2009 Mix CD December 28, 2009
Posted by Matt in Best of 2009.Tags: 2009, Mix CD
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My brother and I share a lot of the same interests when it comes to the music we enjoy, but he is not quite as rabid a fan as I am and generally he does not snatch up new albums with the vigor that I exude. To tell the truth, I think he would be satisfied if his music collection ended around 1995, so I take the task each year to educate him about the good things released each year. For the past few years I’ve presented him with a CD around Christmas that gives a taste of some of the things I’ve been listening to over the past 12 months. There is a certain art to making a mix CD, to maintain a certain flow while including diverse styles and artists that can truly take some thought. Below is the song list from this year’s disc.
Bob Dylan – Beyond Here Lies Nothin’
M. Ward – Never Had Nobody Like You
The Avett Brothers – January Wedding
Dave Matthews Band – Why I Am
Mos Def – Auditorium
Justin Townes Earle – Can’t Hardly Wait
Bruce Springsteen – Queen of the Supermarket
Grizzly Bear – Two Weeks
Jay Z w/ Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
Camera Obscura – French Navy
Green Day – Viva La Gloria!
The Flaming Lips – See the Leaves
Metric – Sick Muse
The Swell Season – Feeling the Pull
Neko Case – This Tornado Loves You
The Decemberists – The Rake’s Song
K’naan – Somalia
Wilco – You Never Know
U2 – Magnificent
Pearl Jam – Just Breathe
2009 Fantasy Football Rankings – Wide Receivers August 25, 2009
Posted by Matt in fantasy football.Tags: 2009, fantasy football, NFL, rankings, wide receiver
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Over the past 12-13 years or so, fantasy football has become one of my favorite annual pastimes. With a mathematically-inclined mind and a great love for the game of football, the coupling just seems to be natural. Each year I give my top ranked players by position and 2009 will be no different. These are based on a combination of my statistical forecasts and expert opinions from various magazines I look at throughout the summer. If anyone out there would like to join my league please let me know. We still have two spots open.
While they are important pieces to the fantasy puzzle, the wide receiver is perhaps the most unpredictable position on a week-to-week basis. Though they can pick up points through both yardage and touchdowns, they touch the ball far less than a running back, which gives them fewer chances to rack up large amounts of fantasy points. Nevertheless, a good receiver is an important tool in one’s arsenal and they can make or break a team.
WRs to Stay Away From
Braylon Edwards, Cle – In 2007, Edwards looked as though he could be the next big WR in the league, amassing 1,289 yards and 16 TDs. Last year, though, things came crashing back to earth for the young man and his production fell off considerably for a terrible Browns team. He may be worth a late round pick, but definitely should not be looked to as a starter.
Anyone from St. Louis – Laurent Robinson and Donnie Avery are listed at the top of the Rams’ depth chart. Never heard of them? Me neither and the Rams are awful, so stay far, far away.
WRs to Watch
Bernard Berrian, Min – The addition of future-Hall of Famer Brett Favre has dramatically changed the look of the Viking offense, especially the passing game. Berrian is currently listed at the WR1 position, so I would expect to see a large increase in production for him with Favre playing the role of gunslinger.
Anthony Gonzalez, Ind – With Peyton Manning and a high octane Colts passing attack, Gonzalez steps into the role of WR2 in this, his third season, and we can safely assume that his numbers will improve dramatically from last season’s 664 yards and 4 TDs.
15. Chad Ochocinco, Cin – The artist formerly known as Chad Johnson again enters the year as QB Carson Palmer’s top target in the high powered Bengals offense. Though he disappointed in 2008 after Palmer went down with an injury, garnering only 540 yards and 4 TDs, his production should pick back up this season. He’s temperamental and carries some risk, but I expect him to return to his pre-2008 form in 2009. My Prediction: 90 catches, 1400 yards, 7 TDs.
14. Vince Jackson, SD – Jackson broke through in 2008 with the best season of his young career, picking up almost 1100 yards and 7 touchdowns. He has the luxury of playing with an elite young quarterback in Philip Rivers and with a strong running game that helps keep some of the heat off of the passing game. I expect Jackson to continue to improve and to be another great weapon for a strong offensive squad. My Prediction: 70 catches, 1200 yards, 9 TDs
13. Wes Welker, NE – Welker is Mr. Consistency for another top-notch Patriot team. Welker excelled in 2007 with Tom Brady at QB and in 2008 when Brady was out with injury, so he should again put up nice numbers, particularly when it comes to the number of receptions (223 over the past two years). My prediction: 110 catches, 1200 yards, 7 TDs
12. Dwayne Bowe, KC – Though new coach Todd Haley demoted Bowe to third team because of his work ethic, logic says that he will be back in the starting lineup by Opening Day. The arrival of QB Matt Cassel and the departure of future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez leave Bowe as the sole proven passing target, meaning that he should again put up excellent numbers. My prediction: 90 catches, 1200 yards, 9 TDs
11. Terrell Owens, Buf – At 35 and starting over with a new team, how much gas does Owens have left in the tank? He remains both an incredibly gifted and divisive figure in the NFL who should do well lined up with a talented young receiver for the Bills, Lee Evans. I expect at least one more productive season out of Owens, especially when it comes to end zone catches. My Prediction: 75 catches, 1100 yards, 12 TDs
10. Anguan Boldin, AZ – Though he shares passes with two 1,000+ yard receivers – Larry Fitzgerald and Sean Breaston – Boldin continues to put up excellent numbers for the Cardinals’ high-octane passing attack. With a resurgent Kurt Warner at quarterback and a pass-first playbook, I expect him to continue to be a big time fantasy player. My Prediction: 95 catches, 1200 yards, 10 TDs
9. Marques Colston, NO – Being the top target for the best quarterback in the league has its privileges. Colston’s excellent 2007 campaign (1202 yards and 11 TDs) was unfortunately followed by an injury-plagued ’08, in which he only played in 11 of 16 games. This season, barring another injury, I expect Colson to return to his form of two years ago. My prediction: 90 catches, 1200 yards, 10 TDs.
