Sexy

in case you haven't been following or are too lazy to YouTube it yourself. Here it is...pure sexiness in bottle form.



I want to wish everyone a glorious Bracket. Here's to hoops.

Let the Madness Begin!

Ever since I was a kid, March was the month to be excited about. It meant that spring was coming, maybe no more snow, warmer weather and it also meant that Thursdays through Sundays I'd watch basketball games with my father. It's funny to say that at the age of eight, my dad tricked me into liking college basketball. He did it by playing on the court with me and through this video game we used to beat each other with. (NCAA Basketball for Super NES...how 90s is that?!) I have this vivid memory of arguing with him about who got to be Maryland and who got to be Duke for the video game. Granted, I was maybe 9 years old at the time. Looking back, I find the argument slightly ironic. My father can smile that his tactics worked and made me a basketball fan and a fan of Maryland. (Please note that I didn't decide to attend UMD because of the Athletics. It was because of the journalism program, however, it is pretty rad to attend a school that gets national attention.) I wasn't obsessive about college hoops, however, until high school. Not to mention, it wasn't until my junior year of high school that I decided to try my hand at bracketology. In my advance biology class, my classmates and I did our own little pool. Really, we just did our brackets and whoever got it right got bragging rights for the rest of the school year. One of my classmates called bullshit on my bracket. Of course, he was a Duke fan (figures!). I had UMD winning the whole thing and it just so turns out that I was right! He hated that so much. Maybe my bracket wasn't exactly correct but I had guessed the champion correctly. Guessing the champion is what matters the most, right?

Unfortunately since 2002, my skills and the Terps' skills haven't really recovered. Keep in mind that I am referring to the men's team. My school's women's basketball team won the NCAA championship back in 2006, which was during my first year at UMD. It was cool seeing a riot near my dorm. And right now, it looks like we might just get it again this year! The Lady Terrapins are the Number 1 seed for the West. It's pretty cool to be able to proudly say that my school's women's team can make the men's team eat their own shorts. I will give the guys credit where it is due. So far in the NIT tournament, they are actually doing a good job and yes, this past season they did beat UNC at their home court. I just hope next year will be yet another return to the real tournament.

Back to my bracketology skills, 2005 and 2006 were bad years. I had WVU (my other favorite team) winning the whole thing. Looking back it seems like I jinxed the Mountaineers. Both times, the team made it all the way to the elite 8 and no further than that. In 2007 after a two year absence, my school actually made it into the tournament, but they were out by the second round. My only hope was Georgetown, and Ohio State ruined that one for me. Did I mention that I hated Florida for two years?

As you can tell, I am hoping that this year will be much better. On facebook, I did three brackets and on the Washington Post's website, I created two. I actually think maybe one from facebook is similar to my second bracket on the Post's special website. I tried following different schools of theory when it came to picking out the teams. I watched a like 2 hours worth of web videos from CBS Sports and ESPN. I also did all sorts of crazy reading about how to make picks. The most useful tool I found was this game simulator on ESPN's website. It's called a bracketcaster and what it does is it calculates and demonstrates all sorts of likelihoods and combinations of the games. My favorite web video about making a bracket was Tony Kornheiser's video for the Washington Post. His final pick will make music geeks everywhere crack a SMILE! (*cough* that's a hint *cough*) His bracket has some pretty smart ass remarks. I really loved his comment about the Mount St. Mary's/Coppin State game and how it should be played in Hagerstown, Maryland.

As for my brackets, I post on the Washington Post's website in hopes of winning some radtastic prizes. My first bracket was me trying to be somewhat sensible. One tip I read said to try to pick the teams with the highest seeds first round, second round is when to go for the upsets. Granted, I made that bracket before I talked to my father about USC vs. Kansas State. After thinking about what to do, I made a second bracket. Though the winner isn't very much different, the final four is! I get the feeling that Georgetown is going to go all the way because Hibbert is graduating. I swear, however, if UMBC beats them tomorrow, I am going to puke. My dad and I have a feeling UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore County aka not my school) will give Georgetown a tough run for their game. Hopefully, the Hoyas won't disappoint tomorrow. If they do, I'll lose the WMUC pool. Not to mention, at least half of the population of DC will be in a bad mood.

