UPDATES:
Nigeria forfeits to England.
SHOCKER: AUSTRALIA DEFEATS USA!
Brazil comes up HUGE in third strike!
Ireland coach hrrundivbakshi takes heat for game-winning strategy vs New Zealand; Rory Gallagher is Man of the Match.
Scotland called for offsides; Sweden wins.
USA “taking no chances” as it awaits Nigeria.
Sacre bleu! France wins.
The Netherlands takes confident, conservative approach toward Brazil.
Wales Fails Germany in “Test.”
Jamaica cruises past Norway.
As we await the outcome of the Scotland-Canada and Nigeria-Germany matches, Round 1 play in the Rock Town Hall World Cup of Rock ‘n Roll continues. Following are the standings to date and the remaining schedule for the opening round of play. Teams scheduled to play their second game today can submit their opening two strikes, either in the Comments section or, if you want to play your hand close to the vest, to the Commissioner, that is, me: mrmoderator [at] rocktownhall [dot] com.
Play on!
GROUP A (Points [Rock Differential])
Australia: 6 [+2]
USA: 3 [+2]
Brazil: 3 [0]
Netherlands: 0 [-4]
GROUP B (Points [Rock Differential])
England: 6 [+3]
Wales: 3 [+1]
Germany: 3 [0]
Nigeria: 0 [-4]
GROUP C (Points [Rock Differential])
Jamaica: 6 [+4]
New Zealand: 3 [0]
Ireland: 3 [0]
Norway: 0 [-1]
GROUP D (Points [Rock Differential])
Sweden: 6 [+3]
France: 3 [-1]
Canada: 1 [-1]
Scotland: 1 [-1]
June 23:
Group A: USA v Australia
Group B: England v Nigeria
Group C: Ireland v New Zealand
Group D: Canada v France
June 24:
Group A: Netherlands v Brazil
Group B: Wales v Germany
Group C: Jamaica v Norway
Group D: Scotland v Sweden
June 25:
Group A: USA v Brazil
Group B: England v Germany
Group C: Ireland v Norway
Group D: Canada v Sweden
June 26:
Group A: Netherlands v Australia
Group B: Wales v Nigeria
Group C: Jamaica v New Zealand
Group D: Scotland v France
Oh man, Team Australia just sent in its entries for today’s game against the USA. I’ve been asked not to release their opening strikes, but did we underestimate the strength of the Aussie club? mikeydread and his mates Down Under must be psyched!
Meanwhile, Team England eagerly awaits the conclusion of Nigeria’s match vs Germany. Another match to watch is Ireland vs New Zealand. The Kiwis put together a solid win in their opener; Irish fans are getting a little nervous with their coach following his mishandling of the Van Morrison catalog.
Koach k. of the New Zealand team has submitted the opening strikes for use in its match vs Ireland today! I’ll hold onto the songs until we’re ready to roll. Coach HVB, play can take place whenever you’re ready.
Coach northvancoveman of Team Canada has announced his opening strikes for today’s match vs France:
We at Team France pinch our nose at your moldy back bacon and moose droppings…
Your father was a hamster and your mother smells of elderberries…
Telephone returns bloody and beaten after Sweden’s dirty tricks
“Le Vadou”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZlEheF3x-E
C’est genial…oui!
Serge Gainsbourg has never respected Canada ever since Leornard Cohen STOLE his act.
“The Initials B.B.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuZklVrHspM
An unconventional choice right?? But isn’t rock about SEX. I’m sure Issac Hayes was listening.
I am stunned at the extent to which Team France is bringing it in this round. Telephone has been an unexpected breakout star and I could easily see a major upset happening here.
The decision to save Neil on the bench and keep Sloan’s powerful four-man attack back home in Halifax could prove costly, because Canada could use a “Money City Maniacs” right now.
I think Northvancoveman’s puzzling roster decisions are, in large part, a reflection of his system. He doesn’t want a roster loaded with Canadian critics’ darlings. He’s given himself a roster that will dedicate itself to playing the game the right way, his way. And you can’t deny Randy Bachman’s influence in the room, the way the other players look to him for leadership.
Coach plasticsun of Team Wales has delivered his opening strikes for tomorrow’s match vs. the as-yet-untested Germany:
Immediately following their victory by forfeit over the no-show Nigerian team, German coach Giorgio Moroder asked if his opening strikes could be used in future matches. RTH officials ruled that the Amon Duul and Popol Vuh songs called into play would NOT be eligible for a future match. Moroder was not pleased with this decision, but he consoled himself with a few lines of coke and a review of the tracksheets for Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love.” Germany’s counterstrikes will be announced by the morning.
“All right, Wales,” says German Coach Moroder, “you think the German team is untested? You want to see us tested? We will pass any test you put in front of us!”
“Germany shall not fail this test,” continued Moroder. “Because there was no rock differential awarded our victory by forfeit, we are pulling out all stops with an opening strike by Kraftwerk’s ‘Autobahn’. Super Furry Animals will scamper away when they get a load of this number!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp2xGaDuF20&feature=related
“If that’s not enough,” added a still fuming Moroder, “we will drive a stake in the heart of Team Wales’ hopes with Amon Duul’s ‘Archangel Thunderbird,’ a song that a preteen John Lydon probably listened to while crying himself to sleep.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pcla5zyZfA
The Canada-France match, so far, is KICK ASS! I agree with alexmagic, Telephone is the early find in this tournament. Gotta dig the whole Fertility Goddess bassist aspect, too. I’m not a fan of Serge Gainsbourg, but his sense of purpose re; Leonard Cohen is palpable. Plus, just the thought of his daughter (not when she’s singing, though) helps.
