Plano, Texas — All it took was two or three times through Fair to Midland's new 'Arrows and Anchors' CD before I began to recognize the brilliance behind this musical masterpiece.
What separates Fair to Midland from other modern bands is the depth of tracks from their albums. As my brother Dave said when we listened to the new CD this past weekend in Denver: "There is no weak link on the album."
Very true.
The songs are riveting, gripping tracks with heavy strings ("Whiskey & Ritalin"), melodic choruses ("Golden Parachutes") and the occasional growling ("Rikki Tikki Tavi") we've come to appreciate from lead singer Darroh Sudderth.
My favorite track on the new album would either be "Golden Parachutes" or "Short-Haired Tornado."
Oh yeah, that's another thing the band did on their follow-up to "Fables From A Mayfly:" Song titles remain incredibly bizarre. Lyrics, too, for that matter. I have no idea what any lyric on this album means, but it's fascinating to learn the words and try to squeeze out even the most minor of messages.
The new album does a fantastic job of keeping to Fair to Midland's image. Not all songs are radio-friendly, but after you listen to the album in its entirety, you wonder how long it will be before the band blows up on the radio. At first, Fair to Midland appears to provide an off-kilter, folk-artsy, puzzling sound that can only be fixed and/or solved by listening to the album again. It's at those points of listening to the album again that the musical brilliance becomes more evident. Odd dynamic, but that's how it went with me.
Just like Fables, the strength of 'Arrows and Anchors' lies within the late tracks. The continuous order of No. 8, 'Short-Haired Tornado,' No. 9, 'The Upset at Bailey Bridge' (musical interlude), No. 10, 'Rikki Tikki Tavi,' and No. 11, Golden Parachutes,' is just about the best stuff these guys have ever written.
No. 3, 'Musical Chairs,' should become a staple of live shows, and might be the radio hit that takes these guys to the next level of popularity.
I wish I could have attended the CD release party on July 12 in Dallas. I wasn't there, but my good friend, miss Terri Easley, was on hand. This bit of quality info from the concert is courtesy of her:
Live tracks played from Arrows: Amarillo Sleeps on my Pillow, Musical Chairs, Rikki Tikki Tavi, Coppertank Island, Golden Parachutes.
Live tracks played from Fables: Dance of the Manatee, Walls of Jericho, Say When, Tall Tales Taste Like Sour Grapes, A Seaferer's Knot.
According to Terri, the band opened with Manatee and closed with Parachutes. Interesting choices.
I couldn't be happier with the new CD. It's been on repeat for the past week, and will likely remain that way for the rest of the summer.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
New Fair to Midland CD released today
The four-year wait is over.
Fair to Midland, my favorite Dallas-based rock band, released their new CD, 'Arrows & Anchors,' today. I took a visit to Best Buy and picked up my copy today for $9.99. It was the last copy they had. Lucky me. Hopefully, that means the word is spreading and people are buying the new album. I always like supporting my favorite bands on the day their new album hits stores.
The last Fair to Midland album, "Fables From A Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True," was released in June 2007.
I've probably been to more Fair to Midland shows than any other band. I'm not sure exactly how many times I've seen them perform, but I'd estimate around six to seven times. They never disappoint. One of the most energetic, original sounds I've heard.
I'll be back on with a review in a few days. I've only been through three-fourths of the CD so far. This will pretty much be all I listen to for the next few months.
The four-year wait is finally over.
Fair to Midland, my favorite Dallas-based rock band, released their new CD, 'Arrows & Anchors,' today. I took a visit to Best Buy and picked up my copy today for $9.99. It was the last copy they had. Lucky me. Hopefully, that means the word is spreading and people are buying the new album. I always like supporting my favorite bands on the day their new album hits stores.
The last Fair to Midland album, "Fables From A Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True," was released in June 2007.
I've probably been to more Fair to Midland shows than any other band. I'm not sure exactly how many times I've seen them perform, but I'd estimate around six to seven times. They never disappoint. One of the most energetic, original sounds I've heard.
I'll be back on with a review in a few days. I've only been through three-fourths of the CD so far. This will pretty much be all I listen to for the next few months.
The four-year wait is finally over.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Reflecting on tragedy at Rangers Ballpark
For years, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington has acted as my personal escape. A place where I can temporarily block out the stresses and pressures of everyday life. A place where I sit back, relax and appreciate my favorite game, the game of baseball, without having to worry about anything.
Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is, put simply, my happy place.
That's why I'm still trying to wrap my mind around a most tragic event that transpired at the ballpark on Thursday night. This is, by all accounts, unfathomable.
A fan sitting in the left field stands fell over the railing trying to catch a baseball that Rangers All-Star Josh Hamilton tossed into the crowd. The man was transported by ambulance to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, where he was later pronounced dead. The man's 6-year-old son witnessed the fall.
Incomprehensible.
A father takes his son to a ballgame, decked out in a Rangers shirt and Rangers hat. He wants so badly to catch a ball for his son from Hamilton, the reigning American League MVP, that he sprawls out over the railing in an attempt to make his son's night. Then, that happens. Words fail to describe the heartbreak and sorrow that will forever be associated with this tragedy.
One day, I hope to watch a baseball game with my son, or toss him some pitches in the front yard the same way my dad did with my brother Dave and me in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Coral Springs, Fla. and Plano, Texas. I hope to take him to Rangers Ballpark, where I can tell him it was right here where many of my most vivid baseball memories took place. It was right here where Dave and I were on hand for Game 4 of the 2010 World Series. It was right here where Dave and I found shortcuts around paying a parking fee and found a deserted parking lot for free. It was right here where Dave and I witnessed Marlon Byrd's grand slam walkoff home run, and Rod Barajas' walkoff homer, both against the Yankees. So many memories with family and friends. When I think about ballpark memories, all I can do is smile and reflect.
It's impossible, then, with all those memories held close, to even begin to fathom something so sobering, something so awful in such a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It makes you think of those you hold the closest, those who are most important in your lives. Cherish these people. Tell them how much you love them, and how much you appreciate them. In times like these, these words can never be said enough.
Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is, put simply, my happy place.
That's why I'm still trying to wrap my mind around a most tragic event that transpired at the ballpark on Thursday night. This is, by all accounts, unfathomable.
A fan sitting in the left field stands fell over the railing trying to catch a baseball that Rangers All-Star Josh Hamilton tossed into the crowd. The man was transported by ambulance to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, where he was later pronounced dead. The man's 6-year-old son witnessed the fall.
Incomprehensible.
A father takes his son to a ballgame, decked out in a Rangers shirt and Rangers hat. He wants so badly to catch a ball for his son from Hamilton, the reigning American League MVP, that he sprawls out over the railing in an attempt to make his son's night. Then, that happens. Words fail to describe the heartbreak and sorrow that will forever be associated with this tragedy.
One day, I hope to watch a baseball game with my son, or toss him some pitches in the front yard the same way my dad did with my brother Dave and me in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Coral Springs, Fla. and Plano, Texas. I hope to take him to Rangers Ballpark, where I can tell him it was right here where many of my most vivid baseball memories took place. It was right here where Dave and I were on hand for Game 4 of the 2010 World Series. It was right here where Dave and I found shortcuts around paying a parking fee and found a deserted parking lot for free. It was right here where Dave and I witnessed Marlon Byrd's grand slam walkoff home run, and Rod Barajas' walkoff homer, both against the Yankees. So many memories with family and friends. When I think about ballpark memories, all I can do is smile and reflect.
It's impossible, then, with all those memories held close, to even begin to fathom something so sobering, something so awful in such a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It makes you think of those you hold the closest, those who are most important in your lives. Cherish these people. Tell them how much you love them, and how much you appreciate them. In times like these, these words can never be said enough.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
All-Star game observations: Rangers representation, snubs and more
Earlier today, I predicted what the All-Star rosters would look like for July 12 in Phoenix.
Here are the actual selections for the American League.
And the actual selections for the National League.
A few observations:
• Four Rangers made the team, more than I had predicted. Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, Adrian Beltre and C.J. Wilson will represent Texas. Of course, I'm thrilled four Rangers made it because it will make watching the game considerably more exciting. Texas had six All-Stars last season, and that was a ton of fun. Truth is, though, Hamilton does not deserve to be an All-Star this season. He will start the game in the outfield because the fans voted him in. He's playing very well right now, but the guy missed two months with an injury. He's hitting .300 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs, pretty darn impressive when you take into account he's had only 186 at-bats. But there are more deserving candidates. I found it interesting that the players voted Beltre ahead of Alex Rodriguez at third base. A-Rod will start at the hot corner because of the fan vote.
