March Madness Time!!

It's that time of year again, my friends. Last year, I decided to get caught up in the March Madness season by creating my own little tournament here at album-a-day.com. Here's the basic premise:

• I select 4 artists or bands that I really like and have a pretty large collection of and divide them amongst the 4 regions.
  
• Within each region, I assign a song by that region's artist to each team that I feel either describes the team, my feelings about their tourney hopes, or is just funny.
  

It's pretty simple. I don't try to determine a winner from that, I just set the field of 65 and leave it to play out as it will. Last year's inaugural region artists were The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Prince, and the eventual champion Jay-Z. I only say Jay was the champion because Kansas happened to be in his region. Last year's regions were a little arbitrary in their assignment. This year, like a good tournament director, I'm going to try and keep artists close to home. That being said, your regions this year are:

MIDWEST- Michael Jackson. Jacko is about to embark on his 50 show farewell concert tour, so he's got to get a shout-out. Plus, he's from Gary, Indiana, so the Midwest is where he wants to be.

EAST- The Wu-Tang Clan. Now, this is going to be a bit tougher of a sell. When I say Wu-Tang, I'm including solo efforts under everyone in the Wu. That means we're not just limited to Wu-Tang albums but we've also got ODB, Method Man, and my favorite, Ghostface Killah to work with as well. Representing NY, they're at home in the East.

SOUTH- Stevie Wonder. Stevie might be my favorite musician of all time, and I'm shocked that I didn't go with Stevie in the inaugural version of March Madness, but better late than never, right? While Stevie is from Michigan, his gritty, soulful sound echoes the South.

WEST- Steely Dan. It tends to surprise some people, but yes, I am a Steely Dan fan. Smart lyrics, jazz influence, intricate phrasing, the mu major chord…I love it all. While Becker and Fagan are both from the East Coast and met in NY, their heyday has a particularly yacht-rock feel to it, embracing the California culture that they called their home at the time.

All right, let's get to it!

The "Michael Jackson Region"

1. Louisville- "Ease On Down the Road" (The Wiz Soundtrack, 1978). So we're starting with the most obscure Jacko song in my collection. However, Louisville should be able to ease on down the road to at least the elite 8. They're probably the most balanced team in the field right now. They play offense and defense very well and won both the Big East regular season and conference championship titles. However, during the regular season, they only played Pitt and UConn once during the regular season and didn't face either of them in the conference tournament, so some could question exactly how prepared to play a top-flight team they are. Even though I hate the Big Ten, I do think Michigan State could give them a tough game.
   
2. Michigan State- "Dancing Machine" (G.I.T.- Get It Together, 1973). Okay so it's a Jackson 5 song, but we all know that Michael was the heart and soul of the J5. I picked this song because of Tom Izzo, Michigan State coach who is indeed a dancing machine when it comes to tournament time. His experience in the big dance gives him an edge over many teams in the field as I am a firm believer that experience, whether it be on the court or the sidelines is big come March.
   
3. Kansas- "Remember the Time" (Dangerous, 1993). So…remember that time that Kansas won a national championship? Like last year? A lot of people don't, and Coach Bill Self and crew are out to change that. Though the entire starting lineup is completely different than last year's team, that experience is big.
   
4. Wake Forest- "The Lost Children" (Invincible, 2001). Spending time at #1 this year, Wake Forest might be the biggest fraud in the region. That being said, they might also be the most dangerous team in the bracket as well. The problem with Wake is that they look good for stretches, and then the other time, they look absolutely abysmal. It seems as though when they're at home, they're great, but on the road, they're lost. Too bad the tournament isn't played at Wake…
   
5. Utah- "I Wanna Be Where You Are" (Got To Be There, 1972). Utah has a fantastic position: their first round opponent has no business being in the field of 65. Many teams would love to be in that position.
   
6. West Virginia- "Dangerous" (Dangerous, 1993). A forgotten Big East team, West Virginia has enough firepower (read Alex Ruoff) to be a dangerous first round matchup. Or Sweet 16 matchup if I'm being honest…
   
7. Boston College- "Who Is It?" (Dangerous, 1993). What team will show up? The team that beat UNC or the team that went out and lost to Harvard the very next game? You tell me.
   
8. Ohio State- "I Can't Help It" (Off The Wall, 1979). I just can't but pick against the Big Ten. I don't know where my Big Ten bias came from, but I always underestimate them. Especially with Thad Motta losing a lot of his stars to the NBA, I just can't help doubt this team. On an unrelated note, this song was penned by Stevie "South Region" Wonder for Michael.
   
9. Siena- "Keep the Faith" (Dangerous, 1993). For the sake of all mid-majors here, I've got to pull for Siena. That and the fact that I've gone on record bashing Ohio State just a moment ago...
   
10. USC- "Working Day and Night"- (Off the Wall, 1979). I love the way the USC plays all 40 minutes of the game. They never give up, never pack it in. That's why they're dangerous.
    
11. Dayton-
    "They Don't Care About Us" (HIStory, 1995). The "us" here being the Atlantic-10 Conference. Although it is encouraging that the A-10 did get 3 teams in this year. Maybe the A-10 is back to being the top mid-major that it once was.
    
12. Arizona- "Stranger in Moscow" (HIStory, 1995). I toyed with the idea of using Dangerous' "Give in to Me", because I think the tournament committee gave into the fact Arizona has been in the tournament every year that I've been alive (true story) and gave them an undeserving place. However, I settled on Stranger in Moscow because they just don't fit here. They lost 5 of their last 6 games down the stretch and are streaky at very best. This spot should be Saint Mary's.
    
