The Figurehead’s Top 10 Albums of 2006

10.  Stadium Arcadium – Red Hot Chili Peppers

9. Curious George – Jack Johnson

8. Ben Kweller – Ben Kweller

7. Everything All The Time – Band of Horses

6. Garden Ruin – Calexico

5. Fear is on Our Side – I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness

4. Get Lonely – The Mountain Goats

3. Carnavas – Silversun Pickups

2. The Trials of Van Occupanther – Midlake

1. The Crane Wife – Decemberists

Hey, a man is entitled to change his mind!

Indie Rock Mecca or just a cool place to hang? Silver Lake!

 Thanks to BT for forwarding this interesting article to me about the rock scene in Silver Lake, Cali. There’s lots of cool stuff in the article about Giant Drag, Silversun Pickups, Elliot Smith, Autolux, and more.

The Best Christmas gifts of all time

Clay Travis writes articles of CBS Sportsline that always make me laugh. It doesn’t hurt that he consistantly throws in Nashville references (the home base of the Figurehead). This particular article made me think fo my own childhood. Clay and I must be about the same age.

I decided to create my own list just for nostalgia:

1. Voltron figures – are kidding me? Voltron would come together, whip out that giant sword and kick butt on Prince Lotor’s monsters in every episode. I had the black lion along with numerous other figures and the die cast Voltron figure from the later episodes where cars formed the robot instead of lions.

2. Optimus Prime - Yeah, this 18-wheeler turns into an Autobot leading gun blasting Robot. Respect!

3. Vibrating football game - I loved this thing! I had almost every NFL team (including the Tampa Bay Bucs in their sherbet orange unis).

4. Tecmo Bowl - This is still the best football video game of all time. Super Tecmo Bowl rocked too. Showing some love to these classics as well: Contra (who remembers the code?), CastleVania, Double Dribble, and the entire Super Mario Brothers line.

5. G.I. Joe Hovercraft – - I remember going nuts over this! I’d load my Joes up in the Hovercraft and they’d go on a mission to find Cobra in the jungles of plants that ringed our swimming pool when we lived in FLA.

6. The WWF wrestling Ring – I had most of the figures (Hulk, King Kong Bundy, Jesse The Body, The British Bulldogs, Brutus the Barber Beefcake, Rowdy Roddy Piper, etc). When I got the actual ring there was even more top turnbuckle leaping action.

 7. A powder blue Predator bicycle – Clay Travis is absolutely right that Huffy’s ruled the elementary school yard, but once 6th and 7th grade hit it was time for an upgrade. This powder blue baby had a rotor on the handle bars (that was my one trick – spinning those bars every time I came to a stop).

8. Castle Grey Skull – I HAVE THE POWER! nuff said.

So what were your favorite gifts from childhood?

Best Albums of 2006: The Decemberists – The Crane Wife

Someone recently asked me what my favorite Decemberists album is. I honestly can’t say. They are all gems. The Crane Wife holds up that tradition well. This band is right on Death Cabs heals as my favorite current band.

More bliss: http://www.decemberists.com/

Art and music = so happy together

I discovered Todd Slater’s work today while trying to find a concert poster online for the Death Cab for Cutie concert I attended in Atlanta. I was blown away by this guys talent. Spend some time perusing his work here.

www.toddslater.net

Loud Quiet Loud

The Pixies were and are still the coolest band around. I finally had a chance to watch this documentary yesterday. I was blown away.

Best Albums of 2006: Silversun Pickups – Carnavas

You’ve heard the comparisons to Smashing Pumpkin’s first album, Gish. I’m here to tell you, as a guy who bought Gish when it was released, that Carnavas is on par with that masterpiece. This album has the same innocence and energy that showed such promise in the Pumpkins.

More please:http://www.silversunpickups.com/

Pimp Slap!

