Dave Hause in Fullerton.

I saw Dave Hause of the Loved Ones perform a solo show last night at The Slidebar in Fullerton. For those of you unfamiliar with The Slidebar, or Fullerton in general, here's this. Fullerton is located in Orange County, one town over from Anaheim. It's somewhat a college town, as it's home to Cal State Fullerton (where I attend school). In the heart of Fullerton is Downtown Fullerton, full of bars and resturaunts and plenty of ways to pass the time/get in trouble/made terrible decisions. Personally, when I head to DTF (Downtown Fullerton, not "Down to Fuck" as my buddy Chris thought in one particularly humorous situation that I won't bring up here) I prefer to hang at The Continental Room or Heroes. In fact, I pretty much HATE Slidebar. It's full of wannabee's and fakes. Think, dude's that look like The Situation from "Jersey Shore" and girls that look like Audrina from "The Hills." Yikes. However, the one redeeming quality to Slidebar is that they hold free shows from time-to-time. Now most, like Mest and whatever that collaboration between the singer from Unwritten Law and that dude from the Kottonmouth Kings is, do nothing for me. However, every once in a while good bands roll through. I saw the Street Dogs there a couple months ago, and missed Broadway Calls and The Briggs on separate occasions, thanks to work. So as much as I try to avoid The Slidebar, I do make exceptions when necessary.

So I was hanging out at home watching either "Man vs. Food," "Mad Men," or "Eastbound and Down" with my Mom and Dad (we watched all three; it was a relaxing day) when my buddy Ignacio texted me that Dave Hause was playing a free show at The Slidebar. I love the Loved Ones (seems pretty redundant), so I told him I'd be there. He said to be at his girlfriend Casey's house around 8 to meet up. Casey lives in Fullerton, and just a few minutes away from DTF. So I picked up some Newcastle and went to Casey's. At Casey's, Ignacio and I (along with our friend Mike who went with us) discussed how we can't seem to get into Dillinger 4, debated which was better, "White Crosses" or "American Slang" and made fun of "Miracles" by Insane Clown Posse. Then we rolled down to The Slidebar.

Thankfully, it was a Sunday, so The Slidebar wasn't too crowded. We found a table and ordered a drink and waited for Dave Hause to take the stage. There were, by Casey's count, 23 people to see Hause, and it seemed as if only five or six (including Ig, Mike and myself) knew who he was. A perhaps sixteen year old girl named Taylor was there with her Mom and Hause made mention of her quite a bit. It seems that the night before Taylor and her Mom had driven to Pasadena to see Hause, only to find out the show was shut down by the cops. Hause was appreciative of Taylor for coming to the Fullerton show and allowed her to pick a couple songs on the set-list. She chose "Directions" and "100K."

Hause played a good mix of his solo work and Loved Ones material. He was flanked by another guitarist named Mitch who was a really nice dude. When Hause ripped into his first Loved Ones track, "Living Well (Get You Dead)," Mitch noticed that Ig, Mike and I were the only three singing. We noticed this too, so we decided to be loud so Hause felt better, I guess.Well Mitch told us the next time we felt like it, to grab the microphone and sing along. Hause played a couple more solo songs before playing "Distractions" for Taylor. I started asking for him to play "Coma Girl," a Joe Strummer cover they did for their Distractions EP, and Hause told me "I'm not playin' it. Knock it off." I should mention he said it with a smile and a couple minutes later asked me what I wanted to hear. I said "Jane" and he played it. He then played "The Bridge" and "Pray For Tuscon," the only solo song I'm familiar with, before ripping into "Pretty Good Year." Mitch gave us the microphone and we sang along with Hause.


After the show Hause was very appreciative of Ig, Mike and I, telling us after the show that he was thrilled we came out and thanks for participating. We snapped a picture and took off.


Hause was an entertaining dude. He took everything in stride, like when an obviously drunk chick kept running into the room and screaming "WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" Hause said "bachlorette party?" and I told him "you're the main entertainment." He said "if that's the case, her marriage is in trouble." She then came back and started asking her questions during a song, to which she respdonded "WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" I also tried to get him to play "Ball in Chain" by Social Distortion by telling him I saw his cover of it and loved it. He seemed excited and said "Really? Where?" I said "Youtube." He started laughing and looked a bit displeased. He's also a really talented dude. Check out his myspace, or his 7".

That's all for now.

Dealing with defeat: the US World Cup.

This is the part of being a fan that I hate. The lowest of lows. Elimination.

It's something I've dealt with all too often being an Angel fan. However, at the very least there's always next season. Four months will pass and all of a sudden it's time for Spring Training and a chance at redemption. It doesn't work this way with international competition.

When the Men's US hockey team took silver in Vancouver back in February, it stung. Oh did it ever. But there wasn't disappointment. The squad played exceptionally well and advanced farther then everybody thought. It was a bittersweet silver lining, but a silver lining never-the-less.

I'm still searching for silver linings following America's loss and subsequent elimination yesterday.