8. Roddy White, Atl – For the past two seasons, Roddy White has proved himself to be an excellent NFL receiver, picking up more than 2500 yards on 171 catches. QB Matt Ryan had a great rookie campaign and should continue to improve this year with White as his top target. The addition of TE Tony Gonzalez will only help improve White’s stock as some of the heat gets taken off of him. My Prediction: 90 catches, 1400 yards, 9 TDs
7. Steve Smith, Car – Despite the fact that the Panthers are an obvious run-first team with a quarterback on the downside of his career, Smith remains an excellent option at wide receiver. He should continue to excel as Carolina’s lone viable option in the passing game. My Prediction: 90 catches, 1400 yards, 8 TDs
6. Reggie Wayne, Ind – Marvin Harrison is gone, so now Wayne has officially taken on the mantle of Peyton Manning’s favorite target in Indy’s high-powered offense. The capable Anthony Gonzalez takes over the second option where he should serve to take some of the coverage off Wayne. My Prediction: 90 catches, 1300 yards, 10 TDs.
5. Greg Jennings, GB – Jennings is an excellent young receiver for the Packers with a huge amount of potential. Last season he and the aging Donald Driver split catches from QB Aaron Rodgers, but in 2009 I expect Jennings to shoulder the majority of the load, thus improving even more on his excellent 2008 numbers (1292 yards and 9 TDs). My Prediction: 90 catches, 1400 yards, 11 TDs.
4. Calvin Johnson, Det – The loan bright spot in the fantasy world for the lowly Lions, Johnson really broke through in 2008, his second season, as an elite NFL receiver. Regardless of who ends up as the starting QB, whether it be veteran Daunte Culpepper or rookie Matthew Stafford, Johnson should continue to get plenty of touches and will put up huge numbers again in 2009. You just can’t help but wonder how great he would be if he were on a decent team. My Prediction: 90 catches, 1500 yards, 14 TDs
3. Andre Johnson, Hou – With great young players like Johnson, Matt Shaub, and Steve Slaton, the Texan offense is on the rise and all three are poised for excellent campaigns in 2009. Johnson has proven himself to be among the league’s elite over his career and I expect him to astound again this season. My prediction: 110 catches, 1600 yards, 11 TDs
2. Randy Moss, NE – After a career rebirth of sorts in 2007, his first season as a Patriot, he and Tom Brady combined forces and to rack up nearly 1500 yards and a whopping 23 touchdowns. Following Brady’s injury, last year was a huge disappointment for Moss, so it remains to be seen whether or not he can return to the elite level of two years ago. At age 32 and with a top-notch offense around him, I expect Moss to come back strong this season. My prediction: 90 catches, 1400 yards, 15 TDs.
1. Larry Fitzgerald, AZ – At this moment, Fitzgerald is without a doubt the best receiver in the league. He has flourished in the pass-happy Cardinal offense, catching 196 balls for 2,840 yards over the past two seasons, and he is only 26. Sure, he is counting on a 38 year old quarterback to deliver him the ball, but I think Fitzgerald is talented enough to catch 90+ balls regardless of who throws them, even if it is the underachieving Matt Leinart. My prediction: 100 catches, 1500 yards, 14 TDs.
Thoughts?
2009 Fantasy Football Rankings – Running Backs August 18, 2009
Posted by Matt in fantasy football.Tags: 2009, fantasy football, NFL, rankings, running backs
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Over the past 12-13 years or so, fantasy football has become one of my favorite annual pastimes. With a mathematically-inclined mind and a great love for the game of football, the coupling just seems to be natural. Each year I give my top ranked players by position and 2009 will be no different. These are based on a combination of my statistical forecasts and expert opinions from various magazines I look at throughout the summer. If anyone out there would like to join my league please let me know.
See last week’s entry on Quarterbacks.
The running back is widely considered to be the most important position on a fantasy team, mainly because of the consistently high point production of the best RBs. They can pick up yardage and touchdowns on the ground or through the air, making them the best of double threats. A great running back can make a contender out of even the most mediocre fantasy team. So, as promised, here are my running back rankings.
RBs to Stay Away From
Thomas Jones, NYJ – I realize that last season was one of the most productive of Jones’ career, but he is 31 this season, an age at which the effectiveness of running backs takes a nosedive.
