Album Review: Magazine - No Thyself

No Thyself is the first album in 30 years by punk/alternative rock band Magazine and the sixth in the discography. The band has obviously changed in terms of personnel since their last album, singer Howard Devoto is there, so are drummer John Doyle and keyboardist Dave Formula. Replacements on guitar and bass are Noko and Jon White.

The task for this album was always going to be whether they could still pull off the Magazine sound and whether people would still give a shit about them. Thankfully for a fan of Magazine (myself) the answer is a definite yes thanks mainly to Devoto. I've always felt Howard Devoto sounded a little like Dracula and the first track on this album titled Do The Meaning solidified this for me further. The darkish atmosphere of the song adds to it while the keys coming in make it down right dark. The album starts off strongly with the track Do The Meaning immediately the riffs produced by new guitarist Noko has at least shown a capable replacement for John McGeoch (the tr00 guitarist).

The band still has the retro feel in it, the organ/keyboard sounds bring it out as well as the sonic the hedgehog sounding backing. (you know the music as you play the game) this is definitely apparent on the track Other Thematic Material which has Howard Devoto's vocals in its evil tones to really continue the dark Dracula like scene he is building. A song to dead singers in Hello Mr Curtis (with apologies) referencing the late Joy Division singer and also Mr Cobain.

The album slows with the track Physics the keys and guitar keep it dark and simple, while the vocals are heartfelt and remind me a little bit of Jason Segel in Forgetting Sarah Marshall (the bit with the puppets at the end). If anything the album continues to show a strong return to the music scene for a band that had made some pretty good music a long time ago.

There really wasn't any bad moments on this album, its just a pretty good album from these guys. Howard Devoto vocally is spot on and hasn't missed a beat since their last album all those years ago. This one certainly fits into the discography very easily and the alt rock sounds at times make it really nice.

Overall Rating: 8/10

Album Review: Megadeth - Th1rt3en

Th1rt3en is unsurprisingly album thirteen by legendary thrash metal band Megadeth and guess what everyone MEGADAVE...IS BACK!!!. One thing you realise quickly is how stupid the title is, its like those kids on Bebo writing about themselves while having a high angle shot as their display pic. Since the last album Endgame was released which I quite enjoyed, the band has played in New Zealand twice (saw them the first time) and we have seen the return of long time bassist Dave Ellefson.

If you were merely looking for more solid Megadeth to listen to then this is great, its nothing really outside of what hes done for his whole career. The riffs haves always been pretty good by Mustaine, when I saw him live he basically put on a guitar clinic on stage so much ability. Its hard to even describe the songs on this album, you can just take the formula he used on Endgame (and others) and hes done essentially that again. I must admit while early on I wasn't feeling it the further I went on thew album the more I enjoyed it, Never Dead and Fast Lane were fairly solid tracks for this album.

Some may think its just boring that hes never tried to do something different, he hasn't had to as hes been able to turn this into Megadeth's signature sound. We get the usual snarling Mustaine vocals the crushing drums to accompany the classic thrash metal sounding guitar riffs. Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick unsurprisingly excel on this album, they are the focal point of the band throughout and the riffs on this are at the very least a strong point on this album.

Its tough to single out any particular song on this album as a standout for me as I kind of feel this has all been done before, as if the band were going through the motions. Its not that it isn't creative but there's very little room for this band to move in sound when you've made 12 albums before it developing it to sound just like this. Sure the riffs are great and almost every point in the album, but I feel like I've heard them over and over again.

As I said earlier its a Megadeth album so you can only expect so much, if you've only just gotten into this band then you will probably dig this. If you have been listening to these guys for a while this is nothing new, worth checking out but don't expect another classic album and if anything a step down from the last release Endgame.

Overall Rating: 5/10

Sorbos World Cup Blog, Thank Fuck Its Over

 Pretty good final eh? not what everyone had expected (well as my bet proves I did) but it was a close as fuck final. But why should we be surprised it wasn't a blow out? its not that often in a final of any sport one team wins by a large margin. With this in mind I put $10 on New Zealand by 1-10 points at $5.50, thank you TAB.

Stephen Donald
All the sudden dick sucking from his haterz is getting annoying, made a crucial kick and defended well throughout. He didn't have to do that much and as I said when he was announced in the squad he had lead us to victory against Australia in a Bledisloe game he could do it here.

Piri Weepu
Poor game kicking at goals, went down in the warmups with an injury but still played pretty well in the rest of his game.

Thierry Dusautoir
Massive game from their skipper, scored the try and made many big tackles and strong runs. Deserved MOM and player of the year not just off that performance either.

Match Analysis
The French didn't "dominate" us in the second half cause we didn't let them, they for sure had the most possession. But the only real reason for the try was Nonu not picking up the ball from behind the ruck when it was clearly out, France kicked it out caught our defence out of position, try.

The New Zealand forwards didn't dominate like they did against Australia and thus weren't able to have many try scoring opportunities themselves. The French tight five in particular had a massive match, really strong lineup performance and at times looked really good in the scrum.

Smart kicking game and strong defence is what won it from New Zealand, we kept playing smart avoiding any stupid errors in our own half.

Album Review: Mutemath - Odd Soul

Man, remember when Mutemath released their self titled album? yeah that was a cool album, so much energy and just a great rock album. Remember Armistice the second album? yeah we all know that blew but with the release of their third album Odd Soul Mutemath has the chance to get back to what might have been a strong career. I had actually completely forgotten about this band, but after hearing they had a new album out I was very keen to hear what they had made.

