tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41307702012-01-19T22:03:20.755-06:00From a mess to the massesSeitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.comBlogger10851100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-30652668482184274702011-12-16T17:06:00.000-06:002011-12-16T17:07:37.261-06:00

#10 - Smith Westerns - Dye it Blonde  #9 - Peter Bjorn & John - Gimme Some  #8 - Eleanor Friedberger - Last Summer  #7 - Cults - Cults  #6 - tUnE-yArDs - W H O K I L L   #5 - Wild Flag - Wild Flag   #4 - Gruff Rhys - Hotel Shampoo   #3 - St. Vincent - Strange Mercy   #2 - Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes #1 - PJ Harvey - Let England Shake PJ Harvey is kind of a weird artist for me.  There are

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-16880607960883277712011-12-15T15:09:00.002-06:002011-12-15T16:02:15.380-06:00

#10 - Smith Westerns - Dye it Blonde  #9 - Peter Bjorn & John - Gimme Some  #8 - Eleanor Friedberger - Last Summer  #7 - Cults - Cults  #6 - tUnE-yArDs - W H O K I L L   #5 - Wild Flag - Wild Flag   #4 - Gruff Rhys - Hotel Shampoo   #3 - St. Vincent - Strange Mercy #2 - Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes As I mentioned yesterday, it's often an album that either greatly exceeds my expectations or

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-45199115426690907612011-12-14T17:21:00.000-06:002011-12-14T17:21:17.244-06:00

#10 - Smith Westerns - Dye it Blonde  #9 - Peter Bjorn & John - Gimme Some  #8 - Eleanor Friedberger - Last Summer  #7 - Cults - Cults  #6 - tUnE-yArDs - W H O K I L L   #5 - Wild Flag - Wild Flag   #4 - Gruff Rhys - Hotel Shampoo   #3 - St. Vincent - Strange Mercy Annie Clark's sophomore album Actor would have likely rated very high on my 2009 list if I had actually paid more attention

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-62552642636754230752011-12-13T15:39:00.000-06:002011-12-13T16:16:36.478-06:00

#10 - Smith Westerns - Dye it Blonde   #9 - Peter Bjorn & John - Gimme Some   #8 - Eleanor Friedberger - Last Summer   #7 - Cults - Cults   #6 - tUnE-yArDs - W H O K I L L  #5 - Wild Flag - Wild Flag I'll admit to having completely missed the boat on Sleater Kinney.  The Portland trio's back catalog is right up my alley, but I have hard time getting into bands with big back catalogs if I'm not

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-91062402149915076692011-12-12T15:24:00.000-06:002011-12-12T15:25:13.801-06:00

#10 - Smith Westerns - Dye it Blonde #9 - Peter Bjorn and John - Gimme Some #8 - Eleanor Friedberger - Last Summer #7 - Cults - Cults In a year seemingly dominated by female vocaled '60s style retro pop (Dum Dum Girls, Tennis, Those Darlins, etc.), Brooklyn via San Diego, boyfriend and girlfriend duo Cults produced the retroist and poppyist of the bunch with their terrific self titled debut.  

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-43144453758224131132011-12-09T13:13:00.001-06:002011-12-09T14:23:35.328-06:00

On to the top 10.  A quick note that I make every year: My favorite ten albums are exactly that.  I'm not a music critic, and I can't comment on the art, necessarily.  I can only really rank albums in terms of how much enjoyment I took from them.  I see a lot of live shows, and I spend a lot of time listening to bands that I'm going to see, because I like going to shows when I'm familiar with the

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-61981959108308398942011-12-08T15:02:00.001-06:002011-12-08T17:16:51.226-06:00

So over the course of the year, I counted up about 45 or so 2011 releases that I bought this year, in addition to a handful of albums that were released last year or earlier.  They can't all be in the top ten, so here's how the rest stacked up. Albums that came out in 2010 (or earlier) that I discovered or appreciated this year: Crocodiles - Sleep Forever the 1900s - Return of the Century:

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-75535000612493439842011-12-08T14:37:00.001-06:002011-12-08T14:55:44.203-06:00

Here are some quick thoughts on the Angels' flurry of activity in the last 48 hours. Albert's contract is an overpayment that will look pretty bad in four or five years.  And that being the case, who the hell cares?  It's not my money, and Arte has pretty clearly shown that the worst contract in baseball (Vernon Wells) is not going to keep him from spending money on excellent players who want

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-77655338987739590392011-12-06T16:26:00.001-06:002011-12-06T20:40:59.207-06:00

Exactly one year ago, I posted about the year in live shows, 2010. Following the same format, here's the rundown on 2011, keeping in mind that I still have tickets for two upcoming shows: the War on Drugs @ Lincoln Hall (12/7), and Joy Formidable @ the Metro (12/15).  Shows attended: 54 (plus two remaining), which means I'll beat last year by about 10.   Sets witnessed: 97 (plus about four

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-12463984554092992452011-07-21T09:56:00.004-05:002011-07-21T10:37:14.689-05:00

Fresh off a late Spring tour with her brother, the Fiery Furnaces as a duo, Eleanor Friedberger released her first true solo album, "Last Summer", and has hit the road in support. She called the duo tour their "recital", and it really had that type of feel. Just her brother Matt at the keys and Eleanor on vocals as they re-interpreted a selection of music covering more or less their entire

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-32215358409054283432011-03-02T21:33:00.003-06:002011-03-02T22:38:40.611-06:00

