Goal of the World Cup (so far)

Not too much to choose from, thanks to a lame French team and an even lamer Greek team.

But the best of the bunch so far is, beyond doubt, Tshabalala's opener for the host South African team. A wonderful past and an inch perfect finish, the kind of finish kids dream about.

Have I done this before?

I'm finally done with the semester and back to blogging, which I've been looking forward to. I hope the coming months involve a lot of posts, particularly with the World Cup on the way and some interesting road trips ahead for JGC and I.

Here's a little video for you loyal readers out there. I pose the question: is this the most joyous moment in the history of pop music the twenty seconds that Ed Sullivan spends introducing the band? You can hear the audience just waiting to go freaking nuts. The anxiety of anticipation is palpable.

Now the Beatles actual set is really good, though not great. "Til There Was You"? Absolutely not a rock and roll choice, but these guys were pop stars at heart, and they were playing their way into the hearts of millions of Americans who had previously listened exclusively to Pat Boone. Also, "She Loves You" is one of the most roaring singles of the entire decade -- they kinda hide it in the third slot. "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" lags too, unfortunately. In short, they'd play better and sharper, but there's just nothing like this for pure enthusiasm and joy. I'd advise anyone down in the dumps to watch it daily and tell me with a straight face they don't feel better.

There's even great irony in the performance, when Sullivan shares the telegram from Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker -- as Elvis began to lose it, the Fab Four reported that Elvis later tried to get the Beatles kicked out of the country.

Enjoy, and maybe I'll post their second night on Sullivan later.

There's a room where the lights won't find you

I have mixed feelings about Ted Leo. Blasphemy in DC, I know, but I just don't really love him that much. Seen him twice, both were good, not great performances. I like maybe a half dozen of his songs, but in fairness to him, haven't really heard either of his last two discs. Does seem like both a really funny and really nice guy though, so right on to that.

So Ted Leo covering Tears for Fears? Well, actually I've always had a soft spot for Tears for Fears. My dad, who has excellent taste in music on the whole, used to be a big fan of theirs, and once claimed that "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" was one of his favorite songs of all-time. I'm not kidding about this. He also would probably tell you that "Neon Rainbow" by the Box Tops is his favorite Alex Chilton song, but hey, to each his own. I shouldn't judge. After all, he's the man I owe for all most of my important, lasting allegiances anyway. For those keeping score at home that includes the Redskins, the Beatles over the Stones which is really a no brainer in my opinion, and pork, rather than beef, when it comes to barbecue.

A long-winded introduction, but anyway...here's Ted Leo and the Pharmacists very ably doing "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" on this cool new thing AV Club is doing called "Undercover". Check 'er out:

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Degree of Separation: Antoine Walker and Neil Young

If I asked you how many degrees of separation there were between rock and roll legend Neil Young and Kentucky hoops great Antoine Walker, what would you say? Much like that Kevin Bacon game from way back when, but better -- I can connect them in one move. Ready?

Kentucky Wildcats basketball fans may remember this name: Geno Ford. Back when 'Toine was a highly-touted but unproven freshman, Ford was the Ohio University point guard. Ohio, led by Gary Trent, were expected to have a great year and the Cats brought them to Rupp for an early season nonconference game.

At some point in the second half, Walker was defending Ford man-to-man at the top of the key. He pounded the floor to signal his dedication to the cause, and then Ford promptly blew by him, scored, and got fouled for the old-fashioned three point play. We cruised to victory -- that was the OU team that had Gary Trent, I believe -- but that was a memorable moment and kinda put the freshman (who would go on to dominate most others who crossed his path over the next two years) in his place.

So anyhow, Geno Ford is the Kent State head basketball coach now. Who knew?

So if someone asks you how many degrees of separation there are between 'Toine and Neil Young, the answer is one:

Antoine Walker > schooled by Geno Ford, who is currently the coach at Kent State > site of 1970 protest and shooting, immortalized in Neil Young tune "Ohio"

Dear Sir or Madam wouldya read my book?

New video for The High Dials' "Killer of Dragons"

Big fan of the High Dials, the great psych-pop group out of Montreal. Put on a very good show last fall at the Velvet Lounge here in DC and I did a little interview with them beforehand.

They just put out a new video for the lead single from Moon Country, a really strong album that just came out in the States last year. Check it out:

The Swell Season - "Levitate Me"

One of my all-time favorite Pixies tunes, covered by the Swell Season. Had the pleasure of seeing them a few years back in Richmond, VA and they did this one and it blew me away. Here's them covering it at Bonnaroo:



And the original:

The Pixies - "Levitate Me" (live in Madrid)

*thanks to Captain's Dead for the song.