 

I’ve been thinking about violence in sports and in our culture in general since Saturday nights basketbrawl between the Knicks and Nuggets. Carmelo Anthony will sit for 15 games (losing $640,000 in salary) along with six other players. Each team was hit with a $500,000 fine as well.

Those who aren’t fans of the NBA or are fringe fans are already crying “they’re just a bunch of thugs. Money can’t change that.” I’m not personally a huge basketball fan, but I totally disagree with those who are calling this a travesty. Heck, I wasn’t even that offended by what happened in 2004 between Detroit and the Pacers. Why? We’ve seen it before. That doesn’t make it right, but it also means it doesn’t signal the decline of our civilization.

 I am a hockey fan. We see it everynight. Yes, it’s part of the game. You can argue that it doesn’t serve a real purpose anymore and that’s partially true, but it’s part of the games heritage on the professional level. Deal with it. There are plenty of times in hockey history when players have gone into the stands, like the time in 1979 in the very same building where Carmelo threw his “pimpslap.” The Boston Bruins had just defeated the Rangers in Madison Square Garden and tensions were high. Bruin Stan Jonathan was hit by an object from the stands. Wrong guy to hit. Another idiot fan decided to challenge Terry O’Reilly; again, bad choice. Several Bruins went into the stands. Mike Milbury eventually beat a Ranger fan with his own shoe. Hilarious! In the end O’Reilly received an 8 game suspension and Milbury was suspended for 2 games. Anyone remember how many games Ron Artest got for his part in the riot of 2004? 73 games! How many games did Tennessee Titan Albert Haynesworth get for stomping on the head of fallen Dallas Cowboy Andre Gurode? He got the leagues longest ever suspension; 5 games!

So, how is this different? Is it because NBA players are predominately black (yes, I know Albert Haynesworth is also black)? I hate to go there, but I’m at a loss for why NBA suspensions are always so excessive vs. NHL, MLB, and even NFL suspensions. Is it a shorter leash?

Let’s keep things civilized folks. Anyone gettings the Liddell vs. Ortiz fight this month?

 ps. For the record Haynesworth suspension was for 31% of the season while Melo’s, if it stands, will be for 18%. Artest = repeat offender (just like Marty McSorely).

Best Albums of 2006: Red Hot Chili Peppers – Stadium Arcadium

I don’t care what anybody says! The Chili Peppers still know how to have a good time. Just admit it; you liked Stadium Arcadium too.

Nevermind…making a masterpiece

I have to thank my boy BT for hooking me up with “Classic Albums: The Making of Nevermind.” I finally had a chance to watch it last night late at night. I’m a huge fan of Nirvana and was one of those guys who believed that Kurt was a spokesman for our generation. I had tears in my eyes a few times watching the movie while Butch Vig and Dave G. and Krist N. talked about the heart and soul that Kurt poured into this album. Do yourself a favor and get the movie. Here’s a brief segment

“What if” College Football playoffs – 2nd round

 

Ohio State d. Auburn 27-10 - This one isn’t as close as the score. I see the Buckeyes up 24-0 early and then calling off the dogs a bit.

Florida d. Oklahoma 21-14 - Another tight one for the Gators. Florida trails at halftime, but eventually their dynamic QB duo prevails.

Michigan d. Louisville 41-31 - These two put up loads of points, but in the end Michigan is just too strong.

LSU d. USC 20-6 – LSU trounced Arizona 45-3. The Trojans beat Arizona 20-3.

National Semifinals:

#1.Ohio State vs. #4. LSU

#2. Florida vs. #3. Michigan

I’m sorry! Okay? I’m sorry Ted Leo!

An open letter to Ted Leo/Pharmacists…

 Ted/RX, I’m so sorry I chose to drink 4 more Labatts instead of getting my butt on over to the Fox Theatre. DCFC was great, but man I’ve become a big Ted Leo/RX fan. I can’t believe I only saw one song live! Yes, I’m an idiot.