Maybe it was the inevitability of the thing, or maybe I've just consumed a few thousand gallons of alcohol since it happened, but I don't recall the level of reaction in the Halosphere, such as it was, to Tim Salmon's retirement as there has been to Garret Anderson's retirement. Maybe it's because there's been a lot of coverage at the OC Register's excellent blog. That's not a criticism, it's

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-827851997245726292011-02-02T11:22:00.005-06:002011-02-03T14:14:30.727-06:00

The blizzard of 2011

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-70181118887697504652011-01-25T21:13:00.002-06:002011-01-25T22:00:59.766-06:00

We've all read a lot in the last few days about the Vernon Wells trade, and now that Mike Napoli has ended up with the rival Rangers, things break down as such:Angels get Vernon Wells and will owe him roughly $20MM per over the next four years to probably play left field. They lose Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera, both defensive butchers with power bats and the ability to draw a walk. Blue Jays get

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-65705195340530766132010-12-17T12:23:00.001-06:002010-12-17T12:23:38.598-06:00

Finally, we reach the end.Titus Andronicus - The MonitorI was initially sort of dreading this album's release. I'm not really big on concept albums, and when it comes to history, I've never really been all that interested in the Civil War. So when I learned that Titus Andronicus were following up 2008's 'The Airing of Grievances' with a sprawling epic of a Civil War themed concept album, I was

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-36397643821739308562010-12-16T13:00:00.004-06:002010-12-16T16:17:54.489-06:00

Deerhunter - Halcyon DigestI've gone back and forth between #s 2 and 3. #1 has been set for a while, but this album and the one that came before it are pretty much based on my whim at any given time. But whereas the Morning Benders released an album that hit me instantly AND grew on me, this one I've loved pretty much start to finish from day one.Like many of the albums on my list, I think this

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-51633907914135382332010-12-14T22:34:00.006-06:002010-12-15T23:38:07.984-06:00

The Morning Benders - Big EchoA friend of mine sent out an email about show these guys were set to play in October, and it reminded me that I'd been meaning to listen to this album. When I finally got around to doing so, I couldn't stop, and it's still a go to record when I need some music to fill the office. He missed their show, but I have him to thank for finally convincing me to listen to

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-68470331795295610942010-12-13T21:42:00.004-06:002010-12-14T12:51:43.531-06:00

The Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring NightPinko Punko posted this on Song of the Day earlier in the year, and if you click through to that link, you can see my love for this album evolve in the comments. There was a good three week period when I was listening to this album all the way through at least once or twice every day. It's an album that really grows on you, and while

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-85395291834992857342010-12-13T14:33:00.005-06:002010-12-13T22:17:19.483-06:00

The Walkmen - LisbonWhereas the New Pornographers, Spoon, and Broken Social Scene all more or less met expectations, the Walkmen rarely fail to exceed them. A bit more stripped down than 'You & Me', my choice for the best album in their catalog, 'Lisbon' finds the Walkmen once again doing what they do best. Lisbon provides a vehicle for Hamilton Leithauser's emotional vocals, Paul Maroon's

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-592461560645143442010-12-12T20:05:00.004-06:002010-12-13T22:16:50.157-06:00

Free Energy - Stuck on NothingThe brother of a friend of mine from law school is one of the music writers for Chicagoist. He wrote an entry about these guys after I already had tickets to see them (they opened for Foreign Born), but before I had heard anything by them. That was the first of five Free Energy shows I saw this year.There's a fine line between creative camp and parody. These guys

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-62357805744572786172010-12-11T18:32:00.005-06:002010-12-13T22:16:13.473-06:00

Miles Kurosky - The Desert of Shallow EffectsI discovered Beulah along with a bunch of the other Elephant 6 related stuff probably back in 2002 or so, right after they released The Coast is Never Clear, probably my favorite Beulah album. They would go on to release YOKO in 2004 before calling it quits that year after a final tour (during which I saw them twice).After a fairly long hiatus, former

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-85741546189691812382010-12-10T14:23:00.007-06:002010-12-13T22:15:15.040-06:00

The Black Keys - BrothersSecond of three Top 10 bands that I didn't see live this year. Never really listened to the Black Keys much until this year. There's a plethora of "Black" bands out there. Black Mountain, the Black Kids, the Black Lips, the Black Angels... I think in my head I've always just sort of lumped them all in with one another. When you subscribe to a bunch of music blogs

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-10094072450075075882010-12-09T15:27:00.004-06:002010-12-13T22:13:47.859-06:00

The Drums - The DrumsI hadn't even heard of these guys until Stereogum posted their list of the 40 best new bands of 2010, a list that they didn't even make. Someone in the comments mentioned them. Turns out I actually had tickets to see them at the time. They were playing a double bill (which is a regular show, except the bands are considered "co-headliners") with Surfer Blood at Lincoln Hall

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-33992763073979839012010-12-08T20:28:00.005-06:002010-12-13T22:13:01.822-06:00

First, a note about the process. I hate the construct of a "Top 10" or "10 Best". This process is subjective by nature, and the idea that my selections are THE best is kind of ridiculous. The only thing I can honestly say about these albums is that they are/were my favorite of the past year. Now, I typically listen to a band's album the most before I see that band in concert, which happened a

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-75794273030036868152010-12-07T14:45:00.005-06:002010-12-08T23:11:27.315-06:00

