Fall 2010 Mix

Ok, enough football. Let's move on to something else exciting that's going on right now: FALL. I love it. Am glad to be in it. And, with the season comes my fifth annual fall mix, the second one that I have shared on this blog.

Download it right HERE as a zip file via Mediafire.

The tracklist:

1. "The Lie and How We Told It" - Yo La Tengo
2. "I Remember Learning How to Drive" - Animal Collective + Vashti Bunyan
3. "Prima Donna" - Cass McCombs
4. "Who Found Who's Hair in Who's Bed?" - Owen
5. "Found Out About You" - Gin Blossoms
6. "Runnin'" - Emily Jane Powers
7. "Wasted Hours" - Arcade Fire
8. "A Tender History in Rust" - Do Make Say Think
9. "Strings That Tie to You" - Jon Brion
10. "I'll Never Leave You" - Rogue Wave
11. "Young Bride" - Midlake
12. "In the Kitchen" - Field Music
13. "Days" - Television
14. "It Was a Strange Time in My Life" - Jens Lekman
15. "Breathing" - Lake
16. "Meridian" - C-Clamp
17. "Bay of Skulls" - Sun Kil Moon
18. "Get a Room" - Jim O'Rourke

Please, enjoy, and let me know what you think or if there are any issues with the downloading of the file.

2010 NFL Preview: Post-Season Predictions

AWARDS
Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers (QB, Green Bay)
Offensive Player of the Year: Chris Johnson (RB, Tennessee)
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Willis (ILB, San Francisco)
Comeback Player of the Year: Brian Urlacher (MLB, Chicago)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ryan Matthews (RB, San Diego)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ndamukong Suh (DT, Detroit)
Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy (Green Bay)

PLAYOFFS
AFC Wild Card Round
New York Jets over Houston Texans
Baltimore Ravens over New England Patriots

NFC Wild Card Round
Minnesota Vikings over New York Giants
Green Bay Packers over San Francisco 49ers

AFC Divisional Round
Indianapolis Colts over Baltimore Ravens
San Diego Chargers over New York Jets

NFC Divisional Round
Green Bay Packers over New Orleans Saints
Minnesota Vikings over Dallas Cowboys

AFC Championship
Indianapolis Colts over San Diego Chargers

NFC Championship
Green Bay Packers over Minnesota Vikings

Super Bowl XLV
Indianapolis Colts over Green Bay Packers

2010 NFL Preview: NFC West

Standings
1. San Francisco 49ers (10-6)
2. Seattle Seahawks (6-10)
3. Arizona Cardinals (6.10)
4. St. Louis Rams (3-13)

Most Valuable Offensive Player: Frank Gore (RB, San Francisco)
Most Valuable Defensive Player: Patrick Willis (ILB, San Francisco)
Addition With Biggest Impact: Alan Faneca (OG, Arizona)
Mr. Irrelevant: Matt Leinart (QB, Arizona)

Without question, the NFC West has to be the weakest division in the NFL. I think everyone's projected division winner is San Francisco, who have a bright future, but as of now are just a little bit better than mediocre. I'm not exactly sure what their offense is going to be like aside from run-heavy, as long as Frank Gore remains healthy. Tight end Vernon Davis finally removed his head from his ass last season and became a star, and wide receiver Michael Crabtree could be a real stud in due time. Alex Smith had his moments in 2009, but the quarterback situation is shaky. The 49er defense came out of nowhere to be incredible last year, and I don't see why they won't keep it up into 2010. Young inside linebacker Patrick Willis has emerged as not only the leader of this defense, but also perhaps the best defensive athlete in the entire league.

The Seattle Seahawks are basically in shambles. The team has no offensive skill players of note, and Matt Hasselbeck is too far past his prime to bring them up from the ashes. The defense has two strong points in talented and seasoned veteran Lofa Tatupu and potential future star Aaron Curry. Seattle could possibly have the shittiest roster in the NFL, but they will find ways to win in a bad division somehow.

