I made my fair share of predictions for this round, which you can see in the preview here: http://frogsonaloginabog.blogspot.com/2012/06/summer-psychosis-preview-for-part-3-of.html
What I didn't expect was the level of dominance from the highest seeds. The 14-16 seeds only got 3 combined votes and four of the matchups were sweeps. At the same time, no upset was easily won by any means. Prepare to be surprised, possibly astounded and possibly outraged! After all, that's what this bracket is meant to do in the long run. Speaking of which, you can see the big bracket picture here: http://www.bracketmaker.com/tlist.cfm?tid=428801
David Bowie 5, Janis Joplin 0
"While I love Janis’ whiskey-and-cigarette voice and feel that she could have made a lot more great music for many more years if she hadn’t died far too young, Ziggy Stardust is just too big of a name to ignore. His particular brand of music was ahead of its time, and really helped change the face of 80’s rock. Also, he was totes fabulous in Labyrinth." - Eric
Two things to mention, neither about the great Janis Joplin. 1) Bowie's persona reaches far beyond Ziggy Stardust. He was also The Thin White Duke, recorded the 'Berlin Trilogy' of his albums and was an accomplished producer. 2) I concur Eric, he was indeed fabulous in Labyrinth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvyNOg4jSRg&feature=related
The White Stripes 4, John Coltrane 1
"It’s no secret that I am a Jack White fan. He has the musical Midas touch. Every band he starts is great. The greatest of all would have to be the White Stripes. The way the records were produced, recorded, written and played is so dirty, raw, and real. AWESOME." - Mark
"The last decade of MJ's life was a real shame. He is an incredibly talented artist and it was sad to see him become the butt of every joke." - Elliott
Elton John 3, Aretha Franklin 2
"This is a tough one. Aretha did a lot for music, and had a lot of hits. She’s also pretty high up there on the list of most Grammy wins. But Elton John is just so good. I know he didn’t write any of his songs, but to me, when you have that good of a voice, are that good on piano and know how to put on a fabulous show, you deserve a win." - Eric
"Gut reaction, Zappa. But I don't know…Joni was very impressive and influential. If I listen to "Blue" I might change my mind. Ah, not enough time. Still going with Zappa." - John
"He is sooo good at the trumpet. And his voice is sooo deep and raspy and sexy. Love this guy. Took his blindness and turned it into some incredible music." - Elliott
"This one is tough, because there are a lot of bands on this list that I would pick in a heartbeat over Metallica, but Blur is not one of them. Metallica is one of the most frustrating acts in metal, with their pioneering first three albums absolutely changed metal and their later albums absolutely ruining metal. Still, I would pick them over Blur." - Steve
"'Father of Grunge' he may not necessarily be, but he was sure as hell influential and prolific. Folk is a tough genre to be idolized and immortalized, but Neil Young is certainly never going to fade away." - Mark
"No contest. As a New Jerseyian, I have to vote Springsteen here. But I also vote for him because he is such a good songwriter and musician. While I don’t necessarily agree with his #1 seeding, he definitely should be considered one of the greats in music." - Eric
Ray Charles 3, Steely Dan 2
"Why do I have to make these decisions? Steely Dan is a fantastic band and deserves to move on. But Ray Charles is so great, and I think he’s ranked too low in this bracket." - John
"While Animal Collective will probably go down as one of the most influential bands of the last twelve years, I don’t think the argument can be made that they are more influential than the Sex Pistols just yet. Where Animal Collective has been winning over fans song by song and album by album over several years, Sex Pistols changed the face of music in an instant with one album." - Steve
"You may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
You may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife
You may find yourself in a competition against the Strokes
You may ask yourself, 'Well, who in the world would vote them over me?'" - Elliott
"I’m in the Sonic Youth camp. They are the only band that could be in the No Wave genre while also finding success, a contradiction that puts their music into a place of influence on par with the Velvet Underground." - Mark
"U2 are lucky they’re going against one of the weaker 14 seeds (no offense). They’re going to get a bad rap from the blog. But their discography is very deep and they deserve to advance." - John
"Alright alright alright alright alright alright alright alright alright alright alright alright alright." - Elliott
Two things to mention, neither about the great Janis Joplin. 1) Bowie's persona reaches far beyond Ziggy Stardust. He was also The Thin White Duke, recorded the 'Berlin Trilogy' of his albums and was an accomplished producer. 2) I concur Eric, he was indeed fabulous in Labyrinth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvyNOg4jSRg&feature=related
The White Stripes 4, John Coltrane 1
