Live Footage from the Fifteen Fleeting Show

FIFTEEN FLEETING FOOTAGE!
Here's a link to a video of Fifteen Fleeting's cover of "Come Together" from the show at Maxwell's in Hoboken last weekend. This was definitely a highlight of the show. The band also has a couple other killer performances from the show up on their You Tube page, so check those out! They'll be playing next at Chubby's in Red Bank next Saturday, December 13th, and I'll be there as it is also my 25th birthday. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B40ezJVx1n0

Live Review: Fifteen Fleeting Fire It Up at Maxwell's

A week with Fifteen Fleeting culminated with a blistering set at Maxwell's in Hoboken Saturday night. The band sold out the standing room only venue that also saw the official release of their latest collection of music, "Signals From an Empty Room." The band was explosive in their first appearance at the venue since their debut EP release nearly a year ago. You could feel the energy from the crowd, and Fifteen Fleeting pulled out all the stops in what may have been their most solid live set ever.

Opening with an instrumental jam that led into a newly anointed crowd favorite, "If It's Alright," they sounded tight right out of the gate. They then treated the loyal fans to one of their older tunes "Alive," which rocks about as hard as anything in their catalog and lets singer/guitarist Vinny Belcastro, lead guitarist Dan Rodriguez, bassist Mike Petzinger, and drummer Scott Petzinger show off their hard rock chops dutifully. This was followed by three of their "Signals From an Empty Room" numbers, "This Time," an epic rendition of "The Only," and the bluesy superhero love number "Man of Tomorrow."

Fifteen Fleeting then gave the crowd their first of four amazing covers of the night, with "All Along the Watchtower." This is one they've mastered in more recent shows, that they've managed to give fresh life to. Fifteen Fleeting's rendition plays at the tempo of Bob Dylan's original version, infused with the guitar blitzkrieg of Jimi Hendrix's definitive version, creating F.F.'s stamp on the classic rock tune. "Torn In Two" is another older song from their days as Trust that fits the band naturally and has helped define their musical identity so far; it sounds great on record and explodes even more so in concert.

The loyal crowd was then treated to a sentimental new tune "In Your Arms," which went over well, and brought them into some conversation with the crowd who has been there with them from their beginnings to their career pinnacle thus far, playing 2007's Bamboozle music festival at Giants Stadium. This led nicely into their next cover of "The Middle," by a band they shared the stage with at Bamboozle, Jimmy Eat World.

Singer Vinny Belcastro playfully urged the crowd to take their lighters out during their ballad, "Among a Million." A great surprise addition to this number was the band being joined onstage by Chris Klaus on violin, who also played on the album version. This really showed everyone in the audience that night how far the band has come in such a short period of time; filling up the room, everyone singing along to their songs, and being joined onstage by guest musicians. This also gave the band a different, somewhat fuller sound, with Belcastro manning the acoustic guitar along to Rodriguez's electric.

Their rock n' roll saga "A Just Perspective," is a song I think their audience will appreciate more in time as they listen to the album a few times, but they got the crowd into its mounting buildup and heavy riffs. Following this, Fifteen Fleeting had a pleasant surprise up their sleeves. Their cover of The Beatles' "Come Together," looked to be one of the band's crowning moments onstage in their budding career so far. The band and the crowd were on fire, and they rocked the hell out of the classic fab four number. It also gave ample spotlight to talented six-stringed bassist Mike Petzinger, who sometimes goes unnoticed but never unheard among the shining onstage personas of bandleaders Belcastro and Rodriguez. Where the sometimes underrated George Harrison was known as the "Quiet Beatle," it was fitting that the "Quiet Fleeter" had shone brightly during the Beatles number. They gave the crowd full reign as they let loose the iconic "One and one and one is three..."

"Streetlamp Limelight" followed, widening the eyes of a crowd in awe that this seemingly small time group can still pull off such groundbreaking sounds and studio techniques so seamlessly when playing live. Where Mike Petzinger tore up the Beatles cover his brother, drummer Scott Petzinger took a stranglehold of Fifteen Fleeting's final cover of the night. One might think pouring gasoline and setting fire to such a late 1980's pop number as Madonna's "Like A Prayer" would make about as much sense as a Britney Spears better parenting seminar, but the members of Fifteen Fleeting turned a risky move into an ultimate triumph. They spun "Like a Prayer" into a hard rock opus and Scott Petzinger's drums eluded to such techniques seen on U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday," or Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out."
The final two numbers gave a nice bookend to the evening. "A Little Change" is a song that defined them in their beginnings and could be labeled conductor on the freight train that got them from their humble start to a huge stage at Bamboozle. The band slips into this song like an old pair of jeans and they always make sure the crowd is singing along with them. At the end of this tune, Fifteen Fleeting gives us all a great taste of the talents in this four piece as a musical powerhouse. They've grown confident allowing their highest output of energy and musical freedom which is hard to miss such an intimate venue.

Since it was a night of celebration in the release of their new CD, the band ended it rightfully with the title track, "Signals From An Empty Room." This was an ironic ending, as this room was nowhere near empty and the band could have played all night at this point feeding off their own energy as much as the audience's. Whatever wasn't spent up on their previous 16 numbers, they laid out on the stage for this one. This gave the band a chance to relish the moment once more and if smoking hadn't been banned in New Jersey bars, a match could have set the whole room on fire; that's how explosive this ending was. With a performance that far exceeded the small price of admission, Fifteen Fleeting should be filling a lot more venues very soon as they continue to build a reputation as one of the area's rising rock bands.

As the buzzing crowd poured out to the bar for drinks among the unlucky ones who didn't make it in to the show, a clueless young woman approached me asking if I was there to see Fastball play later on that night. I nearly laughed when I said that I wasn't, and even if I had tickets, why would I? I had just seen the best rock n' roll show west of the Hudson this weekend.

Set List:

1. Intro Jam

2. If It's Alright

3. Alive

4. This Time

5. The Only

6. Man Of Tomorrow

7. All Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan Cover)

8. Torn In Two

9. In Your Arms

10. The Middle (Jimmy Eat World Cover)

11. Among a Million (w/guest Chris Klaus-violin)

12. A Just Perspective

13. Come Together (Beatles Cover)

14. Streetlamp Limelight

15. Like a Prayer (Madonna Cover)

16. A Little Change

17. Signals From an Empty Room

Fifteen Fleeting Topics With Fifteen Fleeting:

As part of our week long coverage with New Jersey rockers Fifteen Fleeting, I interviewed the band about their humble beginnings, recording, their influences, and their live shows among other things. Here are Fifteen Fleeting Topics with Fifteen Fleeting:
1. Topic: Meeting Across the River
How did you guys get together as a band?
SCOTT: The band originally started with Vinny and I just jamming on songs Vinny wrote up on the campus of Ramapo College. One thing led to another, things became serious and [we] sought Dan to play guitar (Vinny and Dan met in college) and my brother Mike to play bass, who also went to Ramapo. Everyone met through Ramapo, though I was the only one never to attend Ramapo College. By April 2007, the band’s lineup was complete and played under the name Trust, and later released our debut EP in November 2007.

VINNY: If it wasn't for Ramapo, this band would not exist [laughs]. I began looking to start up a new band in the summer of '06. Scott was the first I approached as I had seen him play a bunch of times in another band and really thought he was a great drummer and an excellent fit for what I had in mind. Then I remembered Dan was an amazingly talented musician/guitarist from one of my classes at Ramapo, so I gave him a couple of songs to listen to and asked him if he was interested in joining Scott and I. Mike completed the lineup in the summer of '07 before we recorded our debut EP.


MIKE: Vinny said it pretty well.

DAN: We met at Ramapo College. I knew Mike since my Freshman year before he picked up a bass. I met vinny pretty late in my college career through a music writing class we had together. First time I met scott, I thought he was mike. They look like twins at first glance!

One day, Vinny approached me to come to a practice/jam session and I decided to come. I was pumped since I have never been apart of a band before. Im so glad he came up to me cause I was real shy about approaching people with music in general.