So now the ball is in your court (yeah I had to do that pun), what does your bracket look like? Any serious upsets planned?

On more thing..the Post is doing their annual Beer Madness competition, where people vote for their favorite beers. My favorite is actually in the running still! Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat was a beer that my friend Katie introduced to me last summer. It's pretty awesome on tap. Tastes kind of like Wheaties. (Beer for Breakfast, anyone?) Actually, my favorite beer by Leinenkugel is their Berry Weiss. But either way, this is something worth checking out.

Well in less than 12 hours, I'll be sitting on the sofa, eating pizza and watching a ton of games. Not to mention, maybe reading Hemingway in between commercials...a girl's got to get her homework done somehow. All I have to say is that March Madness is now in full effect.

Game On,
Megan

PS- I wanted to post a Madness music video but I couldn't find anything decent. So instead, I will leave you all with a video of a song that Madness could've done back in 1981. And besides, aren't we all a little obsessive about Vampire Weekend? I know that I am.

When a Man Loves His Laptop (plus new music)

Last night, I went out to Dante's and did in fact listen to the Pogues! (In addition to the new Flogging Molly album.) Also, I had my first Guinness last night while at the bar. I figured Chris would be proud of that one. I sipped it very slowly and I am still deciding whether I liked it or not. At least I got it for free (go ahead be jealous). I am a lightweight when it comes to drinking so after just one Guinness, I was good to go.

I got home around midnight and my parents were up watching Charlie Rose on PBS. I sat down on the sofa and had to do a double take. It looked like Mr. Rose got into a fight or got mugged. My parents both laughed that they were trying to figure out what happened to him. I jokingly suggested that maybe he had to fight this past weekend in a fight club. (I love journalists who can kick serious ass!) My dad wanted me to do a search on the internet about why Charlie looked so beat up, but I was tired and just went to bed. Besides, I couldn't concentrate on the tv show at all. I kept laughing at how random this all was.

Today, I have found the answer! Turns out, he got a black eye over his new Macbook Air. He tripped on a pot hole in NYC. It was either his face or his new laptop. As you can tell, he went for the laptop instead. I don't blame him either. Those new macbooks cost at least $1,800!

Chris mentioned in his posting about new music. I have to say that I'm looking forward to the next two weeks.

Next week, The B-52s first album in 16 years is going to be released. Funplex is a pretty sweet album. I got an advance copy to review for WMUC. At first, I was scared that it wasn't going to be good. I've been a huge fan of their music since I was in kindergarten (yeah I was only 5 back in 1990) and well, like a lot of my favorites from back in the day, sometimes new albums can yield mixed results. My fears, however, went down a little when the single (same title as the album) started hitting the airwaves. I am happy to say that this new album is very much like them. It rocks and you can dance to it. There's punk and disco. It's classic B-52s with a nicely done modern update. I'll go ahead and make the claim that it's the album to have for this summer and for any good house party. My favorite tracks aside from the title song is probably "Juliet of the Spirits" and "Keep This Party Going." Now I just need to get my hands on the remix ep of the single, which features remixes by CSS, Peaches and Scissor Sisters. Nice to see the hipsters give props, right?

Hard to believe that April Fool's Day is in two weeks. But here is one thing not to be fooled about: The brand new REM album Accelerate is going to be released that day. On my way home from school this past Thursday night, I listened to a special radio program that gave a preview of the album. All I have to say is that it's nice to hear some REM that aren't mopey pop songs! If anything, it's probably their most kicking album in atleast a decade. The band worked with producer Jacknife Lee (he's worked with Aqualung, Editors, The Hives, Snow Patrol and U2) at the suggestion of one of their good friends. Apparently, The Edge wrote them a letter stating how disappointed he was with their last album and suggested Lee as a producer. Now if only U2 could put out a hard driving album, but that's another topic at another time. Anyway, the two songs I really really liked that were played (the program was live from SXSW) were "Man-Sized Wreath" and "Horse to Water." If you can't wait for more REM, you can kill some time by creating your own music video for their single "Super Natural, Super Serious" and I do believe you can post what you create and the band just might check it out.