Your’s truly, The Figurehead

Don’t make the same mistake I did…find out about Ted Leo right here:

 LIVE!

 and the video…

Best Albums of 2006: Calexico – Garden Ruin

Calexico’s music has always reminded me of a haunted old west town. Garden Ruin abandons their typical sound just a bit, but the hushed vocals and pedal steel still conjures images of tumble weeds. Garden Ruin makes Calexico more accessible to the mainstream while maintaining their indie integrity. Great record.

More Calexico old west drama: http://www.casadecalexico.com/

The Figurehead’s College Football playoffs round one results

Ohio State d. Rutgers 42-20 (Common opponents were Illinois and Cincinnati. Believe it or not Rutgers smoked Illinois 33-0 while the Buckeyes squeek by 17-10. Ohio State did crush Cincy 37-7 though while Rutgers got it beaten 30-11)

Florida d. Va Tech 21-20 (no common opponents here – just pure speculation. The Gators pulled out close games all year long. Ga Tech handed the Hokies a loss – Georgia beat Ga Tech – the Gators beat Georgia. Good nuf for me).

Michigan d. Wake Forest 38-14 (Kudos to Wake for a dream season, but this is a mismatch. )

LSU d. West Virginia 31-27 (The Mountaineers score some points but there is no way their defense can stop LSU if you give up 39 points to Rutgers)

Southern Cal d. Arkansas 28-24 (USC beat the Razorbacks 50-14 in week one. Arkansas has gotten much better with their stars back in the lineup, but consecutive losses to LSU and Florida means that the Razorbacks dont’ play big when it counts.)

Louisville d. Notre Dame 35-27 (The Irish didn’t beat anyone worth a darn this year. They had two chances to prove their strength; vs. Michigan (lost by 26) and vs. USC (lost by 20). Louisville scores in bunches, so do the Irish, but they can’t keep up.)

Oklahoma d. Wisconsin 17-14 (Wisconsin played a very soft schedule with only one decent opponent – that being Michigan (a 14 point loss). Oklahoma’s losses were to arch rival Texas and to Oregon. This game is a toss up really.)

Auburn d. Boise State 24-20 (The Broncos give Auburn a scare, but c’mon…even an undefeated Boise State stands no chance against a two loss SEC school. I see the Broncos leading 20-17 mid way through the 4th quarter when the Tigers pull ahead.)

 Round Two matchups:

Ohio State vs. Auburn

Florida vs. Oklahoma

Michigan vs. Louisville

LSU vs. USC

Best Albums of 2006: Ben Kweller – Ben Kweller

Kweller once again plays all the instruments on this album. It’s nostalgic pop perfect for a summer’s day. There are some serious themes at play though, hidden behind toe tapping melodies.

Hear more of the kid: http://www.benkweller.com/

College football playoff a reality?! Here on the Figurehead it is!

Let’s just assume that the BCS system does a good job of ranking the teams before our tournament begins. I’m putting the BCS’ top 16 teams into a bracket. I need your feedback on the winners of each of these games, otherwise…it’s all up to the Figurehead to decide who wins and by what score.

Round 1:

#1. Ohio State vs. #16 Rutgers

#2.Florida vs. #15. Virginia Tech

#3. Michigan vs. #14. Wake Forest

#4. LSU vs. #13. West Virginia

#5. Southern Cal vs. #12 . Arkansas

#6. Louisville vs. #11. Notre Dame

#7. Wisconsin vs. #10. Oklahoma

#8. Boise State vs. #9. Auburn

Make your voice heard by commenting here. Round 1 winners will be announced tomorrow.

Best Albums of 2006: Band of Horses – Everything All the Time

The Funeral

Everything All the Time is a straight up indie rock record, meandering between mysterious dirges and outright rockers.

Listen here sonny: http://www.bandofhorses.com/media.html

Vince Young is the man!

After starting 0-5 I remember commenting to a friend that this year’s Titans might go winless on the year (of course, Kerry Collins was still our QB when I said that). I was wrong and now I’m dreaming of SuperBowls in our future. 

