C-Johnny Bench- Reds
1b- Tony Perez- Reds
2b- Joe Morgan- Reds
3b- Pete Rose- Reds
SS- Dave Concepcion- Reds
OF- Reggie Jackson- A’s/Yankees
OF- Willie Stargell- Pirates
OF- Fred Lynn- Red Sox
DH- Don Baylor- Orioles/Angels
RHP- Tom Seaver- Mets
LHP- Steve Carlton- Phillies
SP- Nolan Ryan- Angels
SP- Jim Palmer- Orioles
SP- Catfish Hunter- A’s
RP- Rollie Fingers- A’s
Friday, August 21, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
#25 Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash is considered the greatest Country artist of all time. However, he crossed over to Folk, Rock, Rockabilly, Gospel, Blues, and Alternative Rock. He is best known for his baritone voice and the chicka-boom guitar sound of the Tennessee Three. To save money on cleaning, the band wore black onstage which led to Cash’s moniker “The Man in Black.” Cash used that nickname and forged an outlaw identity which gave his music credibility.
Cash joined the Air Force in the early 50s. He worked intelligence and the service did not want him to go. Cash began writing songs at the time and decided to go into music and left the service. It took some doing, but Johnny won over Sun Records producer Sam Phillips and got a record deal. His first few songs were hits. Then came “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk The Line.” Cash was now a star and toured with Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. The King, the Killer, and The Man in Black all appeared on the same bill.
Cash cultivated his outlaw image. In 1968, he visited Folsom Prison and cut a live record that outsold the Beatles. The next year, he did an album at San Quentin which included “A Boy Named Sue” which Cash spoke the lyrics to since he did not know them. Cash continued with the hits in the 60s including his biggest “Ring of Fire” and his duet with wife June, “Jackson.“ He landed his own TV variety show which featured acts ranging from Hank Williams Jr. to Bob Dylan to Eric Clapton. The show was a hit. His last major hit of the decade (and until the 90s) was in 1979 with “(Ghost Riders) in the Sky.” He floundered throughout the 80s (with the exception of the Highwayman project) and was released by his record label.
In the 90s, Johnny Cash met Rick Rubin. The two hit it off and Cash began releasing his “American Recordings” albums. Rubin restored the dark side of Cash and that connected with audiences. His concerts became populated by Gen X-ers and he returned to the top. In 2002, he released his mega hit album “American IV: The Man Comes Around” with its cover of Nine Inch Nail’s “Hurt.” Cash was back on top. He died in 2003 less than four months after June died. The following year, the biopic, I Walk The Line, was released and Rick Rubin continues to release Cash’s American Recordings.
Rock n Roll Moment: In 1965, Cash burned down a forest. It was an accident as his wheel bearing overheated on his truck. 508 acres went up. The government sued and won $125, 172. When confronted by a judge, Cash said, "I didn't do it, my truck did, and it's dead, so you can't question it."
Essential Cash:
The Fabulous Johnny Cash (1959)
Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian (1964)
Sings Ballads of the True West (1965)
Folsom Prison (1968)
San Quentin (1969)
The Highwaymen (w/Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings) (1985)
Class of ‘55 (w/ Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis) (1986)
American Recordings (1994)
American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002)
Johnny Cash’s Top 10:
I Walk the Line
Folsom Prison Blues
Ring of Fire
Hurt
Man in Black
A Boy Named Sue
Jackson (w/June Carter Cash)
Sunday Morning Coming Down
Get Rhythm
(Ghost) Riders in the Sky
Cash joined the Air Force in the early 50s. He worked intelligence and the service did not want him to go. Cash began writing songs at the time and decided to go into music and left the service. It took some doing, but Johnny won over Sun Records producer Sam Phillips and got a record deal. His first few songs were hits. Then came “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk The Line.” Cash was now a star and toured with Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. The King, the Killer, and The Man in Black all appeared on the same bill.