The US soccer team went to South Africa with one goal: get out of the group stage. After a brilliant-played draw with England, an amazing comeback to draw with Slovenia (a game they should have won after having a goal called back for no reason) and a thrilling last minute win over Algeria, America did just that. In fact, America won their group for the first time since 1930. Because of this, America avoided Germany (who put an absolute beating on England earlier today) and drew Ghana in the round of sixteen. All of a sudden a pipe dream became a reality; the American's could actually win the World Cup.

(Okay, so maybe that's a stretch; but with Ghana in the round of sixteen, and the winner of Uruaguay and South Korea in the quarter-finals it looked as if the American's had drawn the perfect path to the final four).

All of a sudden friends and relatives were calling/texting to ask about Ghana and if they were any good. Customers coming into my work were discussing Landon Donovan's goal against Algeria in the 91st minute to put the US through. For the first time, the sport of soccer was the main topic of conversation in America, and not just the old "does anyone in America even care about soccer" debate. No. This was different. People did care.

Of course, America fell flat yet again, losinf 2-1 to Ghana in extra time. Ghana also beat the US 2-1 to eliminate the US from the 2006 World Cup in the group stages. America looked absolutely flat and coach Bob Bradley made questionable call after questionable call, dooming the US against a younger, faster Ghana squad. And like that, the bright World Cup hopes for America burnt out.

There are a lot of positives to take home for the US squad, no doubt. Landon Donovan had a great World Cup, scoring three goals (including the goal heard 'round the world) and exercised the demons of an disastrous 2006 World Cup showing; also proving that he belongs on soccer's biggest stage alongside the big boys. Michael Bradley and Tim Howard also had very nice World Cup showings. America also solidified what they proved last year that they deserve a place alongside the Spain's and England's of the world, something the rest of the world won't take lightly. And lastly, the US National Team proved that soccer can indeed captivate a "non-soccer loving nation" like America.

Yet despite all that, the loss to Ghana leaves me feeling empty and disappointed; something I didn't think I could feel if the American's reached the round of sixteen. And while it terribly sucks, it also leaves me a bit happy knowing that I can actually expect more out of the US National Soccer team.

I just wish I didn't have to wait four more years.

I can't seem to find the words just yet...

...expect a blog soon. For the time being, just bask in Landon Donovan and the American squad moving on to the round of 16.

I know I don't normally post about my personal life on this blog, but...

You know that scene in "500 Days of Summer"  where Tom goes to Summer's party and we see his expectations versus his reality? I swear I lived that today, almost to a tee. I'm not saying that I'm mad or anything about it, it's just weird.


Expectations vs. Reality (500) Days Of Summer Movie Scene from catiski on Vimeo.

Anyways, I apologize for the lack of posts. I've come down with a pretty nasty case of World Cup Fever. Expect posts this week on:

• The Gaslight Anthem's new album, "American Slang" (spoiler alert: Album of the Year!!!)
• An All-things World Cup post including the awesome tie with England and the bullshit tie with Slovenia
• An apology to the Angels ace Jered Weaver, who is the real deal

As well as the continuation of Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs. Sit tight, children. Sit tight. 

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS); numbers 250-241

Today Jen and I hit up Buffalo Wild Wings after work. We were both hungry and wanting to have a drink and seeing is how there is nowhere better to go in the Murrieta/Temecula area, we decided on Buffalo Wild Wings. Okay, I have to be honest; I absolutely hate that place. The crowd is lame (think "Jersey Shore" wannabees and bro-hoes), the music is lame, and the overall atmosphere is lame. Everytime I go there I always ask within five minutes of arriving "why am I here?" However, Buffalo Wild Wings has two redeeming qualities:

1. The wings are delicious
2. The staff is pretty cool. The owner ALWAYS walks up to me and shakes my hand. He talks sports with me. He remembers that I'm an Angels fan, and I give him an earful as he's a Red Sox fan. The bartenders are all extremely nice. Laura especially. 

But overall it's a crappy place. I advice people to stay the hell away from it. How does this tie into music and my Top 300 Favorite Songs?  Well on Thursday nights they have "Rock Band" night. So instead of people singing crappy renditions of crappy songs, people "play" crappy renditions of crappy songs while someone sings a crappy version. Today I heard songs by: System of A Down, The Guess Who ("American Woman," of course), Kansas, Journey (in the running for Matt's least favorite band of all time) and Pearl Jam. Not an ideal list. Here are ten songs that are much better then anything Journey ever put out.

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS): numbers 250-241

Number 250: The Ataris - "Teenage Riot" (off of the album "End is Forever," 2001)

Remember when Kris Roe was fat? That was before the major label and the PCP. Anyways, "End is Forever" was one of the most played albums of my youth. I think I mentioned somewhere before how I wanted to be Kris Roe when I was younger, and how I grew out my hair because he did and what not. Seems weird now looking back at it, but it also makes me wonder if ten years from now I'll be like "man, that was weird that I thought Brian Fallon was the coolest dude ever." Anyways, "Teenage Riot" was a fun pop-punk Ataris song that made me fall in love with the band. The Ataris are still good for a listen every now and then.

