Ohh...crazy, but it feels alright

Came across this cool article by Jeff Passan about the gyroball. Turns out almost everything we thought about the mysterious pitch, may have been wrong. Whether Daisuke Matsuzaka can actually throw this, or Pedro Martinez already has in the past, and never knew it, we'll probably never be certain. I think anyway you look at it, it sort of adds a great mystery to the game and something to talk about.

"It was supposed to be the first new pitch since Bruce Sutter popularized the split-fingered fastball … which itself was nothing more than a new grip, providing a different break, on the already-used forkball. The novelty of the gyroball caught on in the U.S. as it had in Japan. Kids posted videos of themselves on YouTube trying to throw the gyroball."

And while we're on the subject of baseball, I came across a great new blog, Bronx Comics. Done by Knuckles, AKA Matt, with a program called Comic Life, that came on his iMac. It's hilariously funny and he says what many of us Yankee and baseballs fans only think.


The release of Jonny Greenwood is the Controller, marks the 40th anniversary of reggae's legendary label, Trojan Records, by bringing some of the greatest moments of the label's past in touch with the present. The Radiohead guitarist, gets his rocks off for reggae music by digging through Trojan's extensive back catalog and compiling his favorite tracks onto one disc. After 6 months of endless listening(and possibly lots of ganja smoking?), Greenwood narrowed down his choices to 17 recordings. Due out on March 6th, this collection digs deep into rich Jamaican sounds and covers styles from classic Ska and Rocksteady to vintage Dub and Roots, including the likes of Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Desmond Dekker, Delroy Wilson, Scientist & Jammy and many others. Hooray Beer! And, after his work on the Bodysong Soundtrack, I'm intrigued to hear this. He's a super guitar player and on the two occasions I got to meet him, he was extremely nice. Even taking the time to talk to my buddy about playing the viola.


I came across this on the Vegan's site and it really saddened me. A couple really good bands now have to find new homes, Shout Out Louds and Soundteam. And even though I don't particularly like Kevin Devine, I've met him and he's a really nice guy and from the Strong Island scene. Also, the post linked to, by Jax one of the Capitol workers who was laid off blows. I feel bad for her, having been on the same end of that stick before ending up at the current job situation I'm at. Sometimes I guess it's better to have a bad job than no job, even though she's really taking it well in my opinion. She has a really great blog, writing about a lot of music stuff in LA. I think I want to move to LA. I'm sick of cold weather and tiny apartments. Well, at least today I am. But who am I kidding. I love NYC and not driving.

Listening Pile:
While former extreme metal legend, Justin K. Broadrick(Napalm Death, Godflesh), has just released his fine new disc Conqueror under the moniker, Jesu. Out on the Hydra Head label too. The band will not be able to appear on the first part of their tour with Isis due to work visa issues. Justin K. Broadrick and co. have just secured the visas and will make their U.S. debut on March 5 in Orlando. Current band bassist, Diarmuid Dalton will not play with the band on any dates, instead, Dave Cochrane, who has worked with Broadrick previously in Ice, Head of David, Sweet Tooth, God, and Grey Machine will fill in, and Intronaut drummer Danny Walker will fill out the line-up.
MP3: Jesu: Conqueror [from the Conqueror LP]

5...4...3...2...1...0

Major League baseball is screwing us again. This time, it's our heads they are messing with, well, at least what goes on it. On opening day, the traditional wool cap will get kicked to the curb in favor of a new polyester blend model designed to wick away moisture and make money disappear from your wallet. The change is part of commissioner Satan...er...Bud Selig's focus on boosting player performance. I guess he's trying to make amends for turning a blind eye to the juicing going on in the 90's and I guess he needs something to cover up Bond's ginormous head. So, not only are these hats going to be made out of the same material as Disco Stu's favorite pants, but it'll cost ya. The new caps will retail at about $32, up from the current $29. Yeah, a current cap costs $29 and it's gonna cost more! Alas, I just with they could go back to the hats they had in the early 90's, with the green underbill. Man, those were sturdy hats and didn't poof up like a chef's hat and have the unbendable brim. And don't even get me started on the new batting practice hats. What is up with that piping on the sides. This isn't NASCAR, you don't just add a racing stripe!