13. Cleveland State- "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (Bad, 1987). You've got to love these upstart small conference teams that show promise. I love the way they get after it on defense, too. Combine that with the road woes of Wake Forest and you've got an upset in the making.
    
14. North Dakota State- "Butterflies" (Invincible, 2001). This team's offensive prowess scares me. I mean, they can straight up shoot the rock. However, I think their Cinderella season will ultimately come to an early end.
    
15. Robert Morris- "It's Great To Be Here" (Maybe Tomorrow, 1971). Playing against Michigan State, their chances are pretty bleak. They're just happy to be in the dance.
    
16. Play-In Winner- "Beat It" (Thriller, 1982). Sorry guys. I'd say you can feel pretty safe in booking that early return flight home.
    

 

The "Wu-Tang" Region

1. Pittsburgh- "Be This Way" (Ghostface Killah, The Pretty Toney LP, 2003). So I hold onto my perception of teams for a while, and I've always had the idea that Jamie Dixon and Pitt just can't win the big game. They're one of the most balanced teams in the field, but they give me many question marks: are they really healthy? Will the boys be able to make the adjustment from the physical Big East officiating to a little more scrutiny? History tells me that Pitt can't make it past the Sweet 16, and while I don't think that'll be true this year, I think they won't make it out of the region, and like Ghost's song says…"it's gonna always be this way".
   
2. Duke- "Weak Spot" (8 Diagrams, 2007). So Duke is a good squad. That hurt me to type as a Carolina fan, but they are. However, there is one glaring weak spot: the middle. Duke is soft in the middle, and ultimately, I think that might be their undoing.
   
3. Villanova- "For Heaven's Sake" (Forever, 1997). Do I really have Nova in my Final Four? I don't know what the world is coming to. Back to back compliments of Duke and Villanova? I hate both of those teams. However, Nova gets the benefit of playing two home games in the first two rounds, then playing a Duke team that doesn't match up well with them, followed by playing a Pitt team that they already beat once this year. Sounds like a simple road to the final four for me.
   
4. Xavier- "Man Up" (Ghostface Killah, Put It on the Line, 2005). Xavier is ass. I said it. I think Portland State is going to beat them. However, I also wouldn't be surprised if Xavier made the Sweet 16 again…I just have no faith in them.
   
5. Florida State- "Unpredictable" (8 Diagrams, 2007). Let's see which FSU team shows up. There's the one that could make the Sweet 16 or the one that could give you your classic 5-12 upset.
   
6. UCLA- "The City" (Forever, 1997). I think UCLA's downfall will come down to the location they play their second round game…in Philadelphia against Villanova.
   
7. Texas- "Booby Trap" (RZA, Digi Snacks, 2008). Texas is a team that if their shots are falling and the big man in the middle plays like he has shown he can down the stretch could knock off Duke. Of course, they could just be the booby trap in my bracket, too. That's why they play the games.
   
8. Oklahoma State- "Knuckleheadz (Raekwon, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, 1995). I hate OK State. I hate their team, I hate their mascot, and I hate their stupid little hand gesture. Bunch of knuckleheads.
   
9. Tennessee- "9 Milli Bros." (Ghostface Killah, Fishscale, 2006). I chose this song because Bruce Pearl's boys are a bunch of shooters. They can shoot their way to victory and they can shoot themselves right out of a game as well.
   
10. Minnesota- "Second Coming" (Forever, 1997). So Tubby is back with a new squad. Sadly I think this'll be a quick exit for a man who was once my favorite basketball coach.
    
11. Virginia Commonwealth- "Older Gods" (Forever, 1997). So everyone is big on the VCU bandwagon…but that was 2007's team that beat Duke. There's only one kid from that team left. Let's not celebrate the son for the accomplishments of the father.
    
12. Wisconsin- "Investigative Reports" (GZA, Liquid Swords, 1995). I'll be honest, I don't know much about this year's Wisconsin team. Yeah…that's about it.
    
13. Portland State- "Rollin' Wit You" (Ol' Dirty Bastard, Nigga Please, 1999).
    I'm taking these guys to beat Xavier. You heard it here first.
    
14. American- "Tearz" (Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, 1993). That's what they'll be crying after Nova puts it on them.
    
15. Binghamton- "Shame on a Nigga" (Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, 1993). Shame on you if you pick them to win this game.
    
16. East Tennessee State- "Nigga Please" (Ol' Dirty Bastard, Nigga Please, 1999). Well, one team from Tennessee will win a game in this region…sadly it's not this one.
    

 

The "Stevie Wonder" Region

1. North Carolina- "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing"- (Innervisions, 1973). So the big thing on everyone's mind is how is Ty Lawson's toe going to hold up? I'll be honest, it's plaguing me as a UNC fan to know. However, if I know Ty, I know he'll come and give each game everything he's got, so I'm not going to worry about it. To Detroit we go!
   
2. Oklahoma-
   "Big Brother"- (Talking Book, 1972). So this is a bit of a cop-out, but that Blake Griffin….he's one big brother, isn't he? Probably the best player in college basketball. It's a shame that if he's off, Oklahoma is done. Talk about pressure.
   
3. Syracuse- "Keep On Running" (Music of My Mind, 1972). Syracuse just doesn't seem to get tired. After their 6 overtime thriller in the Big East tournament, people though they wouldn't have any legs to beat West Virginia and they did. Now everyone is saying that they'll be too tired for the tournament, but I just don't see that being an issue.
   
