newgazzi: 2012

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Could not find any audio or video on youtube. This song basically tells a story of how the world would have been different had Merkle touched 2nd base in a game vs the Cubs in 1908.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

My Top 50 Songs of 2012 (#37)

"King Arthur the Red" by Guided By Voices ...

no audio or video available yet on youtube. trust me, it's good.

Last year, when I did this list, I could only come up with 17 that I liked. This year was a little bit better, but the art of the album is dying a slow death. With that being said, here are my top 20 albums of the last 12 months (Nov 2011 - Oct 2012)

20. "Charmer" by Aimee Mann

Go ahead, make fun of me for including the gal from the "HE SAID ... SHUT UP ... HE SAID ... SHUT UP" video from the 80's in a best of list for 2012. I've always been a fan of her voice, and being featured in a Portlandia episode HAS TO count for something.

19. "Aries" by Gary Banach

He beat me in Fantasy Bowl VIII in 2000, he sold me a few baseball jerseys this Spring, and oh, by the way, wrote and recorded a pretty entertaining record in 2012.

18. "A Wasteland Companion" by M Ward

One of my favorite musicians, there's something about a Matt Ward recording that puts me in a peaceful frame of mind.

17. "Out of the Game" by Rufus Wainwright

One of my all time favorite voices in popular music, a very slick production, would love to see him live some day.

16. "Among the Leaves" by Sun Kil Moon

It's taken me a few years to get into Mark Kozelek, but I've been patient, and that patience paid off. This is a fantastic record, been spending a lot of time with it recently.

15. "Babel" by Mumford and Sons

The only thing I worry about is artistic growth. The first two albums are really good, but they sound a lot alike, and would like to hear a slight diversion the next time around.

14. "The Sound of the Life and the Mind" by Ben Folds Five

It's just great to hear the band back together again. I was a little disappointed when the played Summerfest this year that they didn't introduce any of this material to the live audience, but I bet future shows will be awesome.

13. "Do Things" by Dent May

This is the first album I ever bought on vinyl without having heard a single track previously. Impulse buy, loved his first album. It came with a free digital download. A great record to listen to in the car during summer.

12. "Port of Morrow" by The Shins

Great voice, I love their sound. Another solid long player by James Mercer and Co.

11. "Moms" by Menomena

Another impulse buy, wasn't even aware this was out until Paste was streaming it for an entire week a while back. Listened to it about 5 times that week. Still coming back to it a ton.

10. "El Camino" by The Black Keys

Probably the record I've listened to the most over the past 12 months, and would perhaps be higher on the list had I not worn it out over a period of two months last winter.

9. "Milo Greene" by Milo Greene

This band was featured on Paste mPlayer this summer. Loved the song featured, and sampled the entire record on iTunes, loved it from the first listen. Still do.

8. "There's No Leaving Now" by The Tallest Man on Earth

A very unique sound, also came out of the Paste mPlayers this summer. In heavy rotation in my car.

7. "Wrecking Ball" by Bruce Springsteen

The thing that brought this down from a possible top 3 spot in this list was the overuse of "Land of Hopes and Dreams" by MLB. Otherwise, very solid record by the Boss.

6. "Boys & Girls" by Alabama Shakes

This was $6.99 at Best Buy, so pound for pound, this is the album of the year.

5. "Doubleheader" by Dan Bern

Shortly after my heart attack, I received a gift in the mail from a good friend, and it was this record. It's a baseball record, 18 original baseball songs from one of the best songwriters on the planet. I listen to it constantly.

4. "My Head is an Animal" by Of Monsters and Men

About 6 months ago, I told my sister that this was #1 at the time. I still think it's great, but I think I overplayed it for a while. Still very good.

3. "The Only Place" by Best Coast

I remember one day a few months back, this is all I listened to, and I didn't get sick of it. Slowly becoming one of my favorite bands.

2. "Rhythm and Repose" by Glen Hansard

My favorite album to come out of the Paste mPlayer in a few years. There has not been a week that has gone by since I first heard it that I haven't given it a spin.

and my #1 favorite album of 2012 .....

