American Beauty

Grateful Dead, Box of Rain

Grateful Dead, Friend of Devil

Grateful Dead, Candyman

Grateful Dead, Brokedown Palace

Grateful Dead, Attics of My Life

Okay, I do want to show a little more of the Grateful Dead, show a few other sides of their sound. I believe that their most underrated aspect is/was songwriting, as they have one of the greatest musical books of the past few decades. It's not hard to see why people wouldn't think highly of their songs, since they never really came up with a great album that hit the charts. In fact, lots of their albums sounded like throwaways, done to satisfy the label and work out some more songs for tour.

However, this post should put these criticisms to rest. I am going to focus on the Dead's greatest album and one of the best of the 70s, American Beauty. It's an amazing statement, and sounds nothing like the psychedelic excess that many fear. No, these are beautiful songs, showcasing the Dead's ear for rock, country and folk. Listen to the lyrics, the songs about death ("Box of Rain"), running from the law ("Friend of the Devil"), the beautiful harmonies, the relaxed, Americana sounds. All I can say is that Ryan Adams would give his right nut to put out something this perfect.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the man behind many of the lyrics on this album, Jerry Garcia's writing partner, Robert Hunter. Hunter was a Beat-style poet, but it was his collaboration with Garcia that brought out the best in him. Their lyrics tended more toward the poetic, darker side, less realism than the ones Bob Weir was coming up with. The songs that came up with over the years is an amazing list, some of my favorite songs ever came from their pen, such as "Terrapin Station", "Reuben and Cherise", and "Stella Blue" and on and on. I do not hesitate in saying that this is one of the greatest writing teams ever, on par with Lennon and McCartney. That's right, I said it, let the flaming begin, I can take it.

If you felt overwhelmed by the Fillmore West posts, I highly recommend downloading these songs above. It is a much easier way to get into the music, or at the very least, will expose you to one of the all-time underrated rock albums. Go here to buy the whole thing, which now has lots of extras like live and unreleased versions of the songs.

-This American Beauty radio promo is the funniest thing I have heard in a minute. You have to listen for the announcer's lines, classic 60s shit.

-Speaking of American beauty, have you seen the Scarlett Johanssen nude pictures for Vanity Fair? Yum. This is my girl, for really real, a beautiful actress who has style and looks like MC. Now, where's my Rosario Dawson cover, people? Ooooh, how about a Rosario/Scarlet cover? Yeah, yeah, yeah, get to work.

-disco-not-disco had some songs up to play for your American (or French or Swedish or Israeli or Brazilian or [insert country here]) beauty this past Valentine's Day. I hope that everyone had a nice V-Day and that you got to spend it with your loved one or loved ones.

-Another American Beauty? How about Hardly Art Hardly Garbage after its new look? This has always been one of my favorite blogs, as Sean Fennessy is one of the few writers able to discuss hip hop in an original and intelligent way. Most importantly, he is a fan of the disgracefully underlooked Nelly Furtado.

-Our final American Beauty? Everyone's favorite Vice President and marksman, Dick Cheney. I know that this story has been discussed and dissected beyond comprehension already, but I had to point out my favorite part (buried deep in the story). Cheney shoots a dude from less than 30 yards we can assume now, gets to the guy's side and sees him bleeding profusely. What's his response? He goes back, eats dinner and hangs out with friends and lobbyists. A ride in the ambulance, a visit to the hospital, a loss of appetite and enjoyment? Please, this man eats shits like you for breakfast. He ain't some pussy, crying and shit. No, he's a true American Beauty, a real piece of work. Thanks again, red states.

Fillmore West 3.2.69 We Bid You Goodnight

Fillmore West, March 2, 1969 late show

Alligator--->

Drums--->

Jam--->

Caution (Do Not Stop On The Tracks)--->

Feedback--->

We Bid You Goodnight

It's the end of this long, strange trip here at Pound for Pound, as we bid this Grateful Dead week farewell. March 2, 1969 was the final day of the run at the Fillmore West for the Grateful Dead, although they would be back many more times in the next few years until Billy Graham's club closed forever. That timing vaguely corresponds with the rise and fall of the hippie movement or whatever you want to call it. By the early 70s, the scene had been infested with poseurs, addiction and death.

This set has dark overtones in the lyrics and sounds, a sorta of end-of-the-world feel, if you will. As much as I enjoy the Dead at their most psychedelic, it is the darkness that really drew me in. This is not hippie-dippy music, as I am sure most people imagine when they see pictures of the concerts, replete with girls in peasant dresses with flowers in their hair, the spinners dancing in the halls, and the unwashed masses sharing and camping on the road. The Dead came and thrived in this scene, but they always seemed drawn to ugliness, the darkness that exists on the other side. Their lyrics are about murder, death and loss, their sound often bordering on dissonant and ugly.

I hope that this helps explain why I am highlighting this band and this series of shows. I know that it might not seem to make much sense-- how could I constantly discuss booty music, and suddenly talk about Jerry Garcia? I'm not sure that it does make sense, but that's part of the fun of music, isn't it?

-In case you think I was overbearing and pretentious about the song "Dark Star", the good people at the Deadlists Project catalogued and listed every single one the band ever played in their 30 year history and which ones are circulating on tape. Simply awesome. Make sure to scroll to the bottom where the evolution of the song is detailed.

-Princeton, we bid you goodnight as well. Another Ivy League title in sight, another first round loss in the Tournament for the Quakers.

-Glenn Greenwald takes on one of the most troubling aspects of current times: the cult of George W. Bush. It's a great look at the times, where being a liberal requires only "a failure to pledge blind loyalty to George Bush."

-I may have a few more Dead-related posts through the weekend, as we are putting the finishing touches on moving this site off of blogger to a dedicated server. Yeah!

Happy Valentine's Day

Fillmore West 3.1.69

Fillmore West March 1, 1969

Dupree's Diamond Blues

Mountains of the Moon

Dark Star----->

St. Stephen---->

The Eleven---->

Turn On Your Lovelight

Hey Jude

Buckle your seatbelts, kids, it's real serious now. These songs above are some of the darkest, heaviest shit the Grateful Dead ever played in their 30 year career. This is the quintessential song series for the boys in that period, the perfect vehicle for their psychedelic blues explorations.

I could write a thesis on "Dark Star", the song that the Dead might be most known for amongst both fans and detractors. It was a sparse song, with little in the way of lyrics or structure, other than a few mystical verses written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter and those familiar opening notes played by Garcia's lead guitar. No, this song was nothing more than a vehicle for exploration, a space shuttle for the band. Once Garcia sung those opening verses, the band took a leap each and every time into the unknown, like a jazz band working with a standard. Before I get even more pretentious and ridiculous, I will just say, listen to the whole song set. Listen to the way the band listens and reacts to each other, the way Garcia and Phil Lesh (the bassist) interact, the way the band rebels against the structure and predictability of the rock song, it's all there in the 20 minutes of magic here.