It’s with Canada’s two songs, however, that we see Coach Northvancoveman’s system in perfectly coordinated action. Both songs are built around a deliberate sense of majesty, featuring melodic basslines that support the soaring vocalists. This is beautiful music, but it’s got a sense of manly lumbering – and lumberjacks – at its root.
Too close to call so soon, but I’m leaning toward Canada. I’m curious to see how this one plays out in the Hall!
Telephone? What’s the French word for “meh’?
Really I could have beaten these tepid offerings with the province of Quebec, really one family from Quebec, by throwing Kate and Anna McGarrigle alongside Rufus WainWright. Not that I give a damn about Rufus but I think most would agree he would play the likes of Belle and Sebastian to a draw.
Also, It really doesn’t matter if Leonard Cohen borrowed anything from Serge Gainsbrough. Neither are rock. Strategically, this is a classic French mistake; you brought fine wine to a beer tasting.
USA vs Australia Kick Off!
USA and Australia have submitted their opening strikes. Let’s start with the heavily focused Australian team, led by Coach cdm:
Now, let’s hear from Coach 2000 man, of the deep, powerful USA club. Coach 2K, as his players lovingly call him, adds some moving insights to his selections! It’s no wonder his nation has so much faith in his leadership.
Holy Fuck I love that Telephone song! The ending was a little shaky, they should have just all stopped from that 120 kmph cold and thrown everything down at the same time. But I don’t care, I really loved it. The other song – I dunno. I wouldn’t have sex with the guy. He probably smells like an ashtray and he talks too much.
Canada starts strong with Laughing. I hate that song by Rush. Again, depending on which song competes with which, I can make France win, or force a tie. I kind of can’t give them the win because I don’t know if thirty years from now I’ll still love that Telephone song, but I bet I’ll like Laughing. But today, it’s Telephone, if I go with my gut, and I think I have to. I see it France 1-0. Man, I didn’t see that coming!
Keep the commentary on France v Canada coming. This one could be fiercely contested. Will a third strike be necessary? We’ll see in the morning!
Thursday is a travel day for me, and I’m not sure when I’ll be set up with internet in my hotel, so I’d better send in my songs for Brazil’s match against the Netherlands now.
I’m going to stick with my two starters, but I’m going to go with more conventional sounds, because it seems like anything that strays too far from Rawk with a capital R isn’t getting much traction in this tournament.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKRB3_fVYzU
Take It Easy My Brother Charlie is one of Jorge Ben’s signature songs, and it’s even kind of English, some of it anyway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv8mZh3MHhA
Office Boy is an actual Bonde do Role song, unlike my trick play, and it’s got guitars, it’s sort of indie, and it’s even kind of in English, some of it anyway.
And I dispute the poll’s suggestion that Brazil needs to have some kind of inferiority complex with respect to rock’s ‘founding nations.’ Brazil was rocking, and more importantly rolling, when England was still wearing short pants and listening to skiffle.
Germany’s automatons will induce a coma to the entire “Rock” Town Hall by continually kicking everything back to the goalie or out of play. I have researched the Kraftwerk style of play, I submit this secret document http://hmi.ewi.utwente.nl/robotsoccernieuw/documents/thesis_remco_seesink.pdf
As for Amon Duul – I or II? The Welsh squad will not be intimidated by that caterwaul – nor resort to the excessive use of vowels in our words. Moreover, Badfinger will dazzle the befuddled German defense with something called “melody”. Perhaps you should have called up Nena and 99 luftballoons. Hwyl
That Telephone song certainly rocks more than one would think a French band could, but the vocalist is a bit too “Moi, je suis comme l’Iggy aussi.”
But seriously Rush is going to represent you on the international stage? In a musical competition so epic that it only takes place every four years? Is Rand Paul secretly coaching Canada or what?
I’m afraid I’d have to give this one to France, even though I thought Telephone’s bass player was a guy inexplicably wearing culottes.
cdm, that’s an awesome run on team. The Australian soccer team has a reputation being a bit *physical* and this line-up does nothing the dispel the myth. Easybeats holding down a solid defence. And Bon could take a defender’s eye out with that microphone while Angus is channelling some wicked southern swamp monster.
Are you up to that, Bobby?
Quite the shot from Australia. We knew they’d be fast, but we think Elvis matched them for brute force, and still showed some of that finesse that makes him so much more. It’s good to be The King. As much as we admired the play of The Easybeats, we really feel that Bob Dylan dragged the sport to a more modern time almost single handedly.
Australia-USA
“Like a Rolling Stone” may be the most overrated song in the history of rock and roll and when I hear it I want to take a nap. At least the Easybeats make me tap my toes.
Something has to give, and in this case it’s Jailhouse Rock, which has always bothered me because of the “number 47 said to number 3/you’re the cutest jailbird I ever did see/I sure would be delighted with your company/Come on and do the jailhouse rock with me” lyric, which always struck me as improbable and lazy of Leiber and Stoller. As far as I know, this jail ain’t co-ed, which makes Elvis number 3 and AC/DC just traded a pack of smokes for his ass.
The Jamaican coach just checked the fixtures table and realized the Reggae Boyz have a match with Norway today. We’re going to ponder what Satan might have in store for Jamaica, and, since Max Romeo’s “I Chase the Devil” isn’t an option (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uijFctBM47M), figure out a way for the righteous man to triumph over evil.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mickey. I’m in it to win it.
Catching upon the latest matches. Nice set from France, the combo of hot Stooges and cool Serge is a winner. Canada has had 2 from the Guess Who that have not hit the sweet spot (maybe take a run at the BTO catalog next) and whiff on Rush.