"Class Clown Spots a UFO" by Guided By Voices

Here's a little back story on this. These guys were introduced to me by Tiffany Herrera in 2001. Isolation Drills. Hated it. A few years later, another friend told me about Alien Lanes. Hated it. But six months later, came back to Alien Lanes, and fell in love with it. A few years after that happened, these guys went away for about 6 years. Fast forward to December of 2011, they release their first album in 6 years. It was ok, but nothing great. Fast forward to May of 2012. Yet another GBV record. I had a $20 burning a hole in my jean pants. Bought "Class Clown Spots a UFO", hoping that I would hate it, and I could finally stop giving Bob Pollard my money. Put it on when I got home, and loved it, probably listened to it three times that night. Bought it on vinyl two weeks later, and gave the very CD I bought in May to a good friend as a going away gift about a month ago. Pollard and the boys are back ! Their third album of the last 12 months came out on Tuesday. Liking what i hear so far. We'll see where it lands on next year's list in 12 months.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

2012 MLB Post Season Predictions

At the beginning of the year, I predicted the Texas Rangers would beat the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. I also predicted the Baltimore Orioles and Oakland Athletics would take last in their respective divisions. Today is a new day ...

AL Wild Card

Orioles at Rangers

Despite the Rangers dismal finish to the season, you are only as good as that day's starting pitcher, and the Rangers are sending Yu Darvish to the hill, and they are at home. I'm picking the Rangers to hold on, and advance to the Divisional Series against the Yankees. Rangers 6 Orioles 3.

NL Wild Card

Cardinals at Braves

I think this will be a good game, but every time I play this game in my head, I see the Cardinals rallying late. Cardinals 5 Braves 4, to advance to the Divisional Series against the Nationals.

AL Divisional Series

Athletics vs Tigers

This year, the lower seed is hosting games 1 and 2, with the higher seed hosting games 3, 4 and 5. I know Detroit has Verlander going at home in game 1. The Tigers will win Game 1, but this Oakland team will battle, and win this series.

Athletics in 5.

Yankees vs Rangers

The Rangers have looked sluggish the last 4 weeks. To blow a 5 game lead with 9 to play has to be demoralizing. The Yankees will win this series easily, I hate to say it.

Yankees in 3.

NL Divisional Series

Reds vs Giants

This is an intriguing series. With first two games in San Francisco, it changes the dynamic of the series. You know what, despite Lincecum's worst season as a pro, he steps up big. Giants take it.

Giants in 5.

Nationals vs Cardinals

A city that hasn't been to the playoffs in 79 years vs the reigning World Champions. This will be a great series. The Cardinals seem to step up when it counts the most, that being said, there will be a new champion this season. Nationals advance, despite no Strasburg.

Nationals in 5.

AL Championship Series

The highest payroll in sports vs the lowest. David vs Goliath. Every thing points to the Yankees just being too good, having too much talent. That's why I'm taking the A's.

Athletics in 7.

NL Championship Series

Jordan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper will introduce themselves on the national stage with authority. Nationals advance to their first Fall Classic.

Nationals in 6.

World Series

You'll probably need a program to follow some of these names. Fox will not be thrilled with an Oakland / Washington series, but it will be intriguing baseball. It's all about who's hot now. Two great stories. My gut? They will be raising a banner in Oakland.

Athletics in 6.

Who would have thought, the Oakland Athletics, world champions of baseball in 2012.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

My 2012 NFL Predictions

Sorry these are late. But technically they're not, I started them at 11:54, you're just not getting them until after midnight.

NFC East
1. Eagles
2. Giants
3. Cowboys
4. Redskins

This is always a fun division to follow. For no particular reason, I have the Eagles edging out the Giants and Cowboys in a very competitive division. Andy Reid deserves some good in his life. All four teams will score points. RG3 will be good, but he's the worst QB in this division, currently.

NFC North
1. Packers
2. Lions
3. Bears
4. Vikings

Is Matt Weiss out there tonight to call me a homer? I think the Packers are the best team in this division, hands down. I like the Lions offense, the Bears will be good, and the Vikings wear purple.

NFC South
1. Falcons
2. Saints
3. Panthers
4. Bucs

I never have a feel for this division. The Saints will take a step back with all the off-season turmoil. As long as Jimmy Graham scores about 15 touchdowns.

NFC West
1. 49ers
2. Seahawks
3. Rams
4. Cardinals

I don't know, this could be the worst division in football. The 49ers will come back down to earth, but still win this division.

NFC Playoff Seeds
1. Packers
2. Eagles
3. Falcons
4. 49ers
5. Giants
6. Lions

NFC Playoff Results

Wild Card Round
Falcons over Lions, Giants over 49ers

Divisional Round
Eagles over Falcons, Packers over Giants

NFC Title Game
Packers over Eagles

AFC East
1. Patriots
2. Jets
3. Dolphins
4. Bills

I actually think the Patriots will run away with this division. Tired of the Jets drama, Dolphins and Bills won't compete this year.