What's sorta amazing is the fact that the band played this exact same four-song sequence to open the next night. Yet, there is no sense that the band is going through the motions or even tired from these epic songs from the night before. Instead, each night with the Grateful Dead offers something new and these nights would be no exception. I hope that this series of posts helps illuminate this fact, giving you a chance to hear the way the Dead made each performance night and song unique, unafraid to go out on any musical limb that presented itself.

For the real nerds, this is the first version the Dead ever did of "Hey Jude", the Beatles' classic. The next version wouldn't come until 1990, when Brent Mydland would bring it back during the classic Spring '90 tour. Trainspotters stand up!

-Congrats to The BM Rant for being named as blog of the month at Philly Future. That's right, another great Philly blog, covering just about every topic imaginable under the sun, from music to TV to movies to funny. Here's my favorite post of all, a nice one on the Chicken Man, the Philly mob and George Anastasia's writing. I'm not capable of not recommending Howard Stern/Editors/American Idol fans, FYI. They are a permanent link on the right, so make them a daily read.

-A crazy story in the LA Weekly about filmmaker Eric Red, a sort of art-imitating-life-imitating-art jawn. Disturbing, to the say the least, but a good read. [Via firedoglake]

-Can this fucking dude do anything right?

-Sorry for the delays, but blogger and yousendit have been f'ed up all day and everyone in Philly is in survival of the fittest mode because of the blizzard, meaning lockdown, fistfights for bottled water and John Bolaris memories.

Fillmore West 2.28.69

Fillmore West February 28, 1969 early set

Morning Dew

Good Morning Little Schoolgirl

Doin' That Rag

I'm A King Bee

Turn On Your Lovelight

We're gonna keep on truckin' here on the Grateful Dead Week, although ironically without the song from which I borrowed that phrase. Go figure. The above set is from the second night of the run at the Fillmore, February 28th. I uploaded the nice early set, a showcase for the Dead's wonderful B-3 Hammond organist Pigpen. Pigpen, a.k.a. Ron McKernan, was the heart and soul of the Grateful Dead during this period, the yang to Garcia's yin (did I really just say that?).

In fact, I kinda look at the period from the band's formation to Pigpen's tragic death in 1972 as a back and forth between the two men, a fight for the direction and sound of the band. Garcia drove the band further and further into the psychedelic, the jazzy, the bluegrass. Pigpen, on the other hand, was the quintessential bluesman, the ad-libbing vocal center, playing blues standards like "I'm A King Bee" and thriving in the slowed-down, bluesy instrumentals.

Listen to "Turn Your Lovelight" from above, a classic song from the Pigpen years (1965-1972). In the 19+ minutes, you can hear this battle play out. The verses are all Pigpen, he is the star of the show, exhorting the crowd, the call and response. But, then, suddenly the words fall away and the band goes off into the ether. Jerry's guitar drives the band faster and faster, away from the Lovelight theme. It's the contrast between structure and chaos, tradition and experimentation, and remains one of the intriguing features of this band.

-Like the Diplo remix that I linked to at disco-not-disco? Well, Badminton Stamps has the Yeah Yeah Yeah's original version up now. Looking forward to this album a lot, or at least for something on par with "Maps."

-Great political reading for the weekend: Dahlia Lithwick's brilliant coverage of the Kansas teen-sex cases going on now. Frightening stuff, a harbinger of the future and a reminder of why the Alito appointment was so disastrous for women, choice and the country.

-Busty weekend thoughts [via lemon-red](great minds think alike)(oh, and I realize that I lost all props and respect from the above link with this, I can't help myself)

Farewell Arrested Development

It is hard writing this post through the tears, but I must say something. I can't let this day go by without a few words of sadness. Tonight is the final four episodes of the best show on network television since Seinfeld, Arrested Development, and my favorite show that doesn't involve a wire tap (best drama since Homicide), Flava Flav picking a mate or the two seperate yet equally important sides who represent the people in the criminal justice system. Fox has dealt its final kick in the teeth to the Bluth family, scheduling their finale to coincide with the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. Good work, fuckers. What, couldn't you have gotten your boy Bush to start a war tonight in Iran or somewhere to guarantee that not one person in the world would see the end of this show? Fuck a Murdoch!

Anyway, I don't have much to say, other than this show deserved a lot better. It deserved a better network, a better audience, a better world. I hope that Showtime picks the show up and gives it the forum to realize its potential. I have little hope, though, as I tend to expect the worst.

Michael, George-Michael, Buster, Gob, Lindsay, Maeby, Lucille 1, Lucille 2, George Sr., Tobias, thanks for the good times, we will miss you. Buy Season 1 and Season 2 to relive the memories, as there are too few.

-No sense in avoiding the fake sadness now. I was upset to see Nick cut from the final 5 on Project Runway. Listen, his outfit was not good. (No pockets? What the hell were you thinking, bol?) However, it was not a fucking jumpsuit straight outta Boca Raton with a sleeve falling off. C'mon, judges, step your games up. I'm looking at you Michael Kors, you can do better. Santino should have been cut, no if's and's or buts. And no, I am not ashamed to admit I watch the show or that I have become invested in the contestants. That's how trill I am.

-In another example of just how trill I am, and how unafraid to acknowledge my softer side, might I recommend checking out the Brandi Carlile show tonight at the World Cafe Live. She is playing at 7:30 PM, bringing some of that singer-songwriter goodness that eases a troubled heart and mind. Click here and here for a few songs to check out. Her NYC show at Mercury Lounge has already sold out, so this is a real good chance to see her in a beautiful venue. [Late Update: Sorry, this show sold out, too. Blowing up.]

Grateful Dead at the Fillmore West 2.27.69

Grateful Dead, Fillmore West February 27, 1969 early set

Good Morning Little Schoolgirl

Doin' That Rag

That's It For The Other One

Okay, now we're going to get real serious in here. The next few days I am going to put up some of the complete sets from the Grateful Dead's run at the Fillmore West in early 1969. This is the legendary run that the Dead used for their Live/Dead release and that has been one of the holy grails for tape collectors over the years.

The Dead decided to put this entire run out in a limited edition, remastered 10 disc boxed set. How limited? There were only 10,000 made, no second pressing, one shot only. Lucky you for my dear reader, I am in possession of this wonderful piece of musical history and will spend the next few days sharing the music. Thanks to MC for this amazing gift, which has provided me with countless hours of listening over the last month or so.

I'll have much more to say about the music here, and I hope to put up some other Grateful Dead music, but for now I just wanted to get the ball rolling.

-disco-not disco is possibly my favorite new blog (by new, I mean new to my out-of-touch ass) and one of the best, most consistent around today. For real, Speedrail has an amazing site dedicated to all sorts of different music, from the Diplo Yeah Yeah Yeah's remix to the Knife to Killa, plus bol (or is it a gal?) seems to know what's good in NYC months before you or I realize it is. Highly recommend, if for no other reason than the fact that d-not-d is both a Judge Mathis and Air Max fan.