I’ll go with Wales over Germany. Wales’ creative theft (Badfinger’s G. Harrison guitar tone and SFA’a lift from “Show Biz Kids”) beats the innovations of Krautrock. +1 for “Autobahn”, a piece played alot in college of which I have only the dimmest memory.
Canada vs France – Tie, largely based on the strength of the Telephone song.
Germany vs Wales – Deutchland uber neichts. Wales in a decisive victory. I’m glad didn’t have to face No Matter What. The Amon Duul song was solid but No Matter What is unbeatable. And the Super Furry Animals song was strong too. I’d never actually heard them before which is weird because I like music.
Tough battles under way, so far today! I like the cases being made by both the USA and Australia. I’ve got to revisit that AC/DC song – you know that band only goes so far for me, but they are built for the Aussie’s style of play. Pulling The Easybeats’ greatest hit out at this point was a bold move from coach cdm, one that may be rewarded – or punished. Again, I’ve got to think about this, and I’ve got to keep my latent pro-American loyalties out of this. mwall thinks I don’t like American music. I’ve got my issues with certain segments of it, but lord knows I love AMERICA (the country, not the band)!
In anticipation of Norway’s unholy assault, Jamaica sends out Toots and the Maytals “Rastaman”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVghTkG9Shc
Toots’ Pentecostal upbringing is fused with Rastafarianism and a rock solid groove:
“No I will never go down/No I will never go down/In the fire/In the fire”
Take that Satan!
and slows it down for the patient attack of King Tubby’s deconstruction of Burning Spear’s indictment of the European colonizers of Africa in “The Invasion”, recast as “A Rougher Version” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQEQ3Kr15fY
This quote just in from German coach Moroder. I’m not sure whether it will help or hurt his team’s cause.
I see Rush just wasting huge chunks of the game dicking around with the ball at mid-field, leaving everything on the Guess Who’s shoulders…and poor Burton Cummings is admittedly playing a terrific game, but he’ll end up winded from all the “hahahahaha”s in Laughing.
I’m sticking with a stunning French upset in this round, and I say this as someone who was campaigning to have France thrown out and replaced by more deserving teams like Japan, Mexico or Argentina just days ago.
Brilliant attack by a deceptively loaded Welsh team, who are showing what an offensive juggernaut they can be. I don’t think anyone can deny “No Matter What”. Meanwhile, “The Man Don’t Give A Fuck” is an excellent pick, as it typically runs 20+ minutes live, perfect for World Cup play, and sneaking Donald Fagen into the tournament is exactly the kind of ballsy, in-your-face assault on the Rock Town Hall elite that could carry the Welsh all the way, especialy considering what else the Super Furry Animals have waiting in their arsenal.
In other matches, I like Wales (even though Young Marble Giants didn’t make the team, a tragedy in my book, but a single LP doesn’t really make for a good tournament run) and France shocked me with some actual rock with passion, which is making me lean to Les Bleus because Rush is just not to my taste at all–they’re practically an own goal.
NOTE: The Candada-France game is too close for me to call alone. The current poll will help us decide. Please make your vote count!
bostonhistorian wrote:
Now THAT’S the kind of rock analysis you will get nowhere else on the web!
I can only imagine Neal Peart on the pitch: he’s got multiple head bands on, a knee brace, two pair of shin guards, sweatbands….
http://andrewolson.com/Neil_Peart/snakesarrows/tour/images/img10.jpg
USA vs Australia. All good tracks all around.
cdm’s Bon Scott AC/DC tracks may get me to dig back into pre-Back in Black releases, which is a bitch since the band doesn’t repackage or sell tracks individually.
2000 Man gives us the toughest live versions and the most iconic rock looks from the King and the Bard.
Shootout anyone?
USA v. Australia: one hundred percent agree with bostonhistorian re: Jailhouse Rock. Bring plenty of lube, Elvis.
One cannot deny Beating Around The Bush, even when the post is lip-synched. This is another stellar play from the Aussie coach and the second shot from the Highway to Hell album. He/She must be keeping It’s A Long Way To The Top for the semi-finals.
Like a Rolling Stone v. Friday on My Mind is a draw for me, so based on the AC/DC track, I’m voting for Australia.
Well played, coach.
I guess I should say that, while I have no appreciation for Rush outside of the ironic, it’s entirely possible that Alex Lifeson – who famously got into a brawl with police several years ago – could be the meanest player in the tournament, unless the Norweigians have some cannibals on their roster.
I’m also going with a too close to call verdict for the USA/Australia barnburner. That was a surprising choice for AC/DC’s play, but very creative and sure to pay dividends as the tournament continues. I say they’ve earned a shot at a tie-breaker.
Also, hats off to 2000 Man for being open about his struggles with making roster cuts for arguably the deepest talent pool. It could well be that a case of the Fogerty Syndrome would come in useful in Cup play, but certainly, the US roster as assembled continues to have a complex and deadly playbook at its disposal.
I really don’t like the Guess Who or Rush but both songs are reasonably solid. Serge is entertaining but not all that easy to listen to. The Telephone song was a pleasant surprise but is it really enough for an outright victory? So I’m sticking with a tie for France/Canada.
I suspect that somewhere in a dive bar in Edmonton, Moe Berg is drunkenly bending the bartender’s ear about how if he’d only been allowed to suit up, these close calls never would have happened.
I’m really hoping to avoid a shoot out with the US and so far, all of the votes appear to be either for the Wizards of OZ or for a tie.
