On The List: 1980s

We are back and proud to announce our newest book.  On The List:1980s.  Out now!!! In this book, we explore that totally awesome decade:  the 1980s.  Neon clothes, big hair, cassettes, fast cars, MTV, and all the great music from pop to rock to metal to rap to every paisley jangle pub punk out there.  It's available now and perfect for under the tree for that audiophile in your life.  Available now on Amazon.

Here are the 11 best quotes from people who have read the book:

1. "Most Excellent!" - Two wild musicians at the Circle K
2. "The sportos, the motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies, dickheads - they all adore it." - High School Receptionist
3. "I feel the need...the need for this book!" - Naval Pilot
4. "Inconceivable!" - Some Guy who doesn't know what the word means
5. "It belongs in a museum." - An Archeologist
6. "Bitchin'" - kid hanging out back at the Gas N' Sip
7. "I came. I read. It kicks ass!" - Paranormal Expert
8. "If you read it, you will be happy." - Baseball player
9. "It's great.  Now you know...and knowing is half the battle." - Military Soldier
10. "I'll be back...to read this again and again." Robot from the future
11. "This goes to 11." - Metal guitarist

The 11 Best Live Music Performances on the David Letterman Show

Thank you, Dave. Here are the 11 Best Musical Performances on the David Letterman Show: 1.  Bruce Springsteen - Glory Days 2.  Future Islands - Seasons 3.  Foo Fighters - Everlong 4.  R.E.M. - So Central Rain 5. Beastie Boys - Ch-Ch-Check It Out 6.  Warren Zevon - Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner 7.  Eminem & Jay-Z - Renegade 8.  The Orwells - Who Needs You 9.  The Vines - Get Free 10.  James Brown - Sex Machine (July 12, 1982) 11.  Eddie Vedder - Black      

The 11 Best Songs By Bruce Springsteen of the 00s

In the AFC playoffs, it's Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady.  Whether you love them or hate them, they are two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.  And the winner of the game, will go to the Super Bowl, which will take place in New Jersey...the home town of none other than Bruce Springsteen...they greatest of his game.

There are good artists and there are great artists. And then there are legends.  There are artists who define genres and there are artists who make up their own.  This list is from our book, The 111 Best Music Lists of the 2000s.  In the 2000s, Bruce created The Rising, an album that might have even been bigger than him.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Best-Music-Lists-2000s/dp/1491249129/

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There are certain albums in a band's career that are above comparison.  For me, these include The Cure's Disintegration, Michael Jackson's Thriller, and Pearl Jam's Ten.  Each of these artists put out plenty of great music over their careers but these specific albums are their zeniths of perfection.  Bruce Springsteen's The Rising also belongs in this category.  That may be surprising considering the monumental albums that the Boss has delivered in his career: Born To Run, Born in the USA, and Darkness on the Edge of Town.  Each great.  But, The Rising was something else.  The Rising was a moment in time.  America was reeling from post-traumatic 9/11 confusion.  We did not know how we felt and we did not know how to feel.  We needed Bruce.  So, Bruce Springsteen put out an album of catharsis that expressed America’s emotional turmoil.  Everything that we had bottled up, he let out.  He did not shy away from hurt, from pain, or from anger.  Musically, it soared.  Lyrically, it was grounded.  There has never been any other rock album that captured a moment in American history so perfectly.  How can you compare his other music to this?  You can't.  Bruce has made some of the best rock songs of all time.  He has made some of the best rock albums of all time.  The Rising was bigger than all of it.  It was the heart and soul of America set to music.  Because of this, I did not include any songs from the The Rising in this list... if I had, it would not have been fair. 