4. Gonzaga- "These Three Words" (Jungle Fever Soundtrack, 1991). When looking at the pregame injury report in the Sweet 16, all Gonzaga needs for a chance at victory is to see these three words: Ty Lawson- OUT. They're the only team in the region that can go back and forth with UNC and maybe win.
   
5. Illinois- "Too High" (Innervisions, 1973). They're simply seeded too high. This Illini team isn't that good, and especially with a key injury their best player, they're ripe for a quick exit.
   
6. Arizona State- "All Day Sucker" (Songs In The Key of Life, 1976). You're a sucker if you think that this inconsistent Arizona State team will pose too much of a threat for Temple. Okay, so maybe sucker is a strong term, but Temple is the team in this region that is built to beat them. Temple will have no problem with their match-up 1-3-1 zone because they also run a version of it. LaVoy Allen and Sergio Olmos should also pose problems for a young ASU squad on the glass.
   
7. Clemson- "Stay Gold" (Natural Wonder, 1995). If Clemson can just keep focused for 40 minutes, they'll have no problem advancing to the 2^nd round and maybe even the Sweet 16.
   
8. Louisiana State- "Too Shy To Say" (Fullfillingness' First Finale, 1974). I'm not too shy to say that I don't know much about this LSU team outside of the fact that Tyrus Thomas and Glen Davis are no longer there.
   
9. Butler- "Tuesday Heartbreak" (Talking Book, 1972). After their heartbreaking loss to Cleveland State in the Horizon League Final last Tuesday, this Butler team has something to prove. Look for that momentum to push them past LSU in a first round "upset".
   
10. Michigan- "Go Home" (In Square Circle, 1985). I'm sorry, but how is Michigan in and not Penn State? They're got a better overall record, they've got a better conference record, and they've got better wins. Granted they did beat Penn State by 20, but still. Go home, Wolverines. Go home.
    
11. Temple- "Lately" (Hotter Than July, 1980). Lately, Temple has been playing great basketball. With Allen and Olmos patrolling the lane and Dionté Christmas being the fucking man everywhere else, they're a tough out.
    
12. Western Kentucky- "Ms. and Mr. Little Ones" (Natural Wonder, 1995). Representing out there for all the little mid-majors is Western Kentucky. Thankfully, the committee had mercy on you and pitted you against a hollow Illinois squad. Welcome to the 2^nd round.
    
13. Akron- "Village Ghetto Land" (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976). I'm sorry, but all I know about Akron is that it's a mess. Yet it did produce LeBron James, so maybe they're onto something in basketball.
    
14. Stephen F. Austin- "Smile Please" (Fullfillingness' First Finale, 1974). It's the least you can do. You know, smile for the pictures and all.
    
15. Morgan State- "I Just Called To Say I Love You" (The Woman In Red Soundtrack, 1984). Someone has to show them some love, because Oklahoma sure wont.
    
16. Radford- "It Ain't No Use" (Fullfillingness' First Finale, 1974). No 16 seed has defeated a 1 seed. I don't see a reason this should be any different, Ty Lawson or not.
    

 

The "Steely Dan" Region

1. Connecticut- "Kings" (Can't Buy a Thrill, 1972). So to the winner goes the spoils, and UConn did a lot of winning this year. They're a one seed and everyone sings their praises. However, kings do fall, and I see this king falling to Memphis.
   
2. Memphis- "Do It Again" (Can't Buy a Thrill, 1972). The big question with this Memphis team is can John Calipari do it again and get his team back to the Final Four. I think so. This Memphis team might not have the same star quality as last year's but I think overall they're a more fundamentally sound squad…and they won't shoot themselves in the foot at the free throw line.
   
3. Missouri- "Dirty Work" (Can't Buy a Thrill, 1972). Missouri doesn't like to do the dirty work it takes to win games, like box out and close out on every shot. A fundamentally sound team (read Utah State) could beat them if they're not careful.
   
4. Washington- "Sign in Stranger" (The Royal Scam, 1976). It seems as though these Huskies have gotten lost up in Washington and no one seems to know much about them. While the Pac-10 was down this year, this jewel of the conference was still very good. They could turn a few heads this tourney.
   
5. Purdue- "Your Gold Teeth" (Countdown to Ecstasy, 1973). Purdue is like your gold teeth. They might look nice, but when you get down to it, they're fake.
   
6. Marquette- "What a Shame About Me" (Two Against Nature, 2000). Marquette was good for most of the season, but a key injury late might really hurt them for the tourney. What a shame.
   
7. California- "Change of the Guard" (Can't Buy a Thrill, 1972). So Cal's mediocre right now, but I'll say this: they might win the Pac-10 next year.
   
8. Brigham Young- "Third World Man" (Gaucho, 1980). So while BYU might seem foreign to a lot of people, they might surprise you this year. Don't let the Mountain West fool you.
   
9. Texas A&M- "Your Gold Teeth II" (Katy Lied, 1975). See: Purdue.
   
10. Maryland- "My Rival" (Gaucho, 1980). I can recall every single time I've ever rooted for Maryland: anytime they play Saint Joes and anytime they play Duke. When Duke came back from a 10 point deficit in the 2001 ACC tournament, I almost cried. Not because Maryland lost, but because Duke would have something to brag about. Anyways, outside of Duke and SJU, I don't like Maryland. However, they say you should know your enemy, and I've seen my fair share of Maryland ball over the years; enough to say they should beat Cal.
    