2. Topic: My Chemical Chemistry
When was the first time you guys really clicked musically whether it was onstage, rehearsing, or in the studio?
SCOTT: When we wrote the song “A Little Change” in my basement. It was the first by-product of the Trust machine. Once we had that song down, we had more idea of what direction the band was going in musically. If our first song written together was different, we could have easily went in a different musical direction.

VINNY: That's hard to say, but I do remember the first time ever Scott, Dan, and myself practiced and Dan started playing along to one of the earlier songs I had written. It just sounded so natural and from inside of himself that I knew right then and there we had something special.

MIKE: I can't speak from the beginning-beginning, but at my first practice, I had only gotten to work on learning the band's 13 or so songs for about 3 days, and there was a show the very next day after that. It seemed to work pretty well at practice and the subsequent show, so after that I felt pretty good about us.

DAN: The first jam we had together I felt something. I knew [Vinny] was super talented from the class as well as hearing his songs on myspace. Mike wasn’t around then but I think as the 4 of us, writing “A Little Change” was a moment when it all just happened. I think the song “The Only” really came about much in the same fashion.

3. Topic: Harsh Times
What was your worst musical moment whether with Fifteen Fleeting or in another band?
SCOTT: Thankfully I don’t have just one “worst” moment. I just have a collection of bad times, all which stem from equipment/instrument failures. When a stick breaks, or a drum head breaks, or something moves out of place, all are recipe for disaster. There’s times when one of these things happen, and just snowball into affecting the whole band and our sound.

VINNY: I've had some bad moments [laughs], but one that always stands out was losing my voice during one of our sets at the Whiskey Bar [in Hoboken, NJ].

MIKE: Didn't have gloves at Bamboozle and it was windy and unseasonably cold. Just a little scary playing bass without a pick, slapping, and tapping with numb hands.

DAN: We have had a lot of weird/strange/annoying/humorous stuff happen on stage. Nothing too terrible – just typical with a regularly gigging band. Vinny had his voice go Mini-mouse in front of 75 ppl in Hoboken for a second. My voice has changed into an 85 year old woman voice with a smoking addiction of 95 years (that’s her entire life plus 10 years- in the womb and her mother smoked). Scott has busted a number of sticks. Mike once did a dipsy doodle I believe. We also played a show in front of no one before in NYC. Literally – no one! There was a bartender and a soundguy and they were in and out during the set. That was rough.

4. Topic: Band Name

Where did your band name come from? How did “Trust” come about, and when you had to change it, why did you change it and how did “Fifteen Fleeting” come about? Part 2 to this question: Regardless of how great or crappy the specific band is, what are some of your favorite historic past and present band names in music?

SCOTT: Part I: I’m sure one of the others can answer this better. But here’s how I look at it. Trust. You can’t get away from Trust. Life is based upon trust. Think about it… Fifteen Fleeting A.K.A. fifteen minutes of fame. Everyone gets a small window of opportunity at fame. It’s whether one is able to realize when that time is, and be able to take advantage of it before it “fleets” away from you. Part II: I don’t think I’ll ever understand band names. It’s all relative. Like All-American Rejects? A bad name turned into a good name. Who would have thought?

VINNY: Trust was a name I had in my head since I was 16. And to me Trust was more of a philosophy than anything else. Everything in life boils down to trust. When we had to change the name, I thought about what we wanted and everyone is supposed to get their 15 minutes of fame. Those 15 minutes don't last, and so I thought of Fifteen Fleeting.

MIKE: Vinny said it pretty well.

DAN: Trust came about when Vinny mentioned it. It struck a meaning with me because it was something I lacked at the time. It was like a sign that I needed to approach things, people, and life differently. We changed it to avoid confusion with other bands named Trust - a la 1980’s band or a brazlian metal band.


Fifteen Fleeting is a carpe diem name saying that when you get your 15 minutes – make the most of it.


I personally view all band names as either not serious or so bad that they're good. There is no such thing as a good band name in my opinion. Aerosmith? What the hell is that? Flaming lips? Ya – okaaay buddy. Counting Crows? Stupid – but theyre counting money all the way to the bank! There's a few good names out there but 99% of them suck. Theyre just names though. Id say the best and most accurate band name is Rage Against the Machine. A close 2nd would be Dick Buttkiss.

5. Topic: Influences
Who are your biggest musical influences past and present?
SCOTT: I pull different influences from different bands. Huge influences on my music as well as my outlook on pursuing music as a career are acts like Saves the Day, The Starting Line, The Early November, etc. These acts came up out of the Jersey/Philly area playing small firehall shows in front of only a few heads, and have ended up being able to tour the world and sell out shows miles away from where they started. It gives me hope and light.

VINNY: I would have to say Silverchair and A Perfect Circle because each album they do is so different and unique, and that shows maturity and progression in songwriting.

MIKE: Bandwise, I think Vinny got that. Individually: Stanley Clarke, Larry Graham, Tim Commerford, Dirk Lance

DAN: I gain the most just by observing whatever is playing at the moment. I have some favorite artists but I really try to pay attention and examine anything that is on at any given time. My influences have changed over the years. I used to be into writing like Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine – heavier rock stuff in general. Then I got into a phase of classical style in high school a la Mozart, Chopin as well as a big acoustic theme (Dave Matthews Band, Dispatch, Guster). Then I got into blues/jazz/shoegaze sounds later on. Right now, I drawing a lot of inspiration from Radiohead, Eric Johnson, John Mayer, Lydia, People in Planes, Guster, Beatles, Hendrix, etc…
6. Topic: High Points
What has been your best moment musically as a band so far?
SCOTT: Each new day is our best moment musically. This band continues to impress with me the fact of how far we’ve came, and how far we still have to go. Sure, moments like Bamboozle will always be great, but as we progress new shows and songs are superceding the past. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

VINNY: Opening up the Bamboozle '08

MIKE: Bamboozle '08.

DAN: Bamboozle '08. To be topped with (hopefully) Bamboozle '09.


7. Topic: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
What has changed the most about the band since you first formed/recorded your EP (as Trust) to now with your stint on Bamboozle, headlining shows, and new album?
SCOTT: Professionalism. We were once a band with nothing on our resume. Now we have 2 records, some big shows, and a bright future; something I feel we have to live up to when you go out each night and play. Having dealings and working along side bands who do it for living makes you not take music and the band for granted. People will not take your band serious if you don’t take your own band serious. We’ve matured quickly in our time.

VINNY: I think we are more recognizable now [laughs]. We have gained a lot of credibility within the past few months, so I think we are just establishing ourselves as a name to be remembered.

MIKE: We're definitely defining our own sound at this point. I feel like you can listen to us and hear a bit of each of our personalities within.

DAN: Confidence. I knew that being in a band with original music, it takes time to gel. And now after nearly 1.5-2 years since day 1 of practice before we were truly a band, I realize that’s a never ending process. However, now, instead of gelling, its about exploring each other's possibilities and potentials. I have so much more confidence in what we each do. Im learning about them and myself each day. As we continue to grow, we’ll continue to take each other to higher levels – and hopefully – never peaking!


8. Topic: Strange Sounds (Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes Part Deux)
What, if anything, has changed about the band’s sound and approach since you first formed?
SCOTT: Our sound and approach hasn’t necessarily changed, but more less has settled. It’s like going clothes shopping. We’ve found the right pair of jeans. They fit well.

VINNY: I think our songwriting has been evolving and we are beginning to carve our own sonic niche.

MIKE: I think our songs are getting progressively more diverse.

DAN: I think we’re starting to mess with song structuring a little more now. Also, I know that Mike and myself are deeply into the spacey and atmospheric sounds. I think our direction is that of a double headed dragon in a sense. We want to have the appeal to a wide audience (pop) yet also have a sound that is not typical radio and still tingles your ear. Like I said to the last question, it’s a learning process. Music and people are things that you can always learn more about and from.
9. Topic: Onstage and In Concert
You’re a group who puts a lot of energy and work in onstage. Do you find that it’s necessary when you’re not as accessible as big acts, or do you just enjoy performing, or do you think both aspects come into play?
VINNY: There is nothing like performing, and as far as accessability, I want the crowd to feel as though they are performing with us. They are without a doubt what fuels our live shows.