Number 249: Atmosphere - "Yesterday" (off of the album "When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold," 2008)

Okay, so "Yesterday" has a chill old-school rap sound to it, but that's not why I love the song. The lyrical content is off the charts. Allow me to share with you my favorite verse from the track "Since we went our separate paths I've hit a couple of snags that remind me of the past. I can't front, I'm having a blast. But damned if I ain't afraid of how long it's gonna last." Word. If you're not into rap, check out Atmosphere. He might change your mind.

Number 248: The Ramones - "I Wanna Be Sedated" (off of the album "Road To Ruin," 1979)

The Godfathers of American punk rock make their first appearance on my list. I read somewhere that Tom Delonge was inspired to write "All The Small Things" because of his love for The Ramones, hence the "na-na's" I feel we all need a shower after hearing that. Not that I don't like blink-182 or anything but "All The Small Things?" Come on! That's like that stupid Sum-41 Rolling Stone cover that was a blatant rip-off of a Sex Pistols cover thirty years before. And yes, I know "I Wanna Be Sedated" is the popular Ramones track. I don't care. It's a bad ass track. End of story. I feel dirty having such an influential track buried at number 246, but it's my favorite songs, not most influential. Also, The Ramones get more love later on.

Number 247: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - "The Impression That I Get" (off of the album "Lets Face It," 1997)

Just one time in my life I want to sing "That's The Impression That I Get" for karaoke, complete with all-out skanking like in the video. Wicked awesome, bro (okay, that's enough Boston talk). Anyways, the lyrical content for "The Impression That I Get" blows me away. Just take a listen. You'll understand. The Bosstones are the band that The Dropkick Murphys wishes they could be. They never will. Dropkick sucks.

Number 246: Gladys Knight & The Pips - "Midnight Train to Georgia" (off of the album "Imagination," 1973)

Gladys Knight has an amazing voice. I love soul music. Anyways, I could talk about why I love this song, but instead I'd rather share two videos that have to do with "Midnight Train to Georgia." The first is from some American Idol special that takes the video above, but replaces the background dancers with Robert Downey Jr., Ben Stiller and Jack Black. It's pretty funny. Downey moves pretty well. The second comes from a scene in "30 Rock," which is a crack up. Tracy Morgan owns. Also, sorry for that lame text box across the screen.

Number 245: TSOL - "Wash Away" (off of the album "Beneath The Shadows," 1982)

One of the deepest punk rock songs from the early 1980's. TSOL is such an underrated 80's punk band. It's too bad too. Jack Gresham is a really fun/disturbing dude to watch on stage. He's also a pretty nice guy. Alkaline Trio did a really good cover of "Wash Away" for that Tony Hawk soundtrack. Check both out. Matt Skiba has a great voice when it comes to covering bands like TSOL and The Misfits.

Number 244: Big D & The Kids Table - "Shining On" (off of the album "Strictly Rude," 2007)

"Shining On" is one of those songs you put on when you're having a shit day and no matter what it can find a way to put a smile on your face. A lot of Big D tracks have that effect on me. Big D is a great live band, and don't get the credit they deserve. As far as the third-wave ska movement goes, they're probably my favorite.

Number 243: Tegan and Sara - "Call it Off" (off of the album "The Con," 2007)

Both "The Con"  and "Sainthood" are slowly becoming two of my favorite records. "Call it Off" is hauntingly beautiful. One of those songs that leave you unsure whether you're supposed to smile or cry. My music editor for "The Daily Titan" Meghan and I discussed this song a while back. Basically, she said "I hate listening to this song. It kills me. But I've probably listened to it about 50 times in a row. I can't stop listening." (I'm paraphrasing of course). I think she hit the nail on the head. Also, here's a video of Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem and Dave Hause of The Loved Ones playing "Call it Off." Personally I think Dave Hause sounds like shit here. But maybe it's just me.

Number 242: Saves The Day - "Sell My Old Clothes, I'm off to Heaven" (off of the album "Ups And Downs," 2004)

"Sell My Old Clothes, I'm Off to Heaven" is by far my favorite Saves The Day song ever. "and hey if you want me to, I'll take a knife to my own bright eyes." Back in the day I thought that was poetry. Now it sounds pretty pathetic. Oh well. Here's a video of Chris Conley playing "Sell My Old Clothes" acoustic; complete with his newer Montana Max singing voice.

Number 241: New Found Glory - "Hit Or Miss" (off of the album "New Found Glory," 2000)

Despite the "Nothing Gold Can Stay" version being more raw, it's the self-titled track that I'm including. By far my favorite song of high school. "Remember the time we wrote our names up on the wall. Remember the time we realized "Thriller" was our favorite song." Actually, this song will always remind me of this chick Nicole whom I met sophomore year of high school. Man, I dug that chick. So did my friend Mike. So I backed off. Turns out, she liked me. Thanks to the stalker website that is Facebook, I found out that she had kids. Weird.