-The Phones have been putting out some of the best remixes for a few years now, reworking the best songs from the indie heavyweights like Bloc Party and The Rakes. callmeMICKEY has done us all a service and put together 6 of the finest for download.

-Philly people, Get In is in tonight at Silk City. This is the one of the only grime nights in the country, a rare chance to hear this music. Tonight is the domestic release of Run the Road 2, the key grime compilation that has spread grime beyond the pirate radio stations of East London and that Vice Recordings is distributing in the US.

-Must-read political story: Time Magazine's John Dickerson's two-part story in Slate about his involvement in the Valerie Plame case and the possible conspiracy to out her a covert agent. Firedoglake details the bombshells and significance of this article.

-The Mystery of Larry Wachowski

The Grateful Dead

The Grateful Dead, Turn On Your Lovelight

The Grateful Dead, Death Don't Have No Mercy

No, hell has not frozen over. The man who believes in a genre called booty music, who considers Luke Campbell as important as the Founding Fathers, and who believes "There's Some Whores In The House" would make a great wedding song loves the quintessential hippie band. The band that is the butt of jokes, the band that jams endlessly, the band that was followed from city to city by dirty, smelly druggies has been one of my secret loves for many years now.

I'm not really sure how it began. I went to a high school where Phish was the band of choice, a regular stoner's paradise. However, for me, the Grateful Dead seemed a more difficult pursuit. Sure, kids went to the concerts and got wasted, but the music was more difficult, the influences more elusive, the mood more dark and foreboding. That was intriguing. First, I listened to the band's studio albums, perhaps one of the most underrated canons in music. Their songs were great, on par with some of the great pop music ever. However, at this time, I was probably in the midst of a pretentious avant garde phase and so it was the Dead's jazzy roots and sound explorations that had the most impact.

Over the years, I have remained loyal to the band and the music they made, even as they and their fans became a punchline. My connection has only grown stronger since Jerry Garcia passed away, as the archival vaults have been opened and even more amazing music has been released. I never wore tie-dye, I don't think that white guys should have dreads and I don't like leaving city limits, let alone sleeping in my car while travelling around the country. However, I do like the Grateful Dead and the music they made for 25 years. I hope that my readers will give this a chance and listen to the music I put up over the course of the next week. Keep an open mind, and I assure you that you will hear music that is many things: dark, beautiful, experimental, catchy, heart-breakingly sad.

The songs above come from the first live album release by any rock band, Live/Dead. It is the album that brought many people into the fold, displaying the Dead's penchant for improvisation and solidified their reputation as a live act. I hope that they can serve the same purpose for those just coming to the music. Live/Dead compiled highlights from their legendary run at the Fillmore West in San Francisco in late February and early March of 1969. The next few posts will present a few of these sets, which were recently put out in a 10 CD boxed set.

The Juan MacLean and Kudu at the Bowery Ballroom

Kudu saving the night of music at the Bowery (All Photos taken by MC)

MC and I made our weekly trek to a concert, as I attempt to be in-the-know and she looks for places so loud that she can't hear me talk. It was my first chance to see a show at the Bowery Ballroom, and I was impressed. It's not too big, but big enough to draw bigger name bands and have a really electric feeling. Unfortunately, this show never really panned out, a disappointing night musically.

The opener, Holy Fuck (as in, Holy Fuck these guys are terrible!) was just awful to these ears, a mixture of a jam band and noisy, avant artistes. It was all done with self-consciousness awareness, band as poseur or something. All it left me was counting the time down until it was done and rueing the fact that I thought the show would start on time and rushed up to see Kudu. Another good call by yours truly.



The beautiful lead singer of Kudu, Sylvia Gordon



Sylvia looking angelic



Drummer Deantoni Parks



Sampler/synth man Nick Kasper

Ahh, Kudu, how you saved the night! I am planning a post dedicated to this group in the near future, so I won't say too much right now. I will say that this trio from Brooklyn is my favorite thing going right now, and MC can attest to the fact that I have become a Kuduhead (tie-in to the Grateful Dead week, yea!), following them to all of their gigs in NYC. This is like the 6th time I have seen them, and each performance is better than the next. Best of all, MC has come around with each listen, and validates the fact that this music can appeal to everyone with good ears. Anyway, Kudu put on their best set yet, and even had an NYC crowd dancing. Yes, yes, I was shocked too. More to come on this group.



The Juan MacLean working their machines

After a brief DJ set by Tim Sweeney, host of Beats in Space, the lights dimmed, the crowd got bigger (or so it seemed) and our jackets disappeared. In an inexplicable move by a member of the security staff who felt that our jackets on the wall next to the trash were "in the way" and had "tripped someone," he picked them up and put them in front of the stage in the midst of the crowd. Thanks dude, keep up the good work.

Unfortunately, that was the most exciting part of The Juan MacLean show. I liked their music on the DFA compilations, and love that DFA sound as much as everyone else does. Unfortunately, what I heard Saturday night was much more dance-y than punk, much more smooth and jammy than what I expected. The rest of the crowd clearly disagreed for the record, as the place was packed and dancing. The whole thing seemed like a sanitized house music for white, straight kids.




Okay, we are going to get into the Grateful Dead tonight or early tomorrow. As for shows, not sure what lies ahead in the near future. Lots of great stuff here in the illadelph and in NYC, and I'm looking forward to continuing to get out and see as much as possible. Thanks again to MC for trusting my choices, even when they are dead wrong.

How Soon Is Now

The Smiths, How Soon Is Now?

TATU, How Soon Is Now?

How soon is now? Oh, Morrissey, you sensitive thug, you gloriously coiffed man, how you play with my head and my heart. One of the all-time great songs from one of the all-time great singers ever. No arguments, none at all.

I have spent the week with the Smiths' music, and really had to say something about them. I promise to get to the Grateful Dead over the weekend, and booty music once we move the site, but for now, let me be a fanboy, let me not pretend to be a thug or tough guy for one day. Let me admit that I cry when I listen to "I Know It's Over." Let me be.

Here is a cover version of "How Soon Is Now" by everyone's favorite teenage Russian lesbians (at least my favorite), TATU. This is a part of Pound for Pound's attempt to revel in the joys of pop detritus, those three-minute songs that burrow their way into our brains and make a home. I must thank EC for the recommendation, as this gem slipped past my music net a few years ago. She is also responsible for getting me back into a Smiths mindset, the greatest gift of all.

-How soon is the weekend? It's here, motherfuckers. Philly, tonight The Teeth are playing at the North Star Bar (Brewerytown, stand up!), and the Pop-off Shack pops off at the Metro Lounge with Low B and Brendan Bring'em. Brooklyn, the Rub is tonight at Southpaw. Manhattan, The Juan McLean is at the Bowery Ballroom with Tim Sweeney and Kudu.