This is fairly depressing. I know I live about 2 miles from the Empire State Building. Damn those North Koreans. Damn them. Steve Jobs, I blame this on you.

Listening Pile:
The Frames are back w/ a new album, The Cost, which hit stores, yesterday. One of Ireland’s most successful current bands since the release of their first album in 1992, the group led by frontman Glen Hansard, has bounced through various failed record deals and line-ups releasing consistently excellent records throughout it all. 2005's Burn The Maps was one of my favorite records in recent memory. The Cost is the band's ninth album and one of their more focused and straightforward, as the ten songs on The Cost, blend together beautifully. Hansard is a vocalist capable of both quiet, contemplative passages,as well as gut-wrenching catharsis. However on this album he tones it down a notch, and he never screams, he just sings brilliantly. One of the better records I've heard so far this year. Check out what may be the best song on the album, "Sad Song" ,

The radio is playing all the usual. And what's a wonderwall anyway.

The TV ads I've seen for 300 have just blown me away. Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, "300" concerns the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where the King of Sparta led his army of 300 Spartans, 700 Thespians and other slave soldiers against the advancing 100,000 Persians; the battle is said to have inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians, and helped usher in the world's first democracy. The battle lasted 3 days, after which all 300 Spartans were killed. The battle was a suicide mission, meant to buy time for the rest of the Greek forces to prepare for the invasion. However, that didn't stop the Spartans from taking as many Persians as possible with them. The film looks amazing, and is going to be showing at the Imax theater uptown. Directed by Zack Snyder, who is best known as the director of Dawn Of The Dead, he seems to have done a fantastic job. Just look at the trailer



Listening Pile:
fan9 favorite rodent, no, not the african pygmy, butModest Mouse, who have conquered the world since the release of their last album, are back with a new album, We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank , due in stores March 20. Got to say, I'm digging on the new song "Dashboard".

Scottish group Travis is are also, back with the upcoming release of their new album, The Boy With No Name . Nigel Godrich, who was also at the helm of the band's best work, The Man Who and The Invisible Band. produced the follow-up to their '03 album, the sadly disappointing 12 Memories. The band posted the album title and tracklisting on their website , giving a UK release date of May 7. The record will be preceeded by the single "Closer," which will hit stores on April 23. Hopefully the US release information isn't slated for fall '07. Check out another new track, "Selfish Jean", which just so happens to be streaming on their Myspace page. It's not just a network for meeting people.

¿Qué debo hacer si resulto herido o lastimado durante el juego?

The walk to work was pretty intersting this morning. First step out the door of my building almost saw me wipe out. Then, I realized, the most dangerous walkways were the ones that had been recently cleaned off and only had a thin layer of ice on them. So, as most of the Midwest and Northeast are covered in snow, most MLB teams are gearing up for Spring Training. I suppose the big stories and questions around Yankee camp are
(aka my seven things i think i think about this season):
1. Will Bernabé Figueroa Williams show up to camp without a major league contract and hope he can somehow make the team, even though all indications are that he's a lame duck?

2. Will A-Rod find his lucky pink panties and have another MVP type season, and Jacksonesque post-season, then skip town via his well timed out clause in his contract?

3. Will Jeter and A-Rod make nice and hug after each rendition of the YMCA?

4. Will Phillip Hughes pitch an inning before the All-Star break?

5. Will Giambi break down before or after the All-Star break?

6. Who will be the first pitcher to go on the DL, Moose, Pettite or Carla Pavano?

7. Will this be the year the Yanks survive the post-season and win championship #27?

I have a couple other questions myself.