There might be a bit of a delay in the next couple MT3FS posts thanks to the World Cup. But what to expect next? Taking Back Sunday, Tupac and Looking Glass find their way onto Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs.

Album Review: Against Me! - "White Crosses"

Against Me - White Crosses

Against Me!'s fifth studio album, "White Crosses" was released on June 8th via Sire. It was produced by Butch Vig.

Back in April I interviewed Tom Gabel while he was promoting "White Crosses," Here's a comment Gabel made to me concerning the album, which dropped Tuesday.

“I’m not really interested in catering to anybody. We’re interested in making music that’s true to ourselves. People are free to listen if they want to, and if they get enjoyment out of that that’s what we hope for…but at the same time nobody is being forced to listen to anything, and they’re free to listen to whatever they want.”

I think this perfectly sum up my feelings on "White Crosses."

It's no secret that I was not a fan of "New Wave." I bashed it for being unimaginative, lackluster, and overall boring. It was completely void of what made me fall in love with Against Me! in the first place. The urgency and the fire; So raw and bare. To be honest, I felt that "New Wave" was a cop out. A sellout album, if you will.  And no, the "sellout" tag had nothing to do with Sire releasing the album. Major labels don't equal sellout. Making an album like "New Wave." does.

However, after interviewing Gabel my stance on both "New Wave" and Against Me! softened.. Before I thought that "New Wave" was selfish and self-aggrandizing; a big middle finger to Gabel's passionate fan base. But after speaking with Gabel I realized that he truly thought "New Wave" was amazing. That "New Wave" was the album he wanted to make.

So what do I think about "White Crosses?" I think about the same that I think about "New Wave." It's the album Gabel wanted to make, and he spared no compromises.

As Gabel explained to me in the interview (the corresponding story can be found here), "White Crosses" sonically builds on what the band started with "New Wave." And had "White Crosses" not said "Against Me! across the top, I'd be praising the album as a great alternative/college rock album. However, again, it's void of Against Me!'s fire. Like Scott Kazmir (another pitcher I love to hate and vise-versa) it seems as if Against Me! has lost their fastball.

I could go song by song and break down each and every song, but I think the album's first single, "I Was A Teenage Anarchist" can sum up my feelings perfectly.

"I Was a Teenage Anarchist" has a good sound to it. Think "Warning"-era Green Day meets late-era Replacements. I'll admit the first time I heard the song, a frantic text from Casey to turn my radio to KROQ, I actually liked it. It didn't sound at all like the Against Me! I loved, but it also didn't sound void of passion. "I Was a Teenage Anarchist" actually got me semi-excited for "White Crosses." At least,  until I went home and read the lyrics.

"I was a teenage anarchist
But then the scene got too rigid

It was mob mentality
They set their rifle sights on me

Narrow visions of autonomy
You want me to surrender my identity

I was a teenage anarchist

The revolution was lie"

What!?!?! Look, I get it that every anarchist grows up and realizes that anarchy doesn't work. But this is a big eff-you to everyone who has followed Against Me! over the years. Coming from a dude that once wrote "Baby, I'm an Anarchist," "I Was a Teenage Anarchist" was a kick in the crotch.

There are some strong points with "White Crosses." Ex-Hot Water Music drummer George Rebelo breathes some much needed life into Against Me! Most songs are actually listenable, unlike "New Wave," with a few ("Spanish Moss," "High Pressure Low" and "Because of the Shame") deserving multiple listens. The album is also a grower, gaining better reviews with each listen.

"White Crosses" is a step up from from "New Wave." Again, I give Gabel and co. a ton of credit for making the album they wanted to make. As Gabel said, "People are free to listen if they want to...but at the same time nobody is being forced to listen to anything, and they’re free to listen to whatever they want.”and I completely agree. Understand that I am not bashing Against Me! Unfortunately, though, I'll probably be listening to something else.
Two out of Five stars.
Check Out: "High Pressure Low," "Because of the Shame"

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS); numbers 260-251

Two entries in 24 hours. Sheeeeeeetttttttt.

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS): Numbers 260-251 edition

Number 260: The Hold Steady - "You Can Make Him Like You" (off of the album "Boys and Girls in America," 2006)

As improbable as it is to believe that a song that contains the line "it only gets inconvenient when you wanna get high alone" cracked my Top 300, there is no way in hell that I could leave "You Can Make Him Like You" off the list. The problem with The Hold Steady is that, while every one of their albums are stellar, there aren't ever any tracks that stand out (which is kind of what I wrote for my write-up of their album "Heaven is Whenever"). "You Can Make Him Like You" is the lone exception. It's the one track off "Boys and Girls of America" that would have been catchy enough to receive radio play. If you don't listen to The Hold Steady already, you should probably check them out NOW! That is all.

Number 259: Blink-182 - "M&M's" (off of the album "Cheshire Cat," 1994)

Blink-182's "first" single gets love on the MT3FS countdown. And really, how could it not? It's no secret that once upon a time Blink-182 was a huge part of my life. Granted those days are far behind me, but still. Anyways, "M&M's" has been put on several mix-tapes I've made for ladies over the years, and has been listened to a billion times with a billion different girls in mind. To fourteen year old Matt, "M&M's" was love. Thank god he grew up.