This album disappoints me almost instantly, this shit sounds like some faux Black Keys and I ain't a big Black Keys fan. The magic that was on the self titled debut release is non existent at this point and instead we are getting a weak blues alt rock album with little substance at all. The most obvious in this is the album opener Odd Soul which just starts the album off on a massive wtf and this faux blues rock goes on till track five. All or Nothing is when the band bring in a slower track, its more electronic influenced, with more incorporation of keys for the most part it reminds me of Coldplay in a bad way and only the instrumental interlude towards the end of the track is of anything positive.

Its like the fire that was lit under the band during the first album is so far from gone now its like they're trying to find a new sound. Its borderline Maroon Five, commercial bullshit now that's cool if they want to be that but the songs aren't exactly catchy and these guys won't end up all over TV and radio. Then there's the much more prog/jazz inspired track Cavalries which only adds to the confusion when I hear this. Once Cavalries is done I've had enough of this album, it is obvious by this stage I have no interest in what they are choosing to do but I must soldier on and get through this album just in case of a moment of hope.

I almost feel One More is a solid moment as its a reasonably groovy track, quite nice at most points but this isn't anything special. Equals is more soft rock, pretty simple and bland rock song, with the track continuing an ultimately boring album.

It's obvious I dislike this album a lot, if you never heard the self titled release then this might not be as bad. But its a pretty boring album that has nothing resembling a good track on it, maybe the odd riff that's solid but no way is there a full song I think works.

Overall Rating: 1.5/10

Sorbos World Cup Blog, Pundits Don't Actually Think France Will Win

So the final is nearly here and the excitement for many is building, I'm still at the point where I'm not even excited, I will be when it kicks off but until then I have far too much slave labour to go through.

Australia vs Wales
Yeah this has been done after the match but really does anyone care? I know the teams don't so I won't either.

France
Jean-Baptiste Poux, William Servat, Nicolas Mas, Pascal Pape, Lionel Nallet, Thierry Dusautoir (c), Julien Bonnaire, Imanol Harinordoquy, Dimitri Yachvili, Morgan Parra, Alexis Palisson, Maxime Mermoz, Aurelien Rougerie, Vincent Clerc, Maxime Medard.

Unchanged from the side that limped to a one point win against Wales, they'll certainly need to play better then that to even have it close on Sunday night. Dusautoir is again going to have to keep this team together throughout while the backs will have top produce something magic to break through  the strong All Blacks back line. If the French forwards can stand up to the inevitable onslaught by their counterparts then they'll have a shot, if not and it'll be like last Sunday all over again.

Key man for France is Vincent Clerc he is the man that can score tries and he'll have to do it come Sunday.

New Zealand
Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Adam Thomson, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams

They are and rightfully so are heavy favourites for this match because on paper they are easily the better side. Form while this team is playing so well and the focus shown against Australia shows this team will be ready to go Sunday night. Again the forwards will look to build a strong platform so that the backs can try penetrate the French defensive line. Weepu hopefully can have a better kicking day and Cruden keeping composed should help us to victory but again they will do it with a big performance up front.

Key man for New Zealand is Keven Meleamu, if he can get over the advantage line with those runs off the ruck then we should get quick ball for the backs to exploit.

The All Blacks
will win the world cup

Album Review: Florence and The Machine - Ceremonials

Ceremonials is the second album from British singer/songwriter Florence and The Machine. I really dug her debut album Lungs, I found her voice incredible and the music behind it equally as great. I also got the chance to see her live, such a great gig and a moment where she shone as a seriously talented artist. This album was certainly going to show how great she is, one I hoped would be a success.

There is very little that shall be said about the vocals, they are incredible and just so strong that you gravitate towards it instantly. When you hear it on record you realise its strong, but once you hear it live do you truly realise its beauty and strength. The vocals are almost overwhelming as you can't prepare yourself the experience. This album is jam packed full of "epics" the songs are massive in sound, the songs at times are over the top and I kind of feel overwhelmed at many points.

Only If For The Night is the album opener and it brings the HEAT from track one, slow in its beginnings it eventually hits mammoth proportions in sound. Unlike Lungs this album is more piano, string section, drums and not so much guitar which is a slight shame cause songs like Kiss With A Fist had a simple riff that picked the tempo of that song up perfectly. The songs on this are long with only one track under 4 minutes, this really does allow tracks to build up to epic moments nicely.

Lungs at times seemed like it was a bunch of tracks from different influences and while that album stilled flowed reasonably well, this one has a closer resemblance song to song which made things easier when listening. One of my favourite tracks on this album is What The Water Gave Me, the subtle bass and guitar throughout the track is nice the slow builds to the chorus which unleashes the sound is what makes this song and many others on this album.

Another of the songs I really enjoyed was that of No Light No Light the keys so soft to begin the song as Florence starts singing, the harp having its moment before this song explodes out. I really did enjoy a more pronounced harp in this song as opposed to a much more buried sound in other tracks. Seven Devils gives off a little bit of darkm, doom and gloom piece throughout its atmosphere is far sadder to those songs before it. The album doesn't lack variety Spectrum is a much more upbeat, fun track showing Florence has variation and ability to not just be a singer of slow building epics that feature heavily on this album.

This album is fantastic, I really do enjoy it, No Light NO Light and What The Water Gave Me are two of my favourites on this. The album at times overwhelmed me for good and bad, sometimes I wished she was a little more understated after all we all know she has an amazing voice. The music behind her like Lungs is immense and while not that similar to Lungs I have found it interesting a the perfect foil for her voice throughout.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Album Review: Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

Mylo Xyloto is album number five by U2 impersonators and soft rock extraordinaries Coldplay. I've always thought the band peaked with the song Clocks, its one of the very few songs by the band that's worth listening to more than once. The last album Viva La Vida was decent but nothing to get excited by and with the band looking more into a new direction due to the influence of old school American Graffiti.