1. How much will a beer cost this year at the stadium, 9$ ?

2. Will the B train ever get to the stadium again?

3. Will Matsui do that safety ad in Spanish again?


Came across this story today on iLounge. Apparently those wacky, Chinese have already got an iPhone knock-off on the way. I'm sure this won't be the last either. In fact, I don't understand how Microsoft hasn't jumped on the bandwagon as well, after the disaster that was the brown turd, sorry...uh.... the Zune, hasn't tried to steal Apple's thunder by introducing a similiar product before the iPhone is released in June.

Chinese electronics maker Meizu is the first company to closely copy the look and feel of Apple’s iPhone. The Meizu miniOne, due out in the fourth quarter of 2007, is a GSM phone with numerous iPhone similarities, including a curved, black and polished steel design, touch-screen interface, and a nearly identical on-screen software icon layout.

And thanks to M1k3 for pointing me to thislink, which shows off the new Transformer Toys.

Listening Pile;
Been loving this Cale Parks album lately. He's better known as the drummer for Chicago outfit, Aloha, who put out an impressive album last year as well, Some Echoes. Parks is also the occasional drummer for Joan of Arc and Cex.
The album, Illuminated Manuscript has an intimate but intricate bedroom ambient electronic sound where keyboards and mallet instruments mix with sparse vocals and a television or the occasional cat meowing in the background. Check it out, it's good stuff.


And if you don't have anyone to hug today, you can always do what this guy is doing.
Tree hugger! I know, today sucks for the most part, whether you're alone, or shelling out a ton of loot on dinner, flowers, and chocolates. But just think about it this way, at least you're not this kid.

My Eyes Are Open, My Eyes Are Open Wide

I was just reading this article overe on the Metsblog. Pretty interesting read on the two new stadiums for the Mets and Yanks. From what I've read, I do agree that maybe the new Mets Stadium, Citi Field, might end up being a bit better, with the classic Ebbets Field look and all the modern amenities that you could ask for. Of course, I think the Mets made a huge mistake calling it Citi, Bankone, Of Americquest Field. They should have showed some class and called it Jackie Robinson Stadium. They could have really done something special, and honor one of the most important figures in sports history, but I guess that Citi Bank check trumps that.

From the artist rendering of the New Yankee Stadium, I feel like we're ending up a bit short on the actual look of the stadium, but improving on all the amenities as well. Of course, that's because Yankee Stadium needs to preserve a lot of the traits from the old stadium. But still, think both team's fans are getting something better than what currently exists. We all now how I feel about Shea. I can't take baseball seriously in a place that reminds me of a fun house, with that stupid apple popping up with every homer, or the ugly orange chairs. And while I love Yankee Stadium, history cannot help that place. It's old, falling apart and the interior has no redeeming qualities aside from the field. However, I did just hook up with my buddy on a 15 game season ticket plan. And if we're lucky, we'll do it again next year and the first year at the new stadium.

Listening Pile:
On the train yesterday from the City to Connecticut, I came across the Planes Mistaken For Stars EP Knife In The Marathon . It's a killer ep the band put out back in 2000. Knife in the Marathon is the second cd on Deep Elm, and rocks hard. Though the self titled disc from Deep Elm is a bit better, less screaming, but still manages to pack in a ton of emotion. The EP is super agressive, yet with a hint of melody and tons of emotion. The EP is capped with the bonus track, a cover of Unbroken's "Fall On Proverb" is heavy, angry and does the original justice. Check out touring info and new tunes at Myspace. These guys actually played on my birthday, back in 2000. Think it's a completely different line-up, aside from Gared. But they were nice guys and they partied hard.

Alright, I gotta roll. Got to get ready for some high-school wrestling and hot dogs. Too bad I can't bring beer. But I leave you with this.


I can't believe I forgot about this one. Fun times I tell ya.

I'm trying to be heroic.

I forgot to put this in my last post. Doh!