AFC North
1. Ravens
2. Bengals
3. Browns
4. Steelers

This is not a misprint. The Steelers will take last place in the AFC North this year. My Browns will progress into a competent unit, and take a step up. I like the Ravens making a deep run.

AFC South
1. Texans
2. Titans
3. Jaguars
4. Colts

This will be another weak division. The Texans win this by 3 games. Andrew Luck will be great one day. That day will not occur in 2012.

AFC West
1. Broncos
2. Raiders
3. Chargers
4. Chiefs

Outside of the Broncos, I really don't have a feel for this division either.

AFC Playoff Seeds
1. Patriots
2. Texans
3. Ravens
4. Broncos
5. Bengals
6. Raiders

AFC Playoff Results

Wild Card Round
Ravens over Raiders, Broncos over Bengals

Divisional Round
Ravens over Texans, Patriots over Broncos

AFC Title Game
Patriots over Ravens

Super Bowl Prediction

Green Bay Packers 37
New England Patriots 31

MVP, Aaron Rodgers
Fantasy MVP, Aaron Rodgers
I've seen his penis, Brett Favre

Monday, September 3, 2012

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#1)

1. (Chippendales ... Oct 27, 1990)

Much like Game Six of the 1986 World Series, I don't think I can watch this without crying. It's that funny. And how do Jan Hooks, Kevin Nealon and Mike Myers keep from laughing? I remember watching this episode with my mom, who loved Patrick Swayze. We both lost it. I also remember this airing shortly after my Grandma died, and this was probably the first time I really let go and allowed myself to be happy since her death. It's sad to think that both Farley and Swayze are gone. Well, there you have it. My favorite SNL moment of all time ...

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#2)

2. (Behind the Music : Blue Oyster Cult ... Apr 8, 2000)

AKA Cowbell. This is genius on so many levels, there are too many to mention them all. Ferrell's shirt. That wig. Kattan's moustache. Walken. Fuckin' Walken. Fallon losing it. There is only one moment better ...

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#3)

3. (The Barry Gibb Talk Show ... Oct 11, 2003)

This is the highest ranking recurring sketch of all time. But I'll be honest. I didn't realize that the theme song was a parody of an actual Bee Gees song until about 4 years ago (Nights of Broadway). But as soon as I realized it, I bought it on iTunes, and now it's a playlist staple of mine. Me singing the theme to this sketch is thee reason that Heather and I are no longer married.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#4)

4. (Jizz in My Pants ... Dec 6, 2008)

Just like a lot of the great sketches, including several of the Digitial Shorts, you don't see it coming, but when it does, it absolutely kills. For the first minute or so, this has the look, feel and sound of something MTV could have aired for the kiddies. Andy Samberg's legacy is on the show is officially cemented. If SNL ever has a Hall of Fame, he's in.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#5)

5. (Synchronized Swimmers ... Oct 6, 1984)

This is most definitely the highest ranking sketch that a lot of you may not have ever seen. For those of you who have seen it, you probably agree that this is an all time great.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#6)

6. (The Chris Farley Show ... Oct 5, 1991)

They only did three of these, with Jeff Daniels, Martin Scorsese and Paul McCartney. Scorsese and McCartney's were so good, it's so hard to choose which one to include. I decided to go with Paul McCartney. I think it was the line, "I wasn't really dead."

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#7)

7. (Neil Diamond : Storytellers ... Feb 7, 1998)

I think one of the reasons I eventually skipped out on the Neil Diamond show at Summerfest, is that I would have been disappointment had this not happened. As funny as this is, it's almost a shame that I can no longer hear or see Neil Diamond without thinking about this.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#8)

8. (Office Patriotism ... Oct 6, 2001)

The week before this aired, Lorne Michaels asked Rudi Guiliani, "Can we be funny?", to which Guiliani responded, "Why start now?" I remember bawling during this. Pretty much everyone in the sketch breaks character, and you can see Ferrell is laughing, almost from the onset. One of the great, great moments in the history of this great show.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#9)

9. (9/11 Tribute / Paul Simon performs "The Boxer" ... Sept 29, 2001)

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#10)

10. (Beatles Offer ... Apr 24, 1976)

Did you know that this was the basis of Dr Evil ? Everything about this works. The idea that the Beatles would say yes. The actual check. Having George Harrison try to cash in on his own, months later, only to get turned down. I still need to find that VH1 movie, Two of Us, on DVD.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#11)

11. (Dick in a Box ... Dec 16, 2006)

We were in Mt Vernon, IL, celebrating Christmas with Heather's parents the night this aired. Gracie, who was just over a year old, was fast asleep, and Kathy and Tracy were in their own room. I laughed so hard, I think I woke Gracie. I don't talk to Heather much anymore, but we still argue about what they should have called this. I think Dick in a Box is perfect. She thinks it should have been called Cock in a box. Dick is way funnier.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#12)

12. (Cornelius Timberlake ... May 9, 2009)

This was the lead in to the "Mother Lovers" Digital Short, which did not make the list, but this was such a funny and clever idea, that I had to be reminded that this was the lead in. JT's face when Moynihan questioned him, and his voice changing. Brilliant. Three more Timberlake moments left ...