Coach Satan of Team Norway was informed minutes before kickoff that veteran prog-rocker Ruphus pulled up with a calf injury. Alternate Burzum, the 1-man Black Metal pioneers led by a guy who killed a former guitarist from his national teammates Mayhem, will have to enter the tournament. Burzum sets the tone vs Jamaica with the ambient metal of “Jesus Død”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HdY5FMPNUc
Satan follows up that soul-crushing opener with a-ha’s vastly underrated Black Metal tune, “Sun Always Shines on TV”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZneyAp0viXk&feature=related
As a YouTube comment for this video states:
It’s looking bleak for Norway, bleaker than Satan could have hoped.
The answer:
“This song overpowers ANYTHING by Justin Bieber, Akon, Lady GaGa, or ANYONE that plays the audio sewage that’s popular today.”
And the question?
“Can you provide the perfect definition of ‘damning with faint praise'”?
JAMAICA DEFEATS SATAN! TEAM NORWAY IN SHAMBLES.
The Wee Three is ready for our match up against Sweden:
This morning, fresh out of the box (or carton), is Orange Juice, with “Rip it Up.” Our Edwyn Collins et al can take on your attractive Abbas and a-has. Not only is this song catchy as hell, it shows that these youngsters also appreciate their elders: check out the Nile Rogers guitar style and the overt sonic and lyric reference to the Buzzcocks at around 2:22. And finally, this song is so good, it inspired a great book about the time period, “Rip It Up” by Simon Reynolds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC7IY46x0HA
But we know that those Swedes are not just sweetness and light, so we’ve brought back The Jesus and Mary Chain. You want existential malaise, we’ve got it. Although the title, “You Trip Me Up,” could reflect Sweden’s desire to stop play at all costs, I chose this song as a reflection of the balance of melody and noise (but then wrapped in black leather). Like Orange Juice, TJAMC also gives a nod to the musicians who came before them, this time making reference to the melody of Chad and Jeremy’s “A Summer Song.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK2nJWNgZBA
Correction: the Wee Three does realize that the Scandinavians are not just a blob of sunlight-challenged, cranky alcoholics, but do comprise multiple countries. Oops, a-ha is a Norwegian band.
And as for the France/Canada match, France is clearly the winner. Although Telephone’s lead singer reminds me of a Iggy/Plant hybrid, I admire the bass player’s joie de vivre and chic pairing of very ugly shorts with a tucked in shirt. C’etait magnifique! And Serge! That voice, that detachment. He shows us that a minimalistic approach can win, esp. when paired with a gauloise.
Team Ireland, sullen and hungover, still stung by their defeat at the hands of the cheerful Jamaican squad, take to the pitch with angry determination. No two-bit sheepf*ckers are going to deny them the right to advance to the next round!
The Undertones don’t pull any punches: “My Perfect Cousin” sails over the stumbling kiwi goalie for a score.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5hnCb-93WY
Then — in a surprise coaching move — Phil Lynott is sent up the right wing. Is it a cross to lumbering Van Morrison? Wait a minute — that’s not Van Morrison! That’s People’s Champion Rory Gallagher, subbing for the wheezing, overweight Van, who so dreadfully let his side down in the team’s opener.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAP80EkH4dg&feature=related
Lynott sends a perfect cross to Gallagher, who turns, kicks and — GOOOOOOL! — with a mighty live take of “Cradle Rock.” One look into Rory’s eyes at minute mark 1:10 strikes terror in the New Zealand defense, and they crumple. Eire go Bragh!
HVB
Whoops — we lost the satellite feed for a moment there. Here’s the replay of the Gallagher goal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAP80EkH4dg&feature=related
Coach k. of the Kickin’ Kiwis of New Zealand had submitted the following strikes in anticipation of Ireland’s desparate effort today. Let’s see how this match plays out!
Sheepf*ckers?
So am I #47 or #3 in this scenario? I get confused.
Wales uber Deutschland? Keine Scheisse.
Elvis IS dancing with convicts, what do you expect him to sing? I give him an extra point for singing “nix, nix” like a bowery boy, and a shiv slim victory to him over Friday On My Mind. While I love that song, it’s making me think of Friday too early, and the Young family has been relied on too heavily. That AC/DC riff is undeniable and Beating Around The Bush seems to be a direct mocking of Dylan’s question as to how we feel in Like A Rolling Stone, so I’m afraid it’s a tie for me. Sorry Aussies, but getting a tie against Elvis is pretty damned good. Why, you owe your sideburns to him!
I dunno if I can vote on a game in my group, but this colonic war is evenly matched somehow. I like that Telephone song much more than the first one, but I’m also a sucker for orchestrated 60s pop numbers like Laughing, which seems to answer my question as to what an Easybeats ballad would sound like with a good singer. Serge is doing a reading over a groove, should I give him credit for his band? But if he’s singing about Brigitte Bardot then I must grant him a shot at least. Damned if I can stand Geddy Lee’s voice either for that matter, but I must credit him for that fine bass riff and taking up 80s AOR space that might have been left to Journey. I believe a slim victory to Canada, but far too close, eh.
mockcarr wrote:
Of course you can! In fact, I trust that we’re all so fair and upstanding around here that we can vote for our own team, should we ever find ourselves in a tiebreaker showdown.
I’m still chewing over the France-Canada match, but I’m still leaning toward Canada. I really admire the coordinated attacks Northvancoveman put forth.
Meanwhile, USA-Australia is just as tough to call! The USA numbers, you would think, could simply throw the sheet music onto the pitch and expect victory, but that AC/DC track made a mess of things. It’s a really strong effort. “Friday On My Mind” is a stone-cold winner in any competition, but Stevie Wright, the singer, is much better heard than seen. Points off for his goofy plays to the camera!
