As mentioned here, I'm doing a break down of all 92 professional teams across the NFL, NBA and MLB, ranking them first to 92nd in terms of who is going to have me rooting for them. In our first installment, we looked at the current power rankings within the Holy Trinity (Bears, Bulls, Cubs). Some have asked me why the Bears are first, and the ultimate question of "shouldn't you rank them according to who you'd rather see win it all?" That's a tough one. There is no doubt I'd rather see the Cubs win it all ... I mean, over 100 years of futility can't be ignored, right? ... but I'd be more likely to watch a Bears game if a Cubs game was on against it. That's the power of the NFL kids.
Anyway, for our second installment we look at the second tier of teams. This group is entitled "the emotional ties" because all of them have a special place in my heart, although none of them happen to be from the city of Chicago, so it's highly unlikely that any of them will leapfrog any of the trinity teams. Although, for a period of time there the Bulls would have had a hard time fending off a few of these teams. Anyway, we will break this group down, power poll spots 4-6, using the same logic we did last time:
The Emotional Ties
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pros: in 2006, when all seemed lost as a Colts juggernaut steamrolled the league, the little six seed that could toppled them (leading to Manning infamously throwing his offensive line under the bus). Pittsburgh forever earned a special place in my heart for that, and would have doubled my love for them if they could have thwarted the evil Packers in last year's super bowl. But Pittsburgh also ranks this high for some other reasons. First, they play football the way it's supposed to be played: running the ball, tough defense, and with an identity. I love the Rooney family, and respect the city. I love that they've had three head coaches since the start of the 1969 season. That's right, forty two years (and counting) and three coaches. That's stability and honor. And it's what you get when you hire competent coaches (I'm looking at you Mike McCaskey and company). Finally, my own grandfather had a cup of coffee with the Steelers in 1948, which gives the family heritage angle some credence. Not too bad.
The Cons: Well ... I jinxed the possibility that it'd face this last year with my infamous "two tickets to paradise" post, but I suppose that the biggest con is that I love the Steelers so much that I'd prefer that the Bears never have to play them. Don't get me wrong, the Bears are the firm number one in my book, but it's kind like when you fall in love with a girl, she breaks your heart, you eventually find another girl, and you'd just assume that you never get put in a situation where they are both present, at the same time, vying for your attention. The Steelers are the only team that can compete with the trinity, and there's a lot of reasons for that. Beyond that, Big Ben is a bit of a tool. Although I think he got married this offseason, so maybe he's not going to be chasing tail in bar bathrooms anymore. Because we all know that athletes stop chasing tail as soon as they get married. Right Tiger? Also, they let the stupid cheese heads win the Super Bowl last year. Which was decidedly not cool.
The Verdict: Pittsburgh Steelers football is a way of life for a number of people. A former flame of mine lives in the heart of Steelers country right now, and blissfully reported that Steelers fans are awesome, and that it's just like being with Chicago fans. I have a Steelers jersey with my grandfather's old college football number on it, and my name on it. I cherish my Steelers hat. If the Bears can't win, I want the Steelers to take it down.
5. New Orleans Saints
The Pros: Remember what I said about Pittsburgh toppling Indy in 2006? That goes ten fold for the Saints beating the stupid Colts in 2010. Then there was the aspect of the death blow being dealt by a former Indiana Hoosier corner back, Tracy Porter, who played at IU all four years I went to IU. (Do I have a Saints Super Bowl Jersey of Tracy Porter? You're damn right I do!) But, as with Pittsburgh, it goes so much deeper than the toppling of the hated Colts. I remember back in 1999 when I bought my first (and only) New Orleans Saints hat. It was marked down, dirt cheap, in the Ft. Wayne mall. I bought it because Mike Ditka was the new coach of the Saints. It did not fit my head. By 2005 it fit my head, and I wore it to the Gulf Coast nine times to work on rebuilding the coast following Hurricane Katrina. I saw how much the Saints meant to the Coast. And I know how much their championship meant to the region. The Saints are an emotional connection because of Mississippi and New Orleans.
The Cons: well, at least I also have no issues rooting for them to get taken out by Chicago. I've proven that a few times. If the Bears and Saints play I'll be up in my Urlacher jersey, hoping they take Brees out. The only real con here is that the Saints are set up better than the Bears. I wish we had their management and coaching team.
The Verdict: another team that pulls at the heart, and another team that has saved me from imminent doom. I find it interesting that the Bears couldn't stop the Colts, but my number four and five teams could. Screw you too Rex Grossman. But on the topic of the Saints, they'll never have the undying love I have for Pittsburgh, but they won't be too far behind either because every time I pull out that Saints hat and look at the fade due to the time spent in the sun, and the rings of sweat that can't come out of the band, I'll think of those days on the coast, and I'll smile. And I'll think of Tracy Porter picking Manning. Hell Yeah.
6. Dallas Mavericks
The Pros: "Help us Dirk Nowitski. You're our only hope." I wrote those words after Miami beat Chicago in the eastern conference finals this year. He listened. That means a lot. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Dallas, probably because my uncle gave me a Dallas Mavs hat and a Jamal Mashburn t-shirt at a very young age. The Mavs were terrible when I was growing up, but Mark Cuban changed all that, and you should know that I love Cuban. I wish MLB had let him buy the Cubs. Cuban is everything I'd probably be if I was a billionaire owner of a sports team. Which is to say, a loudmouth blowhard who spares no expense on his team, can't stop yelling at referees who can't call games, and gets into trouble with the sport's commissioner. Yeah, that about sums it up. But you can't tell me Cuban doesn't want to win. And that's what I want out of my owner: someone who wants to win, no matter the cost or the odds. When I was growing up it was unthinkable that the Mavericks would win the NBA title. They just did. Because of Cuban. 'Nuff said.
The Cons: I'm not a huge fan of Dirk; he's good, but his lack of defense annoys me. Also, Jason Terry is like the annoying gnat of the NBA; you want to swat him away, but he keeps coming back, showing you his tattoo, and annoying you.
The Verdict: This team saved us from a Miami Heat title in year one of the "Big Three" era ... which is worth it's price in gold. As I've said before, the Heat will win a title. LeBron, like Peyton, is just too good to not win one by accident. But it would have sucked if they had taken it down in year one. It would have justified all the terrible moves LeBron made in the past year. The Mavs showed him for what he is. They have earned my respect, if nothing else, for that.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Songs That Have Defined My Life - Broken Phone Booth Style
I'm going to start a new series where I look at a number of songs that make me stop, close my eyes, and take me to a place far away from the present. These are songs that have defined moments of my life, or an idea of my life. I'm going to pose, then answer a number of questions along with each song, and will post the video here. If you can't view the video (due to this being emailed to you, or some other technical snafu, please click here and go to the main blog page. And now, without any further delay, here is our first song:
Artist: Primitive Radio Gods
Title: Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth With Money In My Hand
Year: 1996
Why This Song?: Let's see ... I remember hearing this song right around the time I was ten or so, which would have put me in ... fourth grade? At any rate, this song, among many others, got the benefit of the fact that I struggle to go to sleep. I always have, and from a very young age I listened to the radio to fall asleep. Once TV was integrated into my nighttime routines I put less value on the radio. Which, ironically, dovetailed with the onset of the crappy music generation that we've been in for a decade or so. But in 1996, I was right in the "Top Nine at Nine" demographic, and I listened to night time radio on U93 habitually from around 8pm until I could fall asleep. This song is from that era, and it has the unique qualities of sounding completely original, having a title and a band name that sticks out, and having a good feel to fall asleep to. Triple win.