Cash cultivated his outlaw image. In 1968, he visited Folsom Prison and cut a live record that outsold the Beatles. The next year, he did an album at San Quentin which included “A Boy Named Sue” which Cash spoke the lyrics to since he did not know them. Cash continued with the hits in the 60s including his biggest “Ring of Fire” and his duet with wife June, “Jackson.“ He landed his own TV variety show which featured acts ranging from Hank Williams Jr. to Bob Dylan to Eric Clapton. The show was a hit. His last major hit of the decade (and until the 90s) was in 1979 with “(Ghost Riders) in the Sky.” He floundered throughout the 80s (with the exception of the Highwayman project) and was released by his record label.
In the 90s, Johnny Cash met Rick Rubin. The two hit it off and Cash began releasing his “American Recordings” albums. Rubin restored the dark side of Cash and that connected with audiences. His concerts became populated by Gen X-ers and he returned to the top. In 2002, he released his mega hit album “American IV: The Man Comes Around” with its cover of Nine Inch Nail’s “Hurt.” Cash was back on top. He died in 2003 less than four months after June died. The following year, the biopic, I Walk The Line, was released and Rick Rubin continues to release Cash’s American Recordings.
Rock n Roll Moment: In 1965, Cash burned down a forest. It was an accident as his wheel bearing overheated on his truck. 508 acres went up. The government sued and won $125, 172. When confronted by a judge, Cash said, "I didn't do it, my truck did, and it's dead, so you can't question it."
Essential Cash:
The Fabulous Johnny Cash (1959)
Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian (1964)
Sings Ballads of the True West (1965)
Folsom Prison (1968)
San Quentin (1969)
The Highwaymen (w/Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings) (1985)
Class of ‘55 (w/ Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis) (1986)
American Recordings (1994)
American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002)
Johnny Cash’s Top 10:
I Walk the Line
Folsom Prison Blues
Ring of Fire
Hurt
Man in Black
A Boy Named Sue
Jackson (w/June Carter Cash)
Sunday Morning Coming Down
Get Rhythm
(Ghost) Riders in the Sky
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Weird Baseball Moments
Here are some weird baseball moments...arranged chronologically...
1. George Brett has to leave a World Series game with hemorrhoids.
2. The Pine Tar Game: Brett hits a go ahead homer off of the Goose and has it nullified because there was too much pine tar on his bat. Brett almost killed umpire Tim McClellan. The ruling is overturned and the homer stood.
3. Tippy picks off 3 in one inning: Baltimore reliever Tippy Martinez picked off three Toronto Blue Jay runners...in one inning. You'd think after the first pick off, they'd be careful.
4. Lance Parrish makes 3 outs in one inning. The Tigers beat Boston 13-9 on Friday the 13th. Parrish wore #13.
5. Fisk tags out 2 at plate: The White Sox were in the Bronx. On an extra base hit, two runners tried to score. The relay home nailed the first and the second runner kept coming and was tagged out.
6. Dion James hits a bird: Atlanta Braves outfielder Dion James popped up against the New York Mets. However, the ball killed a bird in flight and dropped where no fielder could catch it. By the time the Mets corralled the ball, James had a double.
7. Lyons drops drawers: Chicago White Sox player Steve "Psycho" Lyons slid into first. He was safe. Then, in front of all of Detroit, dropped his pants to get the dirt out. He then realized where he was and pulled his pants up quickly.
8. Moseby Steals First: Detroit Tiger Lloyd Moseby stole second base and lost track of the ball. So, he ran back to first and then realized where the ball was. He then ran back to second. He stole second base, first base, and then second again.
9. Ryan vs. Ventura: Texas pitcher and all-American hero, Nolan Ryan plunked Chicago White Sox third baseman Robin Ventura. Ryan was twenty years or so older than Ventura. The Chicago player charged the mound, found himself in a headlock, and got his ass kicked.
10. Johnson kills bird: During Spring Training in 2001, Randy Johnson threw a pitch, it hit a bird, and the bird disintegrated.