To gauge how good this album was I brought in the biggest fan of Coldplay I know, the man known as Buffplay.

Buffplay is of course the Chris Martin lookalike on the left, thus why he has this nickname so it only made sense to have him round while listening.

Now to the album, its scarily the worst album they've ever made, there is nothing that stands out to me as a quality or memorable track. The album opener and album title track is nice in its summery sound but overall is dull as fuck and while Buffplay was starting to get excited by the prospect of 44 minutes of this I was trying to find a way out of this. The first track working as an interlude to the first song is  kind of meh as it would've just as easily been tacked on to the second song to make one.

I found incredibly cheesy moments in this album, the hip hop inspired slow jam song Up In Flames. I guess they're trying to be soft and meaningful instead its just putting me to sleep. The acoustic tracks Major Minus and U.F.O. leave me feeling further tired, they aren't anything special. A weird appearance from Rihanna on the track Princess Of China made this pop track just a little more wtf by the appearance.

This album isn't good, the worse by this band in fact, seriously bring back the piano pieces.

Overall Rating: 1.5/10

Sorbo Wednesday Sports: Oh Was That World Cup On?

Another Wednesdxay and another post purely on sport, not just rugby either cause you know there are other games going on.

Wellington Phoenix
Undefeated (yeah its only two games) this season, solid 2 nil win over Newcastle

A League
3 from 5 this week, solid with the picks, Adelaide definitely showed up after last weeks display and Central Coast are struggaling, def need Amini in the hole.

The All Blacks
Are going to win the World Cup

Minnesota Vikings
I considered watching the Bears game but instead changed my mind, great decision that looks like we were raped.

Christian Ponder
Looks to be getting the start this week, finally

New Zealand League team
lolz

Fantasy Football
lost to an undefeated side, he played one short but I took a risk and brought in Felix Jones who stunk and had 3 players on the bye which cost me.


New Zealand League team
Was anyone actually surprised by this result? they always blow in one off matches that mean very little. If anything I'm just dissappointed they couldn't keep it close like between 7-12 points like I bet on.

Luis Suarez
Racist? true colours coming out perhaps...

Carson Palmer
Now a rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraider (Berman impression) gave away too much for him, but they are a lot stronger now still a good pick up.

World Cup side from teams that made atleast the quarter finals
3NZ, 3Aus, 2Fra, 2RSA, 2Wales, 1Eng, 1Irl, 1Arg players allowed from each of these nations and this was my side.

15. Beale (Aus)
14. Jane (NZ)
13. Smith (NZ)
12. Roberts (Wales)
11. Ioane (Aus)
10. Steyn (RSA)
9. Phillips (Wales)
8. Reid (NZ)
7. Pocock (Aus)
6. Dusautoir (FRA)
5. Albacete (ARG)
4. Deacon (ENG)
3. Du Plessis (RSA)
2. Best (IRL)
1. Jean Baptiste Poux (FRA)

No one in my side who was a bench warmer (Hooker Du Plessis) or injured after the round robin (Carter).

Faux John Madden
Still the best

Carson Palmer should fit in well with the Raiders as he's played his entire professional career in a black hole.

Even Ace Ventura couldn't save the Dolphins

In 2011.. The St. Louis Cardinals made the World Series before the St. Louis Rams could win a game.

Album Review: Jame Blake - Enough Thunder

Enough Thunder by James Blake is the second release by the English electronic musician following his self titled debut full length album earlier this year. I'm slowly starting to like that album after it being pretty meh after the first couple of listens, hey I even like Wilhelm Scream now. The full length saw James Blake move away from his heavily electronic focus to a sweeter balladry side and with the release of another EP it was interesting to see which direction he chose to take this time.

The album opens up with Once We All Agree, the keys start it before James' voice comes in, his voice is beautiful so he can really suit the ballad numbers. Its slow sombre but a nice slow start to this EP and almost instantly shows the direction this is going to take. We Might Feel Unsound has some similarities in the first track but this one is a little more experimental in its backing, lot more tronic influence fo sur.

The third track on this album includes the vocals of the currently very popular Justin Vernon (Bon Iver). The track titled Fall Creek Boys Choir, has some nice overlapping vocals to go with the simple keys and occasional drum beat. We even get a cover on this album in the form of a Joni Mitchell track A Case Of You  its pretty sweet and it certainly puts his own mark on the track. Not Long now keeps with what has happened before, I guess a little more tronic but not really something of note. The final track on this EP the album title track is a solid closer, soft vocals with the piano guiding the song from start to finish a nice way to end really.

This EP is pretty alright, I prefer his electronic roots so was hoping he would return to what he did on those Ep's. Unfortunately he hasn't and while this is good it definitely isn't a great album and something I will enjoy as much as past efforts.

Overall Rating: 7/10

Album Review: Feist - Metals

 
Metals is Leslie Feist's (known as Feist) fifth album and the first album in four years. The last time this indie pop/folk singer released an album was The Reminder an album I thought was pretty solid. Since this album has been released she has also been announced to be playing at Laneway Festival which I shall be attending. so I really wanted to check out what she has produced this time.

The album starts off with the track The Bad In Each Other, its slow with a strong drum beat leading the track as the vocals of Leslie Feist enter the track. They are unsurprisingly beautiful and as the other instruments enter the song, the sound is so much more full and interesting. Graveyard the second track on this starts off as pretty much a BAS track with again some strong vocals accompanying it. I really enjoyed how the song just over halfway through kind of died down before rising with the horns and again Feist's vocals soar out to end the song.