11. Utah State- "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" (Pretzel Logic, 1974). Anyone well versed in college basketball will tell you Utah State is no pushover. With a great Aussie post presence and solid outside shooting, they're a dangerous squad. Remember the last Aussie big man they had? Yeah, he turned out okay.
    
12. Northern Iowa- "My Old School" (Countdown to Ecstasy, 1973). I used to pick Northern Iowa as an upset every year and it rarely worked out for me. I'm not going to follow that pattern again this year.
    
13. Mississippi State- "Kid Charlemagne" (The Royal Scam, 1976). I'll be honest; I didn't even think they were in the tournament this year. Steely Dan's story about a titan who has a loud and mighty fall from grace is oddly applicable to this Mississippi State program.
    
14. Cornell- "Daddy Don't Live in That New York No More" (Katy Lied, 1975). The darlings of the Ivy, Cornell has a tough road to hoe against Missouri. They could win, but it's doubtful. Away from Ithaca, who knows what they'll do.
    
15. California State-Northridge- "Only a Fool Would Say That" (Can't Buy a Thrill, 1972). Only a fool would say Northridge has a shot in this one.
    
16. Chattanooga- "Deacon Blues" (Aja, 1977). I had to find a way to include Steely Dan's best album, so in honor of Chattanooga's impending loss, I'll just recite this one line from Steely Dan's opus about a loveable loser, "Deacon Blues": "They got a name for the winners in the world/ I want a name when I lose". Loser, thy name shall be Chattanooga.
    

 

Grammy Running Diary

So I'm going to host a running chat diary while watching the Grammys like I did last year. The Grammys start at 8 PM/EST on CBS. Click the link below to join the live chat!

 

http://chat.parachat.com/chat/login.html?room=Grammy_Running_Diary&width=600&height=400&bg=000000&fg=FFFFFF&lang=en

My Favorite Tracks of 2008

 

So it's that time of year again when I take a look back at the year that was in music and try to figure out what my favorite songs were. I learned early on that trying to create a list of the "best" songs of the year is a futile venture. Once you try to apply "good" and "bad" labels to something as subjective as music, you invariably open yourself up to much debate. Not that I am not prepared for debate or to defend my stances, but I realize that something I might think is great now might not stand the test of time, and likewise, something that I may have overlooked might end up being a piece that changes the course of musical history. Ok, maybe that's a stretch, but you understand the idea. With that in mind, I set out to recall 2008 and the music that I enjoyed. The following list is comprised of songs that were either tracks on albums released in 2008 or were singles that were released in 2008.

 

"American Boy"- Estelle featuring Kanye West

So this track was pretty inescapable in 2008. Whether you were drawn in by Estelle's cockney accent, Kanye's bravado or will.i.am's slick groove, you were going to get sucked into this one. It's funny that I hated this song the first time I heard it…let me rephrase that…the first time I heard the track. Aside from a few changes, this basic instrumental track appeared on will.i.am's ill-fated solo project "Songs About Girls". Once will.i.am dusted it off and handed it over to Estelle, the track took new life and became a huge success. Go figure.

"Black President"- NaS

I really respect Nas' honesty on this track, because though there were many pro-Obama tracks released in 2008, not many explored fears of Obama failing or not being what he seemed to be. Per usual, Nas kept it real by addressing the issues at hand and then finally arriving at the idea that Obama really could be just as good as advertised, and that hope alone is enough to celebrate.

"The Boss"- Rick Ross featuring T-Pain

This was the unofficial theme song of my track team this year. Unabashed cockiness is the simplest way to describe it. Ricky isn't really dealing with anything substantive, and you get the feeling listening to Ross that he knows he's not really talking about anything substantive, but he's going to have fun doing and you're going to have fun listening to it. Despite Jay-Z's claims, Rick Ross might be the real 'mouthpiece for hustlers".

"Bust Your Windows"- Jazmine Sullivan

A lot of my male friends hate "female revenge" songs, but I try to remind them that if you give a woman no reason to be vengeful, then she'll have no reason to do anything crazy. I like the angle that Philadelphia's own Jazmine Sullivan takes on this track, by going after the offender's car with a crowbar. Unlike most revenge tracks, Jazmine addresses the fact that busting her man's windows a) doesn't make sense and b) won't change anything, but she sums up the logic with: "You broke my heart, so I broke your car/ you brought me pain, so I did the same".

"Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa"- Vampire Weekend

The jangly guitar is so unpretentious, but the rest of the Vampire Weekend is nothing but pompous, and I love them for that. With references to the United Colors of Benetton and Peter Gabriel tunes, the band is really appealing to a certain sea-faring, Cape Cod summering crowd, but having fun with it. Is it groundbreaking? No. Will it be in your head a little later? Yes.

"Closer"- Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo might be the most consistent artist in R&B. He's also probably the most easily recognizable songwriter in pop music next to Pharrell Williams. This catchy track will send you immediately to the dance floor, whether it's the melody-pursuing synth, the 808 claps, or the driving guitar line.

"Comfortable"- Lil' Wayne featuring Babyface

First off, where has Babyface been? I feel like the last time I saw him was in Madonna's "Take a Bow" video. I picked this song from Weezy's album because I feel like it's one of the few structured songs on the album. Weezy's flow is infectious but oftentimes unfocused. However, when he tries to make a song, he's actually pretty good at it. At times, Lil' Wayne can be a bit like an early Chris Webber: sure, if C-Webb just stuck in the post and played power forward the way it was supposed to be played, he could've been the best power forward since Karl Malone, but instead he insisted on shooting jump shots and made the game more complicated than it needed to be. Weezy, just make songs and you'll go down as one of the best!