Joseph Addai, Ind – Addai was a huge disappointment in 2008, a year in which many, including myself, thought that he would take off. The Colts also selected RB Donald Brown in this season’s draft, showing just how little confidence they have in Addai, so you shouldn’t be confident in him either.
Larry Johnson, KC – In 2005 and 2006, Johnson was the most productive back in the league, picking up more than 3500 yards rushing, 750 yards receiving, and scoring 40 touchdowns. Since the 752 carries of those two seasons his production has dropped off dramatically and there is no reason to believe it will pick up again this year.
Running Backs by Committee – A team that chooses to give a large amount of carries to two or more running backs may be playing smart football, but it doesn’t make for good fantasy choices. RBs from teams like New England and Baltimore should be avoided as a number one option.
RBs to Keep an Eye On
Knowshon Moreno, Den – Denver is a running back factory with great linemen that can turn nearly anyone into a 1,000 yard rusher. This rookie will be splitting time with two veterans, Correll Buckhalter and Lamont Jordan, but he should eventually become the full time starter.
Jonathan Stewart, Car – Stewart should steal enough carries from DeAngelo Williams to make him a viable backup running back and, if something happened to Williams, Stewart could be one of the most valuable players on the board.
Pierre Thomas, NO – Thomas worked his way into a spot as the top back for the Saints last season after picking up over 900 total yards and 12 touchdowns on only 160 touches. I only expect him to improve in this, his third, season.
Chris Wells, AZ
This talented rookie comes into a very good, but running game-starved, Super Bowl-runner up Cardinals team. If Wells can win the starting job from Tim Hightower, watch out.
15. Ronnie Brown, Mia – While splitting time with veteran Ricky Williams last season, Brown amassed 1,200 total yards and 10 TDs for a surprising Miami Dolphins squad. This season Williams will be 32, so I would expect him to give up a few more carries to Brown and for this to be his best season yet.
My Prediction: 1,300 total yards, 9 TDs
14. Frank Gore, SF – Following his great performance in 2006 (2100+ total yards, 9 TDs), Gore has proven himself to be an adequate back, perhaps good enough for a RB2 or bench position on a fantasy team. The offensive line of the 49ers is again pretty terrible, so I wouldn’t expect anything too special from Gore in 2009.
My Prediction: 1,400 total yards, 8 TDs
13. Clinton Portis, Was – Portis is once again an above-average back on an average team who will have another fine, but not spectacular, year. He will lose some carries to Ladell Betts, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2006 when Portis was hurt, but will still receive the vast majority for a team that will lean heavily on its running game to compensate for Jason Campbell’s mediocre play at QB.
My Prediction: 1,500 total yards, 10 TDs
12. Brian Westbrook, Phi – Westbrook has been a favorite target of Donovan McNabb in the past and, though the emergence of WR DeSean Jackson last season may mean a few less balls thrown his way, he should still get plenty of touches. He will also be 30 this season which will most likely mean the beginning of a decline in his numbers. He remains one of the best dual threat running backs in the league, though, and I expect good numbers for at least one more season.
My Prediction: 1,300 total yards, 12 TDs
11. Steven Jackson, StL – As the Rams have gone downhill, so have Jackson’s numbers over the past two seasons. He has also missed 4 games in each of the past two years, which also helped to decrease his overall numbers. Though the team will still be awful in 2009, if he stays healthy for a full 16 games, Jackson is capable of putting up great numbers again.
My Prediction: 1,600 total yards, 10 TDs
10. Marion Barber, Dal – Barber has never shown himself to be an every down back, but inside the red zone he’s a monster. With the departure of Terrell Owens, the Cowboy passing game may be hurting a bit more this season, meaning that they will rely more on a running game led by Barber and Felix Jones. I expect Barber to have a few more carries in the past and to continue to be the go-to guy on the goaline.
My Prediction: 1,400 total yards, 14 TDs
9. Brian Jacobs, NYG – The Giants have no proven receivers, so their offense will lean heavily on a good running game behind a top-notch offensive line. Jacobs, who broke the 1,000 yard barrier in each of the past two seasons, will lead the charge again this time around.
My Prediction: 1,300 total yards, 15 TDs.
8. Chris Johnson, Ten – As a rookie in 2008, Johnson broke through in a big way for the Titans, picking up nearly 1,500 total yards and 10 touchdowns while splitting time with LenDale White. This season, behind one of the best offensive lines in the league, I expect him to continue to improve the fortunes of a great running team.
My Prediction: 1,700 total yards, 14 TDs
7. Ladanian Tomlinson, SD – Tomlinson showed the first decline in his career in 2008, dipping to a pedestrian average of 3.8 yards per carry, and now that he is over the age of 30 I only expect his numbers to continue to slide. He should continue to play at a high level this year, but his days as one of the top fantasy players in the league are officially over.
My Prediction: 1,500 total yards, 15 TDs
6. Steve Slaton, Hou – Expectations are high for Slaton in his upcoming second season after a stellar rookie campaign that resulted in more than 1,600 total yards and 10 touchdowns. He is an exceptional weapon for a Texan team that is on the rise and I expect him to improve on 2008, further cementing his place as one of the premier young backs in the league.