I thought 2009 was a pretty damn good year for music. I actually had a fairly difficult time putting together a CD for friends because I felt like there was a lot of great stuff I had to leave off. I was pretty sure 2010 was going to be a bit of step back. I was wrong. 2010 featured a ton of great music, so much that I'm about to list a bunch of albums that I would have almost guaranteed top

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-21791063759463689542010-12-06T15:50:00.005-06:002010-12-06T17:54:40.628-06:00

It's December 6th, and at current, I have a ticket to one more show before the year ends (Tennis @ Schuba's), with no immediate plans to add any others. So how do the numbers add up for 2010?Shows attended (not including Pitchfork) - 46Sets witnessed (including Pitchfork) - ~90Shows by venue:Lincoln Hall - 15Schuba's - 8Metro - 8Empty Bottle - 4Bottom Lounge - 3Riviera - 2Vic - 2Logan Square

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-74316203655804957132010-11-21T22:11:00.000-06:002010-11-21T22:12:08.605-06:00

Content.Soon.

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-65289855181747951262010-06-16T10:58:00.002-05:002010-06-16T11:05:26.333-05:00

Group HSpainSwitzerlandHondurasChileJune 16 Spain vs. SwitzerlandJune 16 Honduras vs. ChileJune 21 Spain vs. HondurasJune 21 Chile vs. SwitzerlandJune 25 Switzerland vs. HondurasJune 25 Chile vs. SpainSpain Key players: Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Xavi (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), David Villa (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona)Sometimes it takes the Spanish a little while to

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-61275665615344171892010-06-15T10:16:00.002-05:002010-06-15T10:23:49.153-05:00

Group GBrazilNorth KoreaIvory CoastPortugalJune 15 Brazil vs. North KoreaJune 15 Ivory Coast vs. PortugalJune 20 Brazil vs. Ivory CoastJune 21 Portugal vs. North KoreaJune 25 North Korea vs. Ivory CoastJune 25 Portugal vs. BrazilFavorites: Brazil and PortugalBrazil Key players: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Maicon (Inter Milan), Lucio (Inter Milan), Kaka (Real Madrid), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla)Joga

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-23979914513157200082010-06-14T16:23:00.000-05:002010-06-14T16:25:19.293-05:00

Group FItalyParaguayNew ZealandSlovakiaJune 14 Italy vs. ParaguayJune 15 New Zealand vs. SlovakiaJune 20 Italy vs. New ZealandJune 20 Slovakia vs. ParaguayJune 24 Paraguay vs. New ZealandJune 24 Slovakia vs. ItalyFavorites: Italy and ParaguayItalyKey players: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Giorgio Chellini (Juventus), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-58108207837560658982010-06-11T09:42:00.001-05:002010-06-11T09:44:11.087-05:00

Group ENetherlandsDenmarkJapanCameroonJune 14 Netherlands vs. DenmarkJune 14 Japan vs. CameroonJune 19 Netherlands vs. JapanJune 19 Cameroon vs. DenmarkJune 24 Denmark vs. JapanJune 24 Cameroon vs. NetherlandsFavorites: Netherlands and DenmarkNetherlandsKey players: Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan), Robbie van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich), Nigel de

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-2047388109235466682010-06-07T14:30:00.001-05:002010-06-07T14:32:04.099-05:00

Group DAustraliaGermanyGhanaSerbiaJune 13 Serbia v. GhanaJune 13 Germany v. AustraliaJune 18 Germany v. SerbiaJune 19 Ghana v. AustraliaJune 23 Ghana v. GermanyJune 23 Australia v. SerbiaFavorites: Germany and SerbiaAustraliaKey players: Tim Cahill (Everton), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Brett Emerton (Blackburn), Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray)Australia is a country made up of

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-72027803465672897072010-06-04T23:01:00.006-05:002010-06-05T00:28:46.341-05:00

When I was in fifth grade, I took a trip with a couple friends to a cabin in Lake Arrowhead. We went up to play in the snow. At some point on that trip, as the college basketball season was getting underway, I heard a radio personality say that if the Bruins were to win the NCAA championship that year, it would be their 11th in 20 years. Now, at that time I was more interested in the math,

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-35138903232794921062010-06-02T09:32:00.002-05:002010-06-02T09:34:14.479-05:00

Group CEnglandUnited StatesAlgeriaSloveniaJune 12 England vs. United StatesJune 13 Algeria vs. SloveniaJune 18 England vs. AlgeriaJune 18 Slovenia vs. United StatesJune 23 United States vs. AlgeriaJune 23 Slovenia vs. EnglandFavorites: England and the United StatesEnglandKey players: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea),

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-78296210696942017492010-06-01T09:38:00.001-05:002010-06-01T09:41:50.258-05:00

Group BArgentinaGreeceNigeriaSouth KoreaThe favorites: Argentina and NigeriaScheduleJune 12 South Korea v. GreeceJune 12 Argentina v. NigeriaJune 17 Argentina v. South KoreaJune 17 Greece v. NigeriaJune 22 Nigeria v. South KoreaJune 22 Greece v. ArgentinaArgentinaKey players: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool),

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-76155319305293876152010-05-28T14:46:00.001-05:002010-05-28T14:47:49.367-05:00

Group ASouth AfricaUruguayMexicoFranceThe favorites: France and MexicoScheduleJune 11 South Africa vs. MexicoJune 11 Uruguay vs. FranceJune 16 South Africa vs. UruguayJune 17 France vs. MexicoJune 22 Mexico vs. UruguayJune 22 France vs. South AfricaSouth AfricaKey players: Stephen Pienaar (Everton).As most humans are probably aware, South Africa is hosting the World Cup this year. As any soccer