Listening Pile:
I like this new Bloc Party album a lot. It's not quite as thrilling as their debut, but still offers quite a few good songs. I think many will view this as a disappointing sophomore effort, as it's quite ambitious and often finds itself lost in overproduction and gloss. Songwriting is mediocre at best, losing the urgency and brashness that made the first album so memorable. Kele's vocals are often strained, distant and lyrics border on the mundane or ridiculous. And let us not forget, he's the whitest sounding black dude, since Phil Lynott. But songs like, "Song For Clay (Disappear Here)", "The Prayer" and "Where Is Home?" are reminiscent of the earlier work, with pulsating rhythms and angular guitars. Even the quieter moments on the album lack that vulnerability that made Silent Alarm so special. Overall it's a good listen, and despite all it's faults, is a good direction for the band to go in. They could have made the same album, and they didn't, so you have to give them a lot of credit for that.

Be one of the first 1000 people to pre-order the new Bloc Party album, A Weekend In The City, and receive a FREE LIMITED EDITION 7". This INSOUND EXCLUSIVE vinyl features two tracks, 'I Still Remember' and an unreleased B-side, 'We Were Lovers'! order up

Super Lame

So, it's now two days after the Super Bowl , and we've come to find out that this year's edition, was the 3rd highest rated TV program of all time with 93.2 Million Viewers. 3rd! Yeah, you read that right. Behind only the top of the list, Mash finale, and the 1996 Super Bowl. Peyton and Co. trying to erase the notion that he can't win the big game and put the exclamation point on his fantastic career and win his first Super Bowl, makes for TV. Who'd of thunk it.

So, for the first time in a long time, here are the seven things I think I think, or otherwise known as my other thoughts on the Super Bowl:

1. It was a fantastic game, with lots of great subplots. Can Manning win his first and maybe only shot at a Super Bowl. Can the Colts D shut down the potent Bears running attack and stifle Rex Grossman. How many times will we hear that it's the first time two black coaches are in the Super Bowl. Blah, blah, blah. How many times will Phil Simms say he could've made that pass. Why is Bruce Willis stalking Demi and Ashton, awkward...

2. What was up with the awful camera lenses. I mean, we weren't watching a Sunday afternoon game between the Jets and the Raiders here, we were watching the biggest game of the year! They knew it was going to rain. And no, I'm not talking about Prince. You're telling me a multi-billion dollar corporation like CBS, doesn't have a fog proof lens somewhere? Uh, HD cameras? Nothing? Horrible camera work. I was expecting one of the camera operators to start wiping down the lens only to have Jim Nantz throw in a funny little remark about how you'd think we're watching the new season of Survivor.

3. When did Rupaul hook up with Prince? OK, not really Rupaul, or maybe not even a man, but did anyone see that back-up dancer? Whoa. Long gone are the days of Vanity, Sheila E. or Sheena Easton I suppose. And now there's that whole controversy about how some see guitar as phallic imagery in Prince's Super Bowl performance. Come on, you want to talk about malfunction, does anyone remember the ass-less pants? And while we're at it, where were the hits? Maybe it's just me, but I wanted a "Little Red Corvette" or "Raspberry Beret".

4. What was up with that National Anthem? I know it's a tough song, but seriously, they couldn't get Katharine McPhee or something? Someone give the poor Piano Man a drink and let him sing!

5. What was up with all the Norbit product placements and ads. I somehow feel like I now need to see that movie and drink a Coca-Cola. "I must kill the Queen."

6. Why is it every time something happens in Miami, Gloria Estefan needs to be invited. I mean, she didn't even sing! CBS brought her out to introduce Cirque De Soleil. You'd think she was pulling a Guiliani and running for President or something.

7. Maybe it was just me, but the commercials, well, not as funny as in years past. Aside from the K-Fed commercial, which I must say was genius, and the GM Robot, the Carlos Mencia and Dalmation Budweiser spots, I can't even remember any other ad that I thought was great.