The 11 Best Songs By Bruce Springsteen of the 200s (not including songs from The Rising): 

1. 41 Shots (Live in New York City)
2. The Hitter (Devils + Dust)
3. Eyes on the Prize (We Shall Overcome)
4. Magic (Magic)
5. Outlaw Pete (Working on A Dream)
6. Radio Nowhere (Magic)
7. Devils + Dust (Devils + Dust)
8. Last To Die (Magic)
9. The Wrestler (Working on A Dream)
10. All The Way Home (Devils + Dust)
11. Life Itself (Working on A Dream) 

Fun Fact: Initially, Bruce hated being called "The Boss."

Buy Bruce's new album, High Hopes...now!

The 11 Most Anticipated Albums of Winter 2014

 

 Tonight, Florida State beat Auburn in the last BS (I mean BCS...actually, I really do mean bullshit) NCAA football championship game.  In 2014, we get the first ever college football playoff.  It's only 4 teams...but it's a start.  But college football isn't the only thing we have to look forward to.  Here's a look at the best new releases of the next three months.

The 11 Most Anticipated Albums of Winter 2014:

1. Broken Bells - After The Disco (Feb 4)
2. Beck - Morning Phase (Feb 25)
3. Against Me! - Transgender Dysphoria Blues (Jan 21)
4. Young the Giant - Mind Over Matter (Jan 21)
5. Drive-By Truckers - English Oceans (Mar 4)
6. The Crystal Method - The Crystal Method (Jan 14)
7. Cibo Matto - Hotel Valentine (Feb 11)
8. Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - Wig Out at Jagbags (Jan 7)
9. Warpaint - Warpaint (Jan 21)
10. Bruce Springsteen - High Hopes (Jan 14)
11. Johnny Cash - Out Among The Stars (Mar 25)

The Best Albums of 2012 (34-44):

If you haven't voted for the best album of the year...do it now!  Right now.

Put your twenty favorite albums in the comment section.

I've been playing around with the new Myspace this week.  I'm making some playlists so when all my readers join, you can link to me and I'll have my daily lists available to listen.  Could be very exciting.  More to come on that.  right now...it's time to vote.

Here are the Best Albums of 2012 (34-44):

34.  Action Bronson - Blue Chips (download for free)
35.  Bruce Springsteen - Wrecking Ball
36.  Alt-J - An Awesome Wave
37.  Burial - Kindred/One Two
38.  Ben Gibbard - Former Lives
39.  The Cribs - In the Belly of the Brazen Bull
40.  Joey Bada$$ - 1999 (download for free)
41.  Jay Farrar, Will Johnson, Anders Parker, Yim Yames - New Multitudes (Bonus Track)
42.  Garbage - Not Your Kind of People
43.  Alabama Shakes - Boys and Girls
44.  Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory

Buy these albums and more!

The Unknown: Bruce Springsteen - Angels + Sky

There are American legends...then there is Bruce Springsteen.  He is the rock and roll icon that legends aspire to be.  Where most artists speak to the people, Bruce has always spoken for the people.  It's like his music and his lyrics are what would would come out of America's mouth if the population stood up and sang out as a whole.  Many believe that Bruce has become more political as he's grown older...and that he should stay neutral as he did in his early years.  Those are just detractors who never knew Bruce to begin with.  Bruce has never had a political "agenda," but at the same time, he always fought for what he believed in.  On his debut album, Bruce spoke out against the treatment of Vietnam vets.  Bruce didn't wait until his elder years to take jabs at the powers that be...he came out of the blocks swinging.  Bruce has never slowed down.  He has never sold out.  He has never backed down.  His resilience is what makes his journey so powerful.

Here is Bruce Springsteen's Angel + Sky:

1. Once Upon A Time In The West
2. Streets of Philadelphia
3. Missing
4. Dead Man Walking
5. Secret Garden
6. Dream Baby Dream
7. Plane Wreck At Los Gatos
8. Gypsy Woman
9. My Ride's Here
10. Give My Love to Rose

Buy Bruce Springsteen's new album, Wrecking Ball now!!!