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-22872724459351081012010-05-27T17:01:00.001-05:002010-05-27T17:04:01.746-05:00

by Ben BelcherLike most things in America these days, the most annoying opinions about soccer are found at the extremes, and those extremes seem to be the only opinions that are voiced in the press. On the one hand, there are those who think soccer is a communist plot brought on by the Comintern to bore Americans to death. On the other hand, there are those who think ordinary Americans (unlike

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-45254828344415186432010-05-27T16:59:00.002-05:002010-05-27T17:01:13.808-05:00

Hey everyone, guess what? Content!! I know, it's been a while, but in my own defense, I'm very, very lazy. Anyway, a friend has asked to "guest blog" the World Cup. So over the next few days/weeks/whatever, my friend Ben will be posting his world cup previews. I'll probably chip in about the Angels once they reach .500, which may be sometime in 2013.

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-63741026724521719002010-04-23T13:50:00.003-05:002010-04-23T14:15:15.125-05:00

According to the list I put together on Facebook last year, this was the sixth time I've seen this lineup as Echo and the Bunnymen. I've also seen Mac do his solo show once, and I saw them once as Electrafixion (actually, that was the first time I saw Mac and Will Sergeant perform).I'll give them credit for knowing their audience. This bunch of people was not there to listen to new music, which

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-32250300284892695482010-04-23T13:45:00.002-05:002010-04-23T13:46:08.691-05:00

Apparently the Angels had so much fun finally getting over .500 that they decided to head back under .500 just so they could do it again.

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-65439027148581010552010-04-19T10:37:00.003-05:002010-04-19T11:04:59.281-05:00

Not a bad sports weekend. The Angels swept the Blue Jays, and the Kings evened up the series with Vancouver, grabbing home ice in the process.AngelsThree games of quality pitching and timely hitting. They picked up late runs in every ballgame, and nearly all proved necessary. Of the sixteen runs the Angels scored over the weekend, seven game in the eighth and ninth innings. Toronto picked up

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-25405767618424542842010-04-16T23:59:00.005-05:002010-04-17T00:08:48.469-05:00

Thank the freaking Lord for Jered Weaver. I think we've been waiting for Lil Weav to assume this role, but so far in three starts, he's been an ace. He's striking guys out. He's throwing strikes and working quickly. He's fun to watch, and he's easy to root for. On the offensive side of the ball, things looked better tonight. Kendry hit #3. Every starter had a hit. Matsui and Hunter are off

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-9109321726173755122010-04-16T00:11:00.002-05:002010-04-16T00:16:16.317-05:00

1) The Vancouver Canucks aren't that fucking good.2) Randy Jones really sucks. As to point two, I saw the Kings play the Blackhawks at the United Center in March. I sat in the 300 level behind the net that the Hawks shot at twice, and if one thing was evident from that game, it was that Randy Jones is not an NHL caliber defenseman. His giveaway gave the game to the Hawks. His giveaway at

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-70183166467345336402010-04-13T14:22:00.001-05:002010-04-13T14:23:26.176-05:00

In two weeks, after the Kings flame out of the playoffs, I guess I'll have to look forward to college football. This team sucks.

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-88034142885424267552010-04-08T10:00:00.006-05:002010-04-09T00:33:03.073-05:00

Skipped the first opener, and stood around for the Saps, a local Chicago band that reminded me a fair amount of Team Band. I love Team Band, but they're kind of a hard band to emulate without making it really obvious. Maybe it's all coincidence and they there's no influence there, but it sure sounded like it to me.TA took the stage around 10:45 or so, and played for a good 1:20, with no encores

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-83374888410882162132010-04-05T09:46:00.002-05:002010-04-05T10:08:18.769-05:00

Finally, one of the greatest days of the year, and at least for today, one of the nicest days we've had in Chicago for a while. Opening day for the Sox and Indians should go off without a hitch. But I'm not here to talk about the Sox. I said most of what I had to say about the Angels a couple months ago, and for what it's worth, I don't think any of my analysis has changed very much. I still

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-15000372097928965862010-04-02T13:07:00.007-05:002010-04-02T15:07:08.255-05:00

After failing to reach commercial success to match their critical acclaim, San Francisco pop outfit Beulah broke up in the summer of 2005. Actually, they officially called it quits before their last tour, which made that sort of a farewell tour. They played two nights in Chicago at the Abbey on that tour, both of which I attended. I was pretty much up at the stage on the second night, and was

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-91818859731526401032010-03-29T15:41:00.003-05:002010-03-29T15:57:56.947-05:00

First time I've seen them live, and they pretty much lived up to the hype. It might have been the few beers beforehand, but this was a really easy show to get into. A nice thing about Vampire Weekend is that they've only got two records, and most of their songs are short, so they can play a pretty full set that covers virtually all of their album material. They played the entire new album,

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-24488887009763715752010-03-15T09:07:00.003-05:002010-03-15T09:30:15.879-05:00

Three concerts last week, bringing the 2010 total to five so far.Surfer Blood @ Schuba's - 3/10/10First up was Surfer Blood, a band out of Florida with a California sound. They played Schuba's, which is right around the corner of my apartment. That made this show very convenient, as I had spent the previous 2+ hours at the United Center watching the Kings lose to the Blackhawks in overtime. So

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-8971796902408799952010-03-09T12:38:00.002-06:002010-03-09T12:44:10.330-06:00