The beauty of this album is how well her voice mixes with the folk sounds behind it, the acoustic guitar, horns, the subtle drum beat, everything plays its part. The track How Come You Never Go There is weird for me, as I listen to it I feel like I've already heard this, just a little too samey for me. I track I really dug was A Commotion it was frantic at times, full of sound and a an upbeat track with life that isn't seen on this album up to this point. The Circle Married The Line has beauty in its string section all the way in the back of the mix but it adds enough to bring something different to those before it.

For the beauty in this album its almost just a nice folk album, the instruments that follow her voice make this a nice album to check out. The mix between both is stellar and contributes heavily to why I'm a fan of quite a few tracks on this album. If anything I felt at times the album was samey at one stage I thought I had already heard the song before it was even played which was awkward. However with that being said its still really cool.

Overall Rating: 8/10

Sorbos World Cup Blog, I'll Celebrate When We Lift The Cup

The Semi Finals are done, one with a fair amount of controversy and the other a total domination of the opposition. Now it is settled New Zealand vs France in the final, who would've thunk eh?

France v Wales

Alain Rolland
It wasn't a red card, reckless and dangerous but not intentional tackle, yellow at the most, end of

France
Well they certainly kept it close, even with the man advantage they looked very average throughout they'll definitely have to step up next weekend.

Alain Rolland
Such a shocking call to give Wales the penalty on halfway when the welsh player was so blatant in not letting go of the ball.

Wales
Its hard for me to feel sorry for them, sure they were unlucky in losing their captain so early on, forcing them to play with 14 for most of the match. But seriously stop dropping the ball.

Stephen Jones
Dropkick of the world cup

James Hook
Dude couldn't kick goals to save himself, terrible performance

Mike Phillips
The only player from Wales who looked dangerous, great try by the way!

France
They were so uninspiring that I really don't have a single player that shone from them, I guess they kicked at goal alright.

New Zealand v Australia

Piri Weepu
He wasn't lights out like last week, but when he came back on he was again cool as the other side of the pillow.

New Zealand Forward Pack
As I said they were the key to victory and they absolutely monstered the Australian pack for 80 minutes, there wasn't one poor performance they were my MOM.

Quade Cooper
I'm not a big fan of the constant jibes people are making post match, I had wished the crowd would boo him every time he got the ball though. Like at Phoenix games when Judas Shane Smeltz would return every touch he got booed.

Cory Jane
Catching high balls fo dayz

The Scrum
Australia were raped

Sonny Bill Williams
What an idiot, although it doesn't surprise me this isn't the first time hes done it in rugby.

Quade Cooper
He really does try too hard sometimes, he doesn't have to do something spectacular every time let the game flow pick your spots, he'll get there.

Aaron Cruden
Unsurprisingly composed as always, didn't try too much and had a strong kicking game. Played smart thats all he'll have to do again and also some strong defensive work.

David Pocock
If Australia had a chance he had to play big, its not that he had a bad day, he just wasn't allowed to (by the New Zealand forwards) to steal the ball.

The All Blacks
Don't start celebrating yet, we ain't won shit

Sorbos World Cup Blog, Is It Game Time Yet?

The world cup semi finals start tomorrow so...who ya got? the teams have been named and the angst over who is playing is over (well nearly).

Matt Todd
Guess you don't need those boots anymore, but you can go back to enjoying the holiday

Kurtley Beale
Bracketed to start at fullback for the game, if he doesn't Ashley-Cooper gets the start..You better be fit Beale.

Australian Lineup
Kurtley Beale/Adam Ashley-Cooper, James O'Connor, Ashley-Cooper/Anthony Faingaa, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Radike Samo, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, James Horwill (capt), Dan Vickerman, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Ben McCalman, Luke Burgess, Berrick Barnes, Faingaa/Rob Horne.

With all the players who are obviously important for Australia (Beale, Cooper, Genia, Pocock) my keys to Australia winning this test lay on 3 men. Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore and Sekope Kepu if they can stand up to the onslaught they'll receive from the All Blacks scrum they will go a long way to winning this game. If they can't the All Blacks will dominate.

New Zealand Lineup
Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Victor Vito, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams

I still have no doubt that the All Blacks will win this game, why would I? we're still easily the best side in this competition and if we continue to play smart we'll be fine. Apart from first five it's still our strongest back line, Cruden's kicking will have to be spot on, what doesn't worry me is his composure hes a calm player he'll be fine. Key to this game for the All Blacks is Keiran Reid, the man has been immense at 8 and will have to do a mountain of work with Pocock the form number 7 and McCaw having foot issues.

Wales vs France

No one really has any idea of who will win this one, Wales have to go in favourites but the unpredictable nature of France could mean the result easily going the other way.

Wales lineup
Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, James Hook, Mike Phillips, Toby Faletau, Sam Warburton (c), Dan Lydiate, Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Adam Jones, Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins. Reserves: Lloyd Burns, Paul James, Bradley Davies, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams, Stephen Jones, Scott Williams.

Led by young Warburton who has been great this world cup Wales are one game away from the world cup, the rugby these guys have played has meant they deserve to be here. The front row is playing well and experienced players such as Shane Williams on the wing and Mike Phillips are guiding the back line. Key to them winning for me is James Hook, given the start, the man has so much talent he could turn the game at any moment.