Number 258: The Gaslight Anthem - "Here's Looking at You, Kid" (off of the album "The '59 Sound," 2008)

Ah, "Here's Looking At You, Kid" puts a smile on my face. I'm not really sure why, but it does. There's something so redeeming about "Here's Looking At You, Kid," something so honest. Brian Fallon is one of the best when it comes to conveying honesty in his lyrics without sounding like a jackass. Also, this girl did a bad ass piano cover of the song. It's seriously incredible, so give her love.

Number 257: Saves The Day - "Third Engine" (off of the album "Through Being Cool," 1999)

As far as pop-punk goes, "Through Being Cool" has to be one of the five or ten most influential albums of all-time. There's really no reason why "Third Engine" stands out above the rest of the tracks other than personal preference (Although I almost banished it from the list after discovering this. Max Bemis is out to destroy everything I love. I'm convinced of this). Like with every other Saves The Day song, "Third Engine" walks the "cheese-core" line. However, it never fully crosses over, and comes off as charming and lovely. "What can I do? I'm stuck thinking about you" perfectly sums everything up. I kind of stopped listening to Saves The Day after "Stay What You Are," but there's no denying the impact and influence the band made/left on me.

Number 256: None More Black - "You Suck! But Your Peanut Butter is OK" (off of the album "This is Satire," 2006 )

I used to play this song around Catherine and laugh to myself. The song, written about kids dissing Against Me! yet eating their peanut butter backstage after Against Me! invited the kids backstage, is basically making fun of those "holier than thou" punk kids who shit on anyone who "sells out" (aka, achieves success they totally deserve). But I would kind of take the message and apply it to her and her political stances, and it cracked me up. It was all in good fun. She's a smart chick and knows/cares way more than I do when it comes to politics. It was just funny to me. I'm sure she had her little secretive things that made her laugh at the expense of me. I'm a pretty easy target, to be honest.

Number 255: The Get Up Kids - "I'll Catch You" (off of the album "Something to Write Home About," 1999)

Ignore the really crappy video that accompanies the song. "I'll Catch You" was the ultimate love song. Because of this, it only ended up on one mix-cd to one girl. "Don't worry, I'll catch you. Don't ever worry." Also, I absolutely love the Jawbreaker reference ("Remembering 'Jinx Removing' "). The Get Up Kids were my favorite band in high school. "Something to Write Home About" is one of my five favorite records. Get into it.

Number 254: Biz Markie - "Just a Friend" (off of the album "The Biz Never Sleeps," 1989)

Biz Markie owns. Look at the following: he sampled this song, he's on "Yo, Gabba, Gabba!" and has a ridiculously amazing scene in "Men in Black II"  . Also, this "literal" version of the "Just a Friend" video made me laugh really hard.

Number 253: Bedouin Soundclash - "12:59 Lullaby" (off of the album "Street Gospels," 2007)

It wasn't until I saw this video that I realized the singer for Bedouin Soundclash was white. Weird. Anyways, another love song on the list. Matt Skiba put it best, "the best songs are love songs." If you can't get behind this track, then you have no soul, sir or madam. Unless it was "your song" at one point and that relationship ended. Then I can understand.

Number 252: Oasis - "Wonderwall" (off of the album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory," 1995)

What else is there really to say about this song that you haven't heard before. At one point this was my favorite song. Unfortunately it was due to a girl, and that didn't end too well, so it kind of went forgotten for a while. But leaving it off this list would be like saying the Angels 1986 season didn't happen. I can pretend all I want that the Angels weren't one strike away from the World Series, but it happened. Acknowledge it and move on. Also, Jay-Z rocked this song after Oasis questioned why the Jigga-man was playing Glastonbury. Moral of the story. Don't fuck with Sean Carter.

Number 251: Brand New - "The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot" (off of the album "Deja Entendu," 2004)

I'll let the song speak for itself. It's pretty self-explanatory. Just know that Brand New at one point was my favorite band.

We're 50 songs down. Only 250 songs to go. What to expect from the next ten? A band named after a video game console, a guy who ran for the governor of California during the recall, and CBGB's finest will be showcased. Stay tuned.

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS); numbers 270-261

I'm currently watching the major league debut of Stephen Strasburg, so this might be a really quick "Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs." I just want to say that I've been watching baseball my entire life, and I have never seen anything like Strasburg. The hype, his stuff, it's unreal. He has the nastiest stuff I have ever seen. He has Barry Zito's curveball, a nasty slider, and oh yeah.. he hit's 100 mph on the radar gun. It's gonna be fun watching this kid pitch for a long time. Anyways, on with the show...

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS): numbers 270-261

Number 270: Tegan and Sara - Where Does the Good Go? (off of the album "So Jealous," 2004)


Tegan and Sara make their first appearance on my top 300 songs with "Where Does the Good Go?" I was introduced to this song after purchasing a Live Session iTunes exclusive EP and fell in love with it instantly. I'll admit I jumped on the Tegan and Sara train way late, with the release of "The Con" but that doesn't change the fact that they're an extremely talented duo. Their last album, "Sainthood" is outstanding. Check it out.