My Prediction: 1,800 total yards, 14 TDs
5. DeAngelo Williams, Car – This former University of Memphis star finally broke into the big time in 2008, his third season as a pro, during which he was responsible for more than 1,600 yards and 20 TDs. The Panthers again have a superb offensive line, so even though he will split carries with Jonathan Stewart, another extremely talented and young back, Williams should again shine in 2009.
My Prediction: 1,600 total yards, 15 TDs
4. Matt Forte, Chi – Forte is another second year player that burst onto the scene in a huge way in 2008, garnering more than 1,700 total yards and 12 TDs for the Bears. The addition of Jay Cutler at quarterback adds another dimension to the Bears’ oftentimes one-track attack and should take some of the pressure off Forte, which will only serve to improve his play in ’09.
My Prediction: 1,800 total yards, 15 TDs
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jax – After sharing the rushing duties with Fred Taylor for the past three seasons, Jones-Drew will be taking the spotlight in 2009 as the feature back for the Jaguars. He is an excellent scorer and a great dual-threat back who should put up monster numbers this season as his team’s primary offensive weapon.
My Prediction: 1,600 total yards, 16 TDs
2. Michael Turner, Atl – Turner is proof that toiling in a backup role for the first few seasons of your career is not a bad thing at all, especially when one is learning from a back as great as Ladanian Tomlinson. Turner has learned well, too, as evidenced by his monster performance in 2008, his first as a premier back (over 1,700 total yards, 17 TDs). Atlanta is one of the all-around best teams in the league and Turner is one of the biggest reasons for that. Look for big things in 2009.
My Prediction: 1,800 total yards, 17 TDs
1. Adrian Peterson, Min – I would just like for the record to show that I also chose Peterson as the top running back last summer, prior to his monster performance in 2008. In his two NFL seasons Peterson has racked up almost 3,500 yards and 23 touchdowns and I expect his dominance to carry over again into the coming year. With Tavarius Jackson still at QB and a huge offensive line to clear his way you can be sure that Peterson is going to get a lot of carries. He is your number one fantasy pick of 2009.
My Prediction: 2,000 total yards, 16 TDs
Thoughts?
2009 Fantasy Football Rankings – Quarterbacks August 11, 2009
Posted by Matt in fantasy football.Tags: 2009, fantasy football, NFL, quarterbacks, rankings, top ten
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Over the past 12-13 years or so, fantasy football has become one of my favorite annual pastimes. With a mathematically-inclined mind and a great love for the game of football, the coupling just seems to be natural. Each year I give my top ranked players by position and 2009 will be no different. These are based on a combination of my statistical forecasts and expert opinions from various magazines I look at throughout the summer. If anyone out there would like to join my league please let me know.
Today, we will take a look at the leader of an offensive unit, the quarterback. Though the QB is generally not thought of as the most important fantasy position, they are still quite capable of scoring massive amounts of points and leading teams to victory. Without further ado, here are my rankings.
QBs to Stay Away From
Anybody from Detroit – Daunte Culpepper and rookie Matthew Stafford will be lucky to make it out of 2009 alive after being behind this offensive line.
Marc Bulger, StL – The Rams are horrible, just horrible, and trading away Torry Holt isn’t helping. Bulger is an interception-prone mess.
Vince Young, Ten – I don’t care if the guy really does think he’ll be in the Hall of Fame someday, he can’t beat out 36 year old journeyman Kerry Collins. That should be enough to scare anybody away from this train wreck.
QBs to Keep an Eye On:
Jay Cutler, Chi – Though Cutler put up great numbers in Denver, I think it can safely be said that his tenure in Chicago, with no marquee receivers and a run-first philosophy, will be far more underwhelming.
Kyle Orton, Den – Though it remains to be seen how well Orton will replace Jay Cutler in Denver, a drop-off in production should probably be expected. If WR Brandon Marshall comes back strong from hip surgery and can stay out of off-the-field trouble, Orton could be a decent option.
Trent Edwards, Buf – Though the first two seasons of his career have been statistically mediocre, the addition of WR Terrell Owens could provide him enough of a boost to consider.
10. Donovan McNabb, Phi – At age 32, McNabb isn’t the runner he once was, but to compensate his aerial attack has evolved into one of the better ones in the league. With weapons like second year player DeSean Jackson (912 yards receiving as a rookie), first round draft pick Jeremy Maclin, and RB Brian Westbrook who has proven himself to be one of the greatest dual threat running backs playing today, he should again be able to put up good numbers.
My Prediction: 3800 yards passing, 22 TDs, 12 Ints
9. Matt Schaub, Hou – In an injury-shortened 2008, Schaub put up good numbers (11 games, 3,043 yards, 15 TDs and 10 Ints) that, if nothing else, proved what he was capable of for the Texans. This year I expect him to take the next step and become one of the better players behind center. It doesn’t hurt to have one of the best receivers in the league in Andre Johnson, an excellent young tight end in Owen Daniels, and a second year running back who already has one big season under his belt in Steve Slaton. If the offensive line holds up Schaub could put up some gaudy numbers.