France lineup
Maxime Medard, Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie, Maxime Mermoz, Alexis Palisson, Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili, Imanol Harinordoquy, Julien Bonnaire, Thierry Dusautoir (capt), Lionel Nallet, Pascal Pape, Nicolas Mas, William Servat, Jean-Baptiste Poux. Reserves: Dimitri Szarzewski, Fabien Barcella, Julien Pierre, Louis Picamoles, Francois Trinh-Duc, David Marty, Cedric Heymans

The hardest team to gauge they could run away with this early or let Wales walk all over them for 80 minutes. One thing is for sure Thierry Dusatoir will have to lead from the front and make sure they are in this mentally for 80 minutes. Key man for me is Dimitri Yachvili while he has lost the kicking job he is still the man to guide this team round the park and if Parra misses his kicks early it wouldn't be surprising if Yachvili is back in the job.

Song Battle, Songs Of The Same Name...PT 3

This is the third installment of the song battle, its simple two songs with the same name battle it out for ownership of the song name.

Song name one: Jack The Ripper

Deja Voodoo

vs

The Horrors

Verdict: One song is hilarious and a complete piss take, the other sounds raw as fuck and partially crazy. I'm going with crazy Winner: The Horrors

Song battle two: Machine Gun

Portishead

vs

Noisia

Verdict:Arguably the best Portishead song ever made versus a strong opener to a pretty baller drum n bass album. Winner: Portishead

Song battle three: Movement

LCD Soundsystem

vs

Katy B

Verdict:When I saw LCD live they played movement and it was great one of my favourite tracks by them. The Katy B track is one of my least favourite on what is an album I quite enjoyed.
Winner: LCD Soundsystem

Song battle four: No Fun

The Stooges

vs

Vitalic

Verdict: It's the fuckin Stooges, although the Vitalic track is krieg and rave as fuck I can't deny the Stooges. Winner: Stooges

Sorbos World Cup Blog, No Matt Todd Sightings

So I've decided now that we up to the only part of the tournament that truly matters (sorry France, Argentina, England and Ireland) that I'm going to attempt a daily blog on whats going on and how I feel about them.

Matt Todd Sighting
So hes training "against" the All Blacks does that mean hes in or out?

Where The Backup 7 At?
I remember when talk of who should be picked for the All Blacks squad for this World Cup was going on I said no to Matt Todd. Why? because hes untried, I have no idea why we were giving Liam Messam chance 1089230487230485 when we all knew he was once again proving he isn't up to international level. The Tri Nations/Bledisloe Cup tests were the time to see if hes up to it and if he was he would atleast ease fans fears if Mccaw were to go down injured.

Adam Thomson
Would probably get a start if Mccaw was to go down, I don't like my number 7 spending more time on the wing then the wingers.

Kurtley Beale
If we don't put him under pressure early, whether it be up and unders or forcing him into pressure situations with this injury (hes going to play no doubt) then we're idiots.

Hook Starts
With Hook starting for the Welsh I'd imagine we'll see a far more attacking Wales side, this could be the real exciting match as Australia Vs NZ will probably be a hard fought close battle in the forwards/kicking gane.

The French
It's kind of like this, if the French show up to play then Wales will be behind very quickly, the problem is whether that actually happens.

Upcoming Gigs To End 2011 And Begin 2012

While we are closing in to the end of this year (and possibly world) theres still plenty of gigs to check out before then. Plus with main summer festival announcements out of the way we already have a bunch of great gigs for next year.

November the month of the nun

Flying Nun records is turning 30 and with that a bunch of great gigs have been announced and the bands I definitely am going to check out are.

Sat Nov 5: WELLINGTON, SFBH
featuring Popstrangers, Grayson Gilmour, T54, Surf Friends and Badd Energy.
Now I don't remember seeing any of these bands before (Gilmour as Siamese only) but the new breed of Flying Nun shall be interesting to check out.

The Clean w/The Subliminals
Fri 25 Nov – Wellington, SFBH
The Clean are probably my favourite New AZealand band of all time and seeing as I haven't yet seen them live I'm all over this gig, should be fun times.

While these two are probably my only definite gigs from the Nun shows I'm interested in checking out HDU w/ Glass Vaults (great band) Nov 11 and Ghost Club Nov 16.

Fucked Up play Wellington
Not really but I live in hope, someone make it happen.

Explosions In The Sky
SFBH December 15
This should be great, never seen them and been a fan for a while haven't heard the latest album but will get round to that at some stage.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra
SFBH December 16
I'm still kind of indifferent about the debut album by these guys, I mean its alright but I just don't know how much I like it. With that in mind I'm still interested in checking out the live show incase of a clash at BDO.

Deerhoof
Bodega Jan 8
I missed them last year, not this time

Fleet Foxes
Hunter Lounge Jan 13
Helplessness is one of my favourite albums of this year and I'm already a big fan of theres (Mykonos fo lyfe) so it makes sense to see them when its a 2 minute walk to the venue.

Beirut
SFBH Jan 14
Again two gigs in two days and mo folk, I really enjoyed The Rip Tide and am also a fan of Flying Club Cup and this shall be another great show after missing their last one hear.

Big Day Out
Auckland Jan 20
My thoughts here

Laneway Festival
Auckland Jan 30
My thoughts here

Sorbo Wednesday Sports: A Groin Injury Free Zone

Another Wednesday and another attempt by me to combine some wit with the goings on of the recent week of sports. Again its been a busy week that rugby world cup is still chugging along and the A League has just begun its season.

Piri Weepu
Cool as the other side of the pillow

The All Blacks
Are going to win the world cup

Wellington Phoenix
Solid start with the draw and so so close to opening the season with a win, now they need to kick on and beat the Jets this weekend at home.