Since the retirement of Kurt Warner, not only did the Arizona Cardinals decide against ex-USC Heisman poster boy Matt Leinart as the starting quarterback, but they cut him from the team as well. Very funny, and also, probably not the worst idea. However, this leaves them with Derek Anderson, who had one very good and two very bad seasons in Cleveland, to lead the team. This does not bode well for Larry Fitzgerald, the second best wide receiver in the NFL. Making matters much worse, number two guy Anquan Boldin hightailed it to Baltimore (a fantastic move for both him and the Ravens). The running game will have to pick up the slack, and I'm still on the fence in regards to how capable Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower are. The defense lost its leader in Karlos Dansby, but Darnell Dockett, Joey Porter, Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie and Adrian Wilson help make this a solid unit. Still, its going to be very hard for this team to win against good teams without Warner.

For no reason whatsoever, I really do hope that Sam Bradford, the first pick in the 2010 NFL draft, completely revives the St. Louis Rams and makes them contenders once again in a few years. And, Steven Jackson is one of the best running backs in the game today, and I'd bet that he is sick of being on the worst team in the entire league (yes, even worse than the Detroit Lions, trust me). In order to help Bradford out, the Rams need to do something, anything, about their receiving corps. Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis and free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe are worth mentioning for their individual achievements, but this defensive unit is utterly atrocious.

2010 NFL Preview: NFC South

Standings
1. New Orleans Saints (13-3)
2. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
3. Carolina Panthers (7-9)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-14)

Most Valuable Offensive Player: Drew Brees (QB, New Orleans)
Most Valuable Defensive Player: Jon Beason (MLB, Carolina)
Addition With Biggest Impact: Dunta Robinson (CB, Atlanta)
Mr. Irrelevant: Derrick Ward (RB, Tampa Bay)

I know the 2010 NFL season has already started, and I have slacked on these posts, but I feel I must finish what I have started.

The NFL seems so wide open to me this season, that I think the New Orleans Saints have just as much of a chance to repeat as chance as any of the top teams have of winning the title. Not much has changed here since last season, aside from losing a few irrelevant guys and free safety extraordinaire Darren Sharper being injured right now. Drew Brees should have no problem completely dominating teams through the air with his spread out, early 2000s New England Patriots-esque receiving corps (led by stud Marques Colston). And, the running game should once again offer a solid backup plan. The defense, while not quite incredible, should once again cause tons of turnovers and score an impressive amount of points. Everybody keeps talking about the Dallas Cowboys, but the Saints are still the class of the NFC.

After coming out of nowhere two years ago to look like one of the best up and coming teams in the entire league, 2009 was an off year for the Atlanta Falcons. I'm not sure it can be entirely blamed on quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner being injured for a few games, but that was definitely part of it. Ryan should easily get back into the groove this year, once again throwing to Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, and as long as Michael Turner is healthy, he should run all over everybody and find the end zone 10 to 15 times. Atlanta's defense isn't that great, but cornerback Dunta Robinson was a good pickup, and defensive end John Abraham has had incredible seasons in the past. Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton has become the leader of the D, and a few seasons this could be a formidable unit.

In spite of the loss of Julius Peppers, the Carolina Panthers' defense should still be better than it probably will be. Jon Beason is young and is turning out to be one of the absolute greatest defensive athletes in the game today, and Thomas Davis is improving with each season. It should be pretty interesting to see where the offense goes in 2010. The quarterback situation is virtually in shambles, and if Matt Moore turns out to be shit, which is very possible, rookie Jimmy Clausen will spell him, and supposedly he is NFL ready. Stellar wide receiver Steve Smith is still here, after having pretty much his worst season in 2009, and the running game is tops in the NFL with both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart capable of running for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be the worst team in the entire NFL. The only players worth a damn here are tight end Kellen Winslow, linebacker Barrett Ruud and aged cornerback Ronde Barber. Last year's big money pick-up Derrick Ward amounted to absolutely nothing, and there are no proven receivers anywhere on the team aside from Winslow. Cadillac Williams has reclaimed the starting running back spot, but that doesn't mean anything good, necessarily. I will be surprised if the Bucs win even three games.

