We'll run like we're awesome, totally genius...
Saturday, August 25, 2018
The Bloodbuzzed Jukebox Week 200
Back to reality after a brief holiday break with the batteries recharged for what's coming next (promises of change in the horizon). And to return to form properly here's our flamboyant latest TOP TEN JUKEBOX. I(by the way, 200 Jukeboxes, that's a ton of great music), full of the usual new findings, plus a wonderful coincidence of having three Blog favourites and friends, The Tallest Man on Earth, Young Romance and Watoo Watoo, making their ace comebacks. All stars aligned to make you enjoy the weekend as it deserves. And remember, all the songs are available at our Soundcloud. (Join Us!)
Friday, August 10, 2018
The Bloodbuzzed Jukebox Week 199
Last few hours before taking a short holiday break (we'll be gone for a week) and hit the road again. But before 'dealing' with the proper procedures of any trip (how to fill the suitcase? places to visit? etc) we couldn't leave you without your regular dose of TOP TEN JUKEBOX. As usual, the playlist is full of bands that we have discovered these last days, but also some beloved groups that have already joined us on other occasions such as Jetstream Pony or Young Scum. A lot to listen, a lot to enjoy! Take care and remember, all the songs are available at our Soundcloud. (Join Us!)
Thursday, August 9, 2018
'Bad Boys', the villains of basketball
Bad Boys
The Bad Boys Pistons… how I hated them! They more or less dethroned the mythical domination of Lakers and Celtics during the 80s, when this (then quite little) kid felt in love with basketball. And they did it by playing a very rough, at times straightforwardly violent, heavily defensive style of game. For me, that team was the antithesis of heroics although, somewhat, history has elevated that hard-nose, extremely gritty type of play as the most perfected tribute to that modern euphemism of “whatever it takes to win”. But there’s a history behind that team. A great, compelling, shocking one. And that’s what this documentary addresses with brilliance.Directed by Zak Levitt, ‘Bad Boys’ is one of the best episodes of the ESPN ‘30 for 30’. It works just admirably as the chronicle, quite a ride, of the Detroit Pistons’ rise. From the early days when they were one of the worst teams of the NBA, playing in a near empty arena to the cornerstone moment of drafting Isaiah Thomas, followed to the progressive assembly of an unforgettable (for good or bad) squad, with names such as Bill Laimbeer, Rick Mahorn, Dennis Rodman, John Salley, Joe Dumars, Adrian Dantley (later replaced for Mark Aguirre) and, of course, without forgetting it’s architect, head coach Chuck Daly. Blood, sweat and tears...
Because it was a long, extremely demanding trip to success, with a Championship run that each year went a little further, like climbing a very high ladder one step at a time, until they managed to win back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990. A journey that included frustration (Celtics and Lakers early domination), drastic measures (that Dantley-Aguirre trade), tragedy (the death of Joe Dumars’ father), famous mistakes (the iconic Larry Bird steal), heroics and bad luck (that Isaiah injury and his gigantic Game 6 in the 1988 Finals), plus all sort of antics, despicable arts (leaded by tandem Mahorn-Laimbeer hard-fouls tandem) and dubious choices (summed up in that controversial, "class act", walking off the court against the Bulls once the defeat was evident) all in the same receipt. Absorbing is a word that falls too short to define the experience of any basket lover watching the movie.
But that’s not all, folks! Because ‘Bad Boys’ is not just a very interesting summary of a most celebrated and hated team. It digs deeper, trying to find the essence, the mystery behind those Pistons in their quest to the top. Wisely, Levitt lets the characters do the talking, and the cast, gathered and interviewed in full (with the exception of Daly, who passed away before the film was made), pays dividends to a memorable level. Misfits, lone-wolves, hard-workers and tough guys, snubbed and controversial stars, funny characters… Each one of them would deserve a documentary on his own (well, Rodman, Laimbeer and Thomas could have a longer series than Game of Thrones), showing the viewers the complexity, fearlessness, determination, and improbable coalescence of that unusual bunch of human-beings, becoming a family bonded to fight against all odds, and particularly battling against those 'transatlantic teams' of 80s Celtics, Lakers and Bulls.