How ’bout Ireland calling on Rory Gallagher so soon? That is a tremendous performance that compliments The Undertones’ back-of-the-net shot, but the Kiwis have put forth a solid effort of their own. It’s gonna be tough, though, for Team New Zealand after Gallagher’s Look at the 1:10 mark – not to mention the guy probably has the best hair and sideburns in the tournament.
The big question, should Ireland win this match, is whether it will prove to be a Pyrrhic victory. Pulling Van Morrison from play so early in the tournament leaves Ireland without gravitas, putting them into the same category as a scrappy team like Australia. Could be trouble should Ireland find itself facing one of rock’s powerhouse nations.
The refs in the Wales-Germany match don’t speak German. Can we get a translation of “Keine Scheisse?” Thanks.
The Jamaicans are relaxing, with Red Stripe and spliffs all around, casually watching New Zealand/Ireland.
Wales Declared Victor Over Germany
Coach Moroder of Germany is at a complete loss for words following the match.
Holy crap, that Split Endz song is awesome! I’ve never heard it before but that’s the aural equivalent of one of those Pele bicycle kicks.
I’m once again underwhelmed by the Undertones. I’m not sure what’s missing there for me but they seem to be less than the sum of their parts. The Rory Gallagher track was pretty good.
So I’m leaning towards NZ at this point. I can’t stream or download the Chills song. But it’s going to have to be pretty bad for Ireland to win this one outright.
If that’s what OJ tastes like we don’t miss it up here near the artic circle. Here, our June mornings last all day, but still we are morose as we ask for help to forget our lost beloved as the his and hers’ skis gather dust in the closet. But the catchy chorus of our S.O.S. makes it all worth while, and we dare to burn our pale skin on the field of grass. Beware of our mirroring effects, we shadow you Scots as the relentless summer sun shadows us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvChjHcABPA
We Lutherans don’t understand your idolatry of raspy drones, when powerful riffs are available. So as to perhaps fall before we can be tripped up, we will Walk Idiot Walk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shbwokU0Y_c
And Dave likes us.
Are you guys watching this Ireland-NZ game? It’s downright shocking what a HUGE difference Gallagher’s work ethic has made for the previously dispirited team. Again, watch Rory from 1:10 onwards. Talk about a natural-born team leader. Even Lynott — still playing with his mirrored shades on — is impressed with Gallagher’s spirit.
That was once again the arctic ABBA and itchy Hives for those links.
I am very suprised by how many cheeks of ass Rory is kicking.
Mr. Mod, it’s probably not even right, but just my college try at No Shit.
“Six Months In a Leaky Boat”?! Okay, the guy gets extra patriotism points for finding a way to shove the Maori word for NZ into the lyrics — but you have to wait until you *score* to wave your country’s flag, Split Enz! And — come on, really — teeing up a song with a false chorus featuring nautical horns and penny-whistles is just silly. This isn’t a figure skating competition!
Sorry to come down so hard on you, New Zealand, but we’ve got a match to win.
Meanwhile, after Gallagher’s net-rending strike, with a simple wave of his hand, he sprints back to the center of the pitch, with no leaping, stripping, sliding or fist pumping to celebrate his achievement. He knows his team comes first, and they need a win today.
HVB
Team Netherlands coach Cesar Zuiderwijk brings his hungry team to the pitch to face Brazil. Following their first match as a severe underdog against USA, the Dutch see an opportunity to gain a point – or more – against a somewhat vulnerable Brazilian squad.
Van Halen will start things off for the Dutch with “Running with the Devil”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E3zUyGzq2k
Then Golden Earring takes the pitch with “She Flies on Strange Wings,” a song that hints at the team’s ace in the hole, “Radar Love,” but may just as likely raise debate about why that song was not played in this winnable match.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZbmmr3vYE8
The 80s pop sheen on that Chills song has the Irish coach (that’s me) calling for a foul. Yellow card, ref!
No foul, HVB. Play on!
I’m glad to see the Irish boyos finally taking this seriously. My Perfect Cousin wins easily, there is far too much outro even without the intro in that holey ship those ex-Celts are singing about. Rory drenched the Sleeping Giants in sweat, I would have appreciated more focus in melody from the Chills, but perhaps I was hoping for something closer to the Verlaines songs I enjoy so much.
FRANCE WINS, FRANCE WINS!
Although I personally have a lot of trouble with Serge, The People have spoken and France has completed a tremendous upset victory over Canada. Again, personally, I’m discouraged by the Hall’s deep aversion to Rush. I thought the boys perfectly complimented Burton Cummings’ performance, possibly as strong a performance as we’ve seen. I guess it was the thrill of discovering Telephone that put France over the top. Congratulations. A star is born.
Netherlands/Brazil – tie
I thought you could use any combination of your three, but if you used your sub then whoever was subbed for had to go out, meaning Van would still be on the roster just not scoring.
Do I have to be the first to say the Canadians got hosed?
mockcarr, Ireland did sub Gallagher in for Van, right? Van is on the roster, but he’s not eligible to play in any more games in this tournament. He still gets to sit on the bench, though, and stretch out before games. Gallagher is now one of three available artists for Team Ireland, along with The Undertones and Thin Lizzy.
In all seriousness, what exactly is a Rory Gallagher? I’ve never heard him before.