MIKE: Both, without a doubt.


DAN: I love to play live. I'm so uncoordinated that I need to calm down so I don’t look too stupid! But playing music live is now a show. You have to engage the audience and make them feel a part of the event. We try to do that as much as possible.


10. Topic: Simply the Best
What are some of the best concerts or live performers you’ve ever seen? Is there anything you take a hint from them on that you put into your performances individually in the band?
SCOTT: Watching any major performing artist live is great even if I don’t like the music. Some of these acts have so much equipment, electronics, and instruments going on, it’s cool to see the whole production come together. In the end, it gives me ideas to apply to FF’s live show.

VINNY: The Police at PNC Arts Center in '08 were amazing. There's only three of them, yet they owned that whole stage and put on an amazing performance. And of course I have to say Metallica at Giants Stadium in '03...the one thing I loved about that was James Hetfield's control over the crowd and the show in general. With the point of a finger he had the entire stadium erupting.

MIKE: Return to Forever in NYC, August 8th 2008. Both the music and the energy that band brought that night were unreal. And you could just tell they were just up there having fun. I always like when you can tell the band is enjoying it as much as the fans.

DAN: Just like listening to music – good or bad – you can always learn something. I truly believe that. Same comes to shows. Ive seen some bad shows but always manage to take away something. Maybe it's something not to do but hey – you still learn something. I think the craziest shows I've seen were of Rage Against the Machine. They're insane. Foo Fighters put on a great show. N.E.R.D. put on an AMAZING show. The Roots – probably one of the best shows to see time and time again. They may be the best live act of my generation and maybe throughout…
11. Topic: GOAL!!!!(S)
What are your goals as a band both that you have accomplished already, and ones that you look to accomplish going forward?
SCOTT: Keep progressing. We can’t stop. We won’t stop.

VINNY: The main goal is to get our music in as many ears as possible and to continue to evolve in our songwriting and live performances.

MIKE: Taking names and kicking ass [laughs]. On a serious note, we've accomplished a ton of unbelievable stuff on the local level. The next step is broadening the scope of that success I believe.

DAN: Goal – Never plateau!

12. Topic: Music to Your Ears
What are the greatest albums you’ve ever heard? Give a top 5 either individually, or collectively as a band. Any specific reason those are your favorites?
SCOTT: Too many to name. Let me leave you with best 3 best of 2008:
“The Glass Passenger” by Jack’s Mannequin
“Illuminate” by Lydia
“Fearless” by Taylor Swift

VINNY:
1) Queen- "A Night at the Opera" 2) Pink Floyd- "Dark Side of the Moon"
3) Zakk Wylde- "Book of Shadows"
4) Silverchair- "Neon Ballroom"
5) Pearl Jam- "Ten"

MIKE:
In no particular order:
Led Zepplin II - Led Zepplin
Master of Puppets - Metallica
Origin of Symmetry - Muse
Blackwater Park - Opeth
Kezia - Protest the Hero

DAN:
This is one of those questions that is so simple to ask but impossible to answer. If you put a simple math equation into a super computer, it would end up out-thinking itself and making the question a million times more complicated with variables and constants and s**t…eventually it would blow up. I will say this – Lydia – Illuminate is the best sounding album I've ever heard. That’s me personally. I haven’t heard a better sounding album than that.

13. Topic: In the Beginning…

When did you start playing music? Did you always play the same instrument?

SCOTT: I started playing drums in 4th grade because everyone else was doing it. In the end, I’m the only one left playing now. It’s never good to be a follower, but I’m glad I followed.

VINNY: I started playing guitar when I was fourteen, but I didn't start singing until my freshman year in college...I was always too shy to be in front of the mic.

MIKE:I didn't do a thing involving music 'til I was a senior in high school. Didn't pick up a bass 'til I was a freshman in college, and then I ended up majoring in music.

DAN: I started with the drums as a youngin'. I steal Scott's kit every now and then. I think he gets mad at me but f**k him!! I sold my kit/my dad got a few bucks back for the kit he bought for me around junior year of high school. I picked up the guitar in middle school and haven’t put it down since.

14. Topic: The Things You Do For Music.

What’s the most ridiculous thing(s) you’ve had to do as a band on your journey so far? (Examples: playing a birthday party at a bowling alley, a VFW senior citizen’s dance, or winning a pie eating contest to get a gig)
MIKE: Theres been a lot but I can't think of anything specific....any one else guys?

DAN: Um….the NYC show in front of no one was pretty bad.

15. Topic: Meatloaf.

Meatloaf once sang, “I would do anything for love, but I won’t do that.” If you said “I would do anything for music, but I won’t do that,” what would “that” be in your case? (You could have more than one “that” in this instance)
SCOTT: I would do anything for music, but I won’t NOT do that.

VINNY: I would do anything and everything for our music.

MIKE: Jail time.

DAN: I would not play one of those keyboard guitars and pretend to enjoy it in a live setting. F**k no. I would play a keyboard guitar on stage in a live setting as long as I could show my disdain for the instrument – however, I would not pretend to enjoy it. F**K NO [laughs].

Stay tuned for more coverage!

EXCLUSIVE NEW MUSIC REVIEW: Fifteen Fleeting, "Signals From An Empty Room"

Below is my review of Fifteen Fleeting's latest disc, "Signals From An Empty Room," as part of my week long exclusive coverage of the band from Jersey. The band is playing this Saturday at Maxwell's in Hoboken (located @ 1039 Washington St./http://www.maxwellsnj.com/) which will be the first chance you have to get your hands on the new disc, which is included for free with admission.

Fifteen Fleeting's debut album, "Signals From An Empty Room" is a collection of songs that spreads across musical genres maintaining a focus on some catchy hooks, tight rhythms and aggressive expansion. This is not so much a departure from their debut "Almost Everything" (when the band was still known by their original name, Trust) as it is an exploration and settling into their comforts and strong points as a unit.

The intro and opening title track kick the album off nicely. "Signals From An Empty Room" hits hard, and combines lead singer Vinny Belcastro's refined voice with a fast, repetitive guitar scream that takes me back to Soundgarden's "Pretty Noose" (YouTube that song if you don't know what I'm talking about, once the first chorus comes in) One aspect I like about this song comes down to something as simple as its placement on the track listing. It kicks the album off in a state of confusion and isolation with the subject matter, while at the same time sets up the listener for a nice ride. When the the heavy and unpredictable guitar solo of Dan Rodriguez takes hold of the song, it's the album's first departure from their first EP. They seem to have let themselves free in the studio while maintaining their tight song structure and catchy hooks. This combines an untapped potential not fully reached in their previous recording, and combines it with their existing musical strong points.

"If It's Alright" isn't the band's single, but if they had a single out right now, this should be it. It's the song that will most likely make the fans scream and go wild. The difference here is the catchy as hell on a hot day guitar progression in the chorus that sounds like it came out of Eddie Van Halen's school of rock. It's no surprise this tune has become a regular on their setlists during live shows since it's probably as fun for them to play as it is to listen to. At first glance it seems like a summer romance tune, but don't let the catchy chorus get you, I comprehend the song as a reminiscent tune about life, opportunities, not taking anything for granted and specifically an autobiographical tune about a band on the rise.

"Streetlamp Limelight" is another tune they've polished off in concert, and now utilized the recording studio very well with. This song comes off as almost a sequel or another chapter to the album's title track. The layering of the guitars over Mike Petzinger's six string bass, especially during his solo, gives them all the right to put something sounding as catchy as "If It's Alright" right behind it. They capture a story of a girl yearning for the spotlight, and the song has a nice cinematic quality to it. This is a tale of desperation, fading potential, only or last chances, and paints picture of a vivid, realistic, and modern cityscape. "If It's Alright" is the yin to "Streetlamp Limelight's" yang.