"Creator"- Santogold

You loyal readers may remember that this song made my list in 2007. Well, apparently the rest of the world caught up to me, because this song took off in 2008. A window rattling, booty shaking track dares you not to dance, and dirty at that.

"Damaged"- Danity Kane

This song was much discussed by my friend Josh and I this year. Do they correctly spell "damaged" in the hook? I said yes, Josh wasn't sold. I think it's pretty conclusive, but I'll leave it up to you to decide that for yourself. However, as far as the song goes, it's pretty simple pop. Repeating words, simple message, pulsing club groove and pretty girls. Not much to analyze, not much to hate. If it ain't broke, then there's no need to fix it, fix it, fix it.

"Drivin' Down the Block (Remix)"- Kidz in the Hall featuring The Cool Kids, Bun B and Pusha T

Not much to analyze here. Just a fresh ass beat and 6 MCs flowing nicely over it. Again, hip-hop at its essence is very simple.

"Electric Feel"- MGMT

Is this a Prince track? Prince-lite? Sometimes a cheesy metaphor (shock me like an electric eel) is cheeky and sometimes it blows (see: "Sex on Fire" by Kings of Leon). What MGMT manages to do with this track is create a musical soundscape that actually sounds a bit like what they're singing about. Very smooth.

"Everyone Nose (All The Girls Standing In The Line for the Bathroom)"- N.E.R.D.

You know, we've all been there: The house party with one bathroom…you're waiting in line along with 6 of your newest friends wondering what could be preventing you from emptying the quarter-keg of beer that is now in your bladder, and then you see Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and 3 of her girlfriend empty out of the bathroom and you figure out why that she asked you earlier in the evening if you had a straw. There just aren't enough songs about doing coke in the bathroom, especially with beats that are bonkers enough to sound great in any state.

"Fast Life"- The Clipse featuring the Re-Up Gang

So this song is my guilty pleasure. It's not a very good song, but it's great to drive to. I'll always have a soft spot for the Clipse and their particular brand of drug rap because they're funny, whether it's intentional or not. This song was out of place in 2008, however. If it had come out in 2004, it would've been a hit. Need proof? The producer: Scott Storch.

"Fried Chicken"- NaS featuring Busta Rhymes

Mark Ronson brings in the horns again for this beat as NaS and Busta bust examine why people eat things that kill them. Satire is always effective.

"Green Light"- John Legend featuring André 3000

I was a little confused the first time I heard this song because it's not really in the typical John Legend mold. Once I got over that, I realized that the song is hot! With a hook that you'll find yourself humming or singing to yourself for not good reason, Legend sweet talks a lady into going home with him. André three stacks of course brings it on his verse. André never disappoints. His first line alone is better than most of what's out there now: "So I went hard like Medusa staring at me"…

"Hero"- NaS featuring Keri Hilson

I'm a sucker for a beat with a marching band and Pollow da Don gives a banger for NaS to give one of the better singles he's had in the last 8 years. NaS shares the story of where he sees himself in the game right now and how the title of his "Untitled" album came to be, and what he and his fans will always remember it as.

"I Will Possess Your Heart"- Death Cab for Cutie

The first time I listened to this album, I ran downstairs to grab the mail when this track came on. I came back upstairs and nothing had changed. With the intro clocking in at 4 and a half minutes, it takes a while for this one to build. That patience adds to the feel of the track however, as stalking a girl has never sounded so beautiful.

"It's Over"- John Legend featuring Kanye West

This song hit home for me towards the end of 2008. Sometimes your former lover just doesn't quite understand that it's over. Kanye delivers a pretty solid verse here, and sums up the feeling of the song in the line "don't ask why shorty be over/news flash, shorty: we over".

"Just One Kiss"- Raphael Saadiq featuring Joss Stone

Such a simple love song that you can't help but love it. Saadiq's vintage track combined with Stone's impassioned vocals send you back from 2008 to 1968.

"Kids"- MGMT

A beguiling synth line coupled with a recession-ready hook about conservation ("Control yourself/ take only what you need from it") leaves you with yet another catchy dance track from MGMT.

"The Kramer"- Wale

So remember when Michael Richards had his racist tirade at a comedy club? Well Wale does. This song probably best explains the problem with using the n-word in hip-hop. It gives people lease to use it a little more freely until lines are blurred and feelings are hurt. Make sure you listen to this track.

"Lay It Down"- Al Green featuring Anthony Hamilton

Forget Portishead, the comeback of the year was none other than the "Gritman" Al Green himself. On this track, Al proves he's still capable of making emotive and relevant soul music. Anthony Hamilton's down home weary tenor is the perfect backing for smooth Al's voice which still silkily struts around a song with all the confidence of the 70's Green that we all know and love.

"Like The Rest of Us"- Atmosphere

Minimalism at its finest: DJ/Producer Ant provides and hauntingly simple beat for MC Slug to explore the often comical hypocrisy of people which sets the tone for one of the year's best albums.

"Lost!"- Coldplay

This song sounds like Chris Martin might've pitched it to Jay-Z for their collaboration on "Kingdom Come" and Hov passed on it. The drums are hip-hop, the rest is classic Coldplay: big music, simple yet seemingly deep lyrics, lush synths and harmonies.

"Love In This Club"- Usher feat. Young Jeezy

Pollow da Don does it again with a fantastic beat that you can't help but feel, especially in the club. I feel like Usher kind of phones this one in, personally, but the beat and a Jeezy verse are enough to keep it afloat with a delightfully sing-song hook. If we all followed the WWJD approach (What Would Jeezy Do?) I feel like the world would be a better place.