Lyric that stuck out back then: "If I die before I learn to speak, will money pay for all the days I've lived awake but half asleep?" I remember discussing this lyric with adults at the time. To say that it peaked my interest is an understatement; perhaps my interest in this concept explains my appreciation for philosophy of all kinds. It's a lyric that seems stupid on the surface ... how could someone singing a song to me die before they learned to speak ... but is much deeper once you understand theoretical points of view.
Lyric that stands out now: it's a cop out to say the entire song ... really, I enjoy all the lyrics on a thinking level ... so I'll give you one: "Life is time they teach you growing up. The seconds ticking killed us all a million years before the fall. You ride the waves and don't ask where they go. You swim like lions through the crest and bathe yourself in zebra flesh." I like this lyric because it reflects on the nature of time, the finite reality of life, and it even hits on a theological dimension. Man am I a sucker for philosophy.
Thing that surprised me: The Primitive Radio Gods just released another album. And they have a website. Seriously, go check them out. I need to start a band.
Final evaluation: I hadn't heard this song for over a decade when, in my senior year of college, all the sudden I had a flashback to the lyrics about "if I die before I learn to speak." Something made me think of the lyrics, which in turn made me think of the song. I went out and downloaded the song off of ITunes, and then, as luck would have it, I heard the song in a bar later that night. I have since then mediated on this song as one of the many which allow me to slow down, breathe, and refocus when life gets a little crazy. I highly recommend you look at the lyrics and the musical composition of this song: it's unique, it's deep, and it's fun. I give it a 10/10 now, so it's withstood the test of time.
Artist: Primitive Radio Gods
Title: Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth With Money In My Hand
Year: 1996
Why This Song?: Let's see ... I remember hearing this song right around the time I was ten or so, which would have put me in ... fourth grade? At any rate, this song, among many others, got the benefit of the fact that I struggle to go to sleep. I always have, and from a very young age I listened to the radio to fall asleep. Once TV was integrated into my nighttime routines I put less value on the radio. Which, ironically, dovetailed with the onset of the crappy music generation that we've been in for a decade or so. But in 1996, I was right in the "Top Nine at Nine" demographic, and I listened to night time radio on U93 habitually from around 8pm until I could fall asleep. This song is from that era, and it has the unique qualities of sounding completely original, having a title and a band name that sticks out, and having a good feel to fall asleep to. Triple win.
Lyric that stuck out back then: "If I die before I learn to speak, will money pay for all the days I've lived awake but half asleep?" I remember discussing this lyric with adults at the time. To say that it peaked my interest is an understatement; perhaps my interest in this concept explains my appreciation for philosophy of all kinds. It's a lyric that seems stupid on the surface ... how could someone singing a song to me die before they learned to speak ... but is much deeper once you understand theoretical points of view.
Lyric that stands out now: it's a cop out to say the entire song ... really, I enjoy all the lyrics on a thinking level ... so I'll give you one: "Life is time they teach you growing up. The seconds ticking killed us all a million years before the fall. You ride the waves and don't ask where they go. You swim like lions through the crest and bathe yourself in zebra flesh." I like this lyric because it reflects on the nature of time, the finite reality of life, and it even hits on a theological dimension. Man am I a sucker for philosophy.
Thing that surprised me: The Primitive Radio Gods just released another album. And they have a website. Seriously, go check them out. I need to start a band.
Final evaluation: I hadn't heard this song for over a decade when, in my senior year of college, all the sudden I had a flashback to the lyrics about "if I die before I learn to speak." Something made me think of the lyrics, which in turn made me think of the song. I went out and downloaded the song off of ITunes, and then, as luck would have it, I heard the song in a bar later that night. I have since then mediated on this song as one of the many which allow me to slow down, breathe, and refocus when life gets a little crazy. I highly recommend you look at the lyrics and the musical composition of this song: it's unique, it's deep, and it's fun. I give it a 10/10 now, so it's withstood the test of time.
2012 - The Handicapping Just Got Easier
In this post I referred to Tim Pawlenty as the "bland sacrificial lamb," who would only get the nomination if the GOP was certain they could not beat Obama. In this earlier post I wrote that Pawlenty was "a dry shite." It finds out that the GOP is not interested in having a dry shite as its' nominee, nor is Pawlenty interested in being the bland sacrificial lamb. And, so, after finishing "a disappointing" (but totally predictable) third in the Iowa straw poll (which Michelle Bachmann unsurprisingly won), Tim Paw announced today that he was withdrawing from the race.
I, admittedly, put more stock in Pawlenty's chances because he looked presidential. He looked youthful. And he had the opportunity to trick people into thinking that he had led a state successfully for two terms. But Pawlenty had quite a bit going against him as well:
-he was not going to stir up the masses (a la Bachmann)
-he was not going to have millions to spend ... er, waste (a la Romney)
-he did not have the name recognition (a la Gingrich, Giuliani)
No, the problem with Tim Pawlenty was just that: he was Tim Pawlenty, he came from Minnesota, and nobody really cared about him. He just doesn't register with the general public, and he never was going to. Give the man credit for stepping aside this early in the process, and not wasting any more money, although I'm sure that the straw poll had less to do with it than Rick Perry's announcement did. Perry is like a Pawlenty doppelganger, only slightly more dynamic on the mic.
As for now, anyone who says that they are shocked by Bachmann looking strong in Iowa needs to have their political acumen examined. Iowa is all about organization and extremism, on both sides of the political isle. Obama was able to take the caucus because he was that much more organized than Hillary, and he was not "mainstream" at that point. Iowa relishes "being first," and they equally relish telling the rest of the nation "you'll take this candidate and you'll love them!"
Still, it is interesting the Pawlenty decided to drop now, when the two candidates ahead of him were the crazy Michelle Bachmann and the equally crazy, but somehow more stable Ron Paul. Neither of these candidates are going to win the White House. Romney, smartly, decided not to contest the straw poll. Maybe that was Tim Paw's big error: he should have just kept his ball and stayed home. But the reality of the field is this: Romney will be strong, and the number one contender to go against him will probably need to win Iowa to have a shot. Rick Perry will kick his campaign into high gear in Iowa because he understands this fact. Romney has done well, thus far, to stay out of the fray. It behooves him to do so, because he can allow all his opponents to tear at each other, if they are dumb enough to ignore him. Obama was able to do this, to a point, in the early primary process in 2008. He allowed all the "also-rans" (most notably John Edwards) to take on Hillary, and he just looked better as a result. Romney would be smart to attempt the same once over on the Republican field, which is undoubtedly one of the reasons he's not trying hard for Iowa.
And so, unless something shocking occurs, the likely early game for the nomination will go something like this:
- Bachmann (or Perry) will take Iowa
- Romney will take New Hampshire
- South Carolina becomes a blood bath
If I was Mitt Romney I'd be trying to put my resources, as quietly as possible, into South Carolina. Rick Perry has, by default with Pawlenty's exit, become the "hey, that guy seems presidential" candidate. At this point, in August of 2011, it appears the race has solidified around three candidates: Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann, and Mitt Romney. There are a number of other candidates that could make some noise, but none who seem dynamic enough at this point to stop the wheels that are in motion. Somehow, even as Obama seems weaker by the day, his position becomes stronger by the moment.