The superhero blues-rock number "Man of Tomorrow" highlights one of the album's coolest workings with Rodriguez's guitar singing along to Belcastro's vocals. This is something not done enough in music today (and also why I still listen to pre-1971 Allman Brothers Band records regularly). Right around this point of the album, I started seeing the picture coming together, whether intentional by the band or not. I felt like "Man of Tomorrow" was singing to "Streetlamp Limelight" girl, and they were both trying to get to the place in"If It's Alright." This one might not go over so well and could fall under appreciated in a musical world where Kryptonite and Superman songs have been played out to all ends.

"Among A Million" is a poetic take on the world at large and is the band's first excursion outside of their live boundaries, adopting the soft violin sounds of guest Chris Klaus. It took the Foo Fighters 6 or 7 years to realize they should go outside their own parameters to give themselves a more dynamic sound, so Fifteen Fleeting is off to a great start. If "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" had a pulse and a soul, it might sound slightly like this...might being the key word there.

"This Time" is a modern rocker of shaky love, and comes off as a darker version of "If It's Alright." This one could have done a bit more or less, and is probably the only track that doesn't bring too much extra to the table. The opening really hits hard but doesn't deliver as much as some of the other songs. I hear hints of things done on "Man of Tomorrow" and "The Only" on here, only they were pulled off better on those songs. It has a buildup similar to "The Only," but doesn't match nearly match it.

It's surprising how many different musical ideas they could fit into a 10 track span, especially with one of those tracks being an intro and another being a 90 second instrumental. This is another idea the group isn't afraid of. They've got various sounds and different sounds, not limiting themselves to a specific genre or crowd. In an age where everyone and their uncle Larry has a video on YouTube of their keyboard or accordion rendition of "Stairway to Heaven" up in exponentially larger quantities, groups have to avoid the one trick pony status to keep their heads above water. Fifteen Fleeting has recognized this epidemic and how to stand against it by exploring their musical ideas and they're not afraid to lay them down in the studio and play them to audiences.

"The Only" is Fifteen Fleeting's greatest musical accomplishment in their budding career so far. It may not capture each individual's finest musical moment on the album, but what it does capture is the greatest musical combination they've gotten into song on record. The opening guitar effects covered in the heavy drum cadence and distorted bass take you down a dark road. The echoed vocals, dreary guitar layering, distorted bass, rolling drums, and harmonies erupt on record giving the band it's best moment. This is the album's climax, it's peak moment that gets the band clicking on all cylinders at full speed, and just as Coldplay will always have a song as powerful as "Fix You" in their concerts from now until the end of time, Fifteen Fleeting should do the same with this gem. This one shouldn't get put on the shelf anytime soon.

The brief instrumental "In Pursuit Of.." sounds similar to a mariachi in the attic, and is a nice dissension from the fireworks of "The Only." Leading into the track's final tune, "A Just Perspective," we are left with one more pleasant surprise from Fifteen Fleeting. This is a journeyman's tale, and could have been a b-side to Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters," were the band around 17 years ago. This song also reminded me of the recent departures from Silverchair, who are ironically an influence on the band. The lower register in the vocals and the soft guitar further displays their newly acquired versatility. I think some bands today go in this direction because it's something different from the countless other bands who do the whole high pitched heartfelt crooning scream thing with their singing. It's not always necessary to sing at the highest possible note to get a certain emotion across, and I think this is something the band should try more of. Fifteen Fleeting should try to utilize these standout nuances in future songs so they don't allow themselves to be stuck in familiar territory.

With the exception of "If It's Alright," the band has ventured into darker territory, and flexed their muscle in a lot of this experimentation. The work in the studio of Producer Rob Freeman has also helped the band evolve from his work with them on the "Almost Everything" EP to this new collection of tunes. The epic wall sound achieved on "The Only" is definitely his and the band's crowning achievement on this disc and surpasses most million dollar major label productions currently out there.

I believe the strongest moments on this album come from very different songs, being "If It's Alright," "The Only," "Man of Tomorrow," and "A Just Perspective." Perhaps leaving a song or two off, abandoning the intro, and maybe making "In Pursuit Of...A Just Perspective" one song and trimming it a bit would tighten up the set a bit. Not to say that the songs are superior or inferior to the other songs, but some of them give off a vibe of the potential the band has, and perhaps a glimpse into how they may stretch each of these musical directions in their future songs.

JohnnyBeBlogging EXCLUSIVE!!!

A Week With Fifteen Fleeting...

Hello, worthy reader of the blog. I've recently had the opportunity to cover an up and coming band right out of New Jersey, and am highlighting these reportings in a week of blog material putting them in the spotlight. The band I speak of is Fifteen Fleeting. They're coming off a hot summer which saw them perform at Giants Stadium for the Bamboozle Festival, sharing the stage with such acts as Paramore, Jimmy Eat World, Gym Class Heroes, and the incomparable Snoop Dogg.

This will be the first exclusive to the blog content since my review of Medium Cool New York City concert in September. The Fifteen Fleeting coverage will have much more content, bringing you closer to the band and giving you a glimpse into their new music before you can hear it anywhere else.

The band has been playing shows here in Jersey, New York City and Philadelphia for over a year now. They've been on an upward climb since releasing their debut EP, "Almost Everything," in the fall of last 2007, when they were still known as Trust. With their latest effort "Signals From An Empty Room," the band has brought their music to another level. The album could be looked at as somewhere between an EP and a full length album, definitely heavier on material than their EP, but slightly less than an album.

Vocals/Rhythm Guitar: Vinny Belcastro

Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals: Dan Rodriguez

Drums/Percussion: Scott Petzinger

Bass: Mike Petzinger

Throughout this week I'll be taking you behind the scenes with a band on the rise, giving you exclusive access to Vinny, Dan, Scott, and Mike. You'll hear about the band's humble beginnings, their influences, what makes them tick, and what matters most to them. You'll also get to see my review of the extended EP "Signals From An Empty Room" before it's released to the public this weekend. This will culminate in the band's record release show at Maxwell's in Hoboken on Saturday night, where I'll also be reporting a live review for the end of the weekend. Stay tuned for my signals from an empty Blog.

Sincerely,

Johnny Be...Blogging

"James Bond May Make You Crave an Omega Watch."

I just saw a commercial for an Omega watch, as worn by Daniel Craig playing James Bond in the famous British spy's latest onscreen adventure "Quantum of Solace." This brought me back to my recent re-watch of Craig's first trek in the martini loving MI-6 agent's shoes, 2006's "Casino Royale," probably the best modern James Bond movie. The only argument present there would be between "Casino" and Pierce Brosnan's Bond debut, "Goldeneye." In the spectrum of old Bond films, "Goldeneye," stays within the realm of the other films and brings it to another level. "Casino Royale" took that old Bond mold, placed it on a cinder block, bashed it to smithereens with a pick ax, and burned the remains with a blowtorch. And I mean that in a good way.

In an age where conventional popcorn movies are transforming into gritty, more realistic affairs ("The Dark Knight," "Iron Man") "Casino Royale" was a well needed shot of new life into the series. This really didn't come as a surprise to some, as it was co-written by Paul Haggis who wrote and directed "Crash," as well as writing other Oscar winners "Million Dollar Baby," "Flags of Our Fathers" and "Letters From Iwo Jima." Craig was more Connery than Brosnan, more badass than Moore, and face it, Hugh Grant would be about as good as Dalton was, so that settles that argument. Craig's Bond brought back the freakish villain who weeped blood, right in line with the circus sidehows that were Jaws, Baron Samedi, and Oddjob, the quintessential Bond villain/henchman.

Given this newly anointed darker Bond series, it can be argued that Craig is the first actor to give the character an identity since the original, Sean Connery. Connery gave set the standard for all the actors following him that would never surpass his defining of Bond. Brosnan came the closest, but was still too GQ to capture the character's underlying ruggedness. Craig, on the other hand, was called upon to reinvent Bond; his Bond's story starts from the beginning just as he attains his double 0 agent status. This give the realism explanation, and allows Craig to bring something fresh to a character that's been played by half a dozen actors over nearly 50 years.

