I'm Better Than Tom Brady At Something!

Er, at least I'm as good (or bad) at something as Tom Brady. I may be a terrible dancer, but Tom kinda takes it to a new level. Its not a long clip, and its a controlled performance, but he showed potential... Safe to say, I don't expect Tom to appear on Dancing With The Stars anytime soon. Actually makes me love him more, knowing he might be human.

Alternative Tuesday

"Strange World" -- Parachute

First came across Parachute when I stumbled across She Is Love, their most recognizable song, which has an absolutely beautiful sound to it. I loved that song enough to check out their album at Newbury Comics one afternoon, and it did not disappoint. Its a great listen from front to back. My evidence is this track, "Strange World," which is actually a bonus track featured on the Deluxe Edition. It reminds me of a heavier version of Jack Johnson's "Upside Down," an odd comparison I know, but I think it works.

Classic Monday

"God Only Knows"-- The Beach Boys.

Man, if you haven't heard The Beach Boys' magnum opus Pet Sounds, you haven't been musically educated, at least according to Sir Paul McCartney. The album inspired the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which Paul and John left a party to start working on immediately after hearing Pet Sounds. Its an album that completely changed the landscape of music.

"God Only Knows" is my favorite cut off the album (also one of the greatest songs ever, period, the end). Brian Wilson brilliantly blends vocals, orchestral instruments and goat noises (just kidding), giving the song a heavenly sound. It doesn't give vague promises about eternal love and being together forever- its brutally honest. You may not always be in love- but the ride is damn worth the heartbreak.

Ignorance

Amazing- people completely disregard one of the things that makes this country great- Freedom of Worship. We escaped religious persecution only to repeat it years later with tremendous hatred for what we fear, because we don't understand it. If there's one thing I hate, its ignorance. and these people shame our great country with theirs.

Friday Grab-Bag

The Friday Grab-Bag is going up a day early because I have a busy Friday tomorrow and might not have the time to do a post. So this is like that expression "Christmas came early," except if your Christmas was really lame and only consisted of hearing 3 new songs...

"Battle Cry" - Joell Ortiz (Hip-Hop)

The Puerto Rican Quarter of the Slaughter recently released a great sophomore album Free Agent that won't get the kind of support it should, but it really is awesome. Joell Ortiz is bring NY Hip-Hop back in a major way. He has charisma, lyrics and flow, three essentials to be a truly great emcee. After seeing him live and through his videos, you get the vibe that he's a hardworking guy with a great attitude, sense of humor and is grateful for all the success he's achieved. Oh, and he's been co-signed by KRS-One, Nas, 50 Cent & Kanye. Kind of a big deal.

"Farmhouse"- Phish (Rock)

I have my sister to thank for introducing me to a great deal of music-- and one of the first groups she showed me was Phish. After listening to the numerous albums she owned, I understood why she traveled to see them perform live. It was real tough to pick just one song from them, but I went with "Farmhouse" mostly because of the catchy melody, slick guitar sound and its a good starting point for people who haven't listened to Phish before. So Jam on...

"Wilco (The Song)"- Wilco (Alternative)

Oh Wilco- you love me and I love you back. Wilco (The Song) from "Wilco (The Album)" by Wilco (The Band)? Brilliant. This album was released just after I graduated high school and I played it in my room a lot that summer (and in my truck when my company didn't complain about not knowing them...). Its such an upbeat track, and the album as a whole takes an optimistic tone about embracing the uncertainties that make up life-- and few times are as uncertain as that first few months after graduation.

Good Omen For The Killer B's?

Who goes on a 6-game Road Trip and wins all 6 games? And does so during the midst of some major acquisitions, giving the team a much needed face lift? And also beat's the league's top team during said streak? That would be the Bruins.

The additions of Tomas Kaberle, Rich Peverley, and Chris Kelly have helped the B's catch fire, and find the confidence they lost at the end of the playoffs last year. The resurgence of Tukka (who won 4 of the 6) is another bright spot in this win-streak, something that could prove invaluable at the end of the year.

Last time the Bruins won 6 straight road games was in 1972, the last time the Stanley Cup called Beantown home. Good omen's for the boys in Gold, and I'm as hopeful as I was at the start of the season.

Hip-Hop Thursday

"State Run Radio"- Lupe Fiasco

I've been playing LASERS almost non-stop this week. This track especially has been playing over and over again (See what I did there?). Lupe's execution of weaving the double meaning of the song just blows me away. On the surface its about the repetitive nature of pop radio. Beneath it challenges the corruptive nature of government and the struggle for power. Wasalu is Great Music.

New Hip-Hop

Couldn't wait 'til tomorrow. Had to share a crop of new music brought to my attention today (2 released today, 1 a few days ago). Don't worry, I have one more in store for the regular edition of Hip-Hop Thursdays tomorrow.

"2.0 Boys"- Eminem, Slaughterhouse, YelaWolf.

Well it didn't take long for Shady to hop on a track with his latest recruits- the Voltron that is Slaughterhouse and the Alabama Up-And-Comer YelaWolf. It doesn't disappoint. I will say, Crooked went in HARD. I think he gave the best verse, which doesn't surprise me anymore, because he's done it time and time again.

For those who don't know about Slaughterhouse and need help IDing whose who- the order is Royce da 5'9", Eminem, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Crooked I, YelaWolf.

"Young, Wild & Free" - Wiz Khalifa & Snoop Dogg

Obviously not here for the lyrical prowess that "2.0 Boys" flaunts. But for what it is (A Chill Weed Song- shocking new ground for Snoop and Wiz to be treading), it is a nice track to throw on if you want a smooth vibe and don't feel like thinking too hard.

"6 for 6 (Get Gully)"- 50 Cent.

What the fuck got into Fifty? Like seriously. Dude was phoning it in for years and he turned it back on for 2011. He's slugging like 3.000 right now, with 6 solid tracks in 2 months. Here's the latest. Hope he keeps this up-- would be awesome to see him put out another Classic.

Wild West Wednesday

This will be brief, as I have some major hip-hop tracks to share today.

"My Kind of Crazy"-Thompson Square

Sorry about the sound quality-- I couldn't find an album-cut on YouTube to share. But, this is my second favorite track off of Thompson Square's recently released debut album. I love the way their voices complement each other. Just a sweet song. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Alternative Tuesday

"The High Road"-- Broken Bells

The Shins make great music. Danger Mouse makes great music. You can imagine my excitement last year when The Shins' front man James Mercer and the mastermind behind projects like Gnarls Barkley and The Grey Album announced the formation of their band , Broken Bells. The product of their collaboration did not disappoint. They put up a live stream of the album on NPR's website the week before the album was officially released. My browser never left NPR's page until I had my own copy of the album. Enjoy the fruits of their labor, and consider picking up one of the very best albums from last year.