2010 Twitter Review Session #9

(127) Mines - Menomena (Barsuk)
Like a darker, less zany repeat of 2007's album, which I wasn't blown away by in the first place. Not bad, though. (6.5/10)

(128) Say No to Love 7" - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (Slumberland)
One good and one ok song from these 80s indie popsters who soon should be all over 89X. (6/10)

(129) Disconnect From Desire - School of Seven Bells (Vagrant/Ghostly International)
Ultra dramatic, bland, unoffensive synth pop with a slight nod toward shoegaze. Way too safe. (5.5/10)

(130) Sex With an X - The Vaselines (Sub Pop)
One of Kurt Cobain's favs return from a long time of nothing to release a record that sounds just like the 90s. (6/10)

(131) Evertide EP - Wild Nothing (Warmest Chord)
Quick, awesomely produced follow-up to the totally awesome Gemini LP. Pretty much just as good. (8/10)

(132) The Way Out - The Books (Temporary Residence)
Quite beautiful sample heavy chopped up collage music. Do they still call this kind of stuff folktronica? (6.5/10)

(133) Say It - Born Ruffians (Warp)
Maligned sophomore indie pop LP is way better than most people realize. Still doesn't touch their debut, though. (7/10)

(134) Mind Altar - Deastro (Ghostly International)
Collection of self-released EPs is leaps and bounds better than last year's full length. Obnoxiously trendy, but GOOD. (7/10)

(135) Admiral Fell Promises - Sun Kil Moon (Caldo Verde)
Unsurprisingly gorgeous new effort from Koz and only his classical guitar. Not quite another Pink Moon. (6.5/10)

(136) Baltimore 7" - Tennis (Underwater Peoples)
In spite of this style getting old again, here's another lo-fi indie pop 7" that is tasteful and way catchy. (7/10)

(137) Fckyrhed - 1994! (Inkblot/Square of Opposition)
Super short and technical new sorta full length from these noodley and screamy emo revivalists. Not much variety here. (5.5/10)

(138) The Suburbs - Arcade Fire (Merge)
Indie's biggest band fake everyone out by sounding a lil' less epic yet still self-important. Totes solid, though. (7/10)

(139) Dearly Beloved - Arranged Marriage (Suburban Sprawl)
Detroit father/son duo doin' the alt-country pop thang. Decent, "Everything is Gonna be Alright" is great. (6/10)

(140) Split 7" - Best Coast/Jeans Wilder (Atelier Ciseaux)
Best Coast song is way disappointing, but the Jeans Wilder one is a very pleasant surprise. (5.5/10)

(141) The Cradle - Colour Revolt (Dualtone)
Second LP by great indie rock band with a southern touch. Unfortunately, it is a major let down. (5/10)

(142) Desktop 2 EP - Desktop (Suburban Sprawl)
Second EP from S. MI electro-pop duo. More interesting, just as soulful, but not quite as good as 2009's. (6.5/10)

(143) Root for Ruin - Les Savy Fav (Frenchkiss)
Another LSF album that sounds exactly like their last two, except with no standout tracks whatsoever. (6/10)

(144) The Orchard - Ra Ra Riot (Barsuk)
Vampire Weekend buds and their second go-around of well produced, grandiose, Tokyo Police Club-ish indie pop. (6.5/10)

(145) Frankie Rose and the Outs - Frankie Rose and the Outs (Slumberland)
Ex-drummer of Vivian Girls and Crystal Stilts. First LP of big, mid-fi indie pop is solid. (6.5/10)

(146) Candle to Your Eye - Shapes and Sizes (Asthmatic Kitty)
Asthmatic Kitty band returns with their third LP of quirky pop somewhere between Lake and Cryptacize. (6/10)

(147) Vas Deferens EP - Sirs (self-released)
More emo revivalism that is both screamy and melodic. More like Braid or a faster Jazz June. Very good. (7/10)

(148) Let It Sway - Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (Polyvinyl)
Third LP from this charming and talented indie pop group. A few nice emo moments, too. (7/10)