I, admittedly, put more stock in Pawlenty's chances because he looked presidential. He looked youthful. And he had the opportunity to trick people into thinking that he had led a state successfully for two terms. But Pawlenty had quite a bit going against him as well:
-he was not going to stir up the masses (a la Bachmann)
-he was not going to have millions to spend ... er, waste (a la Romney)
-he did not have the name recognition (a la Gingrich, Giuliani)
No, the problem with Tim Pawlenty was just that: he was Tim Pawlenty, he came from Minnesota, and nobody really cared about him. He just doesn't register with the general public, and he never was going to. Give the man credit for stepping aside this early in the process, and not wasting any more money, although I'm sure that the straw poll had less to do with it than Rick Perry's announcement did. Perry is like a Pawlenty doppelganger, only slightly more dynamic on the mic.
As for now, anyone who says that they are shocked by Bachmann looking strong in Iowa needs to have their political acumen examined. Iowa is all about organization and extremism, on both sides of the political isle. Obama was able to take the caucus because he was that much more organized than Hillary, and he was not "mainstream" at that point. Iowa relishes "being first," and they equally relish telling the rest of the nation "you'll take this candidate and you'll love them!"
Still, it is interesting the Pawlenty decided to drop now, when the two candidates ahead of him were the crazy Michelle Bachmann and the equally crazy, but somehow more stable Ron Paul. Neither of these candidates are going to win the White House. Romney, smartly, decided not to contest the straw poll. Maybe that was Tim Paw's big error: he should have just kept his ball and stayed home. But the reality of the field is this: Romney will be strong, and the number one contender to go against him will probably need to win Iowa to have a shot. Rick Perry will kick his campaign into high gear in Iowa because he understands this fact. Romney has done well, thus far, to stay out of the fray. It behooves him to do so, because he can allow all his opponents to tear at each other, if they are dumb enough to ignore him. Obama was able to do this, to a point, in the early primary process in 2008. He allowed all the "also-rans" (most notably John Edwards) to take on Hillary, and he just looked better as a result. Romney would be smart to attempt the same once over on the Republican field, which is undoubtedly one of the reasons he's not trying hard for Iowa.
And so, unless something shocking occurs, the likely early game for the nomination will go something like this:
- Bachmann (or Perry) will take Iowa
- Romney will take New Hampshire
- South Carolina becomes a blood bath
If I was Mitt Romney I'd be trying to put my resources, as quietly as possible, into South Carolina. Rick Perry has, by default with Pawlenty's exit, become the "hey, that guy seems presidential" candidate. At this point, in August of 2011, it appears the race has solidified around three candidates: Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann, and Mitt Romney. There are a number of other candidates that could make some noise, but none who seem dynamic enough at this point to stop the wheels that are in motion. Somehow, even as Obama seems weaker by the day, his position becomes stronger by the moment.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
When Winning Isn't Possible
"I kinda hope Zambrano never pitches for us again. That was embarrassing."
When I walked out into the front room this morning, where my phone had sat over night, I saw this text from my brother. I immediately knew that Carlos had either A) gotten lit up for a ton of runs, or B) hit someone. As luck would have it, as I looked things up on my blackberry, it was a weird combination of both ... and more. My brother's reaction was not my immediate reaction. I felt more bad for the guy ... how sick is that ... because he just does not fit in on a losing team. Furthermore, I know that he wants to win as much as anyone. So I responded "poor Carlos ... he just needs to retire. He doesn't handle shitty teams well." These different responses ultimately get to the same point: it's time for Carlos to go. Hell, it's time for the entire team (short of Castro) to go. But, in particular, it's time to fully break away from the last vestiges of the "almost did it" Cubs team of 2003 (Ramirez and Zambrano), as well as the "should have done it, but lacked the fortitude when it mattered" teams of 2007 and 2008 (Soriano, Soto, Marmol). Carlos' melt down is just the most recent example of this fact.
At the end of the day, Carlos Zambrano never came close to reaching his potential. I'm not sure if he got fat, or went a little too crazy, or just wanted it too bad to be able to get it there. I do not doubt that Carlos wanted very much to be the man to get the fourth victory in the World Series for the Cubs. I have no doubt that he loves the city, the team, and the sport a good deal. I also have no doubt that the retirement statement isn't a gimmick, even if he ends up coming back. I believe firmly that Carlos is just about fed up with the state of the Cubs, and that it is hard for him to get up for going into work everyday when he knows his team can't hit with runners in scoring position, can't field worth a damn, and generally only play well when it doesn't matter. And that's not just this year: that's his entire career.
Imagine that every day you go into work, and no matter how hard you do or don't work nothing changes. The company is constantly mired in the past, unable to right its' course for the future, and day after day you are stuck with the reality that nothing you do is going to change that course because management is so incompetent that you don't get any help. They overpay for has beens in the industry. They hang on to the 65 year old who is well past his prime. They refuse to invest in fresh, out of college talent, choosing instead to hire a bunch of temps who are just proficient enough to make management pat themselves on the back. Imagine all that, and tell me that you wouldn't be looking ahead to the next thing. And let's just suppose that you had the talent and ambition to be a Fortune 500 CEO while you were at it, but being stuck in this place made it so that you never were able to flourish. Now you'll be remembered simply as an also-ran. And, now, the kicker: you love this place. It means the world to you, and you want to see it be a power in the field. You can't bear the thought of jumping ship, even when you had the chance a few years back, because you want to succeed HERE not THERE. Now, that ships sailed; you're a tarnished brand because you never were surrounded with the talent needed to succeed, and nobody wants you outside of your own place. Hell, they don't even want you anymore. What do you do?
Contrary to what this sounds like, I am far from a Carlos Zambrano apologist. He's done far too little with far too much, and he was trusted to carry our team forward after the tragedy that was the Kerry Wood/Mark Prior dynasty. Zambrano seemed to have the backbone of a mule, and the skill to go with it. He would be the ace around which our drought ended. But the Cubs never surrounded him with real talent. He's never played along side a Hall of Fame caliber player (unless you decide to count Sammy Sosa). When Wood and Prior went down the Cubs replaced them with journey men (Jason Marquis), over paid veterans who were just good enough to keep the team relevant, but didn't have a chance in the world of helping the team win it all (Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly), or a group of junk ballers who were questionable major league talents at best (Sean Estes, Randy Wells). When, finally, this year the Cubs made a move to try to surround him with real pitching talent (Garza) it was far too little, far too late. Zambrano's ship sailed about two years ago, when Hendry's compounding of stupid moves killed the last breath of hope that the Cubs would be relevant during his reign. My point is this: if Carlos didn't win 25 games a year, he was never going to be able to overcome the short comings of his teammates. And even if he did, he didn't have enough help to win it all. The Cubs almost went out of their way to pay him like an ace, then tell him he wasn't an ace. About the time that Sweet Lou put him in the bullpen this ending was inevitable.
So go ahead and criticize him for not trying. I think you're wrong. I think he tried too hard, and that impacted his performance negatively. Go ahead and accuse him of quitting. I'd say "so what? The rest of his team quit before the season even started, and the GM quit on this team years ago." Go ahead and say he let the team down. True, but the team let him down more. At the end of the day, the truest thing you can say about Carlos Zambrano is that he never wanted to leave the team, a la Greg Maddux. He never wanted to be the circus side show, a la Sammy Sosa. And that all would have been fine if he was as even keeled as Kerry Wood ... but that was never Big Z. All he wanted to do was to win. And that just isn't possible on the North side of Chicago. We have 103 years (and counting) to prove it.