"Maybach Music"- Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z

Boss music, grown folks beat. This track sounds like early Act IV of Scarface when Tony is just kickin' it enjoying his life. Excess sounds great until it all falls down.

"Mercy"- Duffy

Echoing Dusty Springfield, Duffy brings us a tale of a woman that's just caught up in some good loving and just wants to be free. Best Welsh import since Catherine Zeta-Jones.

"Miss Independent"- Ne-Yo

Young Ne-Yo is really turning into a fantastic songwriter. This song gives us a woman who's successful enough that she doesn't need a man for anything, and that's what makes her that much more attractive. This song is strong enough on its own that it doesn't need much, but the glossy 80's synth line is what reels me in.

"Move"- Q-Tip

I'll be honest: the first 5 or 10 times I listened to this track, I wasn't listening to Tip at all. I was listening to the beat. I didn't even have to look at the liner notes to know that it was a Dilla beat (R.I.P.). That's not to say that Tip doesn't bring it lyrically, it's just that Dilla flips The Jacksons' "Dancing Machine", an oft sampled track, in a way I would've never thought to. That's what made him special.

"Mr. Alladatshit"- Kidz in the Hall feat. Donnis & Chip Tha Ripper

You can't teach swagger, and that's extremely apparent on this braggadocios track. From the opening line of "Flyer than giraffe pussy", Naledge lets us know that he doesn't give a fuck what he's saying, but rather how he's saying it. With that swagger and the slick beat behind him, he wins.

"Mrs. Officer- Lil' Wayne feat. Bobby Valentino

So yeah, this is my guilty pleasure track. It's so absurd of a premise that I've gotta laugh. Plus Weezy seems to enjoy himself so much on this track….wee-oooo-wee-ooo-weeee!

"No Air"- Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown

Another guilty pleasure track. I think the two sound nice together. My favorite part of this song might be the video, though. Jordin singing next to a huge window talking about how she has no air and can't breathe. Is anyone else thinking "bitch, just open the window?"….

"On Top of the World"- T.I. featuring Ludacris and B.O.B.

I was just waiting for these to ATL rappers to get together and they both put out songs with each other on their albums. I picked the Paper Trail edition because of DJ Toomp's great beat and the fact that while T.I. is consistent, Luda is much better on guest verses. Go figure.

"One (Blake's Got A New Face)"- Vampire Weekend

An aural Seabreeze with brunch…this song oozes prep appeal. From the jet-setting lyrics to the 80s bubbly electric piano, I feel like I need to put on some United Colors of Benetton just to listen to this track, and I love it.

"One More Drink"- Ludacris feat. T-Pain

My favorite hook of 2008 by far: "if I take one more drink/ I'm gonna end up fucking you/ is that what you want to do shawty?". We've all been there…

"Paper Planes"- M.I.A.

So Kala was released in 2007, but this song truly blew up in 2008. Featured in the trailers for "Pineapple Express", it was everywhere. With a stellar sample from the Clash's "Go Straight To Hell", this song has a little something for everyone.

"Porn Star"- T.I.

No disrespect to T.I., but Lil C is really the star of this song. His beat is FIRE.

"Pretty Please (Love Me)- Estelle feat. Cee-Lo

So I was in Tangier (the Center City Philadelphia bar, not the Moroccan city) with my buddy Greg and this song came on, and we both immediately perked up and started a little toe-tapping and head-nodding. This song sounds like a lost track from a 1966 Motown album. It definitely gives Duffy's "Mercy" a run for her money for best retro-sounding track of the year.

"Put On"- Young Jeezy feat. Kanye West

"Inside fishsticks/outside tartar sauce". You gotta love Jeezy. This is the official "rep your hood" anthem of the year. Kanye actually makes the Auto-Tune work for him on his verse as well.

"Rising Down"- The Roots feat. Mos Def and Styles P

Great simplistic beat…check. Great verse from Mos Def…check. Great verse from Black Thought…check. Great verse from Styles P…well 3 out of 4's not bad.

"Rising Up"- The Roots feat. Wale and Chrisette Michelle

Where "Rising Down" leaves just a little more to be desired, "Rising Up" never disappoints. The beat is go-go bonkers, Black Thought brings it (as always), Chrisette Michelle sings a great hook, and Wale delivers a fantastic guest verse, bringing the phrase "Olsen twinin'" into the lexicon. This song had the honor of being my ringtone for about 3 months.

"Run"- Gnarls Barkley

High energy fun from everyone's favorite odd couple, plus my buddy John Cranston did the video.

"Singing Man"- The Roots feat. Porn, Truck North and Dice Raw

So the Roots were scheduled to play at Virginia Tech the day after the tragic events occurred there, and this song is written from the perspective of the shooter. The song is already eerily dark, but when that is taken into account, it's a whole different kind of dark. It's hauntingly beautiful, though.

"Single Ladies"- Beyoncé

First Lady Beyoncé and The-Dream team up for another typical Beyoncé smash. In the vein of "Get Me Bodied" from B'day, this fiery dance track will get you moving immediately. Coupled with a sexy video, women's lib never looked so good.

"Spaz"- N.E.R.D.

Featured in Microsoft Zune ads, this song's schizophrenic beat is so catchy that it's almost undeniable. Early on, it's classic East Coast boom-bap, on the hook, it's frenetic club pace, but all the while it remains hot.

"Speedin'"- Rick Ross featuring R. Kelly

Well if you know me, you'll know that R. Kelly has to be part of this list somehow. This is your classic fun "I got money" track that coupled with a hilarious video which includes Rick Ross jumping off a bridge into a cigarette boat…well need I explain why I love it?