My Prediction: 3500 yards, 24 TDs, 12 Ints
8. Matt Ryan, Atl – The general rule among fantasy football experts is to stay away from starting rookie quarterbacks, but, as Ryan proved in 2008, sometimes the experts are completely wrong. WR Roddy White has racked up nearly 2600 yards and 13 TDs over the past two seasons and should be primed to repeat again this season as Ryan’s main target, while the tandem of RBs Michael Turner and Jerrious Norwood (over 2,500 total yards and 23 TDs combined) take enough pressure off of him to put up some great numbers.
My Prediction: 3800 yards, 26 TDs and 13 Ints
7. Kurt Warner, AZ – Many publications have Warner in the top five and some even in the top 3, but I’m just not that confident in the 38 year old wonder. Sure he has the best receiving corps in the league (Larry Fitzgerald, Anquin Boldin, and Sean Breaston each had over 1,000 yards in 2008) and is poised for another huge year, but I can’t get past the age and proclivity for injury.
My Prediction: 4100 yards, 28 TDs and 15 Ints
6. Tony Romo, Dal – Yeah, I know I’m a Cowboy fan and an undeniable homer, but if Romo comes anywhere near the level of play he exhibited in 2007 (Over 4200 yards and 36 TDs), he will be one of the year’s best. The wild card for the post-Terrell Owens ‘Boys will rest with Roy Williams and his ability to succeed as the number one target. If he proves able, Romo should cruise through with more excellent stats.
My Prediction: 3800 yards, 30 TDs and 18 Ints
5. Philip Rivers, SD – In the past three seasons as the Chargers QB, Rivers has continually improved his game, becoming one of the few truly elite fantasy quarterbacks. With veteran Chris Chambers, rising star Vincent Jackson, and perhaps the best tight end in the NFL, Antonio Gates, Rivers is set to again be a dominating force in the AFC West. Having RB Ladanian Tomlinson doesn’t hurt either.
My Prediction: 3800 yards, 30 TDs, and 14 Ints
4. Aaron Rodgers, GB – Stepping into the giant shoes of one of the all-time greats is a tough job for any young player, but there is probably no player that it is tougher to replace than Brett Favre in Green Bay. In 2008, though, the young Rodgers proved himself up to the task as he amassed over 4000 yards and 28 touchdowns for the Pack. With the Hollywood-like receiving tandem of Gregg Jennings, as the hugely talented young up-and-comer, and Donald Driver, as the grizzled vet who can still knock out a 1,000 yard season, Rodgers has a team around him that will make him into a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
My Prediction: 4000 yards, 32 TDs and 14 Ints
3. Tom Brady, NE – 2007 was an incredible record-setting year for Brady, but in 2008 he fell back to earth in an injury-shortened season that consisted of only part of one game. The eye will be on Brady’s durability this time around – will he return to his iron man pre-08 form? With weapons like Randy Moss and Wes Welker still in place, he is poised for another huge year.
My Prediction: 4600 yards, 32 TDs and 14 Ints
2. Peyton Manning, Ind – No other quarterback in the league has the level of statistical consistency that Manning does. Year in and year out he can be counted on for great yardage and plenty of touchdowns and I expect no less in 2009. Despite the fact that he is 33 years old, I expect little drop-off from Manning’s play – the arm strength remains and its not like he’s ever been much of a runner. WRs Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez will probably come another great receiving duo for the perennially excellent Colts.
My Prediction: 4000 yards, 30 TDs and 12 Ints
1. Drew Brees, NO – Though Brees has been one of the better quarterbacks in the league for the past several years, 2008 set a whole new bar for him as perhaps the best. His 5,069 yards and 34 touchdowns were tops in the league and, at only age 30, I expect him to reign as one of the best for a few years to come. He has a good corps of receivers led by Marques Colston and one of the better tight ends in the game in Jeremy Shockey. Both running backs, Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush, are also excellent receiving threats, helping to boost the power of this offensive weapon even more.
My Prediction: 4800 yards, 35 TDs and 15 Ints
Thoughts?
Ten for Tuesday: Upcoming 2009 Releases June 23, 2009
Posted by Matt in Best of 2009.Tags: 2009, alice in chains, Beastie Boys, Best Of, Coldplay, Dinosaur Jr., Matisyahu, music, Pearl Jam, The Avett Brothers, The Dead Weather, The Flaming Lips, upcoming releases, Wilco
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Last week I gave my top music releases for the first half of 2009 – you can see parts 1, 2 and 3 here – so today I wanted to continue that trend a bit longer and tell you what albums I am most looking forward to for the rest of the year. Let me know what you think.
10. Matisyahu – Light (Release Date: August)
What is not to like about an Orthodox Hasidic Jew as a reggae artist? His last album, 2006’s Youth was an interesting piece of work that even someone like me who is fairly ignorant about both the music style and the branch of Judaism’s tree from which this came can appreciate and really enjoy it.