When I walked out into the front room this morning, where my phone had sat over night, I saw this text from my brother. I immediately knew that Carlos had either A) gotten lit up for a ton of runs, or B) hit someone. As luck would have it, as I looked things up on my blackberry, it was a weird combination of both ... and more. My brother's reaction was not my immediate reaction. I felt more bad for the guy ... how sick is that ... because he just does not fit in on a losing team. Furthermore, I know that he wants to win as much as anyone. So I responded "poor Carlos ... he just needs to retire. He doesn't handle shitty teams well." These different responses ultimately get to the same point: it's time for Carlos to go. Hell, it's time for the entire team (short of Castro) to go. But, in particular, it's time to fully break away from the last vestiges of the "almost did it" Cubs team of 2003 (Ramirez and Zambrano), as well as the "should have done it, but lacked the fortitude when it mattered" teams of 2007 and 2008 (Soriano, Soto, Marmol). Carlos' melt down is just the most recent example of this fact.
At the end of the day, Carlos Zambrano never came close to reaching his potential. I'm not sure if he got fat, or went a little too crazy, or just wanted it too bad to be able to get it there. I do not doubt that Carlos wanted very much to be the man to get the fourth victory in the World Series for the Cubs. I have no doubt that he loves the city, the team, and the sport a good deal. I also have no doubt that the retirement statement isn't a gimmick, even if he ends up coming back. I believe firmly that Carlos is just about fed up with the state of the Cubs, and that it is hard for him to get up for going into work everyday when he knows his team can't hit with runners in scoring position, can't field worth a damn, and generally only play well when it doesn't matter. And that's not just this year: that's his entire career.
Imagine that every day you go into work, and no matter how hard you do or don't work nothing changes. The company is constantly mired in the past, unable to right its' course for the future, and day after day you are stuck with the reality that nothing you do is going to change that course because management is so incompetent that you don't get any help. They overpay for has beens in the industry. They hang on to the 65 year old who is well past his prime. They refuse to invest in fresh, out of college talent, choosing instead to hire a bunch of temps who are just proficient enough to make management pat themselves on the back. Imagine all that, and tell me that you wouldn't be looking ahead to the next thing. And let's just suppose that you had the talent and ambition to be a Fortune 500 CEO while you were at it, but being stuck in this place made it so that you never were able to flourish. Now you'll be remembered simply as an also-ran. And, now, the kicker: you love this place. It means the world to you, and you want to see it be a power in the field. You can't bear the thought of jumping ship, even when you had the chance a few years back, because you want to succeed HERE not THERE. Now, that ships sailed; you're a tarnished brand because you never were surrounded with the talent needed to succeed, and nobody wants you outside of your own place. Hell, they don't even want you anymore. What do you do?
Contrary to what this sounds like, I am far from a Carlos Zambrano apologist. He's done far too little with far too much, and he was trusted to carry our team forward after the tragedy that was the Kerry Wood/Mark Prior dynasty. Zambrano seemed to have the backbone of a mule, and the skill to go with it. He would be the ace around which our drought ended. But the Cubs never surrounded him with real talent. He's never played along side a Hall of Fame caliber player (unless you decide to count Sammy Sosa). When Wood and Prior went down the Cubs replaced them with journey men (Jason Marquis), over paid veterans who were just good enough to keep the team relevant, but didn't have a chance in the world of helping the team win it all (Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly), or a group of junk ballers who were questionable major league talents at best (Sean Estes, Randy Wells). When, finally, this year the Cubs made a move to try to surround him with real pitching talent (Garza) it was far too little, far too late. Zambrano's ship sailed about two years ago, when Hendry's compounding of stupid moves killed the last breath of hope that the Cubs would be relevant during his reign. My point is this: if Carlos didn't win 25 games a year, he was never going to be able to overcome the short comings of his teammates. And even if he did, he didn't have enough help to win it all. The Cubs almost went out of their way to pay him like an ace, then tell him he wasn't an ace. About the time that Sweet Lou put him in the bullpen this ending was inevitable.
So go ahead and criticize him for not trying. I think you're wrong. I think he tried too hard, and that impacted his performance negatively. Go ahead and accuse him of quitting. I'd say "so what? The rest of his team quit before the season even started, and the GM quit on this team years ago." Go ahead and say he let the team down. True, but the team let him down more. At the end of the day, the truest thing you can say about Carlos Zambrano is that he never wanted to leave the team, a la Greg Maddux. He never wanted to be the circus side show, a la Sammy Sosa. And that all would have been fine if he was as even keeled as Kerry Wood ... but that was never Big Z. All he wanted to do was to win. And that just isn't possible on the North side of Chicago. We have 103 years (and counting) to prove it.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
The Ultimate Power Rankings - Part 1
Did you know that there are ninety two professional sports franchises in the three big leagues (the NBA, the MLB and the NFL)? And, did you know, that I’ve never before given all these teams there due by letting them know where they stood with me? I mean, sure, the Colts know that they’ve been at the bottom for a long time, and the Packers, Pistons, White Sox, Pacers, and Cardinals could probably figure out that they weren’t exactly in the running for my favorite teams. And, yes, the three real Chicago teams (the Bears, the Bulls and the Cubs) could probably figure out that they’ve been competing for the top spot for my life as a sports fan. But I fear that I’ve done an injustice to those lost in the middle: the teams that fight day in and day out to move up or down and get noticed. Well, never fear Kansas City (Royals or Chiefs), and fret no more Cleveland (did the Cavs fold after LeBron left?). The time is here, and I’m going to unveil my ultimate power rankings. We will do this in twelve segments, with each grouping being explained, and with each team being examined. First up, the key group, the Holy Trinity.
The Holy Trinity
1. Chicago Bears
The Pros: the Bears, the team which brings the entire city of Chicago together, are a dynamo when you live in the Midwest. Bears football defines much of what we do, and what we love. They are the Monsters of the Midway, they are fierce and fearless, and they make us beam with pride. The history is there: George Halas, Papa Bear himself. The icons are numerous: George, Sayers, Butkis, Grange, Payton, Singletary, Hampton, Dent, and Urlacher to name a few. One of two charter franchises which remain. More Hall of Fame inductees than anyone. More championships than anyone but the Packers. The Bears are the home to the 1985 team which was by all account (that I wish to listen to) the greatest team to ever play the game. The numbers back it up, and the defense personified the city and the fan base. Being a Bears fan is otherworldly; get in a room with a bunch of true Bears fans, and there is nothing like it.
The Cons: at current time, the Bears are riddled with terrible coaching, beyond terrible management, and a propensity for cheap that belittles their huge revenue streams. Only Chicago would look at last year and think “we’ve gotta extend Lovie.” Only Chicago would have lost the NFC championship game by having Todd Collins as the backup to Jay Cutler. Only in Chicago.
The Verdict: as this is the first year that I’ve done these rankings, the Bears are the first time champs. Still, they have been in the one or two spot since 1999. In fact, I’d have to say that the Bears have probably held this spot more than any other team, so it’s befitting that they are the first official champs.
2. Chicago Cubs
The Pros: Wrigley Field is like Mecca for baseball fans. You go, and you suddenly transport back in time to a simpler time. Beyond that, there is the heritage, and the undying belief that we will get to see the championship drought end in our life time. It’s alluring, and the heartbreak can’t drive you away, it only draws you further in. My grandfather lived his entire life a Cubs fan and never saw them win the World Series. Needless to say, Eddie Vedder got it right when he opined “when the day comes with that last winning run and I’m crying and covered in beer, I’ll look to the sky and know I was right to think ‘someday we’ll go all the way.’”
The Cons: Management that typically makes the Bears management look brilliant in comparison. Moments that truly take it out of you and make you wonder why you even care (2003 as the prime example). Alphonso Soriano. Need I say more?