The early reviews say that "Quantum of Solace" isn't as good as "Casino Royale," but I wouldn't expect it to be as "Casino" was one of the best films of the past 2 years. So long as it keeps pace with the gritty realism and ruggedness the 21st century Bond is bringing to the table, the film should deliver like UPS. Once I get to the theater, I'll be sure to report on it.

It's strange what kind of random thoughts a watch commercial can conjure up...

Chinese Democracy??? More like American Crap.

So, after waiting since my 11th birthday or so for a new Guns N' Roses album, it seems that day is soon approaching. And I have to say, this is a bitter sweet feeling. I've heard most of the songs on Chinese Democracy in earlier forms, and I have to say it wasn't worth the wait. Granted this new branded "Guns N' Roses" only consists of one original member (resident lead singer nut job extraordinaire W. Axl Rose) so there has always been an immediate rip-off cloud hanging over this album since the mid 1990's when work began on it.

Chinese Democracy has the makings of the closest thing we'll see to a real life Spinal Tap in our lifetimes. The album has cost reportedly upwards of $13 million to produce, far greater than any other record in history (and probably more than the Beatles and Led Zeppelin's entire album catalogs combined), and is doused with multiple members who have come and gone out of Axl's dysfunctional band of merry men since 1995. It truly is like Spinal Tap, except everyone in the band is the drummer, constantly being recycled with a replacement.

I've been laughing since the turn of the millennium when we were promised a new GNR album which showed some promise after Axl turned up to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards to close out the show in 2002. Axl, wearing an Oakland Raiders Jerry Rice jersey that looked like a Canal Street knockoff, sporting cornrow extensions, and some fresh botox on his face looked like a sad shell of his former self. On top of this, he proceeded to run around the stage like he did back in 1993, only this time, he was overweight and his voice sounded like an old woman screaming for help while being mugged in an alley in St. Louis.
I guess a debacle like that could send him and his album people stopped waiting for back into recluse mode for another half decade. Soon after, some of the Chinese Democracy songs leaked, most sounding like an industrial doody. This wasn't anything near the hard rock classic sound of "Appetite for Destruction" and even made the altered direction of the "Use Your Illusion" albums sound like a 3 piece in a garage (These are not compliments Axl, you hack.)

I am interested to hear the final version of Chinese Democracy, but am not expecting much. In fact, what I expect is something that will probably sound like it should have come out around 1997 or '98 and has been so blown out of proportion to this point that it is destined for failure.

Rolling Stone has given the album 4 stars, while they've recently given the Jonas Brothers 4 stars (which you know if you've read my previous posts), so that doesn't really hold much weight.

Maybe next time a Guns N' Roses album is announced to come out, they'll keep a lid on it until they've got the CD's on the trucks getting ready to ship out to stores. Depending on how this train wreck in the GNR saga goes, we most likely won't see bupkus from them until China actually has a democracy or the Berlin Wall goes back up. About the same time, Pink Floyd gets back together to record "The Wall Part 2" and Mick Jagger lets Keith Richards take over all lead vocal duties on the next Rolling Stones album. When, you ask, will this be? I'll tell you...two weeks from never.

When I do get to hear the album, expect about as nice a review as one could expect from a lifelong fan who has been sitting on hopes of a new album for 15 years, only to be told the entire band except for the singer have bounced, our biggest influence is now Rammstein. If you held your breath for this, you'd be in an iron lunch 10 years ago.

VIVA LA COLDPLAY @ the IZOD CENTER...full review coming soon!

The Coldplay show was out of this stratosphere ridiculous last night. It was at the Izod Center, and our seats were pretty much as sick as they were for the Stone Temple Pilots show at the Borgata couple months back. Unfortunately, my digital camera is broken, so I had to settle for a disposable. If any of the pics came out though, they are going to be INSANE! Chris Martin was all up in our grills, so much in fact that his sweat hit my girlfriend; that's right, Chris Martin's sweat hit my girlfriend, amazing. We also spotted Gwyneth Paltrow at the show, and we actually had better seats than she did. I also caught her mom singing along to "In My Place" which was as amusing as the song was amazing.

A detailed review is coming soon, I wanted to try to get the ridiculous pictures up with it also, so hopefully it should be in the next couple days. In the meantime, here's the setlist which was phenomenal, heavy on the "Viva La Vida" and "Rush of Blood to the Head" as well as "X&Y." The alternate arrangements they did, especially on "The Hardest Part," gave the songs some freshness, and "Yellow" was the only song from "Parachutes" that made it into the set. Stay tuned for more!

Setlist:
Life In Technicolor
Violet Hill
Clocks
In My Place
Speed Of Sound
Cemeteries Of London
Chinese Sleep Chant
42
Fix You
Strawberry Swing
God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)
Talk (techno version)
The Hardest Part (piano - Chris)
Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)
Viva La Vida
Lost!
The Scientist (acoustic)
Death Will Never Conquer (acoustic - Will singing)
Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

Encore 1:
Politik
Lovers In Japan
Death And All His Friends

Encore 2:
Yellow
The Escapist (outro)

Led Zeppelin Minus Plant?

After the rumor I previously posted about a Led Zeppelin reunion tour had been squashed, I vowed to no longer listen to the ramblings of British tabloids ever again. However, here's an interesting bit that proves the story to not be entirely untrue.

It seems Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Jason Bonham are ready to make a gajillion dollars for a tour and are tired of waiting for Plant to come around. They've recruited American singer Robert Kennedy (not JFK's brother) who is most (or least depending on how you look at it) famous for being the lead singer of the rock group Alter Bridge. For those of you who don't know who they are, not to worry, they are the group formed by several former members of 90's monster balladeers Creed after their lead singer Scott Stapp got all crazy on account of the chocolate (in his case the "chocolate" being pills, booze, and other extracurricular activities. The remaining Zeppelin members have brought Kennedy in for rehearsals and Dee Snider (yes Twisted Sister lead singer Dee Snider) has said the band is putting an ultimatum in front of Plant which is, join us or be replaced!

This seems to have worked wonders in the past for bands like Journey, Van Halen, Lynyrd Skynyrd and countless others who turned themselves into a punchline of washed up, money milking, musical hacks, but I think this could have several outcomes for a band of Led Zeppelin's stature. Here are some of my thoughts on these possibilities:

1. Jimmy Page has gone on the road with Zeppelin tunes minus the iconic lead singer before, as he did in 1999-2000 with the Black Crowes. I was able to attend one of these shows and it was phenomenal, however, it wasn't billed as Led Zeppelin, it was billed as Jimmy Page and the Black Crowes, very distinctly. If this same approach is taken and they call it something other than Led Zeppelin, I think they'll still make a ton of money and sell out arenas all over the place. However, I don't see them getting the same money from a concert promoter if the name "Led Zeppelin" is taken off the bill. If Plant doesn't budge, this outcome is likely.

2. Maybe the scare tactic works and Plant comes back singing "I'm Gonna Crawl" to his bandmates as his expression of how he is returning. Think of this though; Plant is a proven musician who doesn't need the money, so I don't think this is likely. The only way he comes back to Led Zeppelin is if he truly wants it, he won't let anyone boss him around, and I'm sure he would fight the remaining members tooth and nail over using the name without his involvement. If he needed all this money they would have done this years ago, the same reason why the Beatles never reunited while all 4 members were still alive, they didn't need the money. Plus, if the Beatles did reunite, we would never have such Ringo Starr solo gems as "Back Off Bugaloo."

3. They put it to rest and stop pressing so hard to Plant can finish up his recent solo re-emergence and let him return on his terms. This would be the best scenario for everyone involved, as it would likely make for the best effort put forth by the four band members.