One more thing before I go, check out the band Murder By Death. Their new album has been recieving some pretty great reviews and I'll admit, they have a pretty unique sound for a rock band. I would easily say that they're for people who are fans of Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Danzig. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Megan

Something for the ears

It's Tuesday and that means new releases. Ever wonder why new releases are released on Tuesday? The mail. Just to make sure everyone has the new material at the same time. Or maybe not.

Anyway

She and Him - Volume One
Now when you hear that an Actor or Actress is going into the studio most of you run the other way screaming something like, "Make the bad man stop!!" or "for the love of all that is good and holy does the world really need another failed attempt?" Well I want you to listen to this glorious cd first before you go running off. In fact after listening you may run screaming "hey everyone you need to listen to this." The Him is a modern favorite of mine, M Ward. The man is all good. The She is Zooey Dechanel of Elf and more. This CD plays like an old timey classic. Sit back and enjoy. Really.

Gnarl's Barkley - The Odd Couple
They are back...I don't hear a "Crazy" and that is not a bad thing. They are all over the place and sound beautiful. If you liked their first cd stick this in your CD player and shake those hips brother man.


Andrew Bird - Soldier On (EP)
I will continue to write about this man until everyone I know has a CD or 3 by him. The man is magic. Period. Plus he may be one of the great whistling dudes in music.
although I did just find this

and if you are a fan of the 80s College Rock Music scene or the Jangly Rock period of Classic REM you will enjoy Big Dipper's "Supercluster" which is a fine collection from this band.

More later
Bro

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Greetings everyone!

I know I've been rare a lot. It's called life, school and a few back issues. The back issues are getting better thank goodness. At one point, I couldn't stand to sit at the computer which is why nobody heard from me during winter break. Just as my back got better, I got busy with school. Good news though, I am right now on spring break (which means I can make a posting on here).

So let's get down to some Irish business...

First of all, I love this message/greeting.



While I'm at it with the vintage u2 clips, here is Bono singing "Wild Irish Rose." I wish I could find this on a cd or something. It's really cool sounding.



Now onto other "Irish" things...

I spent the past weekend watching a few "Irish" movies. Saturday night, I saw Once and thought it was a pretty sweet film. The music is probably the best part of the whole movie. As for the story line, it's very basic and it totally relies on the music, which isn't a bad thing though. Usually musicals are rather painful to watch, but this was very subtle and extremely enjoyable. Fun fact, neither the female or male lead characters in the movie have names!

The next Irish film I watched was The Commitments yesterday afternoon. I couldn't resist from getting it on netflix. It just so happened that Glen Hansard, who played the lead guy in Once, also plays the guitarist Outspan in the movie. Not sure what genre the movie belongs under. It's kinda like a musical, but it's a comedy too. What I do know is that there's some great soul songs and fantastic performances. Every year on my radio show I play their version of "Mustang Sally" because it totally rocks. Apparently, based from the film, there is an actual Irish soul band that tours. I just hope that their lead singer is a lot nicer than the guy in the film.

The last film I watched to get into the Irish spirit was In the Name of the Father. I grew up on this film sort of. First time I saw it was when I was 10 or 11 years old. My older (half) sister was babysitting me and she was like "I want you to watch this." At that age, I just found the whole movie to be totally shocking. I understood part of it, but didn't get it fully until much later in life. My older sister educated me on the culture and social issues of Ireland. Not to mention, she gave me a love for Daniel Day-Lewis. I went many years without seeing the film but really though, it's not the kind of movie to watch on a regular basis. About two summers ago, I saw it on TV, which might I add wasn't the same (censorship sucks), but it made me remember why I love that film so damn much. Not to mention, seeing it after growing up a bit, the film made a lot more sense.