The Verdict: The Cubs undoubtedly would have held the top spot in 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The history, the mystique, and the fact that going to baseball games live is the best sports experience out there gives them a boost. When they finally do win it, I know that I’ll be crying, and I’m going to do everything possible to be around the stadium (if not in it) when it happens. The Cubs are a patch you wear on your shoulder, realizing the disappointment, but hoping for future investment. And I’m pissed they didn’t trade away more at the deadline. But such is life. All you really need to know is that I got goosebumps walking into Wrigley Field for a Dave Matthews Band show. It has that kind of aura.
3. Chicago Bulls
The Pros: The legacy of Michael Jeffery Jordan, the greatest there ever was, and the greatest there ever will be. Sometimes, when I’m having a rough day, I’ll load up a youtube clip of MJ winning his last game as a Bull. It always helps. Beyond that, this team is the most likely to win a championship soon out of the Holy Trinity teams, and the management seems downright brilliant when compared with Angelo and Hendry. Derrick Rose is a genuine franchise cornerstone, which both the Bears and Cubs are lacking. On the whole, the Bulls have got to be pretty disappointed that they were not higher than here. Well, I was pretty disappointed that they waited until the series was over to put in Kurt Thomas and start playing physical with the Heat. But it was close.
The Cons: in present time, very few. But there was Krause blowing up the championship Bulls out of an exercise in ego. There was the drought between 1998 and 2011. There was the mismanagement of Curry, Chandler, Williams, Brand and every other player during that time. There was Tim frickin’ Floyd. And, through no fault of their own, there was the fact that the NBA was damn near dead to me for the better part of the last decade, before rising like the phoenix this last year. You can thank Rose for that, and, in a weird way, you can thank LeBron too.
The Verdict: If I was honest I’d say I was aware of sports around the 1992 for the first time. The Bulls were my first love. If I was going to retroactively give out these rankings, the Bulls would have been solidly in first (with not a whole lot of competition) from 1992 until 1998. That’s seven straight, and it’s impressive. But when they forced MJ out, and when the NBA went, as one faithful reader likes to say, “Gangsta Ball” on me, I lost interest, and the Bulls took a hit. It’s wonderful to have them back. If the NBA can avoid having their officials throw more games I watch, they might even stand a chance of climbing up the list.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Best Of What's Around - Parts 7-13
Alright, we're all the way up to 2010, and we're running out of time to get this done before this weekend (which was my goal, after all). So ... we'll shoot the entire year down in one attempt. That's right, a marathon post looking at Noblesville 2010 (nights 1 and 2), Wrigley Field 2010 (nights 1 and 2) and Charlottesville 2010 (nights 1 and 2). I'll give you a bit to consider for each show, to set the mood, but first, as always, our scoring:
1 = A song that I would gladly go to get a beer, use the restroom, or do anything else that I needed to do during.
2 = A song that will make me want to stay in place, but that I'll hunt down the beer man during
3 = A song that I'll dance a little to, has moments I'll love, but that I'll talk to The Wiese or text during.
4 = A song I'll be totally lost in, and one which brings me the aforementioned joy and happiness.
5 = Epic; a top ten song, or such a rarity to hear live that I am going to lose control, and might knock someone over I'm dancing in such a crazy way. MJ almost got thrown over a balcony for one of these.
Noblesville 2010 - Night One
To set the mood: we arrived, and it was HOT. I mean, really hot. So hot that breathing took all your energy out of you. So hot that I didn't even want a beer, I just wanted water. Lots of water. Because of the shenanigans which took place the year prior they were limiting the number of cars which could get into the show, so we had to park across the street and WALK our gear into the camp site. We set everything up, and thankfully showtime came. The heat index was around 110 degrees, and we were just ready for nightfall. As the time approached for the band to take the stage we noticed some pretty big clouds on the western horizon. Shortly thereafter, the PA guy came on and announced the show would be delayed, as violent storms were rolling in. He implored us to find shelter. We didn't have shelter, but when the front hit the temp dropped by about 40 degrees (or so it seemed) into the 70s, and we didn't care. With nowhere to go we rode out the intense rain, lightning, and hail (yes ... hail) out on the open. Muddy ... soaking wet ... but no longer hot ... DMB came out with this:
1. JTR - 5
2. Squirm - 4
3. Seven - 3
4. Don't Drink The Water - 5
5. Lying in the Hands of God - 2
6. Shake Me Like A Monkey - 4
7. Break for it - 2
8. Tripping Billies - 5
9. Corn Bread - 4
10. Road - 2
11. Gravedigger - 3
12. #41 - 5
13. Crash Into Me - 4
14. You Might Die Trying - 3
15. Two Step - 5
16. Ants Marching - 5
17. E: The Needle and the Damage Done - 2
18. E: So Damn Lucky - 4
Alright; a short show in numbers, but it went nearly two and a half hours after a two hour rain delay, which was nice. With 18 total songs, and a total score of 67, gives us a concert rating of 3.72. Thus, we have our rankings as such after this show:
1. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
2. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
3. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
4. Noblesville 2010: Night 1 - 3.72
5. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
6. Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
7. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
8. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
Noblesville 2010 - Night Two
Night two followed a nice, warm (but not ungodly hot) day (which followed a night of more storms, in which we slept wet in a tent that allowed rain in ... sweet, huh? Still, when we climbed out of the tent in the morning, and everyone else climbed out of their cars, we earned incredible credibility. So we have that. Which is nice). We dried out, we grilled out, and then we saw this:
1. Big Eyed Fish > - 5
2. Bartender - 5
3. Stay or Leave -4
4. Sweet Up And Down - 5
5. Funny The Way It Is - 3
6. Stand Up - 1
7. Recently - 3
8. Sister - 2
9. Dancing Nancies - 5
10. Why I Am - 5
11. Spaceman - 3
12. Warehouse - 5
13. Grey Street - 4
14. You and Me - 3
15. Jimi Thing - 4
16. Stay - 4
17. E: Time Bomb > - 4
18. E: All Along The Watchtower - 5
18 Songs, with a total score of 70, gives us a concert rating of 3.89. This show had a strong start, a week stretch 5-8, and then it rolled to a solid finish. I'm honestly a little surprised that it scores this high, but the numbers don't lie. Our rankings now look like this:
1. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
2. Noblesville 2010: Night 2 - 3.89
3. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
4. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
5. Noblesville 2010: Night 1 - 3.72
6. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
7. Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
8. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
9. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
Wrigley Field - Night One
When DMB announced they were going to close out their summer tour at Wrigley Field, and then announced they were taking 2011 off from summer touring (after two decades of doing cross country summer tours) ... well, let's just say that Bows, The Wiese and I were in. We were slightly underwhelmed by our Noblesville experience, and we were searching for a show to get us through the next year (presumably) without DMB. Besides, it was Wrigley Field. How could this not be amazing? Here's what we got night one:
1. One Sweet World - 4
2. Pantala Naga Pampa > Rapunzel - 4
3. Funny The Way It Is - 3
4. Lying In The Hands Of God - 2
5. Crush - 4
6. Burning Down The House - 4
7. Proudest Monkey > - 2
8. Satellite - 5
9. Shake Me Like A Monkey - 4
10. Write A Song - 3
11. Dancing Nancies - 5
12. Why I Am - 5
13. You and Me - 3
14. Sister - 2
15. Don't Drink The Water - 5
16. Everyday > - 3
17. Ants Marching - 5
18. E: The Needle and the Damage Done - 2
19. E: All Along The Watchtower - 5
19 Songs, a total score of 70, gives this show a rating of 3.68. That updates our rankings:
1. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
2. Noblesville 2010: Night 2 - 3.89
3. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
4. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
5. Noblesville 2010: Night 1 - 3.72
6. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
7. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 1: 3.68
8. Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
9. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
10. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
Wrigley Field - Night 2
This show was released as a live concert album, marking my first show that went live album on me. Bows and I were on the rooftops across the street (free, unlimited food and beer, with 15 types of drafts ... what a deal). The Wiese was inside. The place was packed. Here's what we got:
1. You Might Die Trying - 3
2. Stay or Leave - 4
3. Seven - 3
4. Crash Into Me - 4
5. Good Good Time - 2
6. #41 - 5
7. Tripping Billies - 5
8. Digging A Ditch - 4
9. Squirm - 4
10. Gravedigger - 3
11. Spaceman - 3
12. Stay - 4
13. Can't Stop - 2
14. Grey Street - 4
15. Jimi Thing - 4
16. Time Bomb > - 4
17. Two Step - 5
18. E: Christmas Song - 5
19. E: Corn Bread -4
20. E: Last Stop - 5
A few notes:
- 1st Christmas Song in full band set outside of November or December since 1995. That Rare.