The 11 Most Anticipated Albums of Spring 2012

Tebow nation is on fire.  Nothing will further propel his legendary status than throwing 316 in his upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.  But was it really an upset?  Was it really that surprising that Denver won?  I don't think so...in fact, I called it.  (I swear...you can ask the one friend I told they were going to win).  There's three things you have to take into account.  First of all, Tebow is not leading a 8-8 team.  He's QBing for a 7-4 team.  There were five games of the season where he wasn't playing.  Even if he only won two of those games, they'd be a 9-7 team.  A 9-7 team upsetting a 12-4 team isn't that big of a stretch...especially since they're playing at home (which is the second factor).  Thirdly, Pittsburgh was injured up the ass.  Literally...I read one of the defensive end injured his ass.  With Mendenhall out...Big Ben at about 50% and half the o/d lines riding the bench...the Steelers were not at full strength.  Denver beating Pittsburgh is a mild upset at best...it doesn't even compare to 7-9 Seattle's upset last year of defending Superbowl Champions New Orleans.  In football...any given Sunday...and team can win.

In music...any given Tuesday, an established vet can release a dud.  A has-been can make a comeback.  Or a new band could become a new trend-setter.  Who will make waves this year...that is something we've never been able to predict.

Here are the 11 Most Anticipated Albums of Spring 2012:

1.  Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band - TBA (May)
2.  Kanye West - G.O.O.D. Album (May)
3.  Smashing Pumpkins - Oceania (June)
4.  Madonna - Gimme All Your Luvin (April)
5.  Metric - Realities (May)
6.  Garbage - TBA (June)
7.  Mazzy Star - TBA (April)
8.  The Hives - TBA (May)
9.  K'naan - TBA (May)
10.  Beck & Dwight Yoakam - TBA (June)
11.  The Mars Volta - In Absentia (April)

The 11 Best Bruce Springsteen Songs of the 00s:

There are certain albums that come along in a band's career that are above comparison.  For me, these would include The Cure's Disintegration, GNR's Appetite For Destruction, Michael Jackson's Thriller, and Pearl Jam's Ten.  These artistss have all had good careers and churned tons of great music, but these albums remain their zenith of perfection.  Each an untouchable album of pristine quality.  Bruce Springsteen's The Rising would also fall into this category.  That may be a surprising thing to say considering the momumental albums that the Boss has given to the world...Born To Run, Nebraska, Born in the USA, Darkness.  Each great.  Each an amazing album.  But to me, the Rising was something else.

The Rising was a moment in time.  America was reeling in post-tramatic stress from the 9/11 hijackings.  We didn't know how we felt and we didn't know how to feel.  One man said it all for us perfectly.  Bruce Springsteen put out an album of emotions that embodied what everyone was feeling.  Everything that we had bottled up, he let out.  He didn't shy away from hurt, from pain, or from anger.  He said everything we felt, and he felt everything we said.  Musically, it soared.  Lyrically, it was grounded.  There has really never been any other rock album in history that managed to capture a moment in American history as much as this album by Bruce.

How do you compare his other music to this?  You can't.  That doesn't mean he didn't make other good contributions.  This past decade was one of his busiest decades of his entire career.  He put out 9 albums!  While, everything was very overshadowed by The Rising...he still had some great music that should not be overlooked.

Just as epic as Darkness on the Edge of Town is...the songs that didn't make the album, have just as much going for them.  Be sure to check out the Promise...even if you're just a casual Bruce fan.  You won't be disappointed.

The 11 Best Songs By Bruce Springsteen:


1. 41 Shots (Live in New York City)
2. The Hitter (Devils + Dust)
3. Eyes on the Prize (We Shall Overcome)
4. Magic (Magic)
5. Outlaw Pete (Working on A Dream)
6. Radio Nowhere (Magic)
7. Devils + Dust (Devils + Dust)
8. Last To Die (Magic)
9. The Wrestler (Working on A Dream)
10. All The Way Home (Devils + Dust)
11. Life Itself (Working on A Dream)

Buy Bruce Springsteen's new release, The Promise...now!!