"It’s no secret that I am a Jack White fan. He has the musical Midas touch. Every band he starts is great. The greatest of all would have to be the White Stripes. The way the records were produced, recorded, written and played is so dirty, raw, and real. AWESOME." - Mark
It's no secret that John Coltrane is a jazz icon who should be revered, but it's also apparent that this blog is full of staunch White Stripes supporters. That will certainly be tested against Bowie. But for now, enjoy this old photo of them:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Early_White_Stripes.jpg
Michael Jackson 4, Nick Drake 1
Michael Jackson 4, Nick Drake 1
"The last decade of MJ's life was a real shame. He is an incredibly talented artist and it was sad to see him become the butt of every joke." - Elliott
It's true. Jackson's musical accomplishments and career went by the wayside when he want to trial two separate times on accusations of child sexual abuse. The worst thing is, he almost redeemed himself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Is_It_(Michael_Jackson_concerts)
"This is a tough one. Aretha did a lot for music, and had a lot of hits. She’s also pretty high up there on the list of most Grammy wins. But Elton John is just so good. I know he didn’t write any of his songs, but to me, when you have that good of a voice, are that good on piano and know how to put on a fabulous show, you deserve a win." - Eric
In the biggest upset of the week, Elton John edged out fellow diva Aretha Franklin. John did actually write all of his music, but with Bernie Taupin as his lyricist. Speaking of which, ever hear "Tiny Dancer" and think he's saying "Tony Danza"?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBWfUc5jKiM
Frank Zappa/The Mothers of Invention 3, Joni Mitchell 2
Frank Zappa/The Mothers of Invention 3, Joni Mitchell 2
"Gut reaction, Zappa. But I don't know…Joni was very impressive and influential. If I listen to "Blue" I might change my mind. Ah, not enough time. Still going with Zappa." - John
Since I'm on a linking streak, I might as well cut to the chase. Eric mentioned "Muffin Man" in his blurb. I shall propose my own distillation of Zappa's craziness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKITpVovTAE
Stevie Wonder 5, Kate Bush 0
Stevie Wonder 5, Kate Bush 0
That's right, people. Even though Elliott voted for Stevie, he still confuses him with Louis Armstrong. Pity him.
Metallica 3, Blur 2
Metallica 3, Blur 2
"This one is tough, because there are a lot of bands on this list that I would pick in a heartbeat over Metallica, but Blur is not one of them. Metallica is one of the most frustrating acts in metal, with their pioneering first three albums absolutely changed metal and their later albums absolutely ruining metal. Still, I would pick them over Blur." - Steve
If you didn't know by now, Steve is our resident metal expert. So read that quote over again, because it was meant to be heard as an atonal, death metal scream. Yes, that is how Steve speaks in real life.
Neil Young 4, Duke Ellington 1
Neil Young 4, Duke Ellington 1
"'Father of Grunge' he may not necessarily be, but he was sure as hell influential and prolific. Folk is a tough genre to be idolized and immortalized, but Neil Young is certainly never going to fade away." - Mark
He handily defeated R.E.M. last week as a member of CSNY and now he has advanced against a fellow 15th seed. I'm trying to find some crazy, conspiratorial connection between Neil Young and the numbers 2 and 15...nope, can't think of anything.
Bruce Springsteen 5, Rod Stewart 0
Bruce Springsteen 5, Rod Stewart 0
"No contest. As a New Jerseyian, I have to vote Springsteen here. But I also vote for him because he is such a good songwriter and musician. While I don’t necessarily agree with his #1 seeding, he definitely should be considered one of the greats in music." - Eric
As expected, the members from New Jersey led the charge in a clean sweep of Rod Stewart. You know what else is no contest? Apparently, the title of largest concert in history, held by Rod Stewart: http://www.thisblogrules.com/2010/05/top-10-largest-concerts-in-history.html
Ray Charles 3, Steely Dan 2
"Why do I have to make these decisions? Steely Dan is a fantastic band and deserves to move on. But Ray Charles is so great, and I think he’s ranked too low in this bracket." - John
In a battle of two amazing artists, it was Charles' continuing influence that won the day over Steely Dan. Besides, Jamie Foxx introduced Charles to new fans in Ray. Still waiting for Walter and Donald to come out.
Sex Pistols 4, Animal Collective 1
Sex Pistols 4, Animal Collective 1
"While Animal Collective will probably go down as one of the most influential bands of the last twelve years, I don’t think the argument can be made that they are more influential than the Sex Pistols just yet. Where Animal Collective has been winning over fans song by song and album by album over several years, Sex Pistols changed the face of music in an instant with one album." - Steve
Punk pioneers vs. New age experimentalists pretty much sums this most eclectic of matchups. It makes me wonder...Animal Collective covering Sex Pistols or vice versa. Don't think about it too much, your head might explode.