- My 1st Last Stop was amazing.
- The roll from "Stay" through to the end was insane live.
So 20 total songs, for a total score of 77 gives us a concert score of 3.85. Looking at this set list, it was saved by an incredibly strong finish that just blew everyone's mind. We now have a concert standings of:
1. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
2. Noblesville 2010: Night 2 - 3.89
3. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
4. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 2 - 3.85
5. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
6. Noblesville 2010: Night 1 - 3.72
7. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
8. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 1: 3.68
9. Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
10. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
11. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
So, will any show overtake Noblesville 2009, night 1? Only Charlottesville is left.
Charlottesville 2010 - Night 1
MJ got his first two shows, as I continued to look for the one show to keep in my mind for a year break. The two of us drove out, and this is what we saw:
1. Squirm - 4
2. Big Eyed Fish > - 5
3. Still Water > - 3
4. Don't Drink The Water - 5
5. Seven - 3
6. Grey Street - 4
7. Spaceman - 3
8. Everyday - 3
9. #41 - 5
10. Shake Me Like A Monkey - 4
11. Spoon - 4
12. Warehouse - 5
13. Jimi Thing - 4
14. Black Jack - 4
15. Christmas Song - 5
16. Lie In Our Graves - 4
17. Time Bomb - 4
18. You and Me - 3
19. Stay - 4
20. E: Sister - 2
21. E: All Along The Watchtower - 5
22. E: Halloween - 5
Wow ... that ending gives me goosebumps just typing it. If there was a way to score higher than a 5, Halloween would have here. Probably would have been a 10. For integrity purposes: 22 songs, a total score of 88(!), gives us a concert rating of 4.00. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a tie atop the rankings. I'll give the tiebreaker to this show because of Halloween. Our scores heading into night two:
1. Charlottesville 2010: Night 1 - 4.00 (Halloween tiebreaker)
2. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
3. Noblesville 2010: Night 2 - 3.89
4. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
5. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 2 - 3.85
6. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
7. Noblesville 2010: Night 1 - 3.72
8. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
9. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 1: 3.68
10.Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
11. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
12. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
Charlottesville 2010 - Night 2
Riding high from the Watchtower > Halloween ending to the night before, we were treated with an all time epic, 3 hour and 32 minute set. But can it hang in there or even top the two way tie? Here's what we got. Is it as good as I remember?
1. You Might Die Trying - 3
2. Proudest Monkey > - 2
3. Satellite - 5
4. Say Goodbye - 3
5. Funny The Way It Is - 3
6. Rhyme and Reason - 5
7. Eh Hee - 4
8. Crush - 4
9. Can't Stop - 2
10. Corn Bread - 4
11. Digging A Ditch - 4
12. Lying In The Hands of God - 2
13. The Song That Jane Likes - 4
14. Write A Song - 3
15. Why I Am - 5
16. Dancing Nancies - 5
17. Long Black Veil - 5
18. What You Are - 5
19. Two Step - 5
20. E: Some Devil - 4
21. E: Granny - 5
22. E: #40 - 5
23. E: The Last Stop - 5
24. E: Too Much (Tease) - N/A
24. E: Anyone Seen The Bridge - 4
25. E: Two Much (Tease) - N/A
25. E: Ants Marching - 5
Look at the way this show ends: the last 13 songs include NINE 5s, thre 4s, and one 3. Wow. 25 songs (25! not counting either Two Much tease), with a total score of 101 ... a concert rating of 4.04. The New King ... and, when combined with night one, well worth the travel. Our Final Rankings heading into this weekend in Chicago:
1. Charlottesville 2010: Night 2 - 4.04
2. Charlottesville 2010: Night 1 - 4.00 (Halloween tiebreaker)
3. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
4. Noblesville 2010: Night 2 - 3.89
5. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
6. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 2 - 3.85
7. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
8. Noblesville 2010: Night 1 - 3.72
9. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
10. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 1: 3.68
11.Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
12. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
13. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
Man am I ready to get this show on the road. Until next time: Don't burn the day away.
1 = A song that I would gladly go to get a beer, use the restroom, or do anything else that I needed to do during.
2 = A song that will make me want to stay in place, but that I'll hunt down the beer man during
3 = A song that I'll dance a little to, has moments I'll love, but that I'll talk to The Wiese or text during.
4 = A song I'll be totally lost in, and one which brings me the aforementioned joy and happiness.
5 = Epic; a top ten song, or such a rarity to hear live that I am going to lose control, and might knock someone over I'm dancing in such a crazy way. MJ almost got thrown over a balcony for one of these.
