. Austin responded with "I love you too," and went on to call The Rock "one of the few friends" he had from his time in professional wrestling.

It's also worth nothing that The Rock/Austin was one of the greatest feuds in WWF history. When I think of the greatest matches I watched, Rock/Austin at Wrestlemania XV ranks right up there with Austin/Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania XIV, Hulk Hogan/Ultimate Warrior at Wrestlemania VI, and that first Hell in a Cell match between Mankind and the Undertaker. So to hear the respect and admiration the two had for eachother...well...I guess it was nice.

I will probably never blog about wrestling again. I have no interest in it anymore. Once upon a time, wrestling was something huge to me. I remember Monday's at 9 p.m. being so stoked to watch "Monday Night Raw" on USA, and staying up way past my bedtime to watch the end of it. We all had our favorites, and mine was The Texas Rattlesnake. Again, wrestling means absolutely nothing to me anymore, but it was kind of cool watching that retrospective and kind of remembering something from the past that I really used to like.

And that's the bottom line, cause Stone Cold said so.