-Another great Philly blog? You got it. Check out this newest addition to the links list on the right, Blackmail is My Life, which has a nice new non-blogger site and lots of mp3s and smart talk. Huge props for the Carl Stalling reference, although unfortunately he took down the mp3s of Stallings' brilliant music for the Looney Tunes cartoons. Again, another excellent blog covering all sorts of topics and musics (more music).

-Think good, busty thoughts this weekend.

-Or think disturbing, crazy, unbelievable ones. How about the middle daughter on Full House, Stephanie Tanner (real name Jodie Sweetin), and her meth addiction (!?!)? [Via the one and only MC]

Pacquiao-Morales/Gatti-Damgaard

It's been a good time to be a fight fan of late, hasn't it? There's been quite a few good fights in this young year, as 2006 is shaping up to be a pretty great year. Especially if the fighters from the past two weekends make another appearance, as they are the rarest of commodities: guaranteed action fights.

First, the mega-fight of the year took place two weeks ago, when Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales met for the second time in Las Vegas. The first one was one of the fights of the year candidates, and a rematch has been much anticipated. It showed in the sell-out Vegas crowd at the Thomas & Mack Center, which was split between fans of both fighters, heroes in their home countries.

I'm not sure how well-known these two names are outside of the hardcore boxing fandom, but they should be well-known. They are two of the best fighters pound for pound in the world, warriors who have dominated the lower weight classes in boxing for years now. Morales is most famous for wonderful trilogy of fights he had against fellow Mexican, Marco Antonio Barrero a few years ago. Pacquiao is Filipino fighter and hero in his country, a small lefty with tremendous power.

Go here, here, here and here for a good description of the fight. I'll just say that the power of Manny is stunning, and makes him a candidate for the best pound for pound honors. He was dominant this fight, avenging his earlier loss. Morales is tough, so for him to get TKO'd is something. I think that Morales needs to consider calling it a career, as this fight should prove that he has been eclipsed in the fight game by a younger, more talented fighter. For Pacquiao, the sky's the limit. I really look forward to see what he does next, as he makes his claim to share the title of this blog.

It's a sign of what high regard I hold Arturo Gatti that I put these two fights on equal footing. He is a once in a lifetime fighter, a man who gives the fans their money's worth each and every time out. He had already achieved a special status before his legendary series of fights versus Mickey Ward. These three fights were epic in every sense of the word, fought by two warriors with skill and guts, unafraid of losing but dying to win. I still think back on those fights, especially when sitting through some talentless heavyweight fight or an unaction fight between two stars afraid to get hit or throw a punch.

Gatti was taking on a relatively unknown Danish fighter named Thomas Damgaard this past Saturday. It was everything I could have hoped for, as Gatti slowly but surely decimated Damgaard, exhibiting the skills that have raised his game a few notches since he took on Buddy McGirt as trainer. This wasn't a classic, but it was another must-see Gatti fight, lots of action, lots of punches. The arc of his career is amazing, in all honesty, as he went from being a brawler as a young man to a skilled, technical fighter as an older one. He looked great tonight, in spite of hurting his right hand in the third or fourth round. He hit Damgaard with power punch after power punch, bloodying and staggering the guy all night. He ended Damgaard's night with a nice flurry in the 11th round, winning the IBA welterweight title in the process.

LP talks about his favorite fighter, Arturo "Thunder" Gatti. No Holds Barred discusses Vince Lombardi in the context of Gatti. The Boxing Stop discussed its hero. Late Rounds looks at the fight and adds some thoughts.

Not sure what the future holds for Gatti, although I hope that he gets another big money fight and can hang'em up while he is still revered and healthy-ish.

The Return of My Apple Store Idea

Welcome to all of the Mac users out there visiting Pound for Pound for the first time, as it is good to have some fellow intelligent computer buyers checking in. I want to thank Apple For You for the link to my post last year about getting an Apple store here in Philadelphia from last year. Better than late than never, as it's very nice to find that someone thought this was a good idea.

I do want to expand on the idea, as it is a smaller battle in the larger war of making Philly a world city. While it isn't kosher for a progressive to revel in commerce, I do. I can't help it, I like to buy things. My socialist ideals and Marx books die on the grave of Nike Air Force 1s, Turntable Lab and Armand's vinyl shopping, and books about cities from amazon. I am weak. But, more than that, I believe that any great city must be the site for everything, from the good to the bad, from commerce to radical politics. It is what seperates it from the rest of the suburbs and towns, what seperates a great city from the homogeneized dreams of urban planners.

I want stores everywhere in Philly, and believe it to be just as important a sign as ethics reform for the city's future. It is a sign of a vibrant city, a city that appeals to the rich and middle class and entrepeneurs and big companies. In discussing the city with a friend EC, she mentioned the lack of stores here as a noticeable defect. It gives the sense that things don't happen here, that a person can't start a business and live out their vision. Yes, I understand that these problems don't rival the crime problem or hunger or homelessness, but that doesn't make it unimportant.

Finally, if you want to leave a comment, please either have the balls to leave your name or the brains to read what my post is saying. I'm sure that you can find a place to download these things at some site you visit. I have addressed one such dumbass in the comments below, please don't make me do it again. Go download as

-Following up on the comedy links, go here and check out the video archive for the new (or new to me) VH1's show, Web Junk 20. Some of the funniest shit I have ever seen, all taken off of the web it seems. There's not much funnier than people hurting themselves unintentionally, Kelsey Grammer falling off a stage while giving a speech, or kids in China lipsynching to the Backstreet Boys. Or at least, there's nothing funnier to me.

-Project Runway tonight, yeah! Oh, don't act like you don't watch it. Go here to read Tim's blog or ask him a question, and read his thoughts on each contest. Or if you really want to obsess over the show, read Blogging Project Runway, which takes it to the next level.

-Since we are discussing Philly here, let me take note of a new addition to the links list at the right. callmeMICKEY is another blog, dealing in a lot of the same topics that interest us here at Pound for Pound and dropping lots of mp3s. Best of all, they cover all sorts of genres, from rock to Dipset to emynd and Bo Bliz. Most amazingly, go here, here, here and here for Mickey's look at all (I mean, ALL) of the bands scheduled for the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, complete with mp3s for some of his favorites. Amazing, thanks for that work, mang. So, yeah, go here and check out another of Philly's finest.

The State of the Blog

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am working on taking this site to a permanent host, which will allow me to post up mp3s for an unlimited amount of users and redesign the site to give it a new look that isn't like every other blog on blogger. I have hinted at big things in the future here, and felt like it was time to let everyone in on the secret. Other things are in the works, but they are dependent on this first step.

This post is also a request for any help or recommendations with this transition. If you are reading this and have a blog, in particular an mp3 blog, please holler at your bol at the email in the upper right-hand corner. Let me know what host you recommend, what type of package, any help is appreciated.

Tonight is also the State of the Union address by our dear President. The state of me this day is sad, depressed and frightened for the year ahead. Samuel Alito was confirmed today, Coretta Scott King passed away, and Vladimir Putin continues to take Russia back to the Soviet days. The state of the night will consist of me hiding under the bed, crying, with MC and J urging me to come back out and eat something. That is the state of being my girlfriend and cat, respectively.

