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SPORTS, ET CETERA: March 14, 2008
It’s Friday, so here’s a recap of things worth and not worth checking out, away from sports.
BOOKS: “Are You Ready For the Country: Elvis, Dylan, Parsons and the Roots of Country Rock,” Peter Doggett – Have to confess that I’ve been working my way through this one since finishing “A Man Called Cash,” Steve Turner’s terrific biography of the Man in Black. “Are You Ready…” is perfect for music nerds with country roots, tracing the “electrification” of the genre from Cash, Waylon Jennings and Gram Parsons all the way up to Son Volt and Wilco.
“Jim Cramer’s Stay Mad for Life: Get Rich, Stay Rich (Make Your Kids Even Richer),” James J. Cramer and Cliff Mason – Well, I guess it’s come time to admit that I’ve succumbed to CNBC and it’s promises of fame and fortune via Wall Street, and Cramer is the snake charmer who helped get me on board. If you can get past the fact that he’s trying to find all his marbles, this book is the perfect introduction into the market for those with only a cursory knowledge. I’ve learned how to step up my retirement and spot some bad deals along the way. For example, Cramer warns against having your 401k stock involve your employer’s company. I even bought a little stock in this terrible market.
MOVIES: “Gone Baby Gone” (****1/2 out of five stars) – Shocking that Ben Affleck’s first film as director takes place in Boston, but it’s actually pretty fluid. The story focuses on private detective Casey Affleck’s attempt to track down the abductor of a three-year old girl. The profanity is pretty brutal, but it definitely deserves the accolades it’s received.
Also, saw these a while ago, but strong recommendations for: "3:!0 to Yuma," "The Bourne Ultimatum," "Rocket Science."
MUSIC: Did you hear the new jam from Alexandra Ashley Dupre? Just kidding (Though am I the only one in the world who doesn’t think she’s hot? I mean maybe it’s the whole her being a hooker thing, but give me a break. I swear your put a slim girl in a bikini, and every dude in America’s willing to pardon infidelity. Great country sometimes, really).
Haven’t really loved anything new this week, so how about a record you might’ve missed?
– Centro-matic, “Love You Just the Same” (Misra) – In my opinion, the best overlooked band in America. Will Johnson is a master songwriter, a sometimes puzzling lyricist and a unique voice. Just want to get everybody on board with “Centro” before their new double album comes out and I’m screaming from the rooftops that you see them at Mohawk or wherever they play in the Queen City.
Also, if you missed my conversation with Jeff Miers on Sportstalk Saturday last week, Bruce Springsteen and The E-Street Band at HSBC Arena was incredible. Of the four times I've seen him, it was probably the second best (No. 1? "Vote for Change" tour 2004 with R.E.M., John Fogerty and Bright Eyes). A dash of most of his consequential albums, and a killer "Detroit Medley" featuring "Devil in a Blue Dress," "C.C. Rider" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly." Unsung guitarist Nils Lofgren was all aces, particularly during "Because the Night."
nick@wgr550.com |