Brazil wins, some of it anyway, because that Golden Earring song just started to get on my nerves even more than Office ba babababa ba babababa ba babababa boy did in the second matchup. The first Brazilian song is better, but it really is jazzy, and there’s too many important rock moves in Running With Devil to not make it close in that matchup.
But they were on the ORIGINAL roster, not as a sub, there’s my question, so you’re essentially saying you have two starters and two subs.
I take it back, you’re right, it was Thin Lizzy, not Gallagher on there.
Boston, Rory Gallagher is a great sentimental favorite of mine, about whom I’ve been meaning to post for years now. My man-love for the guy is somewhat unusual, since he’s basically a blooz rocker at heart, and not much of a songwriter. But he was a genuinely brilliant, idiosyncratic blues guitarist, and he was possessed of a sweet demeanor and an INSANE work ethic. Plus, really, he was very punk in his own way. All rock, no attitude, beat-up guitar and flannel shirts, jamming econo long before that was considered antithetical to Rock. Everybody’s got a story about Rory being booked at humongo rock festivals, only to show up 15 minutes before the show in his station wagon, wearing clothes he slept in and would likely play in, bassist sleeping in the back seat. And his live shows were *furious*. I just love the guy. More later; I shouldn’t spoil all the punchlines.
mockcarr, Gallagher was on the original roster, as I think we both would call it, as a SUB:
https://www.rocktownhall.com/blogs/index.php/rth-world-cup-of-rock-n-roll-schedule-and-rules-of-play-announced#c42085
That means each team has 3 starters in play, from which to choose the 2 songs, with 1 sub. I hope this is now clear. Thanks.
There will be no wild nights of moondancing with a brown eyed girl.
Hrrundi, I look forward to this competition’s first human interest feature on an artist. Seriously!
mockcarr wrote:
Worse yet, no “St. Dominic’s Preview” or “Caravan,” two songs that may have caused the English team to raise the white flag!
Thanks for the explanation! He’s one of those guys I’ve always heard about, but never actually heard.
What happened to Telewacker’s flight, was it a Nigerian Nightmare?
I’ve got to see if I can get in touch with sir telewacker. Nigeria had to forfeit its opening match, and now England awaits their arrival.
Yeah, what happens if they forfeit? Does England still have to submit two songs? The Wizards of OZ are burning up a lot of good songs here and I want to be sure that England doesn’t get to stockpile all of their good songs for the later rounds.
I’ll submit England’s two songs to go against Nigeria shortly. Nigeria has until day’s end to appear on the pitch and play the game. As with the first forfeited game, the “winning” team is penalized by losing its two songs AND by not having the opportunity to increase its rock differential. This last quirk in the rules is most disturbing.
You know what, a team that forfeits should get a 2-point rock differential. Germany’s +2 has been restored from its opening win by forfeit. Nigeria has been penalized a -2.
That seems fair, unless listening to nothing is better than listening to the songs submitted.
Team England presents the following two songs for its match with Nigeria:
Elvis Costello & the Attractions, “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding”
The Rolling Stones, “Brown Sugar”
Just in case Nigeria shows up, we’re not messing around!
All those choices, and you pick a song EC didn’t even write? Look out for Berlyant to come out of the stands.
Ha! As Berlyant could quote you, Nick Lowe always credits EC with making his original version much more than Lowe had ever imagined the song being.
True, but the correct response was I Stand Accused.
Nice work, Mod. England is the 800 lb gorilla in this tournament but I’m heartened to see that you didn’t just offer up Maxwell’s Silver Hammer and My Sweet Neo Con. That was a classy move.
I’m in the process of assessing the Scotland-Sweden match. I can’t believe Sweden has now played the top two ABBA songs. The Hives annoy me, but that’s a solid song and performance. Scotland’s Orange Juice entry is strong, but personally I don’t get Jesus and Mary Chain. They’re a serious “Please Explain” band in my book. Before I award the match to Sweden, is there a case to be made for J&MC? Thanks.
I think you still have to submit songs to win by forfeit, if only because if songs were not submitted, both teams would forfeit.
I guess I don’t know much about ABBA because I reckoned SOS further down in their catalog behind a few others.
Is a Beach Boys/Bad Seeds shooutout not an option to settle the US/Australia match? They are the remaining non-subs on each team who have not attempted to score in this round.
I’m agreement with the Mod in that I can’t believe Sweden has played some of its strongest cards already. I thought for sure SOS was going to be saved as a finishing blow for later.
After two rounds in which they faced a then in-turmoil Team Ireland and a Norweigian team hampered by the injury of surprise stars Ruphus, I have to say that it feels like Jamaica’s very strong showing could be just smoke and mirrors.
OK, maybe just smoke.
This is all I need to know about JAMC, from Wikipedia:
In the early days Jim Reid’s guitar would be left out of tune, while Dalglish’s drumkit was limited to two drums, and Hart’s bass guitar only had three strings, down to two by 1985; In Hart’s words “that’s the two I use, I mean what’s the fucking point spending money on another two? Two is enough.”
What do I know about ABBA, mockcarr? All I can say is little tear welled up in my right eye when they did “SOS” in that bizarre movie version of Mama Mia.
bostonhistorian, you have settled the score on the Sweden-Scotland match. SWEDEN WINS! Congrats, mockcarr.
Mamma Mia made me want to stab myself with something rusty.
Wait wait wait….
That description is a *good* thing and scores points in my book for JAMC.
I am deathly afraid that my girlfriend is going to get that movie from Netflix and use her feminine wiles to coerce me into watching it.
alexmagic asked:
The People are not speaking up for a USA challenge. It’s a damn shame – and I feel it myself. A lot of us are Americans, and it’s hard to accept the fact that the US is not going to storm through its bracket. There’s plenty of RTH World Cup action to go, but unless something changes soon USA is hanging on for an outright draw.