The 11 Best Albums of 2009: 23-33 (Part 3)

As each step of this list is being unveiled, I have to say...there was a lot of music this year I really enjoyed. Whether it was scrounging to find the unreleased Beck cover album...or the return of Franz Ferdninand...or the underrated ben gibbard/farrar duet, there was a bunch of music out there to get excited about. Two newcomers to watch...Cut Off Your Hands and Cage The Elephant...I have a feeling they will be on these lists for years to come.

Here are the 11 Best Albums of 2009: 23-33 (Part 3):

23. Cut Off Your Hands - You And I (Turn Cold)
24. JJ - JJ No 2
25. Wolfmother - Cosmic Egg
26. Franz Ferdinand - Tonight
27. Cage The Elephant - Cage the Elephant (Ain't No Rest)
28. M. Ward - Hold Time
29. Beck - Velvet Underground & Nico (I'll Be Your Mirror)
30. Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3.0
31. Steel Panther - Feel The Steel
32. Bruce Springsteen - Working On A Dream
33. Ben Gibbard & Jay Farrar - One Fast Move Or I'm Gone

The 111 Best Albums of the 00s (12-22)

The 111 Best Albums of the 00s (12-22):

12. Coldplay - A Rush of Blood To The Head (2002)
- If Viva La Vida is this generation's Joshua Tree...A Rush would be this generation's Unforgetable Fire.

13. Ryan Adams - Gold (2001)
- If charting was based on most material released...RA would win by a landslide. But Gold feels the most personal...that the most time went into crafting this one. (La Cienega Just Smiled)

14. Jay-Z - The Black Album (2003)
- Jay-Z turned the industry on its head when he allowed the public to freely remix and distribute his momentary swan song.

15. The Strokes - Is This It (2001)
- The Jam who? The Strokes tight and underplayed debut was a snub in the face of the loud and obnoxious music of the day. (Soma)

16. Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am (2006)
- The Jam who? The AM's loud and obnoxious debut was a snub in the face of the quiet and mopey music of the day.

17. Bright Eyes - Lifted Or The Story is in the Soil (2002)
- This is the album that earned him the nickname: "the next Bob Dylan" or "the next Bob Dylan until the next Bob Dylan comes along." (You Will.)

18. Zero 7 - Simple Things (2001)
- If there was ever a soundtrack to this decade...Zero 7 did it first.

19. Interpol - Antics (2004)
- 20 years later...Ian Curtis is cool again.

20. Death Cab For Cutie - Plans (2005)
- The emo masterpiece from a band who has done everything in their power to be anything but... (Someday You Will Loved)

21. Bruce Springsteen - The Rising (2002)
- In the wake of 9/11, it was Bruce who came to the rescue to lead us out of the darkness. No album has ever said more about the strength and resolute nature of our country than the Rising.

22. Kings of Leon - Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004)
- The Kings emerged this decade as the last true patriots of American rock n roll. And no where is that more clear than on their second effort.

Buy these albums now.

I can't say I was a fan of yesterday's Super Bowl. I was pulling for the Cardinals...but I'm not really an Arizona fan...nor a Kurt Warner fan. And that said...I kinda of like the Steelers. I've had both Willie Parker and Big Ben in my Fantasy League over the past two years. Both did very well for me. Had the Steelers come in and blown out the Cardinals...it would have been a bummer...but the Steelers would have earned it. But they didn't. The Steelers were supposed to dominate. They didn't. The Cardinals were supposed to fold under the pressure. They didn't. And what turned into an intense and exciting 4th quarter ended on a very fanti-climatic moment.