Colin Slade
The man seriously is made of glass

Cory Jane
He went out drinking, isn't he supposed to score four tries in his next game?

Chris Greenacre
3 seasons with the Phoenix and has opened the scoring for us in each season, who says we need some fancy striker when we Greenacre my lord, Greenacre.

Piri Weepu Again
Now I'll freely admit I'm bias when it comes to Weepu (Wainui reprezent) but  are those people who have followed his career really that surprised? I mean the dude is mentally as strong as anyone out there, most would've quit in the same position he was put in when dropped before the last world cup. But he toiled away and deservedly is getting the plaudits from all of New Zealand after an almost perfect kicking performance on Sunday night.

Just put them on your back

Wellington Hurricanes
This years back line is starting to turn into the All Blacks back line

Aaron Cruden
Hey..uh.. we're short...wanna play first five?

Came on and showed himself to be better in attack for the All Blacks than Slade, but this weekend his kicking will have to be spot on. Thankfully hes surrounded with players he knows, a shitload of experience and the fact when you have a kicking halfback he has less pressure on him.

Minnesota Vikings
1-4 sounds pretty good right now, Adrian Peterson continues to show why hes still the best running back in the league. But still its time for Ponder

Hyundai A League
So I only got one result correct in my predictions, but its all good people I'll get them all right this week.
nix v jets - nix
Adelaide v melbin - melbin
ccm v no fans united - ccm
sidknee v roar - roar
heart v perf - perf

Fantasy Football
Another victory for me taking me to 3-2 on the season, going into Monday night football I had one player left to his none and was 19 points behind and got it.

Jahvid Best
fo lyfe

Stephen Donald
Now I understand people are angry hes in the All Blacks..no actually I have no idea why people are angry because who else do you pick? Brett? pass Delaney? pass Sopoaga? pass. Hes the best of whats left so stfu about the moaning and having a fourth string first five come in who has lead an All Blacks team to victory over Australia isn't the worst case I've ever seen.

World Cup prediction
All Blacks v Wales final

FauxJohnMadden
How could I forget the funniest man on twitter

FauxJohnMaddenNBA cancels first two weeks of regular season games. Not to be outdone, the Miami Dolphins plan to cancel the next 3 months.

FauxJohnMadden Aaron Rodgers makes being a professional quarterback look so easy. Not Kardashian sister "easy", but easy.

FauxJohnMadden Oklahoma leads Texas by so much, even Tony Romo couldn't blow this lead.

Sorbos Guide To Laneway 2012

So last week I did a blog on the bands I want to see at Big Day Out and now Laneway festival have announced their lineup for 2012 and unsurprisingly its better than Big Day Outs. So here's who without listening to any of the bands I haven't heard on the bill (there's a few) who I'm going to check out.

Toro Y Moi
This years album Underneath The Pine is a great album, I believe the track Go With You has been on my list of top songs at some stage this year. It's a nice song and I hope it gets played with a bunch more from that album will be certainly fun to see what the indie pop artist is like live.
Album to check out: Underneath The Pine

Washed Out
I did a review of the new Washed Out album form this year (review here) its a very cool, chill album and so long as the sun is out this band will be great to sit around and check out.
Album to check out: Within and Without


Girls
The new album Father, Son, Holy Ghost is legit and with the announcement of them playing Laneway left me very excited to see them. Really can't wait to hear Vomit live, one of the best tracks from this year and the earlier releases from this band give them a strong catalogue for their set.
Album to check out: Father, Son, Holy Ghost

Yuck
This indie/alt rock band from America has really broken out with their debut self titled album. Shook Down is one of my top songs of this year and hope to hear it live. While Wall, Suck and others will surely go down a treat, a band not to be missed.
Album to check out: Yuck

Pains At Being Pure At Heart
The more I listen to their new album Belong, the more I dig it I album opener is by far my favourite and keeps some old 90's alternative vibes from the past. While moving into a dream pop band with this album it still is an impressive release.
Album to check out: Belong

Cults
A band that was review earlier this year from me and I really did enjoy it. I feel like this group could be one of the funnest bands of the day. My review talked about how fun their sound was and to me they are perfect for this festival.
Album to check out: Cults

The Horrors

I caught them at Big Day Out 2010 and most said they should've been on the Laneway bill, now they are and again I'll be checking them out. I really enjoyed seeing them last time and I love the new album Skying so this is probably the band I want to see the most.
Album to check out: Skying

Album Review: Future Islands - On The Water

On The Water is album number three for synth pop act Future Islands, I was a fan of this band after listening to the last release In Evening Air released about a year ago. Before I gave this album a listen I wanted to refresh myself with the band as I hadn't heard the album for quite some time. When listening it wasn't the band I remembered I liked it but I just couldn't figure out why I even liked it or why because of that album was I excited for On The Water.

The album starts with the album title track, the chimes in the back ground before the synth slowly builds and gets louder with the drums. I've always struggled to describe the vocals that Sam Herring produces because they just sounds a little different and unlike anyone I can think of off the top of my head. The opener is a laid back peaceful beginning something a bit more upbeat proceeds this in the track Before The Bridge I do enjoy the back ground synth on the track adding a bit of atmosphere to the track.

The Great Fire is a beautiful duet the backing is so sweet, the music is soft and adds really well to the track without going over what the vocalists are doing. The Tracks Open, Where I Found You and Give Us The Wind are all beautiful slower tracks that really are built on some nice synth giving the tracks some added atmosphere. While Close to None again bring s a bit more fun to the album the most upbeat synth pop track on the album.