If Zeppelin goes back on tour with another lead singer, it shouldn't be called Led Zeppelin, they should name themselves after one of their songs, "Trampled Underfoot" as that's what they'll be doing to their lead singer Robert Plant. And of all people, Jason Bonham should not support this decision. His father was the original drummer, who's death caused the group to disband in the first place. Robert Plant is the one who brought John Bonham into Led Zeppelin as the two were great friends before meeting Page and Jones, and going ahead without Plant would be like beating Plant over the head with his father's old drumsticks while tarnishing Bonzo's memory. Unless Jason Bonham owes some shady characters out of a Guy Ritchie film tons of money, I can't see him supporting this without Plant's blessing, unless Page and Jones have a very strong influence on him. (Who knows, maybe Jimmy Page has gotten back into witchcraft lately) Whatever the outcome, whatever they call themselves, and whoever is singing, I'd still pay to see these guys in concert. I just hope it doesn't turn into a merchandising/money ploy that cheats the fans and some of the members of the band.

Here's a link to NME's article that broke the story. It also has a link to the Dee "What the hell am I doing involved in a conversation about a Led Zeppelin reunion" Snyder video reporting on this story: http://www.nme.com/news/led-zeppelin/40389

Editorial. New Music to Your Ears: Music in the Oasis, and "Fire" from the Kings.

Alright, I've been falling off like Jimmy Hoffa in the mid 1970's here, but it's hard to stay away people!!! I've got some new music for your ears if liking the listening of new and fantastical things is your thang (Notice how I said, "thang" there, to reiterate the coolness)

One tune is a new diddy from a group that's been around for about 15 years, Britain's favorite marble mouthed, outspoken Beatles/Stones clones Oasis. The group's best album would have to be their breakout 1995 album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" which boasted such superhits as "Wonderwall," "Don't Look Back in Anger," and their hippie magnum opus, "Champagne Supernova." I've got a couple of their albums in between then and now, and have to say their last album from a couple years back "Don't Believe the Truth" is right on par with "Morning Glory." It's got a lot of catchy melodies/choruses, and has a lot more soul than much of the stuff out today. It's also a good pacemaking disc if you're into the British sound, but not as far out into Radiohead depths, but shy away from the popular tunes of Coldplay. It's vintage but fresh if that makes any sense.

Oasis has a new album coming out next week titled "Dig Out Your Soul," that critics are saying is their best in years. Well, if their first single is any sign of it, then I'll take their word for it. "Shock of the Lightning" is the tune, and it's got a freight train like roll that is sure to fill arenas in England and the US alike as they embark on a world tour. They're playing New York's Madison Square Garden for the first time in over 10 years this December, and these new tunes should hold up well. Take a listen to "Shock of the Lightning" here, this song is like "Tomorrow Never Knows" hanging from the edge of the caboose on a silver bullet train, ballsier, wilder, and out of this world. These guys are as close to a modern psychedelic sound as you can get; you can call Radiohead psych- i guess, but I'd rather refer to them as computerdelic; Oasis holds the torch for modern psych/Beatles/Stones/Who rock. Hear the song/see the music video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87IQhui_Yy8 Looks very Warhol-esque.

The next tune of choice comes from Nashville's very own Kings of Leon, and their recent album "Only By the Night." The song is "Sex on Fire," and I heard it on the new radio station 101.9 WRXP yesterday in the midst of a traffic fueled commute home. The song was so great and hit me like nothing I've heard recently, that I desperately tried to remember the sound, as well as the songs played on the station before and after it in hopes of finding out its origins today. Luckily, like most stations, WRXP keeps backlogs of the songs they play, so I found the mystery song today. There it was, sandwiched right after Radiohead and Elvis Costello, and right before Pink Floyd and the Meat Puppets, Kings of Leon "Sex on Fire" (Yes, this station is the best thing on radio right now; what other station has enough brass to play such obscure and great music??)

I've heard one of the Kings' previous albums and wasn't a huge fan, but this new album has a totally different sound/feel to it. I don't know what they've done here, but they need to keep on doing it. Has a sound much like the Killers, with an alternative vocal style. Check out the song/video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHhhcKxflMY

If you want to get a jolly ol' hop in your step listen to these tunes, rinse, and repeat.

Ok, I know I've been slacking off as of late, but it is for good reason, which will come in a formal announcement soon. But not bad news at all, rather a new direction, and a huge undertaking I'm working on in the near future.
However, this bit of news is a drop everything and do a backflip in your cubicle news. My new favourite (notice my British spelling of "favorite") music news website, England's NME.com, has broken a story originating from British newspaper The Sun. Apparently the Led Zeppelin reunion tour is on like Donkey Kong, as Peyton Manning would say, for next summer. The lone member to be holding back this monumental tour, lead singer Robert Plant, seemingly couldn't take not being part of the reunion plans. The story reports Plant finally told other band members Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and new drummer Jason Bonham (replacing his father John) that he was ready, and they will soon set rehearsals with next summer in mind for their re-emergence.

Needless to say, I'm beside myself with excitement about this and can't believe it at the same time. I am skeptical to some degree, as the band has aged and their hard rocking songs aren't as easy to pull of as say, Paul McCartney still nicely managing shows showered with his old Beatles numbers. However, I'll be the first one in line for a ticket to this thing, and can't wait to see what they have in store, I'm sure they'll have some sort of wacky visual thing going on to make up with whatever they might be lacking or aged in sonically. As I listen to "The Rain Song" on this miserable day, I'll know that a Led Zeppelin reunion is "What Is and..." definitely not "What Should Never Be," and "That's the Way," it should be. I could go for a swim in "The Ocean" right now, even though I'd just look like a "Fool In the Rain," as they are showing their longtime fans a "Whole Lotta Love," with this reunion. Hopefully "Poor Tom" can make the gig if he's not busy still fighting "The Battle of Evermore"

Here's a link to NME's article: http://www.nme.com/news/led-zeppelin/40014

PS: I beat Rolling Stone to the news again.

WEEK 2 NFL PICKS!!!

WEEK 3:

Kansas City @ Atlanta: This one is a stinker, and after an impressive week 1 win, the Falcons proved they're still the Falcons last week. I still think Kansas City is a worse team, so Atlanta should take this one.

Oakland @ Buffalo: Buffalo will without a doubt move their record to 3-0 as the Raiders are without Justin Fargas. Darren McFadden is playing with a toe injury, but even at full strength, the Raiders inconsistent offense didn't stand a chance on the road to Buffalo.

Tampa Bay @ Chicago: Tampa Bay and Chicago still don't have a verdict on how they're looking for the season, but this should be an even keel matchup. I think Chicago will have the edge and win this one at home, perhaps with the help of Brian Urlacher's Old Spice Swagger.

Houston @ Tennessee: Houston has not shown much this season, and the Titans are 2-0, even with former booze hound quarterback Kerry Collins. The Titans should easily get the win at home in the land of Elvis.

Carolina @ Minnesota: Minnesota has Gus Frerotte starting for him. Yup, anyone with the first name Gus isn't a proven NFL QB. With Adrian Peterson nursing a hamstring injury, Gus will show us why he may make a career switch to the Bass Masters fishing circuit on Monday morning. Carolina, with Steve Smith back, should pull off the win on the road.

Miami @ New England: Miami will go to 0-3, no big surprise there. New England will go to 3-0, and I will still hate them, even without Tom Brady.

Cincinnati @ NY Giants: Cincinnati is closer to becoming this year's winner of the #1 draft pick for next season with every pathetic game they play this season. The defending champion Giants should easily embarrass the team and kindly allow fans to beat the NJ Turnpike traffic by the early fourth quarter when they have their third stringers in. Ocho Stinko, Johnny Carson Palmer, and T.J. HoushmandzIplayLikeYourMama will give the Cincy fans plenty to boo about once again.

Arizona @ Washington: Washington impressed with their first win last week, and the Cardinals put on a high flying circus show victory with the aerial assault of a vintage looking Kurt Warner. This should be a tight game that could turn into a barn burner on the scoreboard, but I think the Cardinals are the better team overall, and will win it.

Detroit @ San Fransisco: Both these teams have showed us in the first few weeks they haven't improved much, and perhaps even taken a couple steps back from last season. San Fransisco is the only one of the two who has won a game so far this season, so in this coin flip, I'll give them the edge to win with their home field advantage also on their side.