"Spotlight"- Jennifer Hudson

J-Hud had a tough year, but she actually had a pretty solid album, this being my favorite of the efforts. I can't help but think that she was secretly writing this song about Beyoncé trying to steal her shine in Dreamgirls, but that's a different story…

"Sucka For Love"- Danity Kane

So I was watching an episode of Making the Band and I heard Danity Kane in the preliminary stages of recording this song, and it made me a little excited for the album. The final cut didn't disappoint. The beat is infectious and I've got a soft spot for DK.

"Swagga Like Us"- T.I. feat. Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lil' Wayne

Kanye flips a vocal sample from the aforementioned "Paper Planes" and lays the track for 4 beasts in the game to have a pissing contest. Judge for yourself, but I'll save you some time: they all bring it, but T.I. wins.

"Testify"- NaS

I think of one of my players when I hear this song. He claims Nas is his favorite rapper, and I feel like Nas is speaking directly to suburban kids like him in this song. How many would be down to ride with Nas?

"That's Not My Name"- The Ting Tings

Simplistic clap-stomp rock about the girl that blends in. Good song, but it's a shame that the Ting Tings will be known as the "That's Not My Name" band. It's not even the best song on the album.

"Time To Pretend"- MGMT

This might be the new anthem for lost recent post-grads. Not yet ready to give up on your youthful dreams of grandeur and surely already disillusioned with the "real world", this tongue-in-cheek techno opus refuses to surrender to mediocrity.

"Too Late For Us"- Little Brother feat. Tiye Phoenix

Classic boy loses girl and realizes that he screwed up track, but it's hot cause Big Pooh and Phonte are some of the best emcees in the game. Their true talent comes in relatable lyrics.

"Touch My Body" (Remix) featuring R. Kelly

Instead of explaining again why I love R. Kelly and all his ridiculousness, I'll just post the lyrics to his verse:

Now, let's take a look
At your body
Go over your body
And anyway you say
I'll
Mmmmuuuaah [kiss sound]
It's obvious you're hot
Just point
To your spot
And baby girl
I promise
I will
Mmmmmuuauah [kiss sound]
Girl
If you let me
I'm gonna touch it
But if I touch it
I'ma wanna hit it
But if hit it
I'ma wanna split it
Lay around flip it
You be
Screaming quit it
But I can quit it
I'm just
Getting started

It's the remix
And I'ma touch yo body
And you know
Them haters
Are gonna wanna hate
When they hear
This free-style

So if some
Honey's up in here
That want me
To touch
Their bodies say
I doooooo (I doooooo)
And if some
Honey's up in here
That wanna roll out
With Kellz say
I Doooooo (I doooooo)

Well it's the 12-Play
4th Quarter
Coming real soon

Ladies and gentlemen….R. Kelly.

"Traffic Light"- The Ting Tings

This is my favorite song from their album. It's just a simple cheeky love song, but I think it showcases Katie White's pure and clear voice. Don't overthink things in love, kids. Just read the signs.

"Viva La Vida"- Coldplay

Did they steal the melody line? Sure. Did you sing along every time this bloody iPod commercial came on? I rest my case. In fact, I'll admit, every time I heard this song, I reenacted the silly Chris Martin emotive dance from the commercial.

"We Are Rockstars"- Does it Offend You, Yeah?

Sometimes you just need a grimy dance track that makes you sweat to get everything started. My shoes feel sticky and I smell the stench of Miller High Life being perspired whenever I hear this song, but somehow that's endearing.

"Who's Gonna Save My Soul?"- Gnarls Barkley

This is a great tale of love gone wrong and the heartbreak that follows, but the real story here is the Chris Milk video that goes along with it. If you haven't seen it, go to Youtube. No, like right now.

"Yes We Can"- will.i.am

You all know the story…Barack gives a speech and will.i.am takes the words and adds music and a star-studded cast. It's a little hokey, but then I realize that I always get a little misty eyed at the same point: "We have been told that we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics. They will only grow louder and more dissonant. We've been told to pause for a reality check. We've been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope…but in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope".

"You Don't Understand Me"- The Raconteurs

I really like Jack White. I like the White Stripes, but I always wonder what Jack would do with a competent drummer. In step The Raconteurs. I really just like the swing of this song, and the piano solo. I'm a sucker for a good piano solo.

 

Start the movement...

Sorry, just me talking about this Nas album again. Here's the video for "Hero". Enjoy!

"Untitled"- Nas (2008)

***Alert***
I'm going to use the "n-word" in this review. A lot. If that bothers you, too bad.
***Alert***

A lot of controversy has surrounded Nas' latest album. Initially, Mr. Jones announced that he would entitle the album "Nigger". This began my initial reservations with the album. I simply hoped that if he was going to pull something that daring, he would do so responsibly and with full awareness of the precedent it would set. During the recording of the album, there were various sources saying that Def Jam wouldn't allow the "Nigger" title to fly, while Nas continued to push for his vision to be realized. Many people stood up to his aide, including former rival, turned former boss Jay-Z. Many also came out against him, including known hater Jesse Jackson. Eventually, Nas conceded and agreed to calling the album "Untitled", much to the chagrin of hip-hop purists and comedians alike. However, the move was the only way to get the album sold everywhere.