Number 269: AFI - Days of the Phoenix (off of the album "The Art of Drowning," 2000)


The beginning of the end for A Fire Inside. "The Art of Drowning" was a polarizing album, stepping further away from the skate punk/hardcore scene that embraced AFI, and was the first step towards whatever "Decemberunderground" was. However, it's not a bad album. It's actually a quite good album. I remember being in 9th grade and hearing "Days of the Phoenix" and being blown away. AFI will probably never re-capture their "fire" (pun intended), but that doesn't mean their back catalog is terrible.

Number 268: Box Car Racer - "There Is" (off of the album "Box Car Racer," 2002)


Tom Delonge has never  been one to shy away from...umm...big statements. With Box Car Racer, it was no different. The blink-182 guitarist compared Box Car Racer to artists like The Minutemen, Refused, and Fugazi. I'll let you be the judge of that. But "There Is" might be the best song Delonge ever wrote. I get sucked into cheesy, sappy love songs at times. This is one of them.

Number 267: Millencollin - "No Cigar" (off of the album "Pennybridge Pioneers," 2000)


Not going to lie, I heard this song while playing "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2." It was by far the best song I have ever heard on a video game. Sweedish punk rock at it's best... well, besides these guys. I was never huge into Millencollin like my buddies Chris and Jason were, but I did dig "No Cigar."

Number 266: The Clash - "I'm So Bored With the USA" (off of the album "The Clash," 1977)


The first inclusion of The Clash. "I'm So Bored With the USA" is a song I find myself singing randomly while doing basically anything. The "I'm Sooooo bored with the USA" part finds its way into my head for weeks. The Clash's self-titled release is amazing. Absolutely amazing. The Clash were amazing. There's nothing more I can really say.
Number 266: The Clash - "I'm So Bored With the USA" (off of the album "The Clash," 1977)

Number 265: Jay-Z - "Dirt off Your Shoulders" (off of the album "The Black Album," 2004)


"You are now tuned into the mother fucking greatest" Jay-Z says as "Dirt off Your Shoulders" opens. He's not that far off. HOVA has transcended hip-hop, having punk rock boys like myself listening to and buying his albums. "Dirt off Your Shoulders" is a great jam; a song I like to blast in my car while driving around. I love Jay-Z.

Number 264: Social Distortion - "Ball and Chain" (off of the album "Social Distortion," 1990)


Despite not listening to Social Distortion much in the last few years, I would be crazy to leave "Ball and Chain" off of the list. In high school, I probably listened to this track a thousand and a half times. My Mom likes "Ball and Chain," and she knows all the words. It cracks me up. She calls them "Social D," too. Haha. The point is, "Ball and Chain" is a great song. Maybe the best Social Distortion track. Who cares that it's popular and gets played on KROQ. It's a great song.

Number 263: Thursday - "War All The Time" (off of the album "War All The Time," 2003)


I used to love Thursday. I still do, but not like I used to. "War All The Time" and "Full Collapse" are outstanding albums; probably the best of that bullshit "emo" genre. Interesting side note. The video for "War All The Time" received a ban from MTV for "disturbing" overtones after 9/11. Watch the video and let me know what you think.

Number 262: Cassino - "American Low" (off of the album "Sounds of Salvation," 2007)


Members of Cassino were previously members of Northstar, a band that sounded very similar to Taking Back Sunday. However, I think Cassino is much better. "American Low" is a great Americana-style track. Check it out. You won't be disappointed.

Number 261: Motion City Soundtrack - "My Favorite Accident" (off of the album "I Am The Movie," 2003)


"I Am The Movie" was one of the best debut albums of the decade. Motion City Soundtrack brought an interesting sound to both Epitaph and punk rock. There is no way you can say otherwise. Senior year in high school / first year at RCC was dominated by "I Am The Movie" and "My Favorite Accident" was on repeat most of the time. I still like Motion City Soundtrack, but nothing they record will come close to "I Am The Movie."

Strasburg just got strikeout number 14. Absolutely amazing. Up next on the list, The first appearances for blink-182, The Gaslight Anthem, and The Get Up Kids. Stay tuned.

The Sports Blog: Nearly-perfect Galarraga, Not-so perfect Fuentes and a maybe-perfect NBA Finals

Recognized or not, Galarraga deserves perfection

Miguel Cabrera's throw to Armando Galarraga (left) appears to have beat Jason Donald (right) to the bag. Umpire Jim Joyce (back) called Donald safe, ending Galarraga's bid for a perfect game with two outs in the ninth inning. Galarraga went on to get the next, and final out of the game. (photo from Kirthmon F. Dozier/Detroit Free Press)

Armando Galarraga was an out away from perfection. What happened next will surely grant him more fame then the 21st perfect game in Major League Baseball history could ever bring him.