9. Dinosaur Jr. – Farm (Rlease Date: June)
For more than two decades J. Mascis’ band has been trucking along beneath the surface, creating some of the most incredible noises to be found in the music industry. After finding some success in two minor hits (remember Keep Choppin’ and Feel the Pain?) in the early 90’s, the band again slipped into obscurity. But the band with the prehistoric moniker never quit and their last release, 2007’s Beyond, was a much-needed blast from the past, with the fuzzy distortion of J. Mascis’ guitar and his Neil Young-like vocals helping the band again find their groove. If this one is anywhere near that level of greatness, it could be among the year’s best.
8. Alice in Chains – Black Give Way to Blue (Release Date: September)
With their first album in 14 years, Jerry Cantrell & Co. are finally looking to bounce back from the 2002 death of singer and founding member Layne Staley, this time fronted by William DuVall. I had the chance to see them live last year and, let me tell you, they still rocked. Hard. There are few bands that survive and thrive after the departure of such an important member, so it will remain to be seen how they will fare in today’s music environment. But, as a fan from the early days, I’m hoping their comeback will be one for the ages.
7. Coldplay – untitled (Release Date: November)
Sure, the band plays safe, radio-friendly tunes devoid of anything too challenging that are custom-built to appeal to the masses, but, despite my outright music snobbery, I can’t help but like them. Their songs are catchy and stadium-ready, with sound that many compare to an early U2 without those pesky social causes or, frankly, too much thoughtfulness. Nevertheless, they almost always make for a good listen and I’m sure this will be gracing my Ipod soon after its release.
6. Beastie Boys – Hot Sauce Committee (Release Date: September)
After nearly a quarter century, the Beasties just keep trucking on, despite the fact that they likely used up most of their inventiveness on their classic albums from the 1980’s and early 90’s (Seriously, Paul’s Boutique is one of the greatest collections ever recorded). 2004’s To the 5 Boroughs was a fine return to form, but it was apparent that their well of creativity may be running dry. This album doesn’t need to be a music landmark, though, it will no doubt continue their legacy of enjoyable white boy hip-hop.
5. The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You (Release Date: August)
The Avett Brothers’ 2007 release, Emotionalism, was one of my finest discoveries of that year (thanks to some combination of Scott, Greg, and emusic) and for some time I listened to it on an incessant basis. The band morphs genres as diverse as bluegrass and punk rock into a fantastic whole, immediately broadening the musical horizons of the listener. If you’ve never heard someone rock out on a banjo before, then you obviously need the Avett Brothers in your life.
4. The Dead Weather – Horehound (Release Date: July)
I’ve been a disciple of Jack White for several years now, but his status was forever concreted among the pantheon of rock deity after I saw the White Stripes live in 2007. As a dedicated follower, I am resolved to immediately gobble up any release bearing his name, whether it be through the White Stripes, Loretta Lynn’s Van Lear Rose, the Raconteurs, or, his latest outfit, The Dead Weather, an indie rock supergroup consisting of vocalist Alison Mosshart (The Kills), guitarist Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age), bassist Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs) and the aforementioned Jack White on drums/vocals. Make no bones about it, this will be awesome.
3. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic (Release Date: September)
Over the past 15 years the Lips have evolved from their mainstream gimmick-song beginnings to releasing two of the best albums of the past 10 years (1999’s The Soft Bulletin and 2002’s Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots). 2006’s At War with the Mystics was a good piece of sonic guitar psychedelia, though perhaps not to the standards of their earlier work. So, I eagerly await the latest work with hopes for something as strange and inspired as they have recorded in the past.
2. Wilco – Wilco (The Album) (Release Date: June)
There are few musical groups working today as wildly inventive as Jeff Tweedy’s Wilco. Every album seems to take a step in a slightly different direction, as though Tweedy is feeling out every aspect of the rock universe just because he finds it so darn interesting. 2001’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is one of the greatest albums of the new millennium and the two following recordings, A Ghost is Born and Sky Blue Sky, have been excellent pieces as well. You can always expect great things from Tweedy, so I eagerly await him to continue his musical exploration in ways that will continually challenge us to think outside the box.
1. Pearl Jam – Backspacer (Release Date: September)
What more can I say of my love and devotion for Pearl Jam? They are a band that helped define my generation back in our formative years in the early 90’s and that continues to astound us today, nearly two decades later. Eddie Vedder is, hands down, the preeminent rock vocalist of the past 20 years and I expect the band to continue to blaze a trail for all bands under the umbrella of rock music to continue to follow. If their recent performance on Conan O’Brien is any indication, this album is going to blow every one of us away…and I couldn’t be more excited.
What about you? Is there anything in the music world that you are looking forward to?
Best of 2009…So Far – Part 3 June 19, 2009
Posted by Matt in Best of 2009.Tags: 2009, albums, Best Of, Bruce Springsteen, Green Day, K'Naan, mid year, music, The Decemberists, U2
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Over the last two days I have been giving my mid-year music list, first covering the albums ranked 11-15, and yesterday the ones ranked 6-10. Today we will look at the very best of the year, the top five albums at the halfway point of 2009. Let me know what you think.