Talking Heads 4, The Strokes 1
Talking Heads 4, The Strokes 1
"You may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
You may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife
You may find yourself in a competition against the Strokes
You may ask yourself, 'Well, who in the world would vote them over me?'" - Elliott
Ah yes, the fabled "We will beat the Strokes, this band we just made up" alternate version of "Once in a Lifetime". Twenty years later, Julian Casablancas hears these words and allegedly says "Alright, I want to be that band!" So, the Oracle of CBGB lives up to its name yet again...
Sonic Youth 3, LCD Soundsystem 2
Sonic Youth 3, LCD Soundsystem 2
"I’m in the Sonic Youth camp. They are the only band that could be in the No Wave genre while also finding success, a contradiction that puts their music into a place of influence on par with the Velvet Underground." - Mark
No jokes here. Sonic Youth is now battle tested after defeating a strongly supported first round opponent. I'm saying it right now: do not underestimate Sonic Youth in this bracket.
U2 3, Pet Shop Boys 2
U2 3, Pet Shop Boys 2
"U2 are lucky they’re going against one of the weaker 14 seeds (no offense). They’re going to get a bad rap from the blog. But their discography is very deep and they deserve to advance." - John
And a bad rap was exactly what U2 got, at least from 2/5 of our voters. I told U2 to watch out for U2, but they still haven't found what they're looking for.
OutKast 4, Portishead 1
OutKast 4, Portishead 1
I approve of the obscure reference in 'Hey Ya!' and its use to the fullest extent. However, the correct number of alrights is fourteen, not thirteen. Summer Psychosis is now forever tainted by your negligence.
Jimi Hendrix 5, Muddy Waters 0
"Jimi is the obvious pick, but it had to be Muddy Waters he was up against? While I wouldn’t say that I considered picking Muddy Waters for more than five seconds, the fact that I did spend five seconds thinking it over should be a great testament to his skill." - Steve
"You know what I like about the Pet Shop Boys? They are not U2. U2 are one of the bands that I feel have coasted over the years, never really trying to expand or innovate a sound that brought them early success. Sure, 'War' and 'Achtung Baby' are really good albums, but they have continuously shoved material down our throats that is different enough from the early stuff to not be any good but similar enough to feel like they haven’t gone anywhere. Ultimately, this is a formula that increasingly casts the early material in an ever fading light." - Steve
This quote is one of two blurbs explaining why Pet Shop Boys should move on. Except it's a denunciation of U2 rather than supporting the other guys. Hey, if that's your reasoning, to each his own. You're allowed to have any kind of opinion for this bracket. And it is thoughtful, saying that U2's failure to evolve its sound has made their discography increasingly stale. It recalls what Jack Black's character says in "High Fidelity": Is it better to burn out than to fade away? Well, Eric was the other minority vote in this matchup. Maybe he will have something thoughtful to add that might help to answer this big question.
"Fuck U2" - Eric
Jimi Hendrix 5, Muddy Waters 0
"Jimi is the obvious pick, but it had to be Muddy Waters he was up against? While I wouldn’t say that I considered picking Muddy Waters for more than five seconds, the fact that I did spend five seconds thinking it over should be a great testament to his skill." - Steve
Two amazing guitarists going head to head. I picture firestorms, towering peaks and flashes of lightning. Or maybe Hendrix said 'Fuck it' and just did this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAvruLJup_M
So, I mentioned last week that I've introduced a new feature called Best Minority Opinion. This week, there is a winner and runner-up. However, I would like to temporarily rename it Why U2 is in Serious Trouble.
So, I mentioned last week that I've introduced a new feature called Best Minority Opinion. This week, there is a winner and runner-up. However, I would like to temporarily rename it Why U2 is in Serious Trouble.
Why U2 is in Serious Trouble:
"You know what I like about the Pet Shop Boys? They are not U2. U2 are one of the bands that I feel have coasted over the years, never really trying to expand or innovate a sound that brought them early success. Sure, 'War' and 'Achtung Baby' are really good albums, but they have continuously shoved material down our throats that is different enough from the early stuff to not be any good but similar enough to feel like they haven’t gone anywhere. Ultimately, this is a formula that increasingly casts the early material in an ever fading light." - Steve
This quote is one of two blurbs explaining why Pet Shop Boys should move on. Except it's a denunciation of U2 rather than supporting the other guys. Hey, if that's your reasoning, to each his own. You're allowed to have any kind of opinion for this bracket. And it is thoughtful, saying that U2's failure to evolve its sound has made their discography increasingly stale. It recalls what Jack Black's character says in "High Fidelity": Is it better to burn out than to fade away? Well, Eric was the other minority vote in this matchup. Maybe he will have something thoughtful to add that might help to answer this big question.
"Fuck U2" - Eric
Oh. Well, never mind. Let me just update the blog's shitlist.
Shitlist:
1. U2
2. Coldplay
3. Oasis
4. Pearl Jam
5. Red Hot Chili Peppers (honorary member)
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