 This run in overtime gave the Titans a 26-20 win over the Houston Texans; the Titans 4th consecutive victory and their 6th in their last 8 games.

What a sweet homecoming for Young who grew up just 6 miles from the Texans stadium.

Best albums of 2006: I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness

It’s that time of year again. I’ll list my faves of the year here:

I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness – Fear is on Our Side – This Texas outfit recalls memories of Faith and Seventeen Seconds Cure. Fear is on Our Side is a moody romp through retro new wave that doesn’t come off as a cheap impersonation of the original. There is plenty of substance behind this release.

 Check it out: http://www.chosendarkness.com/

Sample the goods: http://www.rhapsody.com/iloveyoubutivechosendarkness

On getting older

Mrs. Figurehead and I decided this year to resurrect our (at one time) legendary Christmas party. We started having the party back in December of 1999 after moving back from Charleston, SC to Nashville. Everyone came to the party back then. It usually resulted in a multiple bodies passed out on the floor of our one bed room apartment in Murfreesboro; we would go through a keg and invariably someone would be sent on a beer run for more.  The party became a tradition and followed us to our new home eventually where we had much more room – and the crowd grew. It was a yearly blowout that served to keep us young.

Mrs. Figurehead gave birth to our daughter 2 1/2 years ago, after spending that Christmas on strict bed rest. The party went on a 3 year hiatus and many thought it was gone for good. I wasn’t ready to let it go though. I decided that this …THIS…would be the year for the triumphant return. I invited the usual suspects, plus some new faces from our current jobs; 60 some invites meaning we’d have 120 at the house for the party. YES! We’d throw down like days gone by. I even added a twist to this years party, by making it an 80’s theme. We had the music and I had the outfits…multiple outfits that I’d do wardrobe changes in throughout the evening. Everyone can get sitters for their kids, right? No one would dare miss the return of THE PARTY. WRONG.

We had about 20 people. Half of them didn’t dress up. Was I hurt? No…I’m a big boy and I know that people have other obligations with kids now and work functions. Was I disappointed somehow? Yes. I can’t really put my finger on exactly what disappointed me about it. I know that our families and jobs take priority in our lives as we get older. Heck, I’m probably the most guilty person of all of  not showing up to things that I’m invited to. It’s just hard with a two year old.

 That said, those of us who showed up had a good time. There I was in skin tight Mini Brutes t-shirt that exposed my mid-drift, a 1981 Mini Brutes jacket from our championship season (yes this stuff still fits me!), a pair of cut off jeans, tube socks to my knees, a baby blue Jack Russell Terriers visor, and an 80’s walkman complete with antenna. I eventually changed into a skin tight Shape Belgium jersey. A handful fo my college buddies hung with me until the bitter end. The bitter end = midnight.

Mrs. Figurehead even cleaned the place up before going to bed. That never used to happen in the old days. She’d pass out and we’d worry about it in the morning. I stayed up with Bart, one of my old room mates. 

 I awoke at 9:00am with a screaming headache that’s lasted for two days now. Will we have the party again? I doubt it; it’s time has passed I’m afraid. I do know that I’ll take invites I get people more seriously though. Getting old doesn’t bother me, it’s just the sad realization of it that’s troubling. It’s not that my own grey hairs hurt. It’s seeing the proverbial grey hairs of my friends. HoHoHo…plenty of leftover beer at my house.

Finally finished with that pesky top 50 albums list!

It took me from July until last week to finally list my favorite 50 albums of all time. You can find those at www.chadstop50.blogspot.com (creative name, huh?). I’m going to make the figurehead a bit more well rounded than it’s predecessor. Basically this will be another “whatever is on my mind” blog. That’s usually music, books, sports, food, etc.  I’ll try to update daily! Hang with me – this might be a slow launch as I’m trying to close out the year strong on several fronts.