5. The Decemberists – The Hazards of Love
There are few bands working today that are as interesting and inventive as the Decemberists. Their sound harkens back to huge, 1970’s prog-rock productions, only with a strange twist that seems unique to them. On this, their second concept album in three years, the band tells a tale of a woman named Margaret (voiced by guest-vocalist Becky Stark) who falls in love with a shape-shifting forest-dweller (voiced by Colin Melloy) and their ensuing conflict with a jealous forest queen (guest vocalist Shara Worden). It’s a very strange piece of work, especially when compared to other contemporary artists, but somehow it works together spectacularly. This is meant to be an album experience, so it is not easy to recommend individual songs, but here goes…
Download: The Rake’s Lament, The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid
4. K’naan – Troubadour
Somali-born rapper K’naan has a message for American rappers – you think you have it tough? On this sophomore album, he exposes the trials and troubles of life in Africa without the gangsta glamorization or braggart talk of those from the West. The world of K’naan does not revolve around nice cars and big houses and women, instead his rhymes deal with people looking for food while trying to avoid warlords and pirates and the other dangers of everyday life for the poor African. His style incorporates elements of modern rap music, traditional African instruments, and reggae, and along the way, he has amassed an array of guest stars on this album, including hip hop legend Chubb Rock, Mos Def, and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett. Whether or not you appreciate hip hop music, this is a great piece of work.
Download: T.I.A., Somalia
3. U2 – No Line on the Horizon
After three decades, U2 have proven themselves to be one of the (if not the) greatest bands in the world. That being said, it has been a long time since I have truly loved an album from Bono’s group. So, it gives me great pleasure to give my endorsement to this work as their best since 1991’s Achtung Baby. The album is full of sonic textures and layers that few other bands can approach and the songs are again top-notch and comparable in quality to much of their early work.
Download: Magnificent, Moment of Surrender
2. Bruce Springsteen – Working on a Dream
It feels almost traitorous to put the Boss’s latest incredible work in second place, for in any given year this would almost surely be number one. I’ve listened to this album over and over again, yet still it continues to astound me. Bruce Springsteen is an American music treasure, on par with legendary artists like Dylan and Woody Guthrie, whose greatness will be recognized for decades to come, long after he has gone from this earth. And, despite being eligible for senior citizen discounts, he still rocks like few others in concert, as I was witness to myself back in April. If you don’t have this yet, smack yourself and get it.
Download: Outlaw Pete, Kingdom of Days, Queen of the Supermarket
1. Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown
Let the calls of heresy begin because, yes it’s true, I just placed Green Day’s latest magnum opus ahead of Springsteen, U2, and Dylan. Just put it on, turn it up loud, and enjoy, and I guarantee that it will calm your calls for my head on a platter. Billie Joe’s band has come a long way from their early-mid 90’s roots in songs of self-gratification to today, when they are possibly the most important of all American rock bands. Though they have retained some of their punk sensibilities, this is far beyond anything that has ever been done before under the umbrella of punk rock. 21st Century Breakdown is their second concept album in a row, following 2004’s American Idiot, this time following the lives of a young couple named Christian and Gloria in post-Bush America. It is a tour-de-force of an album and one that is really meant to be heard in its entirety, for this masterpiece may be seen in the future as a defining moment for the first decade of the new millennium, a bookend to an era. Really, it is that good. My 6 year-old’s favorite song of the moment is “Know Your Enemy,” but, if you insist on only downloading individual songs, below are the ones I would choose.
Download: Viva La Gloria!, Murder City, American Eulogy
Thoughts?
Best of 2009…So Far – Part 2 June 18, 2009
Posted by Matt in Best of 2009.Tags: 2009, albums, Best Of, Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews Band, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Justin Townes Earle, music, neko case
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Yesterday I gave my rankings for the 11th-15th best albums of the year so far and with this entry I will continue in that same vein, giving choices 6-10. Let me know what you think.
10. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit – Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
It’s no secret that I think the vast majority of today’s country music is embarrassingly bad, so it probably just as well that artists like Jason Isbell are making the best common man anthems below the radar. This former member of one of my favorite bands, the Drive-By Truckers, released an excellent solo debut in 2007, but I think this one may be even better. If you have a soft spot for southern music like I do, you owe it to yourself to check this out.
Download: Seven Mile Island, However Long
9. Justin Townes Earle – Midnight at the Movies
This progeny of the aforementioned Steve Earle is the second reason to believe that the genre of country music has not been entirely destroyed by the record companies and the radio. Earle’s songs are pure old-school, sounding much more like something you’d hear from a person pickin’ and grinnin’ on their front porch than an overly sanitized tune from the country charts. From bluegrass to honky-tonk to good old-fashioned hurting songs, this is essential listening.
Download: What I Mean to You, They Killed John Henry
8. Bob Dylan – Together Through Life
You know its been an incredible year for music when the latest release from the legendary Dylan gets pushed all the way back to 8. Employing a distinct Southwestern sound mixed with Cajun and the blues and, heck, anything else he can jumble together, Dylan’s music genius continues to hack away the boundaries people try to set up for him. Every time I’ve listened to this album, it makes me want to hang out with him in some smoky border town cantina.
Download: Beyond Here Lies Nothin’, My Wife’s Home Town
7. Dave Matthews Band – Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King
I’ve been a fan of DMB since the band’s debut some 15 years ago, but their recent releases have seemed to be lacking something that the earlier ones had. Though their live show was still incredible, the quality of their studio albums seemed to be in decline….until this one. Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King, recorded on the heels of saxophonist Leroi Moore’s sudden death, is a definite return to their early form and may possibly even be their best release yet.