Cleveland Indian Jason Donald slapped a ground ball in between first and second, but not hard enough to get passed first baseman Miguel Cabrera who cleanly fielded the grounder. Cabrera did take his time to throw over to first, but threw over to Galarraga who was covering first. Galarraga appeared to beat Donald to the bag, caught the ball and threw his fist in the air as to celebrate. Umpire Jim Joyce called Donald safe. Galarraga stood there with a smirk, no doubt dumbfounded. Cabrera was furious, screaming at Joyce. Many of the Tigers joined in with Cabrera. Tigers manager Jim Leyland argued, but to no avail. Galarraga then retired the next batter. A "28-out" perfect game, if you will.

After the game Galarraga, Joyce and Leyland weighed in on the should-have-been perfect game. Here are some quotes. (all quotes courtesy of ESPN.com)

"It was the biggest call of my career, and I kicked the [stuff] out of it. I just cost that kid a perfect game." --- Jim Joyce

"I don't blame (the Detroit Tigers) a bit for anything that was said, I would've said it myself if I had been Galarraga. I would've been the first person in my face, and he never said a word to me." --- Joyce

"You don't see an umpire after the game come out and say, 'Hey, let me tell you I'm sorry.' He felt really bad. He didn't even shower." --- Armando Galarraga

"I feel sad, I just watched the replay 20 times and there's no way you can call him safe." --- Galarraga

"The players are human, the umpires are human, the managers are human," --- Jim Leyland

"It's a crying shame. Jim is a class guy. This sounds crazy, but after looking at the play, nobody is going to feel worse than he does. I yelled a bit after the game because emotions are high. You just want it so bad for the kid. I don't think you're as mad at the umpire as mad the kid didn't get it -- and he did deserve it." --- Leyland

Look, I know it's easy to critcize Joyce for a blatantly bad call, and it was a blatantly bad call. However, Joyce is human and admitted he was wrong afterward, almost in tears. You have to feel for the guy. And as for Galarraga, the guy has handled himself incredibly in the aftermath of a terrible call. He hasn't once blamed Joyce, even sympathizing with Joyce. The bigger issue here is the use of instant replay in baseball. I have to be honest; before the Galarraga call I was not in favor of instant replay. After all, part of the appeal with baseball is the human element. The blown call has swayed my stance a bit. Bud Selig needs to do something about the state of instant replay in baseball. Of course, though, Selig probably won't do a thing and that will be that.

Despite everything, I think Tigers shortstop Ramon Santiago sums it up best.

"I know I played in a perfect game. In my mind, on June 2, Armando Galarraga threw a no-hitter. I'm going to get a ball signed by him."

Kobe Bryant in "24 Month Revenge Therapy"

Kobe Bryant (24) and the Los Angeles Lakers will get his chance to avenge a disappointing and embarassing 2008 NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals starting Thursday. Unlike 2008, however, The Lakers hold home-court advantage (photo from Terry Pierson/Press-Enterprise)

Kobe Bryant will get his chance for revenge as the Los Angeles Lakers square off against the Boston Celtics Thursday to kick off the 2010 NBA Finals. This might be the best NBA Finals of the last decade, as both Boston and LA are stacked. But it goes much deeper then that, for both teams.

Los Angeles, as mentioned before, will try and avenge a terrible showing in the 2008 NBA Finals. Sure, they won the 2009 Finals, but they didn't go through Boston to do so. That's like the Red Sox not having to go through the Yankees to win the World Series. I'm sorry, but it's not the same. LA needs to prove that they can beat the Celtics. And for Kobe Bryant, it's a chance for him to prove once and for all that he's the greatest Laker ever. A win over Boston will do so. A loss again to the Celtics would label Bryant with the "can't beat Boston" tag. No other Laker legend can say that.

As for The Celtics. Last season was a lost year for Boston, with injuries ravishing their squad. Boston looks rejuvenated and ready to roll in these NBA playoffs. Rajon Rondo has been absolutely ridiculous, and the Big Three have re-invented themselves. The Big Three, when last playing together healthy won the NBA Finals in '08. Winning it in '10 would cement their place as one of the greatest trio's in NBA history.

What do I think will happen? Boston can match up size wise with the Lakers better than any team that has played LA this postseason. Rondo has been the best point guard in the playoffs, and Rasheed Wallace looks like a much younger 'Sheed. However, none of that will be enough to stop Pau Gasol and Kobe. The Lakers will win in six, with Kobe being crowned the NBA Finals MVP, and the Greatest Laker Ever. 

 Fuentes continues to flail

 

 Despite three blown saves in just fourteen appearances, Brian Fuentes continues to close out games for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. (photo from Jeff Gross/Getty Images North America)

 I could go on and on about Brian Fuentes and his failures, but I'll let his stats speak for themselves. 

14 appearances, 12 hits, 10 runs, 5.97 ERA, 5 home runs, 6 walks, 17 strike outs, 7 saves, 3 blown saves.

What does Mike Scioscia need to see before he makes the switch and Fernando Rodney becomes the closer? 

That's it for now.