When tackled, Kurt Warner was attempting to throw a pass, which should have been called an incomplete pass. Same thing happened to Big Ben in the 3rd quarter...it was called an incomplete pass. But against Warner, the referee called it a fumble. Upon instant replay, it was pretty clear...this was an incomplete pass. But the referees didn't even review the play. Even if it was beyond clear that this was a fumble, considering this is the most important game of the year...why wouldn't they take an extra minute just to be sure?! And what's worse...there wasn't even an explanation of the call. The game just ended. Granted, Arizona had to score a touchdown in 4 seconds to win...but after the Personal Foul on the Steelers...they would have been inside Pittsburgh's 30 with a very good shot at scoring. But that didn't happen...the officials ended the game without conferrring...without double-checking...and without respect for the teams playing.

What's more frustrating about the end of this game...this is now the 2nd Super Bowl with a ton of contested calls that all went in favor of the Steelers. Forgot about the last Super Bowl with the Steelers...just ask the Seattle Seahawks to remind you.

Hear are The 11 Best Bruce Springsteen Albums
(as voted by you)

1. Born To Run
2. Nebraska
3. The Rising
4. Darkness On The Edge of Town
5. Born In The USA
6. Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle
7. The Ghost of Tom Joad
8. Greetings From Astbury Park
9. Tunnel of Love
10. The River (Two Hearts - Live)
11. Magic

Buy Bruce's new album "Working on a Dream"

The 11 Best Bruce Springsteen Songs

Lately, everyone is talking stimulus. Some people think that all this "free" money should go to the average Joe who is hurting. But should we really be giving money back to the people who couldn't handle their finances in the first place? That's like hiring an ex-drug addict to manage a pharmacy. Others say that securing the banks and stabilizing the corporations is the solution. But isn't that the same philosphy as trickle down economics? And look how well that worked.

You can't kick start the economy by fixing broken entities...the only way to do it is with new businesses...new fields of enterprise...just like the internet industry boosted the 90s...we need something similar today. And it's right in front of our noses...

Legalize marijuana...then tax the hell out it.

Currently, there are 30 billion packs of cigarettes sold in the US....that's right...30 billion. Since taxes are assessed state-to-state...the us average is $1.00 per pack. Many cigarette smokers smoke a pack a day...but the average cigarette smoker is closer to 1 pack a week. The typical marijuana smoker would likely smoke a 6-joint pack once a week. Impose a $5.00 per pack tax on it...and you sell even 1/5 of what cigarettes sell...you're looking at an annual intake of around 30 billion dollars in taxes alone. That may not be a total solution...but it's one helluva start.

Here are the 11 Best Bruce Springsteen Songs:

1. Born To Run (Born To Run)
2. Dancing In the Dark (Born in the USA)
3. Thunder Road (Born To Run)
4. Cover Me (Born in the USA)
5. My Love Will Not Let You Down (Tracks)
6. Lost In The Flood (Greetings From Astbury)
7. The Streets of Philadelphia (Sdtk)
8. My City of Ruins (The Rising)
9. Atlantic City (Nebraska)
10. Rosalita (The E Street Shuffle)
11. The River (The River)

Buy the Bruce Springsteen album (Working on a Dream) right now!

The 11 Best Bruce Springsteen Songs

BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCEEEEE!!!!!!

The Best Bruce Springsteen Songs

1. Born To Run (Born To Run)
2. Dancing In The Dark (Born in the USA)
3. American Skin (Live in NYC)
4. Thunder Road (Born To Run)
5. Lost in the Flood (Greetings From Ashbury Park, NJ)
6. Brilliant Disguise (Tunnel of Love)
7. I'm On Fire (Born in the USA)
8. Atlantic City (Nebraska)
9. My City of Ruin (The Rising)
10. Streets of Philadelphia (Philadelphia Soundtrack)
11. Roslita (The Wild, The Innocent)

New Bruce Springsteen CD in stores this week. It's called Magic. And believe it or not, it can actually do Magic. I swear...I've seen people buy the CD and then just up and disappear. It's crazy.

Buy it here, here and here...all for under $9...that's cheaper than lunch and will last longer!!

And due to popular...and sometimes harassing emails...I'll post part 2 to the Foo Fighters this weekend.