St. Louis @ Seattle: Both teams are pretty crappy, but the Rams are in heavy contention for best shot at the biggest loser this season along with Cincinnati. I think Seattle will take this one at home, and St. Louis will come closer to interviewing new head coaches.

New Orleans @ Denver: This one should be a high flying passing show between two teams who are sure to score over 30 points each. I think right now, Denver is the better team, but the Saints have potential once they have a few more games under their belts. The Broncos will win this one at home, and Ed Hochuli won't have to be there to help them this week.

Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia: Philly impressed a lot of people with that hard fought game in Dallas last Monday night, which ended (barely) in a loss on their record. Based on that performance, and with the Philly fans rallying behind their on again off again lovefest with QB Donovan McNabb, they should win this game against the Steelers. Willie Parker's ridiculous performances should slow down this week, proving to be the advantage for Philly in this battle of Pennsylvanians.

Jacksonville @ Indianapolis: The Colts defense will be hindered with the loss of Bob Sanders. However, Jeff Saturday and Dallas Clark are likely to be back in the lineup for the Colts offense. Even with the series of injuries they faced, the Colts would have won. Now, having their once highly feared offense nearly at full strength, they should easily get the first win at their new stadium.

Cleveland @ Baltimore: These division rivals are likely not going to get a shot at winning their division this year with the Steelers playing so well, but either one's win this week will certainly get them back in the mix. Baltimore lost a heartbreaker to Pittsburgh last week in the midst of a monsoon, and the Ravens had an unexpected by due to Hurricane Ike which put their game against the Texans on hold. With that extra rest, I think the Ravens should win against the Browns, who are still battling injuries.

**UPSET OF THE WEEK**

Dallas @ Green Bay: Green Bay's post-Brett Favre era has started off impressively with new stud QB Aaron Rodgers. Dallas, however, is still the favorite in the NFC right now and many people pick them to win this one as they are far superior to Green Bay's first two opponents, Minnesota and Detroit. Green Bay should still win their division, and most think they don't have a shot in this one, but with Green Bay at home, I'm picking them to upset the Cowboys who are working on a short week and a close, high-scoring shootout with the Eagles.

NY Jets @ San Diego: The Jets really made me sick last week. There I said it. The Chargers were robbed of a victory last week, which means they will be foaming at the mouth like a grizzly bear on Shawn Merriman's stash of steroids. (He's got plenty extra laying around now that he's done for the season with the bum knee) Even though Ladanian Tomlinson might be on the sidelines, I still just don't see the Chargers going 0-3. I will be ecstatic if the Jets pull off this road win on Monday night, but would also be very fool hearted to expect such. I think the Chargers will win, but would happily call myself a fool on Tuesday morning if the Jets pull off the upset.

"The Name's White. Jack White."

The new James Bond theme has made it's way online, about 2 months before the latest film "Quantum of Solace" hits theaters. This tune is a first, as it is the first ever duet used in a Bond film, pretty hard to believe in nearly 50 years of being on the silver screen. White Stripes/Raconteurs front man and music producer extraordinaire Jack White, wrote and produced the tune, which he performs with Alicia Keys.

The song has a very vintage, Paul McCartney "Live and Let Die" feel to it. I like to think that Jack White, had he been a Beatle, would never have let himself get outbid by Michael Jackson for publishing rights to the fab four's music, thus preventing the use of anthemic masterpieces like "Revolution" from being used in a sneaker commercial in the 1980's. Anyway, that's neither here nor there.

White's self started record label, Third Man Records, is streaming the song for free on their website. I'm not sure how long it will be up there, since the single is being released this coming Tuesday, September 23rd, digitally, on CD, and in the form of a limited edition 7" record. If this film is a sign of what's to come with the film, I'm very excited. The last theme song from "Casino Royale," by Chris Cornell was another great one, much better than the ones of the past decade or so that had been lacking in the Pierce Brosnan Bond films. If great collaborations like this are still to come as long as Daniel Craig is playing the martini drinking British ladies man super agent, then he should keep the role until he's 60.

Originally, Amy Whine(Crack)house was supposed to do it, with Mark Ronson producing, but she likely took the advance they gave her and bought meth with it. Amy came back to the studio Monday morning and said, “Crikey! I got the most extraordinary song of all the Bond films!” She proceeded to sing her rendition of Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger,” and the producers told her that it was a 40 year old Bond song (see clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSc1n8ByDiE , still the greatest Bond song of all time). She then said, “Oh bloody hell! That’s bollocks!!! That old curmudgeon stole the bloody song from me!” She ran out of the studio, not before taking someone’s wallet, and for obvious reasons, lost the gig.

By the looks of it, she can play some sort of ghoul-zombie in the next "Harry Potter" movie.

Here's the link to the website you can stream the song at:

http://www.thirdmanrecords.com/

NFL Week 2 Results!!!

(Picture above: a furious Norv Turner on the blown call hear round the world in Week 2)

Tennessee 24, Cincinnati, 7: The Titans won again, as I predicted, along with everyone else in the coutnry. The Bengals spent their week two bolstering their competition with the Rams for crappiest team in the league

Green Bay 48, Detroit 25: As predicted the Pack went 2-0 under new stud quarterback Aaron "Not related to the former lead singer of Bad Company, current lead singer of Queen's Paul" Rodgers.
Oakland 23, Kansas City, 8: This one was pretty much a clownshow as expected, the Raiders won in an uneventful matchup. I called it, crappy game, crappy Oakland win.

NY Giants 41, St. Louis 13: Mark Bulger continues to stink up my fantasy bench, and as we all thought, the G-Men went to 2-0 playing what resembled a Kentucky Division 2 High School football team. Way to go Rams, your city has the highest crime rate in the nation, and you have the lowest sense of self esteem in the NFL.

Indianapolis 18, Minnesota 15: I said this one would be decent, but we didn't expect a last second nailbiter. With seconds left in the game Adam "I wear little kicker's shoes but still have 3 Super Bowl rings" Vinatieri won it with a long kick for the Colts.

Washington 29, New Orleans 24: After watching the Redskins sleep through four quarters of football in week one against the Giants, they were brought back to life in week 2, and pulled off an impressive win on the road. I didn't call this one, and after watching their week one laugh fest, I don't think many other people did either.

Chicago 20, Carolina 17: The Bear surprised me, and other people picking Carolina to win at home, especially after a very impressive victory last week against the Chargers. I guess the Bears are proving us all wrong, in that a team really can win without the presence of a quarterback or any sort of passing game.

Buffalo 20, Jacksonville 16: I called this one being close, with the Bills winning, and they pulled it off by 4 points, going to 2-0 to match their division leading New England Patriots.

San Fransisco 33, Seattle 30: I thought the Seahawks would pull this win out at home, but much like the rest of their division, on any given Sunday, any team can suck. Don't let the high score fool you, the San Fransisco defense is the only bright spot on either side and even they let up 30 points.

Tampa Bay 24, Atlanta 9: After an impressive win over the Lions in week one, I thought the Falcons would take care of the Bucs since they had Brian Griese starting for an injured Jeff Garcia. Well, Atlanta proved that they're still only one year removed from a mess of a season, and the Bucs smacked them around.

New England 19, NY Jets 10: I don't even want to get into this game, save for the fact that Eric Mangini proved he has always and unless anything changes, will always be scared of the Patriots (even without Tom Brady). The Jets were coached like they were still being led by Chad Pennington, proven with 3 straight runs with a first and goal inside the 5 yard line in the first half. Last time I checked Brett Favre was their quarterback. That's right, the same quarterback who leads NFL record books for red zone touchdown passes. Mangini and O-Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer need to take their heads out of their rear ends and smell the dirty NJ Turnpike air and get their act together. Needless to say I thought the Jets would win; they didn't.

Arizona 31, Miami 10: Arizona's potent offense came through as I suspected, and dropped the Dolphins to 0-2. The road to another 1-15 season is paved by games like this one.