The amount of scenes, one-liners and breakout moments is mind-blowing (not just from the Pistons’ roster, but also from journalists, broadcasters and players who fought against them, including Jordan, Pippen, Drexler or Ewing). Isiah Thomas, one of the best point guards ever, with a Magic Johnson kind of smile outside the court getting into several jams (with Bird, Jordan and the whole league); Rodman breaking into tears when receives his first best-defender award; Mahorn smashed into pieces in front of the camera when remembers how he was forced to leave the Pistons; John Salley proving he’s the 'coolest cat' ever to get into a basketball court; and the caustic Laimbeer not ready to bury the hatchet yet. I could go on and on…
Through these anecdotes, first-hand informations and revelations, ‘Bad Boys’ talks about something more than basketball or a radical way of playing, one that seems to be long gone compared with today's softness in the NBA. It's offering us a powerful & affecting statement on embracing an attitude, a behaviour, an identity that connected with fans, the city of Detroit, channeling a spirit of toughness and resolution that endured long after the team uglily disbanded (and the Jordan era began), resonating within American popular culture. What lies behind that image of villainy and rebellion (as Public Enemy would sing, a 'Fight the Power' kind of attitude) is competitiveness, even rudeness, passion, and a relentless obsession to achieve a goal.Have to admit it: even a proven hater like the one writing has begun to love the 'Bad Boys' after watching this documentary. Mandatory, both for basket lovers as well as people interested in striking human stories.
SCORE: 8/10
Saturday, August 4, 2018
The Bloodbuzzed Jukebox Week 198
With the current heatwave taking our breath away (literally) we have reached the first weekend of August. A month in which, at least in Spain, time seems to slow down, companies are almost paralyzed and streets used to be empty (except in places where tourism and bricks are the only answers). But here we are, standing still, challenging all summer logic with our latest musical discoveries. This week, our TOP TEN JUKEBOX is all composed by Blog "newbies", providing us a pretty exciting and eclectic playlist that will surely cheer you up the weekend. And remember, all the songs are available at our Soundcloud. (Join Us!)
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
'The Doctor', the birth of cool
The Doctor
Way before Lebron and Kobe. Before 'His Airness'. And even before Magic and Bird, there was Julius 'Dr. J' Erving, the most exciting player of the second half of the 70s and early 80s. An all-time player that won titles at ABA and, finally, at the NBA, a sensation, a culture icon, a basketball ambassador, and a figure genuinely revered everywhere. But also, somewhat of an eclipsed, overshadowed player, which imo hasn't received that much attention, needless to say overseas (I was an unborn-little baby when he was one of the biggest basketball stars, so didn't have the chance to watch him live). So folks, how excited I was to watch this documentary!
Made by NBA TV, the league-owned network, 'The Doctor' is pretty straightforward and clearly wanting to capture and show the epic and magic of his playing, as well as his human dimension through some deeply affecting tragedies suffered during his life, 'The Doctor' is an engaging documentary for everyone who loves this sport. It advances smoothly, with dynamism and an overall feeling of joy and respect, fuelled by the archival footage and the enthusiastic comments of heavyweights like Magic Johnson, Pat Riley, Bill Walton or Darryl Dawkins, who portray him as a shock to the system, and alien, a revolutionary for basketball, as well as a role model. Because he was a human highlight, someone who seemed to levitate on air, a slam-dunk artist, and some sort of pioneer who made aesthetics, looks and flair translate into the court, as well as off-court (that hair and ultra-cool wardrobe). He was the coolest cat. He was the 70s.
'The Doctor' development is simple, but the conventional, chronological order, works flawlessly well. We get to know about his college career, where he wasn't, at least initially, considered to be that great of a prospect. Then we know about his first, teenager success and how he became a legend in town after exploding in the mythical Harlem courts of Rucker Park (comments by the great Tiny Archibald and streetball wonder Pee Wee Kirkland, by the way). Julius was coveted as an exciting player but doubts on how his flashy game could adapt to the pros. But he took the Virginia Squires and the New York Nets by the storm. He simply turned into the face of the ABA.
The documentary takes its time (arguably the most exciting moment of the film) to portray that peculiar coexistence, constant collision that was really a one-sided battle, and contrast between the two leagues, and how Erving ended being the major attraction of the dying ABA. But when the NBA finally absorbed the latter, the Nets ended selling Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers, and the final chapter of the myth began. Doubts about his adaptation to the league quickly vanished, but despite his star-status (in and out the court, being the lure of many commercial ads as well as NBA events) superhero games and otherworldly moves, he struggled to win a title, while the league entered into the unforgettable decade of the Bird-Magic rivalry... until Moses Malone arrived to the team and Julius finally found the well-deserved relief (that's the stressed word) with the 82-83 championship. It's amazing how even rivals seemed to cheer for Erving in these finals. Basketball owed the final recognition to Dr, J. His career slowly faded after that triumph, but his legacy (Michael Jordan and Lebron James acknowledging he was a major figure to imitate) is one of the most solid ever built in the game of basket.