Dr. Dog and The Teeth at The Mercury Lounge

Dr. Dog doing the damn thing

I had the good fortune of attending the Dr. Dog show Friday night at the Mercury Lounge in NYC with MC. It was a showcase for Philly rock music, as they shared a bill with fellow 215-ers The Teeth and Illinoise. It was a wonderful night of music, proving that the city is a home for all sorts of wonderful music. Lots of Philly residents and expats seemed to be in the house, which warmed my homesick heart. For real, Philly runs this shit, get on board or stay out the way.

We got there around 9:30 and caught the last few songs of the Illinoise set. I liked what I heard, nothing spectacular, just good straight ahead rock 'n' roll. The bassist had the line of the night, coming after a failed attempt to get the crowd to clap along, when he said "Oh I forgot, you're so fucking cool in New York." So true, son.

After that, The Teeth came on and killed. They have a similar sound and make-up to Dr. Dog, sans the piano player. It's lots of guitars, up-front bass and solid drumming. Vocals are shared, and usually augmented with the harmonies that set these bands apart for me. One of the lead singers, who is also the bassist, makes the craziest face I have ever seen when singing, a look of anger that seems more fitting for a punk show in the late 70s. No big deal, as you get used to the look and it sorta endears you to the guys. This ain't no pretty boy/ex-model shit, if ya know what I mean.

Sam Champion were up next, bringing some NYC to the Philly bill. They were alright, just didn't resonate with me that night. A little too slow and sludgy, nothing much vocally and a guitarist with too tight jeans distracting me. MC referenced the Stone Roses, a nice call. Worth a future listen, perhaps on a different bill.

Finally, Dr. Dog came on around midnight to a packed house and did the damn thing. I mean, for really real, these guys are one of the great live acts out there. The quintet came out smoking from the get-go, and never really let up for the next hour or so. I feel like these guys no longer have any buzz, as the band of the month crowd has moved on. That's a real shame, as they put on an amazing live show, write great original songs and are skilled musicians.

There really is nothing quite like a sold-out rock show in a small club, that electricity that doesn't seem to happen with any other genre. This live excitement, the harmonies, the driving rock songs and the high energy reminded me of one band, a band who holds a special place in my heart. The good ol' Grateful Dead. While you pick yourself up off of the floor at the thought of Pound for Pound being a Deadhead, let me inform you that this will be the musical focus for the next week. I will be posting up some live offerings from the 10 CD boxed set chronicling their legendary run at the Fillmore West in early 1969.

Here are a few more pictures from the evening, all taken by the one-and-only MC. She is a wonderful photographer, and I vow to you to do a better job posting up her pictures from the events that I drag her to.



Lead guitarist and vocalist Scott McMicken dressed to impress



The future's so bright, you gotta wear pink shades



Drummer Justin Stens drumming on his drums



A packed house during the Dr. Dog set. Luckily for you, my ugly mug is not in the shot.



One last shot of the diverse crowd

Young Chuck Norris

In lieu of the last, overly depressing post, I figured I would bring some light and humor back in. The kids call it bringing the funny, or so I've been told. I am still totally feeling the "Lazy Sunday" short from SNL a few weeks back, which is like a decade in blog-time. Whatever. This past Saturday, I had the good fortune of seeing the latest short, "Young Chuck Norris", a short digital film whose title pretty much sums up the plot. The common ingredient to both was one Andy Samberg.

It struck me that I was watching the rise of a star, the emergence of a comedic genius, the man to make me forget about Jimmy Fallon, Horatio Sanz and Tracey Morgan. In short, I am totally jocking this guy. Yes, he has done little else on the show, but it's nice to have high hopes in such awful times. He seems to be the first person on SNL that fits the humor of the times, moving away from the slapstick and impersonations to irony, sarcasm and subtlety. I guess the best way of putting it is that Samberg seems to be the first cast member that could be a correspondent on the Daily Show quite easily. DS has defined comedy for me the past few years: its style of engagement with the world, laughing at the mess, detaching just enough to not go crazy. That's what I sense with Samberg and it seems just right to me.

-Go here to see "Young Chuck Norris". Go here for an amazing collection of videos starring Samberg from the past few years. Go here for Samberg being interviewed on David Letterman.

- Go here for the home page of Samberg's L.A.-based comedy group, The Lonely Island.

-Rolling Stone just did a nice handy guide to the explosion of comedy-based websites. Unfortunately, they do not have that article up online. Thankfully, it's Rolling Stone, so I can summarize in a few sentences. They recommend the following sites: Channel101, Icebox and Ebaum's World. This is months of viewing pleasure, and the breeding ground for Samberg and the Lonely Island guys.

The Return of the Political

I think that this title might be the name of a Frederic Jameson book, but I'm not sure. (For those who know that reference, get a life.) Anyway, I just wanted to get back to looking at politics, a subject which has conspicuouly been absent from this blog recently. I could say that I have been focused on the mixtapes and trying to have related links, but that would only be half the truth. No, I have just been sick to death of politics, current events and the people who write about them and participate in them. It's felt a lot like the lead-up to the last election, when I just couldn't take it anymore- the lies, the smears, the shoddy journalism that was practiced on the 24-hour cable shows and big newspapers alike.

I want to be one of those warriors who canvasses and writes a daily blog filled with the day's atrocities, the idealist who believes. I just don't have the stomach for it, the ability to withstand the disappointment and anger on a day-to-day basis. I wouldn't be able to wake up in the morning if I didn't take a break from it all occasionally. It's that bad out there.

How bad? Samuel Alito is going to be confirmed to the Supreme Court of the United States. This man is a far-right judge, a man out of step with the mainstream of America. He has worked his whole life to undermine Roe v. Wade, labor rights, environmental rights, defendants' rights. He has spent his whole life pursuing the same agenda that the Bush administration has adopted and crammed down our throats. He will become the deciding vote on so many issues and will influence the direction of this country for years to come. TPMCafe has been a great source during the hearings. Go here and here for the case against Alito. SCOTUSblog has also been a great source. Dahlia Lithwick cuts through the crap and addresses the issue of presidential authority in the war on terror, where the law will be set by this man. Feministing has been looking at this from the beginning. Daily Kos was a good outlet for those of us upset at this nomination and looking for fellow miserablists.

Want more? Take a look at the story surrounding the Washington Post ombudsman, Deborah Howell. For those that don't know what the hell an ombudsman is, let me tell you that it's not a member of the crew on a porno shoot. It is a person hired by a newspaper to serve as a check on their reporters, to catch their mistakes and report on them. Anyway, Howell jumped into the Abramoff scandal and made some factually inaccurate statements tying the Democrats to Abramoff's campaign contributions. Instead of admitting her mistake, she continued to make the inaccurate claims and began to parrot GOP talking points on the issue. It blew up into a real shitstorm, with readers leaving critical comments on her blog, some of which were deleted for supposed offensive comments. Her boss did an interview with right-wing blogger Hugh Hewitt to defend the paper. To top it off, Howell is the same person who called out Post writer Daniel Froomkin's blog for being too liberal! Notice a pattern here.

