Looking Back and Arriving at the Future

Pictures are said to be meant a thousand words. Pictures are like a piece in time to be referenced in order to remember where and who we were. Look at a picture and you'll see a fragment in time that is forever etched in its framework. In reality, pictures arent the only thing that can be exercised for the use of rememberance; dreams, memories, and in this case, blogs and miniscule lists dribbled out on a blogspot can suffice in the matter as well.

Taking a gander a few minutes ago at the last few posts I've done here, it was puzzling looking at the contents and what I felt necessary to share with whoever's out there. If I didnt know it was me, I'd say the kid who put Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road inside his Top 5 albums list is a bit off his wagon. Then I realize it was me and then a smirk Heath Ledger would be proud of slithers across my face.

Looking back, I see myself. I see the thought patterns and the short bursts of events that surrounded those days that seem like a distant memory. (funny how it's only a few months ago, too) I'd swear it was two or three years ago that I spewed my Top 100 Classic Rock songs here and on another site for fellow online friends to critique and marvel at. It's baffling at how songs like 'Bleeding Me' and 'Hotel California' were in my Top 10, because, right now, I havent listened to either song in ages. Things change and in music, it changes more rapidly than Axl Rose changed his mind on what the release of Chinese Democracy should be -- oh, wait... that joke doesnt work anymore.

Anyway, this is a bit of an update, if you were dying to know the purpose of this blog.

Artists, Albums, Songs and Other Junk of the Day

Opeth, Ghost of Perdition, Ghost of Perdition

I just bought Opeth's Ghost Reveries, the third in a short line of other records I've bought by this progressive death metal titan. Others being Still Life, Blackwater Park and Watershed. I'm falling in love with these Sweedish geniuses by the day, something I thought I'd never actually do. For a time I was completely against 'cookie monster' vocals, thus, the majority of today's metal scene. I was cooped up listening to '80's thrash and the occasional album by Dream Theater, closing myself off from the realm inhabited by the likes of Opeth and Meshuggah. Now, I'm addicted to Opeth's catalogue of records that I possess and can't wait to complete the collection. I'm still on the surface of fanhood in that I'm skating on top of the ice, enjoying the music, and yet to delve into the lyrical themes and meanings of each and every song, something I did many moons ago with Metallica and slowly am doing with Pink Floyd. Ghost Reveries is a fantastic album and 'Ghost of Perdition', the opening track, is a classic Opeth song in its constant wavy style, going back and forth between slowed down tempos and soft utterings, to thundering guitar and double-bass drumming combos and those gutteral vocals we all love by Akerfeldt. Love this band, album and song to death right now...

Slayer, Final Six

I can't exactly pinpoint a specific album by Slayer I'm currently addicted to, because, frankly I'm listening to it all at once. Song wise it's definitely the gem that was excluded off the original release of 2006's Christ Illusion, 'Final Six'. I've found myself saying that this song is heavier and more brutal than any Metallica song I've ever heard, and in many respects, that's correct. This track done over 20-years into Slayer's career is a vicious scorcher that features a spell-binding opener, the iconic and ever-present remarkable drum-play of Dave Lombardo, and some insane vocals out of Tom Araya. This one brings not only speed but an amount of aggression that seemingly tops some of the things people fell in love with back in the '80's -- yeah, I found it hard to believe myself.

Breakfast Scene, Pulp Fiction

Really, if there's any accolades to be given to Samuel L. Jackson, it should be for being a motherfucking badass for the entirety of his life. That and for cursing more than any man in the history of men using obscenities. Pulp Fiction is a film by Quentin Tarantino that probably features a memorable quote every 30 or so seconds, depending on the viewer. If you havent seen this film than it's safe to say your parents didnt love you when it came out and probably dont still, seeing how you're sitting up in the wee-hours of the night reading my crap.

3-0, Oh No

For those not engrosed in the NFL Draft during this glorious sports weekend... a blog about the NBA Playoffs.