• My top snubs: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh; Paul Konerko, Chicago; CC Sabathia, New York; Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta.
Kimbrel must feel particularly snubbed. His bullpen mate, Jonny Venters, received a nod probably just because the NL wanted a lefty option. Kimbrel is tied for the MLB lead in saves with 24, and has a pretty stellar 67/18 K/BB ratio, to go along with a 2.57 ERA.
Most of these snubs will have the opportunity to play in the game anyways because of injuries or through the 'final man' vote.
• Main reason fans shouldn't be allowed to vote: Derek Jeter will start at shortstop for the AL. It's not that I have anything against Jeter. I actually like the guy. But he's simply not an All-Star this season. The worst argument I keep hearing is the legacy argument. Please. Don't worry, his statue will still be erected at Yankee Stadium. It's just that this is the 2011 All-Star game, and therefore, the 2011 All-Star rosters should be constructed based on 2011 performance. Nothing else.
• The lone Royals representative was Aaron Crow, who's had a breakout year in relief with a 1.36 ERA and a 39/17 K/BB ratio. I had Alex Gordon as my lone K.C. selection, but I feel good for Crow, who I remember watching when he played at Missouri.
• There's something odd about Minnesota's Michael Cuddyer making the AL roster. The .286 average is just fine, but 11 homers and 32 RBIs don't really jump off the page. Of course, each team must have at least one representative (a good rule). But I would have liked to see Twins starter Scott Baker (6-5, 3.15 ERA, 101/29 K/BB) instead of Cuddyer. I think Baker, an Oklahoma State product, remains one of the more underrated players in baseball.
• My American League starter: Justin Verlander (11-3, 2.32 ERA, 130/29 K/BB).
• My National League starter: Roy Halladay (11-3, 2.44 ERA, 131/17 K/BB).
• My American League batting order:
1. Curtis Granderson, New York
2. Robinson Cano, New York
3. Jose Bautista, Toronto
4. Adrian Gonzalez, Boston
5. Alex Rodriguez, New York
6. Josh Hamilton, Texas
7. David Ortiz, Boston
8. Alex Avila, Detroit
9. Derek Jeter, New York
• My National League batting order:
1. Jose Reyes, New York
2. Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee
3. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee
4. Prince Fielder, Milwaukee
5. Matt Kemp, Los Angeles
6. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado (DH)
7. Lance Berkman, St. Louis
8. Brian McCann, Atlanta
9. Placido Polanco, Philadelphia
• I never gave much thought to the home field advantage in the World Series granted to the winning team of the All-Star game. Last season, home field would have been particularly helpful to the Rangers against the Giants. Naturally, the AL lost for the first time in 13 years last season. This year, I'll root a bit more for the AL to regain its swagger. As I learned last year, you never know what can happen in the postseason.
Here are the actual selections for the American League.
And the actual selections for the National League.
A few observations:
• Four Rangers made the team, more than I had predicted. Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, Adrian Beltre and C.J. Wilson will represent Texas. Of course, I'm thrilled four Rangers made it because it will make watching the game considerably more exciting. Texas had six All-Stars last season, and that was a ton of fun. Truth is, though, Hamilton does not deserve to be an All-Star this season. He will start the game in the outfield because the fans voted him in. He's playing very well right now, but the guy missed two months with an injury. He's hitting .300 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs, pretty darn impressive when you take into account he's had only 186 at-bats. But there are more deserving candidates. I found it interesting that the players voted Beltre ahead of Alex Rodriguez at third base. A-Rod will start at the hot corner because of the fan vote.
• My top snubs: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh; Paul Konerko, Chicago; CC Sabathia, New York; Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta.
Kimbrel must feel particularly snubbed. His bullpen mate, Jonny Venters, received a nod probably just because the NL wanted a lefty option. Kimbrel is tied for the MLB lead in saves with 24, and has a pretty stellar 67/18 K/BB ratio, to go along with a 2.57 ERA.
Most of these snubs will have the opportunity to play in the game anyways because of injuries or through the 'final man' vote.