Jane at firedoglake has lead the charge thankfully, so go here, here and here to follow the developments. Josh Marshall gets to the heart of the matter. Brad Delong destroys Howell and the Post, for really real. Mark Schmitt gets in on it as well.

And for a depressing finale? A group of alumni at UCLA, led by 24-year old Andrew Jones, are offering cash rewards for anyone willing to out "radical" professors by providing tapes and notes of their lectures. Intimidating professors falls right in the line with the mood of the days, when bullying and insults pass for discourse. Joseph McCarthy would be proud of his offspring.

200 Pound Tumor, the Half Ton Man and Other People Who Make Me Feel Better About Myself

We're working on a few behind-the-scenes things here at Pound for Pound, which means that the next week or so is going to be a little random: some links and some songs from all over the map. We're going to try to take this blog to the next level, so I ask for some patience as we take some steps to do that. We will be taking care of your booty music needs again before you know it.

In the meantime, might I recommend that you check out a cable station called Discovery Health? It's stunning, putting on astonishing programs on a daily basis. In the span of a few weeks, I have seen two people with tumors that weighed more than 150 lbs. TWO people, for chrissakes! The first one was the story of a 120-pound woman who had a 200-pound tumor that engulfed her body below the chest. The second woman, from Romania, developed a 175-pound tumor, which left her just short of the world record. Both women survived, and their tumors now host shows on Fox News.

The remaining cast of characters includes the half-ton man (the fattest man ever), the 750-pound man, kids born without skin, kids born with hair all over their faces like werewolves, and many people getting consmetic surgery to get better noses, faces, boobs and whatnot. I'll put that cast up against Jack Bauer, some desperate housewives and every American Idol. This week: "Mermaid Baby", "Living With Half a Body", "Born Without a Face" and "Born With Two Heads".

Check out this channel, if you have it. It's nice to see Discovery Health adopting my attitude, first presented in a review of Breaking Bonaduce, that the best TV is the kind that makes me feel better about my own pathetic, horrible life.

-I'm going to come with all sorts of topics and links over the next week, covering everything from Roe v. Wade to French rap to reggaeton to boxing. We're all over the place, but in a good way.

The Year Ahead for Pound for Pound (a.k.a. Happy 1st Birthday, Nerd!)

The Future's so bright here, you better wear shades. You've been warned.

It's hard to believe, but this week marks the 1st Anniversary of Pound for Pound. I started this blog a year ago for no discernible reason, just the inkling that I had something to say and contribute beyond banal commentary on big topics. It has taken a year, but I feel that things are starting to come together here, that I am starting to find a distinct voice.

In the next few weeks, you will notice lots of changes here, all of which are intended to make this a more valuable resource for people and an easier and more attractive place to visit. The main change will involve having permanent server space, which will enable me to post mp3s for a longer period of time and for an unlimited number of downloaders. I also hope to improve the design of the site, as I move it from the limited blogger template to something of my own creation. There are other ideas still in the embryonic stage, but let's just say that I'm working on big things, real big things.

I want to take this moment to thank everyone who has visited the site over the past year, from my friends to my regular readers to those looking to find out more about "Wilt Chamberlain penis size." It has been nice to know that people find what I am saying and uploading interesting, and a real treat to meet some good people. On that front, feel free to contact me at the email above, over AIM (jdschone) or at my myspace page (unless you are a girl with a webcam, enough already). I hope to keep adding great links to our list, as there really is a limitless number. We gonna make this an empire, manifest destiny, cheah!

Finally, I want to thank MC for all of her editing, her feedback, her support, and mostly, for inspiring me to do this and everything. This blog came into focus around the same time she came into my life, and I don't think that is any coincidence. I look forward to seeing what 2006 holds, that's about all I can say.

Young Jeezy and DJ Drama-Trap or Die

DJ Drama and Young Jeezy, Trap or Die

DJ Drama and Young Jeezy, Trap or Die (chopped + screwed)

Did you get it, get it? Did you guess who was #1? That's right, Jeezy, the Snowman. He got that snow, man. He's also got the trophy for winning the first annual Pound for Pound Best Mixtape, as the crowning achievement in a big year for mixtapes was DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz Trap or Die. I imagine that a lot of people guessed this choice, as I had pretty much covered every other big name from the year. I mean, you couldn't go anywhere without seeing one of those snowman t-shirts that inexplicably became the gear of choice for hood kids and ironists alike.

However, it wasn't a gimmicky t-shirt that put Jeezy on the map. No, it was this DJ Drama mixtape and a fantastic album that did that. Before I get into that, let me discuss the aesthetics of a great mixtape for me. I'm not sure that I have done a good job of conveying what made a mixtape something I came back to again and again. I'm not sure that I really know, in all honesty, but in looking back, it either had to bring a comprehensive look at a scene, like Whut It Dew, or it had to bring me a complete look at one artist. I want a mix to give me something that the official release never can: the artist and person behind the music. I want it unfiltered: no A&R guys, no label heads, no demographic research. I got that from these six, and then some.

For me, Jeezy brought the perfect mixture of street, talent and arrogance. Mix in an engaging personality, and you have a winner. Moreso than on his album, Thug Motivation 101, this mix brings all of it out in the open. This is Jeezy and his cohorts, talking about selling drugs, bragging about their cars, the money they make, giving advice to younger rappers (he's only 22, mind you), telling stories about going to strip clubs when he was 14 to prove his hood status. It's a huge, wild document, that explores the trap and its mindset, the violence, the guilt, the bragging. Everything that makes hip hop so exciting and frustrating and authentic at the same time.

Trap or Die displayed all of this best, and did it with some of my favorite songs of the year. "Get Em Jeezy", "Miss Me With That Rap Shit" and "We Luv Ya", the freestyle over "Ether" should prove that this isn't all surface, no substance. This mixtape showed the way forward, put Atlanta back in front, and stayed in my playlist for most of the year. Not bad for 6 bucks.

-Hey DJ, that's my DJ! Yes indeed, the man who has provided the soundtrack to way too many of my nights, Low Budget, has brought out a new mixtape. It's called Club Shotta, and gives you a pretty good sense of Low B's style. That means recent club bangers, B-more club, dancehall, mashups, some 80s. In other words, exactly what you need. Go here and buy it directly from the man, or Philly people can go to Armand's to cop it. Whatever you do, buy it.

-The new mix from emynd and Bo Bliz is called Electro Cute and is out now, as well. To quote the guys: "The jawn is a full 70 minutes of ridiculous electro, bmore, Miami-bass, booty, dancehall, and other 130bpm-plus ish." Yum. This might be the mix I would commission to celebrate this blog, as it is so nice to see more and more DJs focusing on bass music and all of its offshoots. Go to the official website and check out some sound clips if you don't trust me. Don't forget to go check out emynd's blog, Schizophrenic Tenant One, which is linked permanently to the right.