When the matchups for the opening round to this years NBA Playoffs were announced, all eyes zeroed in on one matchup: Suns/Spurs. Last years memories still linger, proving that no love has been lost; there have been only gains in that of intensity, and most importantly, personel. The Suns acquired Shaquille O'Neal in what seemed like a move looking ahead to the imminent face off with the Spurs. Steve Kerr, Phoenix's freshmen GM in 2008, made a gutsy move in his first year with the Suns -- one he hoped would not only help them get past the veteran Spurs, but race them to the top and claim what the Spurs had in 2007: a championship.

Most NBA analysts labeled the series as the best of the opening round, and others took it as far as the best of the playoffs -- look how that's turned out. Game 1 deceived us all into thinking that this series was going to be a mirror image of the epic we were indulged in last year. Two overtimes, 40-points by the best PF in the game, and a narrow victory by the Spurs. The logical made logical arguments; the Suns had lost O'neal and Stoudemire to foul trouble for much of the game; Nash wasnt himself; the Suns made foolish mistakes, letting the Spurs back into the game after a comfortable halftime lead. The loss was brushed under the table, experts declaring the series was laid out before the Suns for them to take. For them to sieze. NBA analysts daring them to come carpe diem, baby.

Now the Suns arent so comfortably numb, sitting in a 0-3 hole after being waxed 115-99 on Friday night. NBA analysts from broadcasting publications like TNT to ESPN are sitting on their hands, wondering what has become of their Finals pick. So much for the epic battle, indeed.

The Suns made their move, in full belief and confidence that O'neal would propel them past the Spurs come playoff time. What they failed to realize was that they still couldnt play defense like the Spurs. Game 1: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker combine for 90 points -- the majority of it in the paint. So much for Shaq's inside presence. Game 2: Suns allow 102 points; Duncan, Manu, and Parker comebine for 79 points. Game 3: Suns give up 115 points; Duncan, Manu, and Parker combine for 84 points.

The Suns have allowed an average of 111 points-per game in the first three decisions against the Spurs. On two occasions, the Suns have been torched by a 40-point performance, either by Tim Duncan or Tony Parker. The Suns squandered their chance to steal homecourt in two close games in San Anton, and on Friday night may have blown their shot at a trip to the NBA Finals.

Somebody tell Diantoni that allowing over 100-points a game in the playoffs doesnt win championships, it loses them. Or in this case, doesnt get you out of the 1st round. This Suns team, like so many other elite teams, have a window of opportunity, a time when they are in their prime and ripe for the picking. This is that time for the Suns. We are smack dab in the middle of their window, being blinded by the light. Steve Nash may only have a handful of seasons left before he begins to slow down. Shaq most likely wont last many more moons in the NBA, nor will Grant Hill. Leandro Barbosa is the NBA's best sixth-man, and may push for a better contract soon, or make his way to another team, making bank. The San Antonio Spurs may not only be moving on in the post season, leaving their rival behind, but also crushing that rivals future chances at a championship.



So much for being old and overlooked.

The Four Horsemen's Top 25 Songs

The Top 25 Songs From The Greatest Metal Band of Our Time

25. Blackened (...And Justice For All-1988)

I personally love AJFA, and this song is one of my favorites. Love the whole idea of mother earth being torched and raped by nuclear warfare.

24. The Memory Remains (Reload-1997)

This song went extremely well with the orchestra in '99. Not nearly one of their best, but a fun song none the less.

23. Sad But True (Metallica-1991)

This is sort of a personal favorite here. The Black Album is what sent Metallica down hill, but this song and a few others from it still pwn. Heavy bitch right here.

22. No Leaf Clover (S&M-1999)

S&M was a fantastic concert, and this one was a song created like "-Human" just for it.

21. Unforgiven II (Reload-1997)

I dig the updated rendition of this song, and the video that goes with it. I'll tell ya, Metallica has always had some interesting music videos.

20. Seek and Destroy (Kill Em All-1983)

You know I had to include something from the early days. Kill Em All was a fun and exilherating thrash fest that started it all for them.

19. Until it Sleeps (Load-1996)

Load was an album that was way too long, but I'm still thankful for the numerous memorable singles it gave us. This song is not fully appreciated unless you listen to it while watching the music video.

18. Welcome Home (Master of Puppets-1986)

A song inspired by "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", has so much build up that eventually leads into some great guitar play. Classic Metallica.