• Main reason fans shouldn't be allowed to vote: Derek Jeter will start at shortstop for the AL. It's not that I have anything against Jeter. I actually like the guy. But he's simply not an All-Star this season. The worst argument I keep hearing is the legacy argument. Please. Don't worry, his statue will still be erected at Yankee Stadium. It's just that this is the 2011 All-Star game, and therefore, the 2011 All-Star rosters should be constructed based on 2011 performance. Nothing else.
• The lone Royals representative was Aaron Crow, who's had a breakout year in relief with a 1.36 ERA and a 39/17 K/BB ratio. I had Alex Gordon as my lone K.C. selection, but I feel good for Crow, who I remember watching when he played at Missouri.
• There's something odd about Minnesota's Michael Cuddyer making the AL roster. The .286 average is just fine, but 11 homers and 32 RBIs don't really jump off the page. Of course, each team must have at least one representative (a good rule). But I would have liked to see Twins starter Scott Baker (6-5, 3.15 ERA, 101/29 K/BB) instead of Cuddyer. I think Baker, an Oklahoma State product, remains one of the more underrated players in baseball.
• My American League starter: Justin Verlander (11-3, 2.32 ERA, 130/29 K/BB).
• My National League starter: Roy Halladay (11-3, 2.44 ERA, 131/17 K/BB).
• My American League batting order:
1. Curtis Granderson, New York
2. Robinson Cano, New York
3. Jose Bautista, Toronto
4. Adrian Gonzalez, Boston
5. Alex Rodriguez, New York
6. Josh Hamilton, Texas
7. David Ortiz, Boston
8. Alex Avila, Detroit
9. Derek Jeter, New York
• My National League batting order:
1. Jose Reyes, New York
2. Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee
3. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee
4. Prince Fielder, Milwaukee
5. Matt Kemp, Los Angeles
6. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado (DH)
7. Lance Berkman, St. Louis
8. Brian McCann, Atlanta
9. Placido Polanco, Philadelphia
• I never gave much thought to the home field advantage in the World Series granted to the winning team of the All-Star game. Last season, home field would have been particularly helpful to the Rangers against the Giants. Naturally, the AL lost for the first time in 13 years last season. This year, I'll root a bit more for the AL to regain its swagger. As I learned last year, you never know what can happen in the postseason.
2011 All-Star game predictions
Last season, the Texas Rangers put six players on the American League All-Star roster. This time around, it surely won't be that many, but I'm still curious how many spots the American League champs will occupy for the July 12 meeting in Phoenix.
My guess is three: Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, C.J. Wilson. Hamilton, however, didn't make my roster, but the fans will vote him in as a starter.
We'll see when the rosters are revealed later today. I'll be back on for roster observations.
For now, here's my predicted rosters for the game.
American League starters:
Catcher: Victor Martinez, Detroit.
First base: Adrian Gonzalez, Boston.
Second base: Robinson Cano, New York.
Shortstop: Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland.
Third base: Alex Rodriguez, New York.
Outfield (RF): Jose Bautista, Toronto.
Outfield (CF): Curtis Granderson, New York.
Outfield (LF): Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston.
DH: David Ortiz, Boston.
Starting pitcher: Justin Verlander, Detroit.
American League reserves:
Catcher: Alex Avila, Detroit.
First base: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit; Paul Konerko, Chicago.
Second base: Dustin Pedroia, Boston; Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay.
Shortstop: Jhonny Peralta, Detroit.
Third base: Adrian Beltre, Texas; Kevin Youkilis, Boston.
Outfield: Alex Gordon, Kansas City; Adam Lind, Toronto; Adam Jones, Baltimore.
DH: Michael Young, Texas.
American League pitchers:
SP: Jered Weaver, Anaheim.
SP: James Sheilds, Tampa Bay.
SP: Josh Beckett, Boston.
SP: C.J. Wilson, Texas.
SP: Dan Haren, Anaheim.
SP: C.C. Sabathia, New York.
SP: David Price, Tampa Bay.
SP: Gio Gonzalez, Oakland.
SP: Scott Baker, Minnesota.
RP (closer): Mariano Rivera, New York.
RP: Brandon League, Seattle.
RP: Jose Valverde, Detroit.
National League starters:
Catcher: Brian McCann, Atlanta.
First base: Prince Fielder, Milwaukee.
Second base: Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee.