My favorite ABBA song has not yet appeared. (One that I have seriously and unironically considered covering.)
As for a shoot out between US and Australia, I still don’t think it’s warranted. I think that Australia has won it outright based on the comments or the poll.
The trouble with the logic behind going from four to three to two-string basses, is it inevitably leads to bands WITH NO BASSES AT ALL.
“USA is hanging on for an outright draw.”
How do you figure? No one have voted for the US, 2 have voted for a tie, and 2 have voted for Australia.
The bass player in my band just has 3 strings on his bass and I’m not convinced that third one is necessary.
Be very afraid mockcarr, although, in my wife’s defense, she let me bolt after fifteen minutes.
cdm, is working the bass on one leg? I can understand then.
“The trouble with the logic behind going from four to three to two-string basses, is it inevitably leads to bands WITH NO BASSES AT ALL.”
Sleater-Kinney would like to speak with you…
is he playing it, I mean. Aw hell, snark is lost with corrections.
Sure, I could use the gig, if they want a bass player.
I still felt some sort of sting.
In all probability, only three of the strings are in tune when I play, so I guess that’s ok, cdm.
I realize my error, I must use the proper “it” pronoun when speaking of bass players. My apologies.
I think a lot of teams are going with the problematic strategy of opening with their best shot(s) for fear of not masking it out of the first round. I know that’s what I did with Brazil, and if I can’t win over the judges with Umbababarauma I’m not sure what I can do but play with my team’s heart on its sleeve.
I mean, once you’ve used Friday on my Mind, you’ve kind of tipped the other teams that your bench is thin. And ACDC only has one move, so eventually using it over and over is going to fall short.
Btw far be it from Brazil to question ethnicity/nationality/race, since Brazil’s whole culture is based around mixing it up. But still the idea that Van Halen can represent the Netherlands is, as we say in Portuguese, ‘totally bogus.’ And it’s also another example of the ACDC problem — a one-dimensional player.
Point of clarification!!! As the coach for Team Scotland, I felt that one negative and false Wikipedia notation should not be enough to call an offside foul. And Mr. Mod asked for the case to be made for TJAMC.
The track, “You Trip Me Up” is from the album, Psychocandy, and the drummer is not Danglish. The drummer is Bobbie Gilespie, and he reported that his choice of snare and floor tom is in reference to Moe Tucker’s minimalist kit. Bobbie Gilespie also gets kudos for his later production skills and heading Primal Scream.
I don’t know enough about the bass to say how the number of strings impacts the quality of the sound. But TJAMC wanted an aggressive and distorted sound, hence the use of multiple guitars, feedback and lack of tuning (at times). It’s the dark yang to the more Beachboys-ish yin and melody.
Finally, TJAMC were admitted amateurs and punk, DIY fans who lived in less than affluent area of Scotland. Their poppy riffs were purposefully altered with loud, angry noise. They were reacting to the synth pop that was the norm in Britain in the previous years as well as to the Thatcher political climate that had altered the affluence of the Northern Britain. Their angry sound, mopey but witty demeanor and f-you attitude were a return to rock and roll and a reflection of their times.
The poll on the USA-Australia match has gotten a little tighter. Here’s something I need to understand – and first, know that I understand and feel the visceral impact of the underdog Aussie assault in this match: In what way has USA fallen short by firing “Jailhouse Rock” and “Like a Rolling Stone”? I can’t buy – who was it – bostonhistorian’s point that “Like a Rolling Stone” is one of the most overrated songs in rock.
Just so you know, the reason I’m taking this decision so seriously is because an Aussie upset, which IS very possible, may prevent the USA from moving past the first round of play and totally rewrite the history of rock ‘n roll, enabling a club like England to storm through the inaugural tournament unchallenged. Already this match has dealt serious implications to planning for the 2014 RTH World Cup of Rock ‘n Roll.
If BigSteve is settled and able to submit a third strike, I will ask that he does so on behalf of his Brazil team, which with 2 minutes of injury time left to play is in a deadlock with the Netherlands. The Netherlands will submit its third strike as soon as BigSteve confirms his ability to take part in this possible tie-breaker. (Then he can respond to the Dutch strike.) Thanks!
Mod: I have plans for England, provided that neither one of us gets eliminated before we meet on the pitch.
I sense you’ve been dragging your feet because you weren’t happy with the outcome of poll. Correct?
The Netherlands is calling on its sub, Shocking Blue, as Dutch rock icon Herman Brood leaves the field to a heartfelt round of applause. For the possibly game-breaking third strike from the Dutch, Shocking Blue offers the snakey “Mighty Joe”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhWJmMUMufk&feature=related
Mr. Moderator:
Let the Dylan supporters convince us of the merit of “Like A Rolling Stone”. As far as I can tell, it’s the Dylan song for people who don’t like music. “Jailhouse Rock” is simply another one of Elvis’ movie songs, a cut or two above “(There’s) No Room to Rhumba in a Sports Car” and “Clambake” to be sure, but I certainly don’t feel that Elvis has any emotional connection to the song.
No, cdm, it’s not the poll that I’m unhappy with but the lack of response to the poll. I was hoping for a larger sample size to guide this decision. It looks like there’s since been a growing sense of urgency from all sides. A decision will be forthcoming.
IRELAND DEFEATS NEW ZEALAND…BUT IS IT A PYRRHIC VICTORY?
What’s the hurry?