Historically, I'm not really a Nas "fan". I of course think that "Illmatic" was a classic, and "God's Son" and "Stillmatic" were enjoyable, but outside of that, I was never really one to listen to him. I respect his talent and recognized his contributions to the game, but I was always on the Jay-Z side of the feud. However, after listening to "Nigger" (Nas has gone on record as saying that people will always know what the real title of this album is, and I agree with him), I think I've really come to appreciate what Nas brings to hip-hop. My main knock on him through his career is that I think he's the most talented lyricist that has no ear whatsoever for production. I mean, this is the man that rose to prominence over DJ Premier classics but has chosen later in life to get beats from Philly pariah Chris Webber. Thats right, the basketball player. "Nigger" however, is in my opinion, Nas' most consistent album, production-wise, since "Illmatic". With production from Mark Ronson, DJ Green Lantern, Polow da Don, Cool & Dre and DJ Toomp, Nas creates a soundscape that allows him to weave his tight political and social commentary over an enjoyable 54 minutes.

Instead of breaking this album down track by track, I'm going to address is as a body of work, because that is truly what this album is. Nas' statement of his feelings on political and race relations in America, as well as his thoughts on the word "nigger" are fully on display. Despite being an 8th grade dropout, Nas is a very intelligent man. No one is safe from his scathing attacks on the state of America, not even himself. He stands up for Black America, women and poor folks and denounces cooperate greed, specifically Rupert Murdoch and his lap-dog Bill O'Reilly over at Fox. John Lennon famously called women the nigger of the world and Nas takes that sentiment one step further. It's not a race issue. It's not a gender issue. It's a class issue. Those who aren't part of the upper crust of American society are all niggers. Of course Nas mainly addresses Black America and the struggles that we have to overcome in order for us to overcome. He speaks of acquiring and acknowledging our history, recognizing our faults, not accepting our current station in life and moving forward intelligently and healthily as a people. He does this with vivid language and intricate rhyme schemes, all while possessing that classic Nas swagger that we've all come to enjoy. And of course...he shows some love to our favorite candidate here at "Album-A-Day", Barack Obama.

What sets this album apart is that it is more than simply a hip-hop album. I mean, at its core, it is classic hip-hop, something that has been missing from the game lately. However, this album is larger than that. This is a) a strong showing for the maturation of Nas' career and b) a social statement showing what hip-hop can be: fresh, intelligent, relevant, and outspoken. What Nas has done with this album should inspire the heavyweights in hip-hop (yes Jay, I'm talking to you) to really examine exactly what it is they're trying to do with this genre. This work will stand the test of time. A bit of my excitement here might be simply because there hasn't been a hip-hop work this good and this substantive in some time, but I stand by it. When it's all said and done, this could be a classic. Please go out and get this album. It's so good...I might even BUY it.

4.75/5

Happy 4th Kids

"America, the Beautiful" as rendered wonderfully by the timeless Ray Charles (RIP). I was lucky enough to see him do this live in Philly when I was younger. Great song. I move to make it our national anthem. Enjoy your independence day!

"Viva La Vida (Or Death And All Of His Friends)"- Coldplay (2008)

I've waited long enough to write this review. I've been avoiding it because of my history with Coldplay albums. When a new Coldplay album comes out, I like to approach it, smile, buy it a drink and go home with it. In the morning, I slip out of bed (leaving no money on the dresser, because lets face it...I don't pay for music), and never call it again. This love 'em and leave 'em mentality suited me just fine over "X&Y", "A Rush of Blood To The Head" and the other one...what was her name?...ah right, "Parachutes". This one though...she's different. I might actually call her the next day.

Running the risk of sticking themselves in a box of 'typical' sound, this album is a bit of a departure from the norm for the English quartet. The methodical, plodding piano based musing and agonizing is replaced with a fresher, more crisp sound. It seems as though Chris Martin's burgeoning friendship with Shawn Carter (aka Jay-Z) has been one of musical sharing, as there seems to be a little more of an hip-hop influence. Let me immediately qualify that statement by reiterating that I'm simply saying that it is simply an influence. Just the way that "Beach Chair" added a different dimension and depth to Jay-Z's sound, I feel that the gangster Shawn Corey may have shown Chris a thing or two about making his drums sound...well...bigger. This is most evident on "Lost!", as the rhythmic experimentation elicits a head nod from even the stiffest of listeners.

What sets this album apart from other Coldplay albums is the absence of a "made for stadium" song (think "Clocks" or "Speed of Sound"). One could argue that the title track fills this void, and while the iTunes commercial would support that claim with its flourishing images and spastic yet lovable Chris Martin interpretive dance moves (which I can't help but mimic whenever I hear the song), somehow this song doesn't need the bright lights and big stage to come across larger than life. I'm sure it'd be pretty sweet live though.

Basically, Chris and the gang come across a bit edgier on this album as opposed to the solemn and stoic sound we're used to, and it suits them well. They play around with different sounds, like the rockier "Violet Hill" and the more breezy "Strawberry Swing". "42" has a great switch mid-song that adds to its depth. All in all, it is a very well constructed album. It's not perfect, however, as it gets a bit bogged down in the middle by "Reign of Love" which while being a beautiful song, I could really do without. My main critique of the album, however, is that it very easily blends into the background of whatever I'm doing. With many albums, I'm very aware that I'm listening to an album while doing something else, like maybe playing a video game. However, if trying to multi-task while listening to "Viva La Vida", I'll look away on track 3 and then all of a sudden, the album is over. I haven't quite decided if that's good or bad, but it is definitely different than most albums.

I fully endorse this effort, though. It's good to see Coldplay put out an album that I might want to listen to again by the end of 2008.

4.25/5