1. George Brett has to leave a World Series game with hemorrhoids.
2. The Pine Tar Game: Brett hits a go ahead homer off of the Goose and has it nullified because there was too much pine tar on his bat. Brett almost killed umpire Tim McClellan. The ruling is overturned and the homer stood.
3. Tippy picks off 3 in one inning: Baltimore reliever Tippy Martinez picked off three Toronto Blue Jay runners...in one inning. You'd think after the first pick off, they'd be careful.
4. Lance Parrish makes 3 outs in one inning. The Tigers beat Boston 13-9 on Friday the 13th. Parrish wore #13.
5. Fisk tags out 2 at plate: The White Sox were in the Bronx. On an extra base hit, two runners tried to score. The relay home nailed the first and the second runner kept coming and was tagged out.
6. Dion James hits a bird: Atlanta Braves outfielder Dion James popped up against the New York Mets. However, the ball killed a bird in flight and dropped where no fielder could catch it. By the time the Mets corralled the ball, James had a double.
7. Lyons drops drawers: Chicago White Sox player Steve "Psycho" Lyons slid into first. He was safe. Then, in front of all of Detroit, dropped his pants to get the dirt out. He then realized where he was and pulled his pants up quickly.
8. Moseby Steals First: Detroit Tiger Lloyd Moseby stole second base and lost track of the ball. So, he ran back to first and then realized where the ball was. He then ran back to second. He stole second base, first base, and then second again.
9. Ryan vs. Ventura: Texas pitcher and all-American hero, Nolan Ryan plunked Chicago White Sox third baseman Robin Ventura. Ryan was twenty years or so older than Ventura. The Chicago player charged the mound, found himself in a headlock, and got his ass kicked.
10. Johnson kills bird: During Spring Training in 2001, Randy Johnson threw a pitch, it hit a bird, and the bird disintegrated.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
#26: The Police
The Police formed at the height of Punk and outlasted it. Some consider them the first New Wave Act since they were neither classic rock nor punk. They incorporated jazz, punk rock, and reggae into their work. In fact, they were one of the first acts to incorporate reggae into their music.
In 1977, The Police began their slow climb to greatest band in the world. Drummer Stewart Copeland formed the band with Sting and Henry Padovani. Padovani was a weak guitarist and was later replaced by Andy Summers. Their fusion of rock, jazz, and especially reggae into their act was novel especially in the United States. They soon earned a recording contract.
Their first album contained the hit “Roxanne” which was completely unique. It did not sound like rock or punk or disco. The song provided an introduction into the U.S. and Australia and got them a gig at the CBGB punk club. Their second album made them stars in England and included “Message in a Bottle.” They toured the world and released a third album that included “Don’t Stand So Close To Me.” The band was now a worldwide sensation.
While the band thrived, front man Sting became a star. He appeared in movies such as Quadraphenia and later Dune. This led to a conflict of egos with Stewart Copeland. The tension continued throughout the early 80s and served to destroy the band as they conquered the world. By 1983, they were the biggest band in the world. Their album Synchronicity spawned several smash hits including one of the decade’s most iconic songs, “Every Breath You Take.” In fact, that song beat out “Billie Jean” for song of the year at the Grammy Awards.
There was no official split. Sting did a solo album and Copeland did some work on his own. Summers waited for the band to reunite. With the exception of three concerts for Amnesty International in 1986 and a completely reworked re-release of “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” the band would not play again until the 2007-08 reunion tour. Between 1986 and 2007, Sting got married and bragged about 6 hour tantric sex, Copeland made a documentary on the Police (very good), Summers worked as Dennis Miller’s musical director, and the group was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
Rock n Roll Moment: In one South American banana republic, Andy Summers kicked a military policeman that was attacking fans. He was threatened with arrest, but managed to get out of the country.