The track Balance seems to also seems to go this route I wish more of the tracks were like this as they're much more interesting and fun then the slower stuff. The vocals on this and the rest of the album are quirky and beautiful making it an important part of the album. While not being my favourite thing on the album the slow songs are helped by some flowing atmosphere in the background.

The album is nice, but the more I listen to this album the more I feel let down by it all. It sounds great but song to song its a little bland at time and incredibly samey. With that being said of course I still dig this and many Future Islands fans will for sure its just not nearly as good as In Evening Air unfortunately.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Worst Of 2011: The Third Quarter, Can I Push Stop Now?

With the good albums also comes the bad and in some cases the really bad and here's my top 10 worst to date.

1. Limp Bizkit - Gold Cobra
Seriously its hilarious how bad this thing is

2. Incubus - If Not Now, When?
It'll put you to sleep

3. Lupe Fiasco - Lasers
Probably should drop the "A"

4. Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You
Probably should have quit a while back

5. Devil Wears Prada - Dead Throne
They sound pretty tough

6. The Rapture - In The Grace Of Your Love
I don't like Temper Trap

7. Blink 182 - Neighborhoods
Remember us!?!?...oh come on you must surely?

8. In Flames - Sounds Of A Playground Fading
Its the same as the last...two

9. Jay Z & Kanye West - Watch The Throne
Hey I don't think you guys know but I think they love themselves

10. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Wasting my time

Album Review: Zola Jesus - Conatus

Conatus is the third full length release from American singer/songwriter Zola Jesus. Now I've been a fan of her stuff for about a year, I first got a taste of what she had to offer on the EP Valusia which was amazing, I was immediately drawn to her voice and what intrigued me further was the strong electronic influence. Since then I checked out Stridulum EP which I also enjoyed, not as much as Valusia but it definitely increased my enjoyment for this artist.

The album starts with the intro track Swords, which is pretty much a nice little electronic number with Zola's voice quietly in the background. Once this is over in starts the real album with the track titled Avalanche, this song is quite dark in atmosphere and Zola keeps with her usual soaring style of vocals, there's still a fair amount of experimenting electronically and the beat for the most part is pretty solid. The darkish atmosphere of this album seems to continue on the track Vessel, the drums are far more pronounced as the tempo builds just that little bit more.

Hikikomori shows a lot of keyboard/synth, before the drums come in, the key board again lends to the dark feel of this album. The darkness isn't that obvious but I definitely think its there, taking a fairly back seat to the drums and added electronics. The song is at the same time a little dreamy, the songs patience as it flows along adds another dimension to what she is going with. When I first heard her sing I was reminded of Florence Welsh just a little bit, Zola is similar in probably her high and nothing else. The music is certainly different and her voice lacks the charisma that Florence's has.

The more I listen to this album the more I see it as an electronic album firstly, there's times where its more of an electro pop album as seen on the track Seekir which is definitely the most fun poppy moment on the album. I feel like any emotion is very subtle and sometimes it took me multiple listens of the album to really realise what it was. The track Lick The Palm Of The Burning Handshake to me is probably the saddest song on this album, Zola's voice certainly suits emotional music but thankfully she doesn't over do this on the album.

I really am a fan of Zola Jesus and most of her songs are really nice, her voice of course is stunning, unfortunately with this album I not really sure I dig this as much as I would like. The songs are great, beautiful in fact the problem is the electronics are lacking at times which was one of my favourite parts. This combined with Zola never really changing it up vocally makes her vocals get a little boring after a while, this might be why I loved the shorter burst of tracks on the EP's particularly.

With everything said this is still a cool album, not perfect but the basis of a great album. The vocal range is superb and when the more experimental electronic bits are in play the tracks can be really interesting and fun to listen to.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

In Carter WeTrust...Wait No Slade We...Seriously? Wednesday Sorbo Sports

I always had only two things I'm consistently interested in, music and sports so after last week when I did three days of sports blog posts I decided on one thing. Maybe I'll try implement Wednesdays as sport and four days of music, I dunno I guess we'll see how this plays out.


Dan Carter Goooooooooooooooooooooone
Dan Carter is gone from the world cup, but don't fear everyone we have COLIN SLADE at the helm now. I don't expect him to be anything like Carter but if he can play confidently and steer what is a quality backline round then we will still win it. If not then Weepu will do it.

The All Blacks
Will still win the world cup


Minnesota Vikings
Losing to Kansas City!?!? hitting new lows, seriously bring in Ponder and tell McNabb he might as well retire.

Auckland Warriors
Unlucky, Auckland mourns, I saw my favourite vocalist perform instead of watching and it was beautiful

Buffalo Bills
I said last week you were fo real and then you lose to a rookie quarterback that isn't Cam Newton WTF I had you guys in my multi bet and out of ten picks were the only one I got wrong.

Fantasy Football
back to .500 even if I had Vick 20+ points and Beanie Wells 30 points on my bench, they'll get a start this week.

New York Yankee
Are going to be eliminated tonight, Forza Detroit

Quarter Final Picks
Wales
South Africa
England
New Zealand
Don't put money on it, I'm not

Hyundai A League
Begins this weekend!!!! with the Phoenix so far behind in terms of sorting their squad it could be tough early on, but the basis of a side that made the playoff is still there.

My Picks For This Weeks Games
Sidnee v Melbin - draw
Gold Coast v Nix - nix
Heart v Jets - Heart ($20 says they will)
Grand final rematch - CCM
Perf v Adelaide - Adelaide to walk it

Faux John Madden
Still the greatest thing on twitter

FauxJohnMaddenThe iPhone 4S will have a feature known as "Tony Romo" where the phone has no rings and shuts down without warning.