17. Creeping Death (Ride the Lightning-1984)

This is one of the bands more underrated tracks. RTL was a unique sounding thrash album and this one like "Trapped Under Ice" and "Escape" are still some memorable tracks.

16. Damage Inc. (Master of Puppets-1986)

This was the perfect way to end Master. They had been hitting you with epic after epic packed to the brim with important and meaningful lyrics. Then, DAMAGE INCORPORATED!!!

15. To Live is to Die (...And Justice For All-1988)

This was the perfect tribute to Cliff Burton. To this day, I wonder what Metallica's career would have been like with Burton at bass.

14. The Outlaw Torn (Load-1996)

For the S&M concert, James reminded all the fans that he could still crank it when they performed this song. Love this one. Load did have its jewels.

13. Turn the Page (Garage Inc.-1998)

Bob Seger's version was a damn good one, but I for some reason prefer Metallica's. No sax for this one, just some great guitar.

12. The Call of Ktulu (Ride the Lightning-1984)

One thing that I love about this band is their instrumentals, and as you can see, I'm including them in the list. Can you hear the call of the cthulhu?

11. The Unforgiven (Metallica-1991)

The Black Album basically was what sent Metallica's career downhill, but it still had its share of great songs, including this one.

THE TOP 10

10. Bleeding Me (Load-1996)

Yes, I know you might be thinking: "What? A darling of Load?" Yes, this is one of Metallica's best. I'm a fan of most of all of Metallica's work and this song is special to me as a fan. You can feel the emotion in Hetfield's vocals throughout the entire track and are moved at every riff.

9. Disposable Heroes (Master of Puppets-1986)

This is one of the greatest thrash songs I've heard. Its such a long and sweeping epic right off of Master.

8. Fade to Black (Ride the Lightning-1984)

This along with Bellz was the real reason as to why RTL was such a special album. It not only was the bridge for Master, but it included symphonic masterpieces like this one. Metallica showed their fans that they could indeed slow things down.

7. Enter Sandman (Metallica-1991)

To me, this is the most overrated song by Metallica and maybe of the 1990's, which is why its not inside the Top 5. I still have to give it some props and stick it inside the Top 10 because it is kick arse. I love the lyric: "Ignore the noise you just heard, its just the beast under your bed, in your closet in your head!"

6. For Whom the Bell Tolls (Ride the Lightning-1984)

1984's Ride the Lightning is Metallica's second best album, and Bellz is one of my all-time favorites not only by Metallica but in metal. The story told about five foot soldiers is enticing, and the drum play in the closing minute by Lars just brings it all together perfectly.

5. Orion (Master of Puppets-1986)

This is undeniably the single greatest instrumental in the history of metal. Show me an instrumental from rock 'n roll that rivals this and you can chop my fingers off.

4. Battery (Master of Puppets-1986)

THRASH AT ITS FINEST. "Battery" is a monster of a song from Master, and is to me one of the BEST album openers in music that I've ever heard. BATTERY!!!

3. Nothing Else Matters (Metallica-1991)

This is the best track from the Black Album. The meaningful lyrics and its slow and melodic tempo is perfect.

2. Master of Puppets (Master of Puppets-1986)

"MASTER! MASTER! MASTER OF PUPPETS I'M PULLING YOUR STRINGS!!! TWISTING YOUR MIND SLASHING YOUR DREAMS!!!" Need I say more?

1. One (...And Justice For All-1988)

The album this epic came from is perceived as merely racket(sorta like another album by this band); its lack of bass play from Jason Newsted and off the wall drum play from Lars Ulrich turned many ears away, but without that, the album and this song would not have had its charm and rough edges. "One" is Metallica's best song because it fuses sadness and anger in a way no other metal band has been able to rival. The music video itself can bring tears to even the biggest and heaviest hearted men. It features footage from "Johnny's Got a Gun" and tells the story of a fallen young soldier that literally has lost most of his limbs and the ability to speak, hear, and move. The machine gun fire guitar play by Hetfield, Hammett and Newsted just FORCES the listener to bang their head. Kirk Hammett's solo after the last two stanzas of lyrics is amazing in every sense of the word and for this reason and the ones before it is why "One" is Metallica's crowning achievement.