As for last night, I watched it for like maybe the 4th time ever and this time I watched with a good friend who has never seen it. My friend is all into Irish history and politics. I figure it's because part of his family is from Ireland. In the past when we talked about this stuff, it seemed like he didn't believe me that I had a real interest in those things. What I mean by this is that he thought I was trying to impress him or something whenever I claimed to be interested in Irish culture, politics and history. Not that I didn't care what he thought, but I felt like the movie would at least make him realize that I wasn't faking it. It's funny too because my father (who also watched with us) said right as we were starting the film "I remember when you and your older sister used to be obsessive about Northern Ireland and this movie."

As for the film, after all these years it still takes my breath away. I will admit, however, last night was the first time I got the chills and rather emotional while watching the scene when Giuseppe Conlon's death was announced. I think it's because my father has breathing issues and well, Giuseppe died from issues that were very similar. As for my friend, it was interesting to see his shock about the abuse and injustices that happened. I think he found the film to be really intense and very enlightening. One thing we both definitely agreed on was that the film is very good proof as to why nobody should ever mess with Daniel Day-Lewis. While I am really glad he just won the Oscar for There Will Be Blood (I still need to see that one actually), it's a damn shame that he didn't win when he was nominated for his role in this movie. Sure he did lose to Tom Hanks (The award was for his role in Philadelphia), but really there should have been a tie. Day-Lewis has played so many incredible characters, but I have found this one to be probably the most compelling. Not just because of the subject matter, but because of the humanity that is displayed. By the end of the film, it's hard not to cheer for Gerry Conlon.

Third item: What's your plans for St. Patrick's Day?

As you can tell, I spent the weekend getting in the mood for today. For tonight, I am hoping to do the whole traditional dinner thing with my family. Granted that's if I can figure out the spices for the corned beef. But later, I might go out to this pub in my neighborhood called Dante's and have an Irish Cider (I don't like beer much...sorry Chris lol). Knowing it, I'll probably listen to The Pogues, Stiff Little Fingers and The Undertones while at the pub. A friend of mine who loves those bands might bring his album collection to Dante's this evening. Hopefully, he'll do that. So yeah, I'll be the girl at the bar wearing both Green and Orange (green because I'm traditional and orange because well I'd be an Irish protestant if I lived in Ireland).

Hopefully, I will post again by the end of this week before I head back to College Park. Also, don't forget to do your brackets. Actually, there's a cool feature/application on facebook where you and your friends can do a NCAA bracket pool. My bracket will be ready soon. (The deadline to do the bracket on facebook is Thursday morning I do believe.) If anyone from the blog joins facebook to do this, let me know! I'll start a pool and we can see who's the best at bracketology. Ah, March Madness is in the air.

Cheers,
Megan

ps- If you do join facebook or are on there, feel free to bug me.

Oh and one more thing, that photo at the beginning of the entry is me at my first real, official dj gig at a bar. I played all sorts of good music and it was with a local friend of mine. The gig happened March 1st at Dante's.

yet another reason

Hey and hello and what up.

Happy Green Day. I know I've already started drinking hopefully you have too.

So the real reason I am posting this today is because I was looking around iTunes the other day and was surprised to see "Hallelujah" as sung by Jeff Buckley as being the number one download.

I was shocked and happy. I couldn't imagine why this would happen. I know Brad Pitt wants to play him in a movie but that is old news...then a friend mentioned that it was sung on Idol.

You would think that anything that gets people to listen to Jeff Buckley would make me happy. It does but my main problem is I watched the video. I had too. I have watched maybe 15 minutes of Idol before I searched YouTube for a clip of this. I...just...had to hear it. I really didn't want to as I have too much love for the Buckley version.

Now "whatever his name", Castro I think, sang it and it wasn't bad...I wouldn't ever think of putting it in the great category but it wasn't bad. My problem is with the judges. Both guys (Man Paula is bad...I mean bad and I doubt she has ever heard Jeff Buckley) claimed that they loved the Jeff Buckley version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and yet they gushed all over this guy. That is the problem. They are supposed to know better.

Now if you've never heard the Buckley version you might be forgiven if you think that this "wanna be Idol" did a great job. Seriously...stop the bad man.

I do hope that all the Idol watchers that downloaded Buckley start to spiderweb from the there and discover some truly awesome talent. I doubt it. They will just wait for the next so so cover of another song and download that one and stop looking deeper. Oh Well. At least we have NEXT.