Download: Funny the Way it Is, Shake Me Like a Monkey
6. Neko Case – Middle Cyclone
In our home Neko Case is known as “the other woman” because it is no secret that I totally and completely in love with her voice. Her latest continues in a dark, Southern gothic tradition that frames her incredible vocals almost perfectly. I could and would listen to her sing the phone book, but it doesn’t help that this is another excellent collection of songs.
Download: This Tornado Loves You, Fever
To be continued…
Best of 2009…So Far – Part 1 June 17, 2009
Posted by Matt in Best of 2009.Tags: 2009, Ben Nichols, Best Of, Conor Oberst, Dan Auerbach, M. Ward, music, Steve Earle, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
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It’s been nearly four years since I began my blogging adventure and every so often I feel obliged to give you a taste of the music I’ve been enjoying. In case you are interested, you can see my past picks for my year end music lists here:
2006
2007
2008
Now that we have nearly reached the halfway point of this trip ‘round the sun, I thought I would let you know what albums I have enjoyed the most so far this year. Let me know what you think.
Honorable Mention:
Ben Nichols – The Last Pale Light in the West
The only reason this excellent solo release from Lucero’s frontman did not make the list is because it is only an EP. Nichols’ raspy voice combines with acoustic guitar to make these gloomy, painful songs, all of which are based on Cormac McCarthy’s ultra-violent classic Blood Meridian, into a real thing of beauty.
Download: Toadvine
15. Dan Auerbach – Keep it Hid
Over the past two years or so I’ve become a huge fan of blues-rock duo, the Black Keys, and even had the chance to catch them in Memphis last year. Auerbach is the guitarist and vocalist of that group and this, his first solo release, adds a few wrinkles to the duo’s usual loud guitar and drums approach. Though it may not be quite as strong as the Keys’ work, it is still very good and I was glad to see that the addition of more backing instruments does not diminish the effectiveness of the music at all.
Download: Heartbroken, In Disrepair
14. M. Ward – Hold Time
The retro sound of M. Ward is something that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the modern music industry. It goes down smooth and easy and you can just imagine a simpler time sitting around listening to it on an old transistor radio.
Download: Never Had Nobody like You
13. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
With a sound similar to that of shoegazing pioneers My Bloody Valentine or Jesus and Mary Chain, this debut album fills the niche nicely with its layers of guitar and ethereal vocals. In contrast to someone like MBV, the songs of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart echo JaMC in that they are easily distinguishable from each other and could stand quite well on their own.
Donwload: Contender
12. Steve Earle – Townes
Singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt, who died from substance abuse in 1997 at the age of 52, is an oft-covered artist whose work influenced an entire generation of Southern musicians – including Steve Earle. Earle’s husky voice, sounding beaten down by the world about him, gives an entirely new dimension to Van Zandt’s work and the reverence he feels for the late songwriter is evident in his handling of the 15 songs on this album.
Download: To Live is to Fly
11. Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band – Outer South
Oberst may be the most prolific artist of the last decade, having released 8 albums – 5 with the Bright Eyes, one with the band Desaparecidos, and two solo works. I don’t know yet if I like this album as much as last year’s self-titled release, but it is still a nice piece of work. Oberst’s quavering voice and Dylan-esque songwriting is always a welcome addition to the collection.
Download: Slowly (Oh So Slowly)
To be continued…
A Possible Springsteen Setlist April 6, 2009
Posted by Matt in concerts.Tags: 2009, Bruce Springsteen, concerts, setlist
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ME sent me a copy of Bruce’s latest set list, so, being the analytic sort that I am, I decided to do a bit of research into his last few setlists to see what he might play tomorrow night. He is five shows into his 2009 tour so far and this is how the breakdown looks. Below you will see each song that has appeared on a setlist in the past five songs along with the number of times they were played.
Song Times Played
The Wrestler 5
Radio Nowhere 5
Badlands 5
Outlaw Pete 5
My Lucky Day 5
Out in the Street 5
Working on a Dream 5
Johnny 99 5
Born to Run 5
American Land 5
Seeds 4
Hard Times 4
The Promised Land 4
Land of Hope and Dreams 4
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out 4
Waiting on a Sunny Day 4
Lonesome Day 4
Good Eye 3
Ghost of Tom Joad 3
No Surrender 3
Dancing in the Dark 3
Because the Night 3
Kingdom of Days 3
Darlington County 2
Thunder Road 2
The Night 2
Working on the Highway 2
The Rising 2
Mustang Sally 1
I Ain’t Got No Home 1
Candy’s Room 1
Mary’s Life 1
This Life 1
Long Walk Home 1
Surprise, Surprise 1
Seven Nights to Rock 1
Good Rockin’ Tonight 1
Growin’ Up 1
Downbound Train 1
Rosalito 1
Prove It All Night 1
Youngstown 1
Sherry Darling 1
She’s the One 1
Hard Land 1
Jungleland 1
I’m a Rocker 1
Glory Days 1