2010 NFL Preview: NFC North

Standings
1. Minnesota Vikings (12-4)
2. Green Bay Packers (12-4)
3. Chicago Bears (9-7)
4. Detroit Lions (3-13)

Most Valuable Offensive Player: Aaron Rodgers (QB, Green Bay)
Most Valuable Defensive Player: Jared Allen (DE, Minnesota)
Addition With Biggest Impact: Julius Peppers (DE, Chicago)
Mr. Irrelevant: Kevin Smith (RB, Detroit)

Once again Brett Favre pulled his old man attention whore act and had the media on his toes about whether he would retire or not. Of course he's not, duh. And, this automatically makes the Minnesota Vikings at least two wins better than they would be without him. I believe they would be playoff contenders no matter what, but Favre, despite being an old, broken man in football terms, makes them candidates to lose in the Super Bowl. This probably won't happen, but it might. Breakout receiver Sidney Rice is sidelined for the first half of the season, and that should hurt, but not too much. Bernard Berrian is capable of picking up the slack, and if Percy Harvin's head is ok, he is a stud in the making. And, don't forget that the Vikings' offense features the league's second, third or fourth best running back in Adrian Peterson (in spite of his tendency to fumble at crucial points in a game), and a touchdown machine at tight end. Their defense also happens to be very good, showcasing the best defensive line around and an already good but steadily improving linebacker corps.

Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers has turned out to be one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL, and has a very bright future ahead of him. The Packers' 2010 season shouldn't look much different than Minnesota's. The offensive is pretty young and incredibly talented thanks to Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley being big playmakers at their positions, and Donald Driver and Ryan Grant being consistent if not simply great. They also have a high quality defense with a decent defensive line, solid linebackers that will continue to gel and one of the best secondaries around, lead by the ageless Charles Woodson.

I don't understand why everyone is so hard on the Chicago Bears. Their situation is much better than people reason. I'm not saying they're a playoff team again quite yet, but they're not far off. Pass happy Mike Martz was smart to join on as offensive coordinator, as Jay Cutler is by far the most talented quarterback he's been able to work with since his days with Kurt Warner in St. Louis. Cutler simply had an off year in 2009. His attitude might suck, but he should be terrific in Martz's system, and I'm not just saying this because I had to settle for him in my first fantasy football draft of the season last week. Matt Forte also had a disappointing season in '09, but Martz could turn him into Marshall Faulk. The receiving corps are pretty much a mess, everyone being young and relatively inexperienced, but Martz has worked wonderful magic in something like this before. With the return of Brian Urlacher, the defensive should be solid. With the addition of Julius Peppers, if he decides to give a damn, could make them great. Lance Briggs is a terrific linebacker as well.

Ah, the Detroit Lions. My home team. As it goes before the start of every season, all of my friends that are football fans are shouting bold claims like, "the Lions will be better than the Bears," or "the Lions will win at least seven, maybe eight games!" I kind of love this, because where else does a city's football fans get excited about the possibility of a team finishing at .500, or even barely under? Unfortunately, I do not share the optimism of my friends. Not even close. I will be surprised if they win more than three games. Their schedule isn't easy, and also, the team just isn't any good. I will not deny that the Lions are headed in the right direction. Jim Schwartz made some great moves in the off-season, signing Corey Williams and Kyle Vanden Bosch to be leaders and make a disgusting defense much better. Drafting Ndamukong Suh (who analysts are saying is the next Reggie White, which is crazy to me) with the second pick in the first round was a fantastic decision, but remember in 1994 when the Cincinnati Bengals took defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson at #1? What did he do? Shit. Regardless, I have placed much more hope in Suh reviving the atmosphere of this squad than I have in second year quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford is showing promise, but I am very skeptical as to how long that will last. Remember Joey Harrington? I will consider Stafford a success story as long as he has a better career than Mark Sanchez, who should be horrible. Anyway, Calvin Johnson is so awesome, and I really hope Jahvid Best ends up being incredible, though its more believable that he and Stafford will spend a good portion of 2010 hurt on the bench because we have the worst offensive line in the NFL. Ugh.