Essential Police:
Outlandos d’Amour (1978)
Reggata de Blanc (1979)
Zenyatta Mondatta (1980)
Ghost in the Machine (1981)
Synchronicity (1983)
The Police Top 10:
Every Breath You Take
Roxanne
Can’t Stand Losing You
Message in a Bottle
So Lonely
Don’t Stand So Close To Me
King of Pain
Wrapped Around Your Finger
Synchronicity II
Spirits in the Material World
In 1977, The Police began their slow climb to greatest band in the world. Drummer Stewart Copeland formed the band with Sting and Henry Padovani. Padovani was a weak guitarist and was later replaced by Andy Summers. Their fusion of rock, jazz, and especially reggae into their act was novel especially in the United States. They soon earned a recording contract.
Their first album contained the hit “Roxanne” which was completely unique. It did not sound like rock or punk or disco. The song provided an introduction into the U.S. and Australia and got them a gig at the CBGB punk club. Their second album made them stars in England and included “Message in a Bottle.” They toured the world and released a third album that included “Don’t Stand So Close To Me.” The band was now a worldwide sensation.
While the band thrived, front man Sting became a star. He appeared in movies such as Quadraphenia and later Dune. This led to a conflict of egos with Stewart Copeland. The tension continued throughout the early 80s and served to destroy the band as they conquered the world. By 1983, they were the biggest band in the world. Their album Synchronicity spawned several smash hits including one of the decade’s most iconic songs, “Every Breath You Take.” In fact, that song beat out “Billie Jean” for song of the year at the Grammy Awards.
There was no official split. Sting did a solo album and Copeland did some work on his own. Summers waited for the band to reunite. With the exception of three concerts for Amnesty International in 1986 and a completely reworked re-release of “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” the band would not play again until the 2007-08 reunion tour. Between 1986 and 2007, Sting got married and bragged about 6 hour tantric sex, Copeland made a documentary on the Police (very good), Summers worked as Dennis Miller’s musical director, and the group was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
Rock n Roll Moment: In one South American banana republic, Andy Summers kicked a military policeman that was attacking fans. He was threatened with arrest, but managed to get out of the country.
Essential Police:
Outlandos d’Amour (1978)
Reggata de Blanc (1979)
Zenyatta Mondatta (1980)
Ghost in the Machine (1981)
Synchronicity (1983)
The Police Top 10:
Every Breath You Take
Roxanne
Can’t Stand Losing You
Message in a Bottle
So Lonely
Don’t Stand So Close To Me
King of Pain
Wrapped Around Your Finger
Synchronicity II
Spirits in the Material World
Friday, August 14, 2009
MLB All Decade Team 1960s
C- Bill Freehan- Tigers
1b- Harmon Killebrew- Twins
2b- Bill Mazeroski- Pirates
3b- Brooks Robinson- Orioles
SS- Luis Aparicio- Orioles/White Sox
OF- Willie Mays- Giants
OF- Hank Aaron- Braves
OF- Roberto Clemente- Pirates
OF- Carl Yastrzemski- Red Sox
RHP- Bob Gibson- Cardinals
LHP- Sandy Koufax- Dodgers
SP- Juan Marichal- Giants
SP- Don Drysdale- Dodgers
SP- Jim Bunning- Phillies
RP- Ron Perranoski- Dodgers
1b- Harmon Killebrew- Twins
2b- Bill Mazeroski- Pirates
3b- Brooks Robinson- Orioles
SS- Luis Aparicio- Orioles/White Sox
OF- Willie Mays- Giants
OF- Hank Aaron- Braves
OF- Roberto Clemente- Pirates
OF- Carl Yastrzemski- Red Sox
RHP- Bob Gibson- Cardinals
LHP- Sandy Koufax- Dodgers
SP- Juan Marichal- Giants
SP- Don Drysdale- Dodgers
SP- Jim Bunning- Phillies
RP- Ron Perranoski- Dodgers
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
#27 Queen
Queen is known for their musical diversity, harmonies, and their live shows. In fact, an industry poll ranked Queen’s Live Aid performance the greatest live performance of all time. They debuted in 1973. They originally attempted to merge Metal with Prog Rock. Their first album is considered one of the most underrated albums of all time. They broke the following year with “Sheer Heart Attack.” The album featured a fusion of many genres including Metal, soft ballads, and Caribbean.