Noblesville 2010 - Night One
To set the mood: we arrived, and it was HOT. I mean, really hot. So hot that breathing took all your energy out of you. So hot that I didn't even want a beer, I just wanted water. Lots of water. Because of the shenanigans which took place the year prior they were limiting the number of cars which could get into the show, so we had to park across the street and WALK our gear into the camp site. We set everything up, and thankfully showtime came. The heat index was around 110 degrees, and we were just ready for nightfall. As the time approached for the band to take the stage we noticed some pretty big clouds on the western horizon. Shortly thereafter, the PA guy came on and announced the show would be delayed, as violent storms were rolling in. He implored us to find shelter. We didn't have shelter, but when the front hit the temp dropped by about 40 degrees (or so it seemed) into the 70s, and we didn't care. With nowhere to go we rode out the intense rain, lightning, and hail (yes ... hail) out on the open. Muddy ... soaking wet ... but no longer hot ... DMB came out with this:
1. JTR - 5
2. Squirm - 4
3. Seven - 3
4. Don't Drink The Water - 5
5. Lying in the Hands of God - 2
6. Shake Me Like A Monkey - 4
7. Break for it - 2
8. Tripping Billies - 5
9. Corn Bread - 4
10. Road - 2
11. Gravedigger - 3
12. #41 - 5
13. Crash Into Me - 4
14. You Might Die Trying - 3
15. Two Step - 5
16. Ants Marching - 5
17. E: The Needle and the Damage Done - 2
18. E: So Damn Lucky - 4
Alright; a short show in numbers, but it went nearly two and a half hours after a two hour rain delay, which was nice. With 18 total songs, and a total score of 67, gives us a concert rating of 3.72. Thus, we have our rankings as such after this show:
1. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
2. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
3. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
4. Noblesville 2010: Night 1 - 3.72
5. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
6. Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
7. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
8. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
Noblesville 2010 - Night Two
Night two followed a nice, warm (but not ungodly hot) day (which followed a night of more storms, in which we slept wet in a tent that allowed rain in ... sweet, huh? Still, when we climbed out of the tent in the morning, and everyone else climbed out of their cars, we earned incredible credibility. So we have that. Which is nice). We dried out, we grilled out, and then we saw this:
1. Big Eyed Fish > - 5
2. Bartender - 5
3. Stay or Leave -4
4. Sweet Up And Down - 5
5. Funny The Way It Is - 3
6. Stand Up - 1
7. Recently - 3
8. Sister - 2
9. Dancing Nancies - 5
10. Why I Am - 5
11. Spaceman - 3
12. Warehouse - 5
13. Grey Street - 4
14. You and Me - 3
15. Jimi Thing - 4
16. Stay - 4
17. E: Time Bomb > - 4
18. E: All Along The Watchtower - 5
18 Songs, with a total score of 70, gives us a concert rating of 3.89. This show had a strong start, a week stretch 5-8, and then it rolled to a solid finish. I'm honestly a little surprised that it scores this high, but the numbers don't lie. Our rankings now look like this:
1. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
2. Noblesville 2010: Night 2 - 3.89
3. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
4. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
5. Noblesville 2010: Night 1 - 3.72
6. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
7. Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
8. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
9. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
Wrigley Field - Night One
When DMB announced they were going to close out their summer tour at Wrigley Field, and then announced they were taking 2011 off from summer touring (after two decades of doing cross country summer tours) ... well, let's just say that Bows, The Wiese and I were in. We were slightly underwhelmed by our Noblesville experience, and we were searching for a show to get us through the next year (presumably) without DMB. Besides, it was Wrigley Field. How could this not be amazing? Here's what we got night one:
1. One Sweet World - 4
2. Pantala Naga Pampa > Rapunzel - 4
3. Funny The Way It Is - 3
4. Lying In The Hands Of God - 2
5. Crush - 4
6. Burning Down The House - 4
7. Proudest Monkey > - 2
8. Satellite - 5
9. Shake Me Like A Monkey - 4
10. Write A Song - 3
11. Dancing Nancies - 5
12. Why I Am - 5
13. You and Me - 3
14. Sister - 2
15. Don't Drink The Water - 5
16. Everyday > - 3
17. Ants Marching - 5
18. E: The Needle and the Damage Done - 2
19. E: All Along The Watchtower - 5
19 Songs, a total score of 70, gives this show a rating of 3.68. That updates our rankings:
1. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
2. Noblesville 2010: Night 2 - 3.89
3. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
4. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
5. Noblesville 2010: Night 1 - 3.72
6. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
7. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 1: 3.68
8. Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
9. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
10. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
Wrigley Field - Night 2
This show was released as a live concert album, marking my first show that went live album on me. Bows and I were on the rooftops across the street (free, unlimited food and beer, with 15 types of drafts ... what a deal). The Wiese was inside. The place was packed. Here's what we got:
1. You Might Die Trying - 3
2. Stay or Leave - 4
3. Seven - 3
4. Crash Into Me - 4
5. Good Good Time - 2
6. #41 - 5
7. Tripping Billies - 5
8. Digging A Ditch - 4
9. Squirm - 4
10. Gravedigger - 3
11. Spaceman - 3
12. Stay - 4
13. Can't Stop - 2
14. Grey Street - 4
15. Jimi Thing - 4
16. Time Bomb > - 4
17. Two Step - 5
18. E: Christmas Song - 5
19. E: Corn Bread -4
20. E: Last Stop - 5
A few notes:
- 1st Christmas Song in full band set outside of November or December since 1995. That Rare.
- My 1st Last Stop was amazing.
- The roll from "Stay" through to the end was insane live.
So 20 total songs, for a total score of 77 gives us a concert score of 3.85. Looking at this set list, it was saved by an incredibly strong finish that just blew everyone's mind. We now have a concert standings of:
1. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
2. Noblesville 2010: Night 2 - 3.89
3. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
4. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 2 - 3.85
5. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
6. Noblesville 2010: Night 1 - 3.72
7. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
8. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 1: 3.68
9. Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
10. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
11. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
So, will any show overtake Noblesville 2009, night 1? Only Charlottesville is left.
Charlottesville 2010 - Night 1
MJ got his first two shows, as I continued to look for the one show to keep in my mind for a year break. The two of us drove out, and this is what we saw:
1. Squirm - 4
2. Big Eyed Fish > - 5
3. Still Water > - 3
4. Don't Drink The Water - 5
5. Seven - 3
6. Grey Street - 4
7. Spaceman - 3
8. Everyday - 3
9. #41 - 5
10. Shake Me Like A Monkey - 4
11. Spoon - 4
12. Warehouse - 5
13. Jimi Thing - 4
14. Black Jack - 4
15. Christmas Song - 5
16. Lie In Our Graves - 4
17. Time Bomb - 4
18. You and Me - 3
19. Stay - 4
20. E: Sister - 2
21. E: All Along The Watchtower - 5
22. E: Halloween - 5
Wow ... that ending gives me goosebumps just typing it. If there was a way to score higher than a 5, Halloween would have here. Probably would have been a 10. For integrity purposes: 22 songs, a total score of 88(!), gives us a concert rating of 4.00. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a tie atop the rankings. I'll give the tiebreaker to this show because of Halloween. Our scores heading into night two:
1. Charlottesville 2010: Night 1 - 4.00 (Halloween tiebreaker)
2. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
3. Noblesville 2010: Night 2 - 3.89
4. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
5. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 2 - 3.85
6. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
7. Noblesville 2010: Night 1 - 3.72
8. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
9. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 1: 3.68
10.Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
11. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
12. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
Charlottesville 2010 - Night 2
Riding high from the Watchtower > Halloween ending to the night before, we were treated with an all time epic, 3 hour and 32 minute set. But can it hang in there or even top the two way tie? Here's what we got. Is it as good as I remember?
1. You Might Die Trying - 3
2. Proudest Monkey > - 2
3. Satellite - 5
4. Say Goodbye - 3
5. Funny The Way It Is - 3
6. Rhyme and Reason - 5
7. Eh Hee - 4
8. Crush - 4
9. Can't Stop - 2
10. Corn Bread - 4
11. Digging A Ditch - 4
12. Lying In The Hands of God - 2
13. The Song That Jane Likes - 4
14. Write A Song - 3
15. Why I Am - 5
16. Dancing Nancies - 5
17. Long Black Veil - 5
18. What You Are - 5
19. Two Step - 5
20. E: Some Devil - 4
21. E: Granny - 5
22. E: #40 - 5
23. E: The Last Stop - 5
24. E: Too Much (Tease) - N/A
24. E: Anyone Seen The Bridge - 4
25. E: Two Much (Tease) - N/A
25. E: Ants Marching - 5
Look at the way this show ends: the last 13 songs include NINE 5s, thre 4s, and one 3. Wow. 25 songs (25! not counting either Two Much tease), with a total score of 101 ... a concert rating of 4.04. The New King ... and, when combined with night one, well worth the travel. Our Final Rankings heading into this weekend in Chicago:
1. Charlottesville 2010: Night 2 - 4.04
2. Charlottesville 2010: Night 1 - 4.00 (Halloween tiebreaker)
3. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
4. Noblesville 2010: Night 2 - 3.89
5. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
6. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 2 - 3.85
7. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
8. Noblesville 2010: Night 1 - 3.72
9. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
10. Wrigley Field 2010: Night 1: 3.68
11.Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
12. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
13. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
Man am I ready to get this show on the road. Until next time: Don't burn the day away.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The Best of What's Around - Part 7
And ... we're back, just in time for the seventh (well, sixth) installment of everyone's favorite breakdown of my Dave Matthews Band concert experience. Just for good measure, I'll let you know that the phrase "and they have Soriano picked off" was just uttered on my TV, and I wasn't even remotely frustrated. I'm not sure if that is because A) I've lost all faith in him, B) I've lost all faith in the Cubs, or C) I'm very excited to get to Chicago for something that won't disappoint (unlike the Bears, Bulls and Cubs), but it's probably a combination of the three. Again, to just remind you, we score songs accordingly:
1 = A song that I would gladly go to get a beer, use the restroom, or do anything else that I needed to do during.