Unfortunately though, 'The Doctor' falls pretty short in several areas, constraining itself to an extremely likeable hagiography that leaves out relevant information. We understand and, as touching highlights of the movie, value the personal side of Erving's life shown. But alongside the traumatic deaths of his young brother (when Erving breaks in front of the camera, it's hard not to get emotional) when he was a teenager playing at UMass, as well as the car accident that took away the life of his soon Cory in 2000, there's some related familiar turmoil "skimped" to us, such as the acrimonious divorce of Erving and first wife Turquoise, the two kids he had with other women when he was married to him, or the the drug problems of his ill-fated son. There's also some strange omissions in what regards to his professional career, like his first failed attempt to shift from the ABA to the NBA that resulted in an ugly feud involving the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Although as a documentary 'The Doctor' might be rated as a small underachievement, one has to admit I was deeply entertained (and moved at the aforementioned, sensible scenes) during its whole length. Granted, it lacks some depth and avoids controversy, but Erving fans or curious basketball lovers will for sure enjoy the story of the incomparable "human highlight reel".
SCORE: 6,25/10
Way before Lebron and Kobe. Before 'His Airness'. And even before Magic and Bird, there was Julius 'Dr. J' Erving, the most exciting player of the second half of the 70s and early 80s. An all-time player that won titles at ABA and, finally, at the NBA, a sensation, a culture icon, a basketball ambassador, and a figure genuinely revered everywhere. But also, somewhat of an eclipsed, overshadowed player, which imo hasn't received that much attention, needless to say overseas (I was an unborn-little baby when he was one of the biggest basketball stars, so didn't have the chance to watch him live). So folks, how excited I was to watch this documentary!Made by NBA TV, the league-owned network, 'The Doctor' is pretty straightforward and clearly wanting to capture and show the epic and magic of his playing, as well as his human dimension through some deeply affecting tragedies suffered during his life, 'The Doctor' is an engaging documentary for everyone who loves this sport. It advances smoothly, with dynamism and an overall feeling of joy and respect, fuelled by the archival footage and the enthusiastic comments of heavyweights like Magic Johnson, Pat Riley, Bill Walton or Darryl Dawkins, who portray him as a shock to the system, and alien, a revolutionary for basketball, as well as a role model. Because he was a human highlight, someone who seemed to levitate on air, a slam-dunk artist, and some sort of pioneer who made aesthetics, looks and flair translate into the court, as well as off-court (that hair and ultra-cool wardrobe). He was the coolest cat. He was the 70s.
'The Doctor' development is simple, but the conventional, chronological order, works flawlessly well. We get to know about his college career, where he wasn't, at least initially, considered to be that great of a prospect. Then we know about his first, teenager success and how he became a legend in town after exploding in the mythical Harlem courts of Rucker Park (comments by the great Tiny Archibald and streetball wonder Pee Wee Kirkland, by the way). Julius was coveted as an exciting player but doubts on how his flashy game could adapt to the pros. But he took the Virginia Squires and the New York Nets by the storm. He simply turned into the face of the ABA.
The documentary takes its time (arguably the most exciting moment of the film) to portray that peculiar coexistence, constant collision that was really a one-sided battle, and contrast between the two leagues, and how Erving ended being the major attraction of the dying ABA. But when the NBA finally absorbed the latter, the Nets ended selling Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers, and the final chapter of the myth began. Doubts about his adaptation to the league quickly vanished, but despite his star-status (in and out the court, being the lure of many commercial ads as well as NBA events) superhero games and otherworldly moves, he struggled to win a title, while the league entered into the unforgettable decade of the Bird-Magic rivalry... until Moses Malone arrived to the team and Julius finally found the well-deserved relief (that's the stressed word) with the 82-83 championship. It's amazing how even rivals seemed to cheer for Erving in these finals. Basketball owed the final recognition to Dr, J. His career slowly faded after that triumph, but his legacy (Michael Jordan and Lebron James acknowledging he was a major figure to imitate) is one of the most solid ever built in the game of basket.
Unfortunately though, 'The Doctor' falls pretty short in several areas, constraining itself to an extremely likeable hagiography that leaves out relevant information. We understand and, as touching highlights of the movie, value the personal side of Erving's life shown. But alongside the traumatic deaths of his young brother (when Erving breaks in front of the camera, it's hard not to get emotional) when he was a teenager playing at UMass, as well as the car accident that took away the life of his soon Cory in 2000, there's some related familiar turmoil "skimped" to us, such as the acrimonious divorce of Erving and first wife Turquoise, the two kids he had with other women when he was married to him, or the the drug problems of his ill-fated son. There's also some strange omissions in what regards to his professional career, like his first failed attempt to shift from the ABA to the NBA that resulted in an ugly feud involving the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks.
SCORE: 6,25/10
Monday, July 30, 2018
Discoverer 166: new indie findings
Another too long hiatus in our latest discoverer series about to be broken with a trio of exciting bands in between pop and folk. Veterans and most promising newcomers with a tone of arresting guitar lines, heart-melting melodies and warm, inviting vocals for your ears only. Join us in our music trip!