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#13)

13. (Nick Winters ... Jan 28, 1978)

If I had a nickel for every time I've sang this in the shower, I'd be a rich man. Honorable mention to the time Murray improvised the theme from M.A.S.H.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#14)

14. (Love-ahs ... Feb 24, 2001)

I remember like it was yesterday. Watching this live, the sketch just didn't seem to be building or going anywhere. Then, the infamous phrase, "Ow ... my back", which turned something that could have been far from memorable into one of the great moments of all time on SNL. Moments like this, where you don't really see it coming, are always classic. It went from nothing to a volcano of laughter instantly. The 100th Digital Short had a similar path.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#15)

15. (Derek Steven's Choppin' Broccoli ... Oct 11, 1986)

"Get off the Shed" lands Will Ferrell on SNL, and he debuts it on his first show. Same story here. This is what Dana Carvey killed with during his audition, and ends up using it on his first show. He has continued to perform this in his stand up routine through out the years.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#16)

16. (Matt Foley : Motivational Speaker ... May 8, 1993)

I know this would be #1 on a lot of people's list. When you get this deep into a list like this, you're splitting hairs. But like I said earlier, Mr Farley still has two more entries to go on this list.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#17)

17. (Olympia Cafe ... Jan 28, 1978)

Bill Murray puts this one over the top. How many people on this planet can kill when they are simply nodding. This is one of three entries from the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players".

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#18)

18. (Bennett Brauer ... Mar 19, 1994)

Anyone out there that is not a fan of Chris Farley, time to change the channel. Farley leads all performers with FIVE entries in the Top 20. Will Ferrell has FOUR, and a certain host is featured in FOUR, but it's not Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin, Christopher Walken or Adrian Brody.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#19)

19. (Paul McCartney performs "Get Back" ... Dec 11, 2010)

This was the last of five songs that McCartney did that night. This was done right after goodnights, and was a fitting way to end one of the better shows in recent memory.

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (#20)

20. (Zagat's with Hank and Beverly Gelfand ... Feb 25, 1995)

There's that moment of on-air magic when Farley first puts his hand on Sandler's knee. That look Sandler gives him. Farley's clothes, his delivery. Those wigs. Brilliant.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Fugazzi Grand II : SNL (The Ones That Just Missed)

From the time I started winding down Fugazzi Grand in 2010, which counted down my Top 1000 favorite songs, I knew I wanted to come back in 2012 and do something similar. At the end of 2011, I started outlining what would be known as Fugazzi Grand II : SNL, counting down my Top 1000 favorite moments in the history of Saturday Night Live. It took me over 6 months to cut my original list down to 1000, and another couple of months to rank them.

Saturday Night Live debuted on Saturday night, October 11, 1975, 9 days after I was born. I'm sure my parents were watching it. And I'm sure I ended up seeing a bunch of them in my early days. I was aware of the show from a very early age, and started to take notice in the mid 80's. I became a permanent fan in the fall of 1989, and haven't missed a show since then.

Here are a few great moments that just barely made my list of the Top 1000. Keep in mind, with approximately 740 shows over the past 37 years, there are close to 10,000 different moments from which to choose from, so these are still considered to be really good moments ...

In no particualar order ...

Horatio Sanz doing his impression of Ozzy Osbourne, where he was incoherent when he talked, but made perfect sense while he sang ...

Tom Green, at the end of his hosting gig, waiting to be married to Drew Barrymore, only to have her no-show.

The Target Lady, I think was funny the first few times we saw it, but in subsequent showings, they didn't really do anything to add to the character or sketch, so in the end, did not make the cut.

Same with Secret Word ... funny the first time, but it ended up being the same shtick every time, never really got more clever or funny.

Tony Rosato's Ed Asner Impression happens to be the very last thing that I cut.

Well now you know what just missed it. On Monday, you'll find out what my Top 20 favorites are.

Thanks for following "The Litmus Configuration"

Joey