Denver 39, San Diego 38: Well, with the most contraversial blown call of the season or recent memory, the Chargers slipped to 0-2, while the Broncos popped up on a bunch of radars going 2-0, on the heels of a gutsy call by coach Mike Shanahan to go for a 2 point conversion to win the game rather than an extra point to tie in the closing seconds. I am very afraid for my Jets going into San Diego for Monday Night Football next week against a Chargers team that is foaming at the mouth to pound the crap out of somebody.

Pittsburgh 10, Cleveland 6: Pittsburgh won this one 10-6 in the midst of what looked like a hurrican in Cleveland on Sunday night. Cleveland is 2-0 and far from the team that surprised a lot of people last year. The Steelers are emerging as an AFC powerhouse, now that the Colts, Patriots, and Chargers are obviously weakened.

Dallas41, Philadelphia 37: I thought Dallas would win this by 10 or 14 points, but the Eagles proved they are a force to be reckoned with in the NFC East again, coming off a rough season last year. Here's a quote from my predicitons: "This is probably the best Monday Night Football matchup the league could have planned for in week 2." Bam, there, I said it and my premonition delivered. This had to be one of the most offensively potent games in recent Monday Night history. To take a line from those Sunday NFL Ticket Direct TV commercials Jimmy Kimmel has been in, this is a game that had the defensive coordinators from both teams updating their resumes.

(Postponed) Baltimore @ Houston: Due to Hurrican Ike tearing through Texas this game has been rescheduled for week 8.

Record This Week: 9-6/ Overall Season So Far: 20-11

"My Week 2 NFL Picks...A League Without Tom"

Tennessee @ Cincinnati: Vince Young's mom asked the fans to stop booing him. Well, he won't have to hear anymore boos as he nurses his injured knee for the next few weeks. Kerry "Where's the nearest bar, and I'll have a double" Collins is starting, but I'll still go Titans on this one as the Bengals aren't much to worry about. Cincinnati is in shambles right now, and the NFL refuses to let Chad wear the "Ocho Cinco" on the back of his jersey until he recoups all of Reebok's expenses or they sell out of their now useless supply of "C. Johnson" jerseys. When Young comes back from his injury, he could still be sitting on the bench as the Titans aren't taking anymore chances by bringing in free agent Chris Simms to bolster their bench.

Green Bay @ Detroit: Detroit got embarrassed last Sunday by the Falcons, who were supposed to still be figuring out their post-Michael Vick plans going into this season. Matt Ryan and Michael Turner put their minds at ease, and Green Bay will go 2-0 by beating up on the Lions in Detroit. Aaron Rodgers is looking good, but there's almost nothing he can do this season to make the cheese heads forget about Brett Favre already (especially while he's still wearing a different shade of green every Sunday).

Oakland @ Kansas City: It's a battle between this game, and the San Fran/Seattle game for which one gets most painful game of the week to watch honors. I think the Raiders will win this one, but honestly who cares. Neither one of these league laughing stocks will make the playoffs, but at least one of them will get the goose egg out of their win column this weekend.

NY Giants @ St. Louis: The Giants impressed early last week, and the Rams impressed high school teams all around the country that they could probably play a closer game with the Eagles. The G-Men will go 2-0, and I will continue to let Mark Bulger sit on my fantasy team's bench. Why do I pick this guy every year?

Indianapolis @ Minnesota: This should be a pretty decent game, but I think the Colts will return to form and pull off the victory. This is definitely a weakened team with a still rusty Peyton Manning, but the Vikings can't ride on Adrian Peterson's back all year, especially not starting in week 2.

New Orleans @ Washington: Besides the Rams, Washington looked pretty pathetic last week. I think their coach's days are numbered if they continue down this path, but they should get better as the year goes on. It won't be against the Saints though. The Redskins won't be able to keep up with the Saints offense, even if Marques Colston in out for at least a month. Devery Henderson and David Patten should see more passes come their way as well as Jeremy Shockey, while he can stay healthy. Reggie Bush looked impressive last week; add all those weapons up, along with their improved defense, and the Redskins have too much working against them.

Chicago @ Carolina: Both these teams surprised everyone last week, the Bears by beating the Colts at home, and the Panthers by winning a last second stunner against the Chargers. I'm not completely sold on the Bears just yet, especially since Peyton Manning was still brushing the dust off and Joseph Addai went out early for the Colts. The Panthers without Steve Smith, on the other hand, beat the Chargers, pretty much at full strength, in a close game. At home, the Panthers should win this one.

Buffalo @ Jacksonville: Jacksonville stunk it up last week against their division rival Titans, who didn't even play that well to begin with. Buffalo laid a beating down on the Seahawks who had no receivers playing. This one should be pretty close, but I think the Bills will pull off the win in a close one.

San Fransisco @ Seattle: Both these didn't impress much in week one, but even if both finish at 7-9, they'll have a shot at the playoffs in their joke of a division that is the NFC West. The Seahawks are the more experienced team, so at home they should take care of business and beat the 49ers.

Atlanta @ Tampa Bay: Atlanta beat up on the Lions last week with impressive debuts by their rookie quarterback Matt Ryan and new starting running back Michael Turner. Jeff Garcia is out for Tampa Bay, and Brian Griese will get the start. Atlanta should take care of the Bucs, though Griese might show us he's still got some gas left in the tank by keeping it close.

New England @ NY Jets: This is probably the most anticipated matchup of the week for two reasons. One, everyone wants to see how Tom Brady's replacement, Matt Cassell will do in his first NFL start, and two, everyone wants to see if the Jets are serious about taking advantage of Brady's absence and going after the AFC East. I think Cassell will turn out ok this season in Bill Belichick's system, but it will take him another few weeks before he gets comfortable in the role. The Jets will most likely throw a lot at Cassell when the Patriots don't run the ball, and Favre will get better as he spends more time on the field this season. This one should be close, but I think the Jets will win by a touchdown.

Miami @ Arizona: Miami and new quarterback Chad Pennington showed promise last week, and I predict the team will get better as Chad gets more accustomed to their system, and Ricky Williams gets less accustomed to fumbling the ball on every other carry. Arizona at home with a potent offense should beat the Dolphins D that no longer has Zack Thomas or the Lord of the Dance, Jason Taylor. I'll go with the Cardinals.

San Diego @ Denver: Shawn Merriman is lights out for the season on that Tom Brady knee he thought he'd be able to rough it out on. The Broncos looked sharp on Monday night annihilating the Raiders, even without the services of Brandon Marshall. However, what all these sports heads are failing to realize as they rant and rave about how the Broncos are back, is that they played the Raiders. Last time I checked, their Warren Sapp resembling quarterback hasn't proven anything, and they've still got more holes than Roger Clemens's HGH story. Even without a hobbled Merriman, the Chargers will still threaten this year, and I just can't see them going 0-2 to a team that is all of a sudden an AFC front runner one week into the season. The Chargers should pull this one out, but it will be close.
Pittsburgh @ Cleveland: Cleveland is still trying to figure out if last season was a fluke, and if they blew it by not trading Derek Anderson when his stock was at its highest last year. While they continue their pondering, the reemerging Steelers should start the season 2-0 while fans in Cleveland get to boo the Browns 2 weeks in a row.

Philadelphia @ Dallas: This is probably the best Monday Night Football matchup the league could have planned for in week 2, as both these teams easily embarrassed their respective opponents in week one. Philadelphia looked sharp last week, but Dallas still has too many weapons the Eagles can't have all the answers for. That, along with this being the Cowboys home opener, means they should win this one. I would say by at least 10 or 14 points.

Baltimore @ Houston: In an odd move, there's another Monday night game, but this one is scheduled to be on CBS. Both these teams didn't show much promise last week, though the Ravens won their matchup. The Texans should be better, but I have been saying that the last two years, and they seem doomed for a franchise of mediocrity and unrealized potential. The Ravens should win this matchup, and probably would if they were playing at home, but I'm going to have to go Texans all the way on this one. It will be close, but the Texans should get their first win of the season.