-DJ Ayres and DJ Eleven have a mix out called Houston for Dummies, a beginner's guide to all the heat coming out from H-town over the last decade. Go here or here and cop it.

-My Balls and My Word is a great blog coming out of the Great White North that is necessary reading. In fact, it is doing the music, politics, etc. format a lot better than me. Make sure to check out the Schooly D shit, and the variety of mixtapes from Nas, Swishahouse and DJ 31 Degreez.

-Finally, I hope that everyone enjoyed this look at the mixtape game for 2005. If enough people holler at me on comments or email, I will gladly reup anything from the past few weeks. Not sure what's next here at Pound for Pound, but I will be getting back to the booty music that is our lifeblood.

The Weekend Update with Pound for Pound

Every now and then there is a weekend that is chock full of happenings, and I feel it imperative that I acknowledge the goodness.

-It's hard to believe, but yes, I am hyping a show, I Have A Dream 2006, at one of New York City's mega-clubs, Roxy, known for its star DJs, clubbing til the next morning, and a general scene that repulses me. However, if you read the flier above closely, DJ Assault and DJ Funk are spinning a dual set this night. That's right, two of the patron saints of Pound for Pound are performing together for one night. Assault and Funk have brought booty music to the forefront in Detroit and Chicago, respectively. Ghettotech and ghetto house owe everything to these two originals, as does this blog. This is a rare East Coast appearance, and even rarer joint one, so needless to say, it's an essential night.

-For those in Philly tomorrow night, I cannot recommend more highly the Killsound event at Waxbar. While it is mainly a showcase for drum and bass music (!?!), the reason to go is the Philly debut of Caps and Jones, two of the best young DJs anywhere. I have heard them spin a few times, consider their Moving In Stereo one of the best mixes I have ever heard, and just generally predict big things for the duo. Philly, head out and give these guys a nice welcome, as playing Philly means they have hit the big time for real. I hope that this is just the first of many more appearances in the Illadelph. Killsound looks like it's going to take over Sundays, FYI.

-I can't forget about Saturday night, as there's much popping off. Reagan Disko Headache holds down The Khyber. If you don't know about this one, it's consistently one of the best, most adventurous parties in the city. Ron Morelli and friends cover all sorts of ground, from electro to post-punk to booty.

-Again, I need to recommend The Pop-off Shack jawn at The Metro Lounge in Northern Liberties. I really believe that this weekly will achieve epic status- two floors of fun, huge space, some of the best Philly DJs. What more could you ask for?

-Unfortunately, one of those DJs will not be there this week, as Low Budget is involved in an amazing night at Supreme Trading in Brooklyn. The Juan MacLean of DFA Records fame will be there, along with Low B, DJ Ayres and a slew of other DJs.

-Finally, the Walnut Room (1709 Walnut Street) is hosting a 12-week Sunday night showcase for some of the greatest Philly DJs of all-time. This Sunday is King Britt, the house/downtempo/hip hop superstar.

-People, if you have an event going on or are DJing somewhere, holler at your bol. I'm always up for helping promote cool events, as it makes me feel like I am a creative person doing big things. Let your bol live vicariously, send in listings!

-In lieu of the title of this post, I have to link to this video from a recent Saturday Night Live skit that I am guessing everyone has seen. It's called "The Chronic of Narnia", and it is the funniest thing I may have ever seen on SNL, especially since Will Ferrell left. I don't watch the show, but this video does have me wondering if it has returned to funny after the dark years of Jimmy Fallon, Horatio Sanz and Tracey Morgan.

-#1 on Monday, people. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

The Clipse-We Got It For Cheap Vol. 2

The Clipse, We Got It For Cheap Vol. 1

The Clipse, We Got It For Cheap Vol. 2

No surprise here, as this is the mix of the year for most people. Sasha has it at #13 on his best of 2005 list, Hardly Art, Hardly Garbage has eloquently hyped this album since its release. If those names don't sell you, maybe I can. Okay, okay, just let me talk anyway.

Both volumes of We Got It For Cheap served as definitive statements for Clipse, the VA rap duo that dropped Lord Willin' a few years back and enjoyed the beats of the Neptunes. Can you believe that it has been 3 years since "Grindin'" dropped? Me either. While it is a travesty that label troubles have prevented them from dropping more music, hearing these two mixes make the wait well worth it.

The drug stories are back, the beats are more varied, some Philly bols have been added to the crew. However, more than anything, it's the lyrics that make this so unbelievable. I love their album, but I just wasn't ready for these two to put out such unbelievable examples of word play and boasts and coke stories. In some ways, the Clipse seem like the perfect melding of South and East, bringing the laid-back drawl, drug tales and trap or die mentality to the lyrical prowess that defined the East Coast at its best. Gang Starr mixed with UGK. In a sense, the best of both worlds. Now, if they could just find a label to put out another album, for g-dsakes!

-Speaking of getting it for cheap, head here and grab the DFA Radio mixes of 2005, 3 volumes of stuff mixed by James Murphy (a.k.a. LCD Soundsystem) and Juan McLean. Rad.

-Or head here and grab the Optimo No Wave mix put together by JD Twitch. For real, this is a great mix to hear some stuff that maybe hasn't been on your radar, covering that period in the early 80s when new wave turned dark. I really hope that I can get into this music, back when punk and hip hop and electronic mixed and mingled. Keep your eye on the Optimo site, as these guys are crazy busy, putting together the Hang the DJ series, the Optimo party and mashup madness.

-Or head here and check out the new podcasts that Radioclit have put up. I love Radioclit, and cannot recommend more highly their mixes, which go from the sappiest of pop to the dirtiest of rap. The good things in life, in other words.

-A sale at ALife Rivington Club for all those looking to get their kicks for less cash, starting next Thursday and lasting through the weekend. Head to the LES, and cop something nice. [Via Slam X Hype]

-Okay, we are at the end of the road, one more left in our end of year mixtape countdown. The ball is about to drop, can you guess who is the #1? Check in Monday to find out.

Juelz Santana-Back Like Cooked Crack 2

Juelz Santana, Back Like Cooked Crack 2

Juelz Santana, Back Like Cooked Crack 3

Dip Set Dip Set Dip Set. I love 'em, you love 'em, everyone loves them. Last year, Cam'ron took the mixtape world by storm with the many jawns that dropped before his album, Purple Haze. Hell, the entire Dip Set phenomenon is a product of the tapes that constantly drop, extending into the minor leaguers of Purple City. This year, the youngest member of the gang ran things, as Juelz Santana put out the biggest album and the best mixtapes from Harlem's finest.

