Wednesday, April 14, 2010

My Top Three Records Currently Rotating...

Yeah, I'm trying to spice it up a little bit. More sports blogs later. Ahem, in no particular order...

1. Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea

Beautiful album by a soulful singer. I didn't think her self titled debut would be outdone, but it definitely is here. In a society where the term "maturity" gets used a little too freely, The Sea seems to show an older, more contemplative artist. The blend of slow paced songs such as "Love's on it's way" is juxtaposed greatly with faster tracks such as "Paris Nights/New York Mornings". The listener will be able to tell she's having fun with a record that seems to show a variety of ways to mourn and celebrate.

Tracks to enjoy: "I'd do it all again", "The Blackest Lilly", "The Sea"

2. Little Brother - Leftback

The dynamic trio of Phonte, Big Pooh and superproducer 9th Wonder comes to a culmination on this album. Reportedly the last album to be released by the group, Leftback is an impressive effort by the North Carolina natives. While no growth is seen, there isn't a general need for one. Little Brother's great beats, accompanied with the strong lyrics by Phonte give credit to the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". As a fan and follower for the past few years, it is certainly sad to see this group go, but the promise of solo works keeps me at ease.

Tracks to enjoy: "Curtain Call", "24", "Second Chances"

3.Laws - 4:57

Meet your future favorite rapper.

At least that's what Laws claims on this album. What Laws lacks in being a veteran presence, he makes up with by raw energy and a strong lyrical presence. While some of the songs contain a certain cliche aspect (Choruses seem to be lacking a bit in creativity), the Justice League member proves that he has the right idea to move forward as a presence in underground hip-hop. From trunk rattling bass to electronic vibes, this album seems to have it all and is generally put together very well.

Tracks to enjoy: "Colors", "Hold You Down", "Hustle"

Monday, April 12, 2010

Random Monday Thoughts

1. If I had to make a guess as to who the most consistent player in the Cubs bullpen would be, my first guess wouldn't be Carlos Marmol. Not complaining, just saying...

2. I sure miss playing video games. The minute I only have one job, I'm all over that shit.

3. Another thing I miss? Reading leisurely. You could give me my favorite book and I'd be in Heaven; tell me I have to read three chapters a day and I'll kick and scream until I lose my voice.

4. The New (and last) Little Brother album = pretty decent. Not on par with the Minstrel Show or even Getback, but it's definitely worth the purchase and/or listen.

5. Phil Mickelson, if he hasn't already, catapulted himself into top 10 golfers of all time with his Masters win over the weekend.

6. With the NFL draft fast approaching, I wonder exactly how the Redskins' acquisition of Donovan McNabb will effect everything. My prediction? Jimmy Klaussen is snatched up by the Raiders, and his brash cockiness effectively forces Jamarcus Russel to void his own contract, surrendering millions back to the Oakland Raiders. In an interview, Russell states that he felt it was only right to give back money that he stole.

7. Maybe it's because my beloved Sixers suck a massive chunk of ass, but it doesn't quite feel like the NBA playoffs are around the corner; but for the fun of it, here's my finals prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Phoenix Suns (You read that right folks), in 5 games.

Listen, it's 75 degrees out. Therefore 7 seems like a good number to stop on. A more concise and relevant post to follow in the next day or so (hopefully!).

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Why the Masters will be an ultimate failure for Tiger Woods if he does not win this tournament.

Don't worry, this won't take long at all.

Since the beginning of the year when Tiger Woods first crashed his SUV, since all of the tales of adultery and scandal, since his stint in rehab for his "sex addiction", and since his declaration to comeback at this years masters, the sports and gossip communities have been having a field day with the story that is Tiger Woods.

What should Tiger expect from not only his fans, but his colleagues as he comes back? Who does he owe an apology to? How should he act? Where's Elin? What's the status on his marriage?

Notice how none of these questions addressed what really matters this week?

I'm going to say this right now: if Tiger Woods doesn't win the masters (which, at this rate, it doesn't look like he will) this will be a failure of a tournament for him, no matter what anyone else says.

I say this confidently for a number of reasons which circulate around one main reason: the fact that the Masters is about golf; not infidelity, not fan reaction, it's about putting the ball in the hole. Turning away from the countless reports of mistresses and problems in his personal life, and acknowledging the fact that this is what the public wants to hear about, the point is, when Tiger Woods steps on to a golf course, his personal life does not matter. It shouldn't matter to him, it shouldn't matter to his colleagues, and it shouldn't matter to us.

Let's get one thing out of the way: by the end of his career, if not already, Tiger Woods will be regarded as the greatest golfer in the history of the sport. However, while I appreciate and understand the necessity for a player transcending his sport through endorsements, culture, and being a global icon (i.e 23), the foundation of the man's success is golf.

So today, as Tiger Woods, the Greatest of all time, aims to take a shot at that green jacket, keep in mind that whether he wins or loses, the affair never mattered. This is Tiger Woods losing the masters, Jordan missing the game winner, Montana running out of time...

It's the dominant force in a sport failing.