Shortstop: Jose Reyes, New York.
Third base: Aramis Ramirez, Chicago.
Outfield (CF): Matt Kemp, Los Angeles.
Outfield (LF): Ryan Braun, Milwaukee.
Outfield (RF): Lance Berkman, St. Louis.
DH: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado.
Starting pitcher: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia.
National League reserves:
Catcher: Miguel Montero, Arizona.
First base: Joey Votto, Cincinnati; Ryan Howard, Philadelphia.
Second base: Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati; Danny Espinosa, Washington.
Shortstop: Starlin Castro, Chicago.
Third base: Chipper Jones, Atlanta.
Outfield: Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado; Justin Upton, Arizona; Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh; Jay Bruce, Cincinnati; Hunter Pence, Houston.
National League pitchers:
SP: Cole Hamels, Philadelphia.
SP: Cliff Lee, Philadelphia.
SP: Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta.
SP: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles.
SP: Tommy Hanson, Atlanta.
SP: Ian Kennedy, Arizona.
SP: Tim Lincecum, San Francisco.
RP (closer): Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta.
RP: Brian Wilson, San Francisco.
RP: Heath Bell, San Diego.
RP: Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh.
RP: Leo Nunez, Florida.
My guess is three: Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, C.J. Wilson. Hamilton, however, didn't make my roster, but the fans will vote him in as a starter.
We'll see when the rosters are revealed later today. I'll be back on for roster observations.
For now, here's my predicted rosters for the game.
American League starters:
Catcher: Victor Martinez, Detroit.
First base: Adrian Gonzalez, Boston.
Second base: Robinson Cano, New York.
Shortstop: Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland.
Third base: Alex Rodriguez, New York.
Outfield (RF): Jose Bautista, Toronto.
Outfield (CF): Curtis Granderson, New York.
Outfield (LF): Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston.
DH: David Ortiz, Boston.
Starting pitcher: Justin Verlander, Detroit.
American League reserves:
Catcher: Alex Avila, Detroit.
First base: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit; Paul Konerko, Chicago.
Second base: Dustin Pedroia, Boston; Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay.
Shortstop: Jhonny Peralta, Detroit.
Third base: Adrian Beltre, Texas; Kevin Youkilis, Boston.
Outfield: Alex Gordon, Kansas City; Adam Lind, Toronto; Adam Jones, Baltimore.
DH: Michael Young, Texas.
American League pitchers:
SP: Jered Weaver, Anaheim.
SP: James Sheilds, Tampa Bay.
SP: Josh Beckett, Boston.
SP: C.J. Wilson, Texas.
SP: Dan Haren, Anaheim.
SP: C.C. Sabathia, New York.
SP: David Price, Tampa Bay.
SP: Gio Gonzalez, Oakland.
SP: Scott Baker, Minnesota.
RP (closer): Mariano Rivera, New York.
RP: Brandon League, Seattle.
RP: Jose Valverde, Detroit.
National League starters:
Catcher: Brian McCann, Atlanta.
First base: Prince Fielder, Milwaukee.
Second base: Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee.
Shortstop: Jose Reyes, New York.
Third base: Aramis Ramirez, Chicago.
Outfield (CF): Matt Kemp, Los Angeles.
Outfield (LF): Ryan Braun, Milwaukee.
Outfield (RF): Lance Berkman, St. Louis.
DH: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado.
Starting pitcher: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia.
National League reserves:
Catcher: Miguel Montero, Arizona.
First base: Joey Votto, Cincinnati; Ryan Howard, Philadelphia.
Second base: Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati; Danny Espinosa, Washington.
Shortstop: Starlin Castro, Chicago.
Third base: Chipper Jones, Atlanta.
Outfield: Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado; Justin Upton, Arizona; Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh; Jay Bruce, Cincinnati; Hunter Pence, Houston.
National League pitchers:
SP: Cole Hamels, Philadelphia.
SP: Cliff Lee, Philadelphia.
SP: Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta.
SP: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles.
SP: Tommy Hanson, Atlanta.
SP: Ian Kennedy, Arizona.
SP: Tim Lincecum, San Francisco.
RP (closer): Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta.
RP: Brian Wilson, San Francisco.
RP: Heath Bell, San Diego.
RP: Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh.
RP: Leo Nunez, Florida.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)