Back Like Cooked Crack 2 was my choice for the better of the two, although my favorite song ("Murder Murder") is on third installment. The entire series is amazing; these are mixtapes that took all of the potential heard before and brought it to the next level. It is a great CD, doing what all of my favorites did this year: great songs from the upcoming album, lots of good freestyles, good talk intervals (either funny shit or hood wisdom shit, choose one). Juelz has proven himself to be one of the best, and a worthy heir to Killa's throne.

Oh, and this is a DJ Green Lantern production, a name that is the gold standard in mixtapes. I kinda forgot about bol this year, what with my attention focused down south, and much of Lantern's best work coming outta the East Coast (Beanie Sigel, Beastie Boys, 50 Cent). However, he deserves more attention and respect, as he is arguably the man responsible for the mixtape as art movement. His Jadakiss and Beanie mixes of the last few years elevated the game to whole nother level that Kay Slay and Clue had no vision of.

-Miami Ink is back like cooked crack tonight with new episodes. This is seriously one of my favorite shows on TV (ok, basic cable) and I highly recommend it to anyone who is into reality TV that isn't about humiliation, sex or craziness. It follows the day-to-day scene at a tattoo parlor on Miami Beach, and follows the artists a bit in their personal lives. It's amazing to watch the process unfold, to see how a tattoo comes to creation, and just how creative an art it is.

-There Stands The Glass is a new blog that is off to a great start. There is nothing better than a site dedicated to "overlooked and forgotten music," as I think that that spirit guides our site here, as well. Anyway, go check it out here and listen to some great music from genres all over the map. Tech N9ne today!

-One can only hope that New Orleans can make it back to the boisterous, imperfect city that it was before Katrina. Go here, here and here to read more on the development process. After that, please make sure to check out this masterful essay by critic Mike Davis in Le Monde Diplomatique on the dangers of reconstruction, the fear of gentrification and the forces more than happy to use this tragedy for their own causes. Here is another Davis piece on the gentrification angle.

-Most importantly, I will be back in the next few days to wrap up this end-of-the-year mixtape look. I know that I originally said that I would only be doing a Top 5, but I was wrong. This is a Top 6 list, as my small brain has constantly looked at the next two as #1 and #1A.

Saturday Night Was Not Alright For Fighting

A big day Saturday, lead off by the Zab Judah fight in New York City. Zab is one of the potential stars of the fight game, a man in need of a huge win to rise in the ranks of the pound for pound rankings. He was close to getting that fight with the best of the best, Floyd Mayweather Jr., but needed to win a tune-up last night.

As they say, that's why they play the game. Carlos Baldomir won a unanimous decision, dealing a serious blow to Judah's future. He came at Judah from the beginning of the fight, in the tradition of the great Argentinian fighters, relentlessly pursuing Judah and never allowing Judah to use his speed and power. I can't really say much, other than that this is a shocking loss and ruins the potential Mayweather-Judah fight that many people have been clamoring for. Judah looked past this "tune-up", and now is left to pick up the pieces of his career for his unprofessional atttitude toward the fight.

While it's disappointing for future fights, it's always nice to see an underdog win, especially in front of a hostile crowd. In all honesty, it's hard to root for a guy as cocky and arrogant as Judah, the only fighter repping NYC. Baldomir claims to want a Mayweather fight, but I really hope that Floyd chooses this Judah loss as a chance to go up in weight class and find some competition.

Lots of great blog reaction, as I have been sleeping on way too many great sites dealing with the greatest sport ever. The folks at Sweet Science have a nice roundup of the fight and the reaction to Judah's loss and whining. East Coast Boxing sums it up succinctly with their post, Zab "Losah." Let Your Hands Go enjoyed seeing the arrogant Judah lose, and even came up with a "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" analogy. Gemini 38 feels shame for the entire borough of Brooklyn as a result of Zab's performance. TG's Blog comes to love boxing more after this card. hitthemagain has some sage advice for all fighters after watching Judah look ahead to his next fight.

-In the unadulterated great defeats category, Tom Delay has officially stepped down as the House majority leader. It appears that his indictment, his future trouble from the Abramoff case and his pariah status in an election year sunk the Bugman. It really couldn't happen to a better guy, as Delay has been at the forefront of the modern Republican party and its culture war, tax cuts, greed, corruption and McCarthyite attacks on the opposition. (Update: As a nice final piece, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejected Delay's request to have his appeal thrown out. Nine Republican judges do not agree with his belief that this is a meritless, partisan attack. [Via Talking Points Memo])

-There was a fatal shark attack in Australia this weekend, and our thoughts are with the victim's family. As MC knows all too well now, I am fascinated by sharks and would spend hours every weekend watching shark documentaries on The Discovery Channel if the network's programmers indulged me. This one is stunning, because it appears to involve three bull sharks, with one of the sharks chasing the victim and rescuers to the shore. It must be remembered that man has never been able to tame this animal; it is the only one on Earth about which that can be said, and for that it deserves our respect and fear.

-For anyone in Philly Saturday night, there was just no need for fighting, as The Pop-Off Shack brought dancing, good music, drunkeness and fun to the Metro Lounge for a night. I will have more to say about this party, but for now, know that this is going to be the party of the year anywhere. For real, greatness is predicted.

-To make it up to NYC for Zab's tank, we're going to focus on one of your other native sons doing big things tomorrow as we wrap up our look at the best mixtapes of the past year.

DJ Drama and Lil' Wayne-Dedication

DJ Drama and Lil' Wayne, Dedication

This one was in the running for #1, and really each of the top 3 could make a strong case for being mixtape of the year. All three are solo CDs, focused on one artist, and that seems to be what sounded the best to me this year.

Lil Wayne has been around for years now; he has seen the rise and fall of the Cash Money Records, and has come out of the shadows of Juvenile, Mannie Fresh and Birdman to become one of the big names in the game on his own. Quite a story, and with all that transpired in New Orleans this Fall with Katrina and its aftermath, I can only imagine what he will say in the new year. I'm not sure that anything could top this mixtape, which dropped in the summer, an official release consisting entirely of flows and freestyles from Weezie.

What comes across is that Wayne is a star, an entertainer and one of the great lyricists in the game. I mean, T.I. always seemed like the logical successor after Jay-Z retired. But, hearing Weezy kill song after song, rolling with every instrumental, makes me reconsider. Or perhaps I'm just sentimental for the days when Cash Money ruled the game, when the gang was together, Mannie Fresh was dropping all the beats, Juvenile was a star, B.G. and Wayne were the young lions, and Baby was doing whatever the hell he did.

-Speaking of Drama and mixtapes, he has a new one out with T.I., a.k.a. T.I.P., a.k.a. The King of the South, called The Leak. This is dropping in advance of the new album, The King, and makes it clear that the early part of 2006 will be T.I.'s to lose. Buy it here.

-Good to see U Mean Competitor is back in the new year, and even better to see that 2005 is going to be just like 2006, in other words "Dipset all year every year." That seems like a good hint for the next mixtape we will look at here, by the way. Just FYI.