Also I just read this in the NYTs today too. Vote for the Worst.

ONE MORE THING...I had to turn down the chance to interview Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden on his private jet...I want to die with my boots on. I am bummed.gotta listen to the end. Brilliant.

poll for Week 99

Please tell us here at NEXT what your favorite song was this week. Thanks.

slow down this week

What is it December? Not much happening this week with regards to New Releases. There are a few you should be listening to and for.

Greg Laswell - How The Day Sounds (EP)
Yes it's an EP but did I mention the slow week? This EP is for those of you who are thinking "where the hell is Coldplay?" Well throw this EP on and I am sure someone will ask you how you got the Coldplay leak--it's close enough and most people don't listen that close. You might also remember this is the guy that recorded that great slow burning version of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".



Shawn Mullins - Honeydew
Another great LP by this guy. He doesn't stray too far so if you have liked anything in past you'll find much more to like in this full length too. There are quite a few extremely strong tracks.

I wasn't sure about including a Best of so I will mention that The Vines just released one. They always were a singles band although I've felt that "Highly Evolved" Should get more love. Post grunge of the finest form.
The Presidents of the United States just released an album that sounds like it was just a "lost album" from 1995. Nothing too special but if you're a fan check it out.

More later
Bro

Best of Feb 08

What a glorious month of music. In January - in 5 weeks of Tuesdays I handed out 10 Gold Stars to CDs. This month in just 4 Tuesdays...14 CDs get the Gold Star treatment. Now if I am truly honest with myself I will say that this CD of the month is out of a long time of wanting the the world to recognize Bob Mould(I think maybe Kelley Stotlz should have gotten it). What can I say...I have a soft spot for the man's music and he and his bands are one of the main people to blame for all that is Indie and Alternative in music today. Oh and if you ever get the chance you need to see him solo and acoustic. The man is simply amazing. If you think The Foo Fighter's "acoustic songs" are heavy, man you ain't heard nothing yet.

Anyway Congrats to Bob Mould for my CD on the month. I think we can call this one a comeback. He pretty much throws in ever style that he has ever recorded and put it together on this disc. There are the sonic assults with and without acoustic guitars and the bleeps of the DJing too but this time a bit more in the background (mostly). It's his kitchen sink cd and it works. Welcome back Uncle Bob. I've missed you.

Also check out his great Blog too.

There are a serious 7 or 8 CDs that should be in your collection from this month music lovers. Happy shopping.

More later
Bro

Your fav of NEXT week 98

Time to tell me what your favorite tune this week on NEXT was. Thanks.

Gold and close to Gold

Quite a bit of the good stuff this week.

Since it's almost St Paddy's day we will start with the obvious

Flogging Molly - Float
Yes just in time for Paddy's Day it's the Traditional Irish/Punk band that is never afraid to set the scene around drinking.

Black Crowes - Warpaint
Not a complete knockout but truly a nice return to form. Hey it's the BC you should know by now what to expect.

The Gutter Twins - Saturnalia
I could just write Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan and be done with the mini review but I'll go a bit more. The two have been working together for awhile now so this cd should really surprise anyone paying attention. It's dark and moody and brilliant.


Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - Real Emotional Trash
The Jicks are code for Jam. That is it. They jam on this cd just for the sake of jamming. Yet the Indie Poet proves yet again why he is an Indie Legend.

Also you need to check out Whiskeytown's "Stranger's Almanac the Deluxe Edition". Well actually if you don't have it or have never heard of Ryan Adams prior band...just buy the proper album. Classic.

If you miss The Band then try The Felice Brothers latest which is self titled. Actually I bet if I listen one more time I would move this one into the Gold Star category.

Kaki King, Kathleen Edwards and Bauhaus also want your money. King is an amazing guitarist and sings a bit more. The Edwards cd is "mature"...which means I miss the earlier tunes but her song writing is still top notch. Wellcome back Bauhaus.

More later
Bro

Favorite song of Week 97

Do you have a favorite song from NEXT Week 97? Then take 3 seconds to vote. thanks.