FauxJohnMadden Chad Henne may miss season with shoulder injury. And just like that the Dolphins are back in the playoff picture

FauxJohnMadden Right now the only thing lower than Mark Sanchez's QB rating tonight is the age of women he dates.

Sorbos Guide To Big Day Out 2012 The First Announcement

Big Day Out made its first announcement for it's 2012 lineup, I personally like the bands chosen there's some I've blogged about and even some that have made my not at all prestigious top 25 lists. So Here is my guide to who I think you should check out,


Best Coast

This surf pop three piece from America were the first officially announced band and I definitely didn't see it coming. They will be great in the sun (it better be sunny) will be one of the great BDO moments.
Album to check out: Crazy For You (they only have one album)

Odd Future

Now regular readers will know I have some Odd Future love, Tyler, The Creator leader of this rap group has the best song made this year in Yonkers. The show these guys do is crazy and I'm expecting more of the same.
Album to check out: Either Bastard or Goblin (both Tyler creations)

Battles

Gloss Drop the 2nd album from Battles has consistently been on my top 25 list since it dropped and there's a reason for that, its great. plenty of fun tracks on this particularly Ice Cream which has a very "interesting" intro to the song, a must see act at BDO fo so.
Album to check out: Gloss Drop

Girl Talk

Greg Gillis is back and I'm pretty happy he is, sure he was at BDO in 2010 but I didn't get the chance to check him out so this time I'm hoping I'll get the chance. Will definitely be a fun time in the boiler room with this guys mashups being fuckin great.
Album to check out: Night Ripper

David Dallas

One of the New Zealand acts announced and this was one I pleased to see, I had the chance to see David  Dallas and he really was great. He definitely has the talent there's no denying that and with the release (for free) of his new album The Rose Tint he has the material to back it up.
Album to check out: The Rose Tint

Cut Off Your Hands

It was recently I saw these guy and the show was very fun, they started the set from the new album Hollow which I reviewed and quite enjoyed. They finished the set with the hits off You and I. Their set will definitely be fun with the energy they produce on stage.
Album to check out: Hollow

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

This band is still pretty fresh and while technically not an NZ band, I guess they'll still be considered one. This indie pop band is the new project by former Mint Chicks singer Ruban Neilson and with an EP and debut album released the band is building a following.
Album to check out: Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Kasabian

I'm pretty surprised this band grabbed the third headline spot on the bill, I mean this rock band from Leicester had some pretty big crowds at BDO 2010 but still. They have recently released their fourth album which I thought was decent, but if  do catch them I hope they play stuff from all of their discography.
Album to check out: Velociraptor

Soundgarden

Before this goes anywhere I guess I called it (well in advance might I add). Its great that those who were too young to catch these guys back in the day are back. So many classic songs and after catching Cornell's solo show, his voice is still capable of doing it.
Album to check out: Superunknown

Kanye West

FUKK DA HATERZ this will be great if he goes even close to the show he did at Coachella then we're in for a real treat, if he plays a lot of his earlier stuff and nothing from Watch The Throne then it'll be great. So hes a dick person, who cares a lot of his music is great and that's all I care about.
Album to check out: Late Registration

Top 25 Albums Of 2011, The Third Quarter...When Lebron Can Still Play

 So it only makes sense that I release the top albums for me so far, its starting to get harder to make decisions just because albums don't always have staying power.

1. Nicolas Jaar - Space Is Only Noise
I'm still surprised I haven't gotten bored by this album, everytime I turn it on it continues to intrigue me further.

2. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
After their EP and self titled release I didn't think this band could top what they had already made and then this was released. It takes what they've already done to another level and is seriously a folk masterpiece for me anyway.

3. Mastodon - The Hunter
I only recently reviewed this, its still fresh in my mind the riffs, the epic moments vocally and explosive drumming. Pretty good for an album that isn't my favourite from them.

4. Bright Eyes - Peoples Key
I've never been much of a Bright Eyes fan over the years but for some reason this album has seemed to click with me, some really fun tracks on an overall cool album.

5. Wilco - The Whole Love
This is seriously the best Wilco album since Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, love the electronic bits, Tweedy kills it vocally so so sweet.

6. Radiohead - The King Of Limbs
Its Radiohead and cool electronics, nuff said

7. Black Lips - Arabia Mountain
The Psychedelic rock in this is great, the energy in this is great, the songs are great this album grew on me pretty fast and I'll throw this album on a few times a week, there's not one bad song on the album.

8. Tim Hecker - Ravedeath, 1972
This album is another one that must be listened to as a whole, the atmosphere on this in amazing, the chill surrounding this is also cool, very much something you must focus on to pick up all the little pieces.

9. The Horrors - Skying
This is more mature Horrors album, more going on electronically and more patience showing wise. Don't expect them to return to Strange House.

10. Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost
This album is sad and sweet such emotional lyrics and the music behind it finds a way to bring it all together.

The rest

11. The Kills - Blood Pressures
12. Cut Copy - Zonoscope
13. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
14. Yuck - Yuck
15. TV Ghost - MASS Dream
16. ...And You Will Know Us From The Trail Of The Dead - Tao Dead
17. Fergue & Geronimo - Unlearn
18. Septic Flesh - The Great MASS
19. Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
20. Fucked Up - David Comes To Life
21. Toro Y Moi - Underneath The Pine
22. TV On The Radio - Nine Types Of Light
23. Okkervil River - I Am Very Far
24. Today Is The Day - Pain Is A Warning
25. Wooden Shjips - West