2 = A song that will make me want to stay in place, but that I'll hunt down the beer man during
3 = A song that I'll dance a little to, has moments I'll love, but that I'll talk to The Wiese or text during.
4 = A song I'll be totally lost in, and one which brings me the aforementioned joy and happiness.
5 = Epic; a top ten song, or such a rarity to hear live that I am going to lose control, and might knock someone over I'm dancing in such a crazy way. MJ almost got thrown over a balcony for one of these.
Now, to set the mood: in the late summer of 2009 things weren't looking the best for yours truly, so I concocted a plan to see DMB a third time that year in order to raise my spirits. Wouldn't you know, they conspired to help, adding an unexpected tour stop in the Chicagoland area, at Tinley Park, in late September. I was able to get a great crew together (The Wiese, Lis, Aud and company attended with, and Bows was with another group) but the crowned jewel was being able to take my brother to his first DMB show. Unfortunately, they don't allow tailgating at Tinley Park (who knew?) which is stupid ... but we still managed to have a good time. Dave had been struggling with his voice for a bit in the weeks leading up to the show, even having to cancel a show in Utah. So the discussion (after seeing Willie Nelson open for the band) was all about how Dave's voice would be. I opined that we would know how he was feeling by how daring he got with the first song. A tame song like Seek Up would be a good warm up, but if he came out with something intense we'd know he was ready to go. We got this:
1. Don't Drink The Water - 5
2. So Damn Lucky - 4
3. Squirm - 4
4. Gravedigger (w/ Willie Nelson) - 3
5. Shake Me Like A Monkey - 4
6. Seven - 3
7. One Sweet World - 4
8. Funny The Way It Is - 3
9. Lying in the Hands of God - 2
10. Recently - 3
11. The Song That Jane Likes - 4
12. Why I Am - 5
13. You and Me - 3
14. Dancing Nancies - 5
15. Spaceman - 3
16. Jimi Thing - 4
17. So Much To Say - 4
18. Anyone Seen The Bridge - 4
19. Too Much (Tease) - N/A
19. Ants Marching - 5
20. E: Baby Blue - 5
21. E: The Maker - 4
22. E: Grey Street - 4
A few notes:
- My first (and thus far only) Baby Blue was amazing. "Let's see if I can get this right" Dave said at the onset. He did. Tough, emotional song.
- A great mix of the old (One Sweet World, Song That Jane Likes, Recently) and new (all the Big Whiskey songs), with a few standards (Nancies, Grey Street, So Much To Say, Ants Marching)
- The sound system SUCKED at this show; there was feedback all night, and it just seemed like they had cruddy speakers.
So 22 total songs (Wow, long set), not counting the tease, for a total score of 85 gives us a concert score of 3.86. A high score, but it was a good show. If the sound system had been better, or we had been able to tailgate, or both, this show would probably be higher up on the list in my mind. Still, the ratings are what they are, and this show ranks in as such:
1. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
2. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
3. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
4. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
5. Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
6. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
7. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
Next up, we'll look at another double header in Noblesville that included a 2 hour delay via hail inducing thundershowers, a few extremely rare appearances from The Lillywhite Sessions, and a lot of hot sun. We are heading into the home stretch: six shows, all from 2010: 2 Noblesville, 2 Wrigley Field (including my first ever live concert release), and 2 Charlottesville, VA, AKA the birthplace of DMB. I know you're excited.
1 = A song that I would gladly go to get a beer, use the restroom, or do anything else that I needed to do during.
2 = A song that will make me want to stay in place, but that I'll hunt down the beer man during
3 = A song that I'll dance a little to, has moments I'll love, but that I'll talk to The Wiese or text during.
4 = A song I'll be totally lost in, and one which brings me the aforementioned joy and happiness.
5 = Epic; a top ten song, or such a rarity to hear live that I am going to lose control, and might knock someone over I'm dancing in such a crazy way. MJ almost got thrown over a balcony for one of these.
Now, to set the mood: in the late summer of 2009 things weren't looking the best for yours truly, so I concocted a plan to see DMB a third time that year in order to raise my spirits. Wouldn't you know, they conspired to help, adding an unexpected tour stop in the Chicagoland area, at Tinley Park, in late September. I was able to get a great crew together (The Wiese, Lis, Aud and company attended with, and Bows was with another group) but the crowned jewel was being able to take my brother to his first DMB show. Unfortunately, they don't allow tailgating at Tinley Park (who knew?) which is stupid ... but we still managed to have a good time. Dave had been struggling with his voice for a bit in the weeks leading up to the show, even having to cancel a show in Utah. So the discussion (after seeing Willie Nelson open for the band) was all about how Dave's voice would be. I opined that we would know how he was feeling by how daring he got with the first song. A tame song like Seek Up would be a good warm up, but if he came out with something intense we'd know he was ready to go. We got this:
1. Don't Drink The Water - 5
2. So Damn Lucky - 4
3. Squirm - 4
4. Gravedigger (w/ Willie Nelson) - 3
5. Shake Me Like A Monkey - 4
6. Seven - 3
7. One Sweet World - 4
8. Funny The Way It Is - 3
9. Lying in the Hands of God - 2
10. Recently - 3
11. The Song That Jane Likes - 4
12. Why I Am - 5
13. You and Me - 3
14. Dancing Nancies - 5
15. Spaceman - 3
16. Jimi Thing - 4
17. So Much To Say - 4
18. Anyone Seen The Bridge - 4
19. Too Much (Tease) - N/A
19. Ants Marching - 5
20. E: Baby Blue - 5
21. E: The Maker - 4
22. E: Grey Street - 4
A few notes:
- My first (and thus far only) Baby Blue was amazing. "Let's see if I can get this right" Dave said at the onset. He did. Tough, emotional song.
- A great mix of the old (One Sweet World, Song That Jane Likes, Recently) and new (all the Big Whiskey songs), with a few standards (Nancies, Grey Street, So Much To Say, Ants Marching)
- The sound system SUCKED at this show; there was feedback all night, and it just seemed like they had cruddy speakers.
So 22 total songs (Wow, long set), not counting the tease, for a total score of 85 gives us a concert score of 3.86. A high score, but it was a good show. If the sound system had been better, or we had been able to tailgate, or both, this show would probably be higher up on the list in my mind. Still, the ratings are what they are, and this show ranks in as such:
1. Noblesville 2009: Night 1 - 4.00
2. Tinley Park 2009 - 3.86
3. Noblesville 2009: Night 2 - 3.77
4. Assembly Hall 2008 - 3.71
5. Noblesville 2008 - 3.65
6. Noblesville 2007 - 3.43
7. Tinley Park 2006 - 3.32
Next up, we'll look at another double header in Noblesville that included a 2 hour delay via hail inducing thundershowers, a few extremely rare appearances from The Lillywhite Sessions, and a lot of hot sun. We are heading into the home stretch: six shows, all from 2010: 2 Noblesville, 2 Wrigley Field (including my first ever live concert release), and 2 Charlottesville, VA, AKA the birthplace of DMB. I know you're excited.
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