They followed their breakthrough with the most expensive album ever produced to that point. “A Night At The Opera” is considered one of rock’s greatest. The album included “Bohemian Rhapsody” which combined opera with rock music and became the third largest selling single of all time. The band continued to release hit after hit in the 1970s. In 1980, “Another One Bites the Dust” became an anthem for the Detroit Lions and other sports franchises adopted it along with “We Are the Champions” for championship runs. Also in 1980, Queen also scored the soundtrack for the forgettable movie, Flash Gordon.
Queen continued to play to massive crowds. In 1981, they performed before nearly 500,000 during a Latin American tour. On several occasions, crowds numbered over 100,000. In 1985, one concert drew 180,000. Then came Live Aid. Freddie did not like Live Aid’s political slant, but Bob Geldof told him he’d have the largest audience ever to perform in front of. That sold Mercury.
In the the late 1980’s or early 1990s, Freddy was diagnosed with AIDS. He began to look sickly. He denied the rumors until November 1991. Mercury died less than twelve hours after releasing the statement confirming his illness. Queen’s popularity increased dramatically as a result of the publicity, a benefit concert for Mercury, and the movie Wayne’s World. People flocked to record stores requesting “the new Queen song, Bohemian Rhapsody.” (Dumb asses). After Mercury’s death, the band never officially disbanded and in 2004 began touring with Paul Rodgers (Bad Company, The Firm) on lead vocals. This incarnation split in May 2009.
Rock n Roll Moment: A biker gang attempted to jump members of Queen. Roger Taylor flashed his college ID and warned them he was a martial arts expert. Taylor claimed the law required he notify the gang three times that he had a black belt. The bikers ran away.
Essential Queen:
A Night at the Opera (1975)
News of the World (1977)
The Game (1980)
Greatest Hits (1981)
Greatest Hits II (1991)
Queen’s Top 10:
Bohemian Rhapsody
We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You
Fat Bottomed Girls
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Another One Bites the Dust
Flash
Under Pressure (with David Bowie)
Radio Ga-Ga
Who Wants to Live Forever
The Show Must Go On
They followed their breakthrough with the most expensive album ever produced to that point. “A Night At The Opera” is considered one of rock’s greatest. The album included “Bohemian Rhapsody” which combined opera with rock music and became the third largest selling single of all time. The band continued to release hit after hit in the 1970s. In 1980, “Another One Bites the Dust” became an anthem for the Detroit Lions and other sports franchises adopted it along with “We Are the Champions” for championship runs. Also in 1980, Queen also scored the soundtrack for the forgettable movie, Flash Gordon.
Queen continued to play to massive crowds. In 1981, they performed before nearly 500,000 during a Latin American tour. On several occasions, crowds numbered over 100,000. In 1985, one concert drew 180,000. Then came Live Aid. Freddie did not like Live Aid’s political slant, but Bob Geldof told him he’d have the largest audience ever to perform in front of. That sold Mercury.
In the the late 1980’s or early 1990s, Freddy was diagnosed with AIDS. He began to look sickly. He denied the rumors until November 1991. Mercury died less than twelve hours after releasing the statement confirming his illness. Queen’s popularity increased dramatically as a result of the publicity, a benefit concert for Mercury, and the movie Wayne’s World. People flocked to record stores requesting “the new Queen song, Bohemian Rhapsody.” (Dumb asses). After Mercury’s death, the band never officially disbanded and in 2004 began touring with Paul Rodgers (Bad Company, The Firm) on lead vocals. This incarnation split in May 2009.
Rock n Roll Moment: A biker gang attempted to jump members of Queen. Roger Taylor flashed his college ID and warned them he was a martial arts expert. Taylor claimed the law required he notify the gang three times that he had a black belt. The bikers ran away.