Three shows lined up for this week. First up is Surfer Blood @ Schubas's - 3/10/10Second one is Thursday night - We Were Promised Jetpacks @ Lincoln Hall:Last show of the week is Ted Leo on Saturday night @ the Bottom Lounge:

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-63901953067169536052010-03-08T12:52:00.005-06:002010-03-09T12:37:28.291-06:00

Alright, so I missed Clovers, but my excuse was that I was pretty sick this weekend, so it's a minor miracle that I made it out for Free Energy and Foreign Born, but I'm glad I did. I'd heard mention of Free Energy here and there, but this post by Jim Kopeny (I went to law school with his brother) at Chicagoist sold me on getting there in time for their set. I read someone who compared them to

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-68887807301922104912010-02-26T11:10:00.003-06:002010-02-26T11:22:02.290-06:00

Foreign Born is the next show on tap for 2010. They'll be playing the Empty Bottle for a mere $5, plus some small service charges. 'Person to Person' was one of my favorite albums of 2009, and their show at Spaceland in December was excellent. Really looking forward to this one.The first song is "Into Your Dream" from the previous album 'On the Wing Now' (and apparently it was on the Chuck

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-71273765876600586102010-02-23T13:17:00.005-06:002010-02-23T13:55:13.005-06:00

I said I was going to do this more often, so here it is. First show of the year for 2010 was the lovely Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, at the Metro last week. Really an excellent show. She played almost all of her most recent album "Actor". I think she only left out "Neigbors". She also played many of the highlights from "Marry Me".Best moments of the show for me were Marrow, which actually

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-21084629261100664642010-02-22T08:57:00.003-06:002010-02-22T11:02:11.621-06:00

The Olympics are in full swing, and after last night's epic victory over Canada, I'm pretty pumped for the medal round, but Spring Training is underway, and it's time to start thinking about baseball. The other day a friend asked me the following question:Are you seeing tough times for the Angels this year? Seems like everyone else is improving and you guys are getting worse. I think you're

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-8918571159301283692010-02-10T09:40:00.004-06:002010-02-10T09:50:14.863-06:00

Whoa. Little dusty in here. Just thought I'd post something about what's coming up in the newish year. I fully intend to resume some modicum of Angels blogging once the season starts, but geez, it's been kind of a boring off-season for the last couple months. I don't think I'll take on any big projects, but I'll still write as things hit me, and I may do some game recaps when I think I can

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-90383503620825055982010-01-22T11:51:00.001-06:002010-01-22T11:53:43.011-06:00

There is a God! Sometimes I hate to be proven right, but I think it's safe to say that Gary Matthews Jr. will go down as one of the worst free agent signings, not just in Angels history, but in baseball history. Funny thing is, it still didn't keep the Angels out of the playoffs in those three years. Oh well, thank God there's a team as dumb as the Mets.

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-75169788783935252872009-12-15T09:50:00.006-06:002009-12-15T16:03:46.685-06:00

Let's take stock of what we've seen from the Angels so far this off-season, both positive and negative:Matt Brown, Jose Arredondo, and Dustin Mosely were non-tendered.Kelvim Escobar signed a minor league deal elsewhere.Chone Figgins signed with the Mariners.John Lackey signed with the Red Sox.The Angels re-upped with Bobby Abreu for two more seasons.The Angels signed Hideki Matsui for one year at

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-77884562955184827672009-12-03T15:48:00.003-06:002009-12-03T15:53:31.296-06:00

Pre Holiday-Party:Cheerleader - Grizzly BearSpit it Out - Brendan BensonLes Yper-Sound - StereolabOne to Another - Charlatans UKSplash #One (Now I'm Home) - Mighty Lemon DropsHypnotized - Spacemen 3Bright Yellow Gun - Throwing MusesSoma - the StrokesHere's the first single from the first CD I ever bought.

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-61557481809449083942009-12-02T08:34:00.005-06:002009-12-02T08:41:36.958-06:00

Sausage Fest today:Billy Liar - the DecemberistsCome Together - SpiritualizedJackass - BeckMorning Bell (version from Kid A) - RadioheadPlanet of Sound - the PixiesSomething So Strong - Crowded HouseSlash N' Burn - Manic Street PreachersJuicebox - the StrokesBegin the Begin - R.E.M.The Pixies/Crowded House back to back was an interesting change of pace. I think the Spiritualized song is the best

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-26085846090559378212009-12-01T15:11:00.002-06:002009-12-01T15:17:53.314-06:00

First one of December. Quick Canal (w/ Leatitia Sadier of Stereolab) - Atlas SoundAll of the Things That Go To Make Heaven and Earth - New PornographersThe One Who Got Us Out - Ted Leo and the PharmacistsFutures and Folly - Blitzen TrapperCracking Up - the Jesus and Mary ChainHigh and Dry - RadioheadLet the Serpent Sleep - Elf PowerRun - SpiritualizedIn the Flowers - Animal CollectiveThe last

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-80679452383221214662009-11-30T08:45:00.003-06:002009-11-30T08:57:33.325-06:00

Post-Thanksgiving and ready for three weeks of work before I go home for Christmas:Fall On Me - R.E.M.Lovecats - the CureOn and On - the LongpigsFour Sticks - Led ZeppelinSons of Cain - Ted Leo and the PharmacistsSo Much - the SundaysThe Piccolo Snare - Super Furry AnimalsBig Red - Frank BlackYou're Not Very Well - Charlatans U.K.Squint - Grant Lee PhillipsMaybe the largest concentration of "acts

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-64176159206347222272009-11-29T00:43:00.002-06:002009-11-29T00:47:39.095-06:00

Is there a bigger cocksucker in sports than Pete Carroll? Fresh off bitching about Stanford trying to hang 50 on him, he runs up the score with a meaningless touchdown in the final minute against UCLA.If I were Rick Neuheisel, I would have called an out pattern on that last drive, and instructed my receiver to forget the ball and bury a U$C coach, preferable the cocksucker Carroll himself.

