UPDATES:
Jamaica-New Zealand draw; Scotland edges France.
Ireland edges out Norway; Wales wins by forfeit.
Scotland submits its strikes for key match vs France.
England edges Germany.
USA recovers from upset at the hands of Australia to win top spot in Group A.
Canada stays in the hunt with win over Sweden.
Norway awaits Ireland.
The Netherlands exits tournament with victory over Australia.
Brazil and USA get match underway!
A final set of games is scheduled for Round 1 play. Following these games the top two teams in each flight will move forward in the tournament. A number of teams are within range of securing one of those precious spots. A few teams will be playing for little more than national pride and the future dreams of their national rock ‘n roll programs.
Matches to watch:
- USA v Brazil will determine who moves along in Group A with Australia to the next round of play.
- Another forfeit by Nigeria v Wales almost ensures that Wales will progress (Germany faces England and, should Wales win by forfeit and increase their rock differential by 2 more points, would not only need to win but would need to blow out the English squad).
- A New Zealand win over Jamaica will not ensure the Kiwis of moving forward thanks to the squad’s lack of positive rock differential. Ireland, which is also at 0, plays the hapless Norwegian club.
- In Group D, a win by France over Scotland ensures their moving forward with Sweden. Meanwhile, the underachieving Canadian club needs a resounding victory over the Swedes coupled with a loss by France to have a chance to land the second spot.
Following are the standings to date and the remaining schedule for the opening round of play. Teams scheduled to play their third game 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!
*=Clinched advance to second round.
GROUP A (Points [Rock Differential])
*USA: 6 [+3]
*