 

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS); numbers 280-271

Sorry, I've been lazy as of late with the countdown. Let's not waste any time.

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS): numbers 280-271

Number 280. Chromeo - "Bonafied Lovin (Tough Guys)" (off of the album "Fancy Footwork," 2007)

Chromeo Bonafied Lovin from VICE Records on Vimeo.


A Jew and a big thug-lookin Mexican coming together to make electro-pop music. And yet for some reason it works. "Bonafied Lovin" is my "dance-happy" jam. Listen to the song and then try and tell me that you didn't feel like shakin' your booty. You can't, because you totally wanted to. It's okay. That's all I really can say about the song. It's a booty shakin' jam.

Number 279: Blood Brothers "Beautiful Horses: (off of the album "Crimes," 2004)


The first time I heard The Blood Brothers I freaked out. It was unlike anything I had ever heard. Just an amazing blend of punk, post-punk, post-hardcore, hardcore, and art-punk. "Beautiful Horses" has always been my favorite Blood Brothers song. Just the energy and the chaos, like a more talented, easier-to-listen-to Locust song. It's too bad The Blood Brothers broke up. They were a good band.

Number 278: Morrissey - Irish Blood, English Heart (off of the album "You Are The Quarry," 2004)


Morrissey has one of the greatest voices I have ever heard. I don't even really know how to explain it. I expect God's voice to sound a lot like Morrissey's. Anyways, I heard this song back in high school and loved it, which was weird because I hated The Smiths back then. Sorry, I was a Cure fans and it felt sacrilegious to support The Smiths as a Cure fan. It wasn't until the last year or so that I got over my Cure/Smiths beef. Now I love both. But "Irish Blood, English Heart," was on heavy rotation during my senior year of high school. In fact, I remember I used to bug my then-girlfriend Stephanie by playing that song constantly and doing my best Morrissey impersonation. Moz is the man. That's all you can really say.

Number 277: Notorious B.I.G - "Notorious Thugs" featuring Bone Thugs 'N' Harmony (off of the album "Life After Death," 1997)


I remember the first time I heard this track. I was 19 and in Sean's truck. Sean had just installed a pretty bad ass system in his truck and had a hip-hop mix in his stereo. Why? So he could hear his speakers and amp hit. Anyways, "Notorious Thugs" came on and caught my attention. The first minute of the track is crazy. "Life After Death" was released after the death of Biggie. Him and Pac were both incredibly talented, and nobody can argue that.

Number 276: Bedouin Soundclash - Gyasi Went Home (off of the album "Sounding a Mosaic," 2004)


Canadian's playing raggae. Yeah, Canucks do more than just play hockey and curling. "Gyasi Went Home" is a nice relaxing jam. That's all you need to know.

Number 275: Big D & The Kids Table - "Not Fucking Around" (off of the album "Fluent in Stroll," 2009)


As much as I like super-ska Big D & The Kids Table, I think what the lounge-style sound they've gone with on the last couple albums is much more fitting for them. "Not Fucking Around" is one of the more rock-ish tracks on "Fluent in Stroll" but it has a really catchy, dancy sound. I love the lyrics though. I don't think anyone can say they haven't been in a relationship where you and your significant other asked each other "what-if" type questions. The hypotheticals sung about in the song crack me up. It used to crack Catherine and I up when we were dating. I can't speak for her, but they still crack me up.

Number 274: Paramore - "Here We Go Again" (off of the album "All We Know is Falling," 2005)


Yeah, yeah...save your shit talk, cause I don't wanna hear it. Paramore, for the terrible genre they're lumped into, are actually a pretty decent band. I actually really liked "Riot!" It also doesn't hurt that I think Hayley Williams is gorgeous. But by far my favorite Paramore song is "Here We Go Again." Williams' voice is tremendous. Don't believe me? Check out this acoustic version.

Number 273: Ice Cube - "It Was A Good Day" (off of the album "The Predator," 1993)


How can you not like this Ice Cube track? When I want to feel "gangster" I drive around with my '05 Honda Civic windows down blasting this track. It would probably work better if I had something that looked remotely the part, but you gotta work with what you got.

Number 272: Say Anything - "Alive With the Glory of Love" (off of the album "...Is a Real Boy," 2005)


Before Say Anything frontman Max Bemis pissed off me and my .orgcore brothers and sisters (and before he crawled up his own asshole), I used to be a big fan of Say Anything. "...Is a Real Boy" was a really good pop-punk album. "Alive With the Glory of Love" is the standout track on a very interesting album. However, I think most of Say Anything's audience (13 - 17 year old girls) missed the fact that it's a song about love during the Holocaust and decided to dedicate the track to their totally cool boyfriends. Either way, it's a good song.

Number 271: Matt and Kim - "Light Speed" (off of the album "Matt and Kim," 2006)


It's a song by Matt and Kim about baseball. What's not to love? Also, whoever made that cartoon video I posted is brilliant. It cracks me up.

So there's that. What's up next? Canadian lesbian sisters, a jigga-man, and a dude who thinks he's Jesus appear on the next installment of MT3FS!