Essential Queen:
A Night at the Opera (1975)
News of the World (1977)
The Game (1980)
Greatest Hits (1981)
Greatest Hits II (1991)
Queen’s Top 10:
Bohemian Rhapsody
We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You
Fat Bottomed Girls
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Another One Bites the Dust
Flash
Under Pressure (with David Bowie)
Radio Ga-Ga
Who Wants to Live Forever
The Show Must Go On
Monday, August 10, 2009
#28 Tina Turner
Elvis may be King, but Tina is Queen. Her career spans fifty years. At 18, she began singing for Ike Turner. Her break came in 1960 when she filled in for an AWOL singer. Her recording of “A Fool In Love” hit #2 on the R&B charts. Ike knew he had something.
Ike and Tina Turner rose to stardom in the 1960s and into the 70s. Tina’s style had it’s own niche and was adaptable to changes in music. The two’s greatest work, “River Deep, Mountain High” was recorded with Phil Spector and his Wall of Sound. They also covered CCR’s “Proud Mary.” This funky, frantic high energy cover is Tina’s signature song.
In the 1970s, Tina’s popularity declined and she divorced her abusive husband, Ike. When she left Ike, she had 36 cents to her name and that was on a credit card. She had difficulty finding a recording contract. It looked like the end.
Then, she recorded a European hit and Capitol took a shot. The end result was the “Private Dancer” album which spawned the #1 smash, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” She hated the song, but it revived her career. She experienced a renaissance and released hit after hit. Her life story became a movie starring Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishbourne. In the 90s, Turner scored a Bond theme for “Goldeneye.” In 2008, she embarked on a 50th Anniversary Tour, performed with Beyonce at the Grammy’s, and won a Grammy at 68. She continues to tour.
Rock n Roll Moment: After a steep decline in popularity in the mid-70s, no label wanted Tina. Capitol took a shot and she scored one of the great comebacks in history in 1984.
Essential Tina:
River Deep Mountain High (1966)
Private Dancer (1984)
Simply the Best (1991)
What’s Love Got To Do With It (1993)
Tina’s Top 10:
Proud Mary
What’s Love Got To Do With It
Private Dancer
Better Be Good To Me
We Don’t Need Another Hero
Typical Male
The Best
GoldenEye
River Deep Mountain High
Nutbush City Limits
Ike and Tina Turner rose to stardom in the 1960s and into the 70s. Tina’s style had it’s own niche and was adaptable to changes in music. The two’s greatest work, “River Deep, Mountain High” was recorded with Phil Spector and his Wall of Sound. They also covered CCR’s “Proud Mary.” This funky, frantic high energy cover is Tina’s signature song.
In the 1970s, Tina’s popularity declined and she divorced her abusive husband, Ike. When she left Ike, she had 36 cents to her name and that was on a credit card. She had difficulty finding a recording contract. It looked like the end.
Then, she recorded a European hit and Capitol took a shot. The end result was the “Private Dancer” album which spawned the #1 smash, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” She hated the song, but it revived her career. She experienced a renaissance and released hit after hit. Her life story became a movie starring Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishbourne. In the 90s, Turner scored a Bond theme for “Goldeneye.” In 2008, she embarked on a 50th Anniversary Tour, performed with Beyonce at the Grammy’s, and won a Grammy at 68. She continues to tour.
Rock n Roll Moment: After a steep decline in popularity in the mid-70s, no label wanted Tina. Capitol took a shot and she scored one of the great comebacks in history in 1984.
Essential Tina:
River Deep Mountain High (1966)
Private Dancer (1984)
Simply the Best (1991)
What’s Love Got To Do With It (1993)
Tina’s Top 10:
Proud Mary
What’s Love Got To Do With It
Private Dancer
Better Be Good To Me
We Don’t Need Another Hero
Typical Male
The Best
GoldenEye
River Deep Mountain High
Nutbush City Limits
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