I’ll explain later…
The crowd rorars its approval… but Ireland’s coach (that’s me) wants to know what the goal differential was. Or is that not important? I’m confused. Or maybe that’s the Guinness talking.
The rock differential was +1 for Ireland, HVB. You entered the match at -1, so now you’re back to even.
Can you explain how the rock differential is calculated? In this match, I mean — how did it work out?
To go through all the calculations involved, HVB, would be tedious. Essentially it came down to the fact that both of your strikes made an impression on the judges pretty much evenly (with the exception of that Undertones-hating cdm), whereas as supporters of New Zealand were more likely to rally around the Split Enz track, which we might say had an “eye-opening” effect on a couple of Townspeople. I actually like that Chills song, but it seemed to underperform in this contest.
I would hesitate to use the word “hate”. I would say “ambivalence” is more accurate.
The Dutch are content to ape Anglo-American forms, but I guess it’s not their fault they’re very white. Brazil refuses to be anything but itself and insists on dancing to its own drummer. Damn the consequences.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUjGKcoBZu8
This is an excerpt from a duet performance by teammates Jorge and Gilberto. Gil recently resigned as Brazil’s Minister of Culture in part so he could get into shape for the Cup.
Not only am I playing this double whammy, but Caetano Veloso, who technically is still being held in reserve on the bench, can be seen here dancing along to the music (that’s him in the yellow shirt with the fan). I’m their coach, and I can’t even guess what kind of trance they’ve gone into, but I’m going to get out of the way and let my boys play *their* game.
Team NZ can accept a loss to Ireland, they brought good tunes, especially Rory Gallagher. The Undertones do what the Undertones always do. We’ve got a plan for our matchup against Jamaica.
For other matches, Brazil over Holland. Two excellent numbers (Gilberto sits on the bench!) vs two mediocre attempts by the Dutch.
While waiting for his team’s next match against a fiendishly plotting New Zealand side, the Jamaican coach offers up a Scottish take on Jamaican ska (Skattish?), the one man band Gugug playing “Guns of Navarone”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7jAahzzlw4
This guy just flat out rocks and has excellent taste in music…
In response to the Van Halen issue, I am reminded that both of the Young brothers in ACDC were, in fact, born in Scotland.
Team Canada Update:
Canada will not request a referee review, although numerous reports suggest the official’s uniforms curiously consisted of a beret, neck tie-scarf and a shirt striped horizontally instead of vertically.
This picture of the ref was snapped just after the match:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/B000I5TXRI/ref=dp_image_text_0?ie=UTF8&n=468292&s=kids
In other news: Neil Young up and stretching.
Well played, BigSteve! Brazil pulls one out!
plasticsun wrote:
Man, that would be a damaging blow to Team Australia if not for the fact that the band qualifies owing to the Australian birth of some of the other band members…I think!
Counting stated opinions in the Comments plus poll results Townspeople have provided the following thoughts on the outcome of the USA-Australia match:
USA wins: 7
Austalia wins: 9
Tie: 9
Clearly Australia has eked out one of the toughest victories imagined! Congratulations, Australia.
ACDC are Australian – hmm… two Scots with two Englishmen, singer Brian Johnson and bassist Clint Williams. One Aussie – Phil Rudd, who quit for several years(as Australians rarely do when it comes to drinking). Disqualification?
Wow, while I’ll admit to most probably being outcoached by cdm, I have to say that Bostonhistorian’s comments most definitely hit Team USA hard. I didn’t get a chance to make my vote, and I wouldn’t have voted anyway because that’s just tacky to vote for yourself, as is blowing your own horn (something cdm certainly didn’t do).
But by now you probably see my Lou Holtz/Jim Tressel method of coaching and seeing every opponent as a real threat. I thought some of my comments earlier were off the record, but good reporting got my comments out to the public. I’m just glad that in private and in public, my team knows that even though the artist I’m the biggest fan of is sitting on the bench, I take full responsibility for the turnout of today’s match. I have no idea how points are scored here (and true American that I am, I refuse to bother to learn!), but I’m here to say that we’ll be bringing our A game to the next game, as we will with any game we’re lucky enough to play. Congratulations, Australia! I sincerely hope this tournament allows us to meet again, but like I said, I have no idea how it really works!
But waht I’d most like to know are two things:
Jailhouse Rock from the 68 Comeback – uncool? Really? Don’t tell Elvis, but I have 0 (that’s a zero) Elvis songs in my collection, and I was completely wowed by that one. It was just Elvis, supposedly past his prime, all alone on stage, and I have to admit – I’m gonna get me some Elvis.
Dylan’s Like A Rolling Stone bores me to tears usually, too. But I had never seen it from the era it was recorded. Like one of the YouTube comments, I had to say, “Wow, this just keeps getting better and better the longer it goes on.”
So we here in the USA are sticking with our guns that got us here. I’m sure my decisions will be scrutinized on WFMU for decades to come, but as I said before, it wasn’t the fault of the team, it was the coaching staff, and that means the buck stops here.
I have heard rumors of doping and forged birth certificates by the Aussies, but we won’t be lodging any complaints after the fact.
2K, you are truly a Class Act. As Commissioner, may I say you bring out the best in this game. As a fellow American, I share your confusion over how exactly these games are scored yet trust in the power of a well-executed rock attack. As coach of the English team, I hope we get to meet on the pitch and inspire the best each of our artists has to give!
Unfortunately the Nigerian team is still missing in action. A full-scale investigation is underway, but they have forfeited their match vs England.
Comments will close on this thread. A new thread for the final set of games in Round 1 of play will open shortly. Let the games continue! Thanks to all of you who have been playing along.