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-61204629305756524822009-11-23T08:53:00.004-06:002009-11-23T08:59:41.209-06:00

Ran into some disaster this morning, but here's what came up first:Motor Away - Guided By VoicesOnly Shallow - My Bloody ValentineNice Dream - RadioheadMason City - Fiery FurnacesSonny - PaloaltoThen I ran out of juice. Apparently it had been a while since I powered up the old iPod, and now, roughly 700 songs into a 1,400 song playlist (give or take), I have to start all over. Ugh.Today you get

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-9965035803233468252009-11-20T13:19:00.003-06:002009-11-20T13:31:39.350-06:00

After three straight days of driving 50 miles in traffic back and forth to the suburbs for training (teaching this week after attending last week), I was finally back on the train this morning. You SoCalers who drive every day don't realize how nice it is to live close to reliable and clean public transportation.In the Flowers - Animal CollectiveThe King of Carrot Flowers - Neutral Milk

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-56391722574683865092009-11-16T08:46:00.002-06:002009-11-16T09:02:06.716-06:00

Back from training and back on the train. Here's today's lineup:Human Being - the Beta BandBallad of the Lonely Argonaut - BeulahBye Bye Badman - the Stone RosesEx-Girl Collection - the WrensThings Are Getting Better - the High DialsLay - the PeelsTin Pan Alley - the Apples in Stereo9-9 - R.E.M.Alone Again Or - Matthew Sweet and Susanna HoffsA bunch of tracks that are arguably the best on their

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-75859189611279103062009-11-09T08:59:00.003-06:002009-11-09T09:11:41.592-06:00

Happy Berlin Wall day. My brother was actually there in Berlin when it all happened, just by chance. He was studying in Heidelberg and had made a weekend trip to Berlin and ended up in the middle of everything. I still have a piece of the wall in my apartment.On a programming side, this bit will go on hiatus for about a week since I have to go to a worthless training that I'm pretty pissed off

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-63539675916422730842009-11-06T09:11:00.003-06:002009-11-06T09:20:50.507-06:00

Let's get to it:Break Me Gently - DovesThe Tourist - RadioheadMisty Mountain Hop - Led ZeppelinShow Me Mary - Catherine WheelBad - U2Seen the Light - SupergrassOntario - the PosiesModern Love (David Bowie Cover) - the Last Town ChorusLots of British stuff today until the Posies came in and broke the streak. Every time I hear Show Me Mary, I can never tell at the beginning whether it's that song

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-17776224562235326012009-11-05T08:44:00.004-06:002009-11-05T09:00:25.475-06:00

Today's random commuter music:What the World is Waiting For - the Stone RosesTestimony - Grant Lee BuffaloWaking Up Tired - the Hoodoo GurusIn Between Days - the CureGoing Down - the Stone RosesGenerals and Majors - XTCJean - Billy Bragg (cover of the Smiths B-Side)Fight - Art Brutthe Commuter - Simple KidOxford Comma - Vampire WeekendSt. Expedite - Grant Lee PhillipsThis was like two sides of a

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-34574732631093454292009-11-04T08:50:00.004-06:002009-11-04T09:03:47.239-06:00

Here's today's commuting music:Tornado Alley - Viva VoceStreethawk I - DestroyerM79 - Vampire WeekendBig Sur - The ThrillsM62 Song - DovesLow - CrackerEmpty - MetricAin't That Enough - Teenage FanclubThe State I Am In - Belle and SebastianTwo things stand out today. After yesterday's sausage fest, we had some ladies today, with Anita Robinson taking vocals on Tornado Alley, and Emily Haines on

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-86435440212492668402009-11-03T08:42:00.004-06:002009-11-03T08:54:26.865-06:00

See yesterday's post for details. Here's today's stuff:Good Weekend - Art Brut303 - Kula ShakerGive 'Em All a Big Fat Lip - the WhigsTimorous Me - Ted Leo and the PharmacistsEvil - InterpolGoing to Hell - Brian Jonestown MassacreMary Anne - Spacemen 3The Holy Ground - the High DialsThe Ballad of Elton John - Simple KidA Good Man is Easy to Kill - BeulahJeepster - T. RexPretty decent showing

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-71828311025176684272009-11-02T08:48:00.004-06:002009-11-02T09:02:20.246-06:00

In order to keep from totally ignoring this blog, I've decided that I'm starting a new series which will no doubt bore the crap out of everyone who stumbles by, but oh well. A little background: I have roughly 7,600 songs on my iPod, 99% of which are from albums I've either purchased and ripped to my computer, or albums I've downloaded through things like emusic (I think I only have 20 songs

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-34263842393417374202009-10-25T22:48:00.001-05:002009-10-25T22:49:45.438-05:00

If in the biggest inning of the biggest game of your season, you allow two runs without the other team getting one hit, you don't deserve to even be in the post-season, let alone the World Series.