Dropkick. We begin in one of the realms of indiepop, Scotland, to meet this seasoned band, originally formed in Arbroath, by brothers Andrew and Alastair Taylor alongside school friend Ian Grier. Their debut album surfaced in 2001 and, since then, Dropkick have released thirteen albums as three EPs, as well as extensively toured UK and overseas (great to know they are quite loved in Spain). The band's line-up has changed several times, but the current quartet, stable since 2017, comprising Andrew and Ian plus Mike Foy and Alan Shields, has "clicked all cylinders" with latest album 'Longwave', out since February-March 2018 through our dear friends at Pretty Olivia (wynil) and Sound Asleep Records (CD). Echoing Teenage Fanclub with a hint (or two, or three) of Californian sun-soaked legends' (aka The Byrds, get knocked with the vocal harmonies) sounds, as well as some alt-country reminiscences, there so much craftsmanship, so much pop sensibility and dexterity to not realize 'Longwave' is an enduring classic awaiting to be listened. It's all about pop and soul, foks...
Sun June. Quite a long jump to meet this quintet from Austin, Texas, which formed around 2014, when Laura Colwell (vocals, keys) and Stephen Salisbury (guitar) met while editing movie footage for prestigious director Terrence Mallick, with the pair beginning to write tunes together at Eastuy Studios when Malick was out of town under the moniker of Jeff. As demos kept coming it also did their line up, recruiting Michael Bain on guitar, Sarah Schultz on drums, and Justin Harris on bass. Recorded in 2017, and after firing up the blogosphere excitement with previous singles, debut album 'Years' was released this June through Keeled Scales, an intimate, moody and captivating record blending pop immediacy with folkier vibes and a melancholic, sepia tone that's so warm and familiar it makes you wonder if Sun June hasn't been already your soundtrack for those introspective (not depressing or somber) moments when you want to be 'just in your own'. A rare gem of a debut.
Haley Heynderickx. And we move north, to Portland, Oregon, to meet the great Ms. Heynderickxn, a young American singer songwriter who debuted in 2016 with EP 'Fish Eyes' and now has delivered the impressive album/minialbum? 'I Need to Start a Garden', out via Mama Bird Recording Co. since March 2018. Folk with an immediate catch to the listener yet a mystery that keeps unresolved, also revealing a hell of guitar player (that fingerpicking style, damn!). A record to delve in, Haley is not afraid to flirt with some doo wop (the lovely 'Oom Sha La La'), as well as offering poppier, rockier, even some "indie" eccentricity (those screams) while delivers a collection of quite meditative lyrics, showing this is an artist with an incredibly bright future and potential ahead.
Sun June. Quite a long jump to meet this quintet from Austin, Texas, which formed around 2014, when Laura Colwell (vocals, keys) and Stephen Salisbury (guitar) met while editing movie footage for prestigious director Terrence Mallick, with the pair beginning to write tunes together at Eastuy Studios when Malick was out of town under the moniker of Jeff. As demos kept coming it also did their line up, recruiting Michael Bain on guitar, Sarah Schultz on drums, and Justin Harris on bass. Recorded in 2017, and after firing up the blogosphere excitement with previous singles, debut album 'Years' was released this June through Keeled Scales, an intimate, moody and captivating record blending pop immediacy with folkier vibes and a melancholic, sepia tone that's so warm and familiar it makes you wonder if Sun June hasn't been already your soundtrack for those introspective (not depressing or somber) moments when you want to be 'just in your own'. A rare gem of a debut.
Haley Heynderickx. And we move north, to Portland, Oregon, to meet the great Ms. Heynderickxn, a young American singer songwriter who debuted in 2016 with EP 'Fish Eyes' and now has delivered the impressive album/minialbum? 'I Need to Start a Garden', out via Mama Bird Recording Co. since March 2018. Folk with an immediate catch to the listener yet a mystery that keeps unresolved, also revealing a hell of guitar player (that fingerpicking style, damn!). A record to delve in, Haley is not afraid to flirt with some doo wop (the lovely 'Oom Sha La La'), as well as offering poppier, rockier, even some "indie" eccentricity (those screams) while delivers a collection of quite meditative lyrics, showing this is an artist with an incredibly bright future and potential ahead.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
The Bloodbuzzed Jukebox Week 197
After the 'most important eclipse of the century' (well, not in Barcelona, thanks to pollution...) and with the head set on organizing some new trip (you know, always planning) today we bring you our latest TOP TEN JUKEBOX. A playlist with the usual discoveries and bands in "our radar" (Sea Pinks and Drahla killing it) but with a couple of special hits. The latest of songstress Kirstin Hersh and the final tribute to the much-beloved label Fortuna POP!, with a cover of Comet Gain's 'You Can Hide Your Love Forever' (an all-time favourite of this humble blogger) which might be among the coolest recording collaborations ever, with over 20 bands getting involved. A lot of love involved. Have fun and remember, all the songs are available at our Soundcloud. (Join Us!)
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