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-36069242122951494682009-10-19T20:17:00.005-05:002009-10-20T07:45:56.215-05:00

With the season on the line, the Angels needed to find a way to get back into this series. Thanks to the bats of Vladimir Guerrero, Howie Kendrick, and Jeff Mathis, the Angels pulled the series back to 2-1 and look to get even tomorrow night.Jered Weaver didn't bring his best stuff to the mound today. He got his pitch count up early, and his fastball was very hittable. He battled through five

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-77073148157344644402009-10-18T00:21:00.002-05:002009-10-18T01:29:28.483-05:00

Just an atrocious way to end a game that the Yankees tried to give away. I don't even know what to say after this one. Time and time again the Angels had chances to take control, and time and time again they refused to cash in. For some reason, the Angels have not come to the ALCS prepared to play, and it has cost them the first two games of the season. They wasted an excellent effort from

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-9441929610710505362009-10-16T23:36:00.002-05:002009-10-16T23:53:37.146-05:00

Not much to say. The Angels just looked like they weren't ready for the series to start. It's almost like they were expecting a rain out, and were surprised when the game went off as planned.The misplay in the first inning will be considered a tone-setter, but it was almost more of a "tone-identifier". Lackey's inability to retire Derek Jeter in the bottom of the first, and the bloop broken

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-61173085491860897382009-10-13T12:34:00.002-05:002009-10-13T12:35:13.065-05:00

But I'll be in Anaheim if the Angels beat the Yankees, and if the World Series goes at least six games. Just got tickets for games six and seven.

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-60003754108716241932009-10-11T19:40:00.004-05:002009-10-12T12:28:32.153-05:00

I've said so many things and made so many casual predictions that I shouldn't get any credit for this. But something told me this was the year that everyone would basically give up and say that the Angels had no chance. With the pressure off, they'd win the series. Still, I probably wouldn't have put any money on it. And once the pundits started picking the Angels half the time, I became

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-29767304877877786982009-10-10T01:16:00.000-05:002009-10-10T01:17:29.299-05:00

After two games, the Angels have erased the letters H and E from the word HEX. Two starts, two great pitching performances, and two days with just enough offense to get the Angels over the hump. They’ll board a plane tomorrow and fly back to Boston with a 2-0 series lead in the best of five ALDS. Jered Weaver backed up John Lackey’s gem from last night with one of his own, limiting the Red Sox

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-44140339370717830052009-10-09T08:56:00.003-05:002009-10-09T10:37:28.505-05:00

You really can't overstate how important it was to get game one. If the Angels had lost again, after getting another excellent start, you have to think it would have started some sort of death spiral. But they didn't win in a throw-away type laugher. They didn't win on a controversial finish. They simply outperformed Boston at the plate and in the field, and were the better team. They

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-66563328975992505172009-09-30T09:11:00.002-05:002009-09-30T09:23:41.795-05:00

For the fifth time in six years, the Angels have won the American League West. For those first 29 years of my life, I don't think I ever thought I'd see this kind of sustained success. And what makes it better is that I no longer think it's likely to end any time soon. I posted this in a Baseball Think Factory thread, but I think it's worthy of its own post here. AndIf you told me the day

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-43643365452881999532009-09-27T01:34:00.001-05:002009-09-27T01:35:35.453-05:00

If the Angels lose tomorrow (Sunday, September 27th), and the Rangers win, the Angels will not make the playoffs. That's just a gut feeling I have. The odds are pretty good that either the Angels will win OR the Rangers will lose. But if neither of those things happen, the Angels will miss the playoffs.

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-35966825719035592832009-09-17T10:16:00.005-05:002009-09-17T13:39:31.404-05:00

The Angels bullpen has been its Achilles Heel all year. One wonders how much better the Angels' record would be if the starting staff had been healthy all year, and if that staff were able to turn leads over to a bullpen that could consistently get batters out. It's amazing that despite it all, the Angels still sit six games ahead of the Texas Rangers, poised to win their third straight

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-27435858402587995742009-09-03T09:13:00.000-05:002009-09-03T09:14:11.053-05:00

In a totally unsurprising performance, the offense which could only score one run against Mariners rookie Doug Fister managed one fewer than that against Mariners ace Felix Hernandez. The Angels offense has seemingly been feast or famine of late, and last night was definitely famine. Hernandez had command of all of his pitches, and Angels hitters flailed accordingly, managing only four hits and

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-84437281722340410342009-09-02T09:57:00.000-05:002009-09-02T09:58:06.656-05:00

Just when you think the Angels are ready to finally put Texas away, both teams show that the race isn't over. The Rangers swept two games from the Blue Jays yesterday. Coupled with the Angels loss to the Mariners, the AL West lead now stands at only 4.5 games with a month left in the season. The Angels' offense, prolific in Monday's series opener, failed to create many opportunities, and

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-49199583077951182662009-09-01T09:51:00.000-05:002009-09-01T09:52:13.760-05:00

For much of the season, 2008 all-star Joe Saunders was firing blanks. After finally admitting to an arm injury, and spending some time on the DL, it's Saunders' opponents who are getting blanked. In his second start since returning from the DL, Saunders tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and three walks, while striking out four. He lasted 98 pitches, 57 of which were

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-40745789535010100772009-08-18T10:13:00.001-05:002009-08-18T10:14:43.288-05:00

The Angels relied on the long ball at the plate, while Ervin Santana followed up last week's gem with another solid performance as the Angels closed out a four game set against the Orioles with a 8-5 victory. The Angels needed the win to keep pace with Texas who won in Minnesota. The Angels' lead sits at 4.5 games. The Angels started their scoring in the second inning with Kendry Morales' 26th

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-50192150076224254612009-08-15T23:11:00.004-05:002009-08-15T23:37:15.282-05:00

It's not irony. It's not rock and roll. They're just talking to the kids.I've now seen Art Brut* four times since June, and the only regret that I have is that I've missed the other five or six chances I've had to see them in that time. There's something to be said for music shows that are simply fun. I love the Super Furry Animals. I think the Walkmen are one of the finest live acts I've

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-77289882504364784172009-08-15T22:49:00.000-05:002009-08-15T22:50:23.735-05:00

After Friday's 16 run debacle, the Angels handed the ball over their big horse, John Lackey. Lackey responded with seven innings of one run ball, and was the beneficiary of a five run third inning as the Angels beat the Orioles 6-1. All of the game's runs came in the third inning. After Brian Matusz started the inning by striking Jeff Mathis, he allowed the next five batters to reach base.

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-49320808870299771422009-08-11T23:40:00.001-05:002009-08-11T23:41:51.986-05:00

Ervin Santana has been an enigma all season. The velocity, the movement, the ability seems to have been there all year. Yet he entered tonight's game with Tampa Bay with an ERA over seven, struggling to find any type of consistency. He looked like Santana v2.008 tonight, simply dominating Tampa. Santana held the Rays to three hits, just five baserunners, struck out six, and completed nine

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-34895384059727201282009-08-11T09:21:00.001-05:002009-08-11T09:21:49.131-05:00

Vladimir Guerrero is trying to slug his way into the hall of fame AND into a big contract for next season. He hit two home runs, including the eventual game winner in the seventh inning, the 400th of his career. Kendry Morales hit his 24th and 25th homers of the year, the bullpen combined for 4.1 innings of one run relief, and Juan Rivera made a game saving grab as the Angels shook off their

Seitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027580090158303823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130770.post-88962377019930160782009-08-10T10:08:00.005-05:002009-08-10T13:45:47.208-05:00

In the very early days of this blog, when I was still sort of experimenting, I wrote a short post about a band that I was going to be seeing in the near future. They were the headliner in a three act bill, and I was really only going because I wanted to see the second act, Autolux (who were, quite frankly, a bit disappointing). When I wrote that post, I was not sold on what I'd heard from the

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It took a couple of days, but the Angels finally found the offense they left in Minnesota. Combined with an adequate performance from Ervin Santana, the Angels salvaged the last of their three game set at the Cell with a 9-4 victory. The Angels got things rolling early with six runs in the first three innings, two on Jeff Mathis' solo shot, and one on a bomb from Vlad Guerrero, his first since

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Jim Thome slugged two homers and Gavin Floyd pitched into the ninth inning as the White Sox downed the Angels for the second consecutive night. Again, the Angels offense never got going, and was unable to pick up Sean O'Sullivan, who was strong through five innings, but collapsed in the sixth as the Sox broke the game open. The Angels took the lead in the first inning. Bobby Abreu singled with

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The Angels left their bats in Minnesota. Following a series in which they pounded out over 50 hits and scored in double digits in all three games, the Angels managed only five singles against White Sox pitchers and failed to take full advantage of seven walks in a 5-4 loss to the White Sox to open the midweek series. After the Sox scored single runs in the first and second innings on solo

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The Angels hit the century mark with their winning percentage at an even .600 as they took the rubber game against the Indians in an afternoon tilt. John Lackey continued to round into form, tossing seven innings and allowing one run while striking out eight. 70 of his 113 pitches went for strikes, and he allowed only three hits, though he did walk four hitters. The Indians learned before the

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The Angels overcame another shaky start, needed to come from behind yet again, and survived a second straight awful performance from Brian Fuentes to end their two game losing streak. Jered Weaver turned in a mediocre outing, but gave the Angels a chance to win. He struggled with his control, needing over 100 pitches (nearly half out of the strike zone) for five innings of work in which he

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Guess that means we can all look forward to the Dandy Warhols' cover of Blackbird.

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The Angels used offensive outbursts in the first and second innings to jump out to a 6-0 lead and never looked back as they took two of three from the Rockies, who came into Anaheim red hot. Joe Saunders made sure the Rockies never got back into the came, picking up his eighth win in the process, and keeping the Angels in a first place tie with the Texas Rangers. The Angels scored three times

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After all the Angels have been through this year, it's hard to believe that they're in first place, but after handing the Rockies on their second loss in the last 19 games, the Angels have caught the Rangers atop the AL West. Sean O'Sullivan provided his second solid start of the season. He allowed three runs on six hits in five innings. Troy Tulowitzki proved to be O'Sullivan's undoing.

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Just the Angels' luck that they happen to hit the Rockies in the midst of winning 17 of 18, with two more games to go. This was a night where almost everything went wrong for the Angels. The good news is that you may as well have everything go wrong on the same night. No use spreading that stuff around. Matt Palmer suffered his first loss of his Angels career, and quite frankly, he was due for

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hank God for the Lakers, because no one will care about this game. The Angels looked like they didn't care much either. Ervin Santana followed up John Lackey's brutal performance with one of his own. He lasted only 4.2 innings, and allowed six runs on eight hits, one of which left the yard off the bat of Evan Longoria. The bullpen was just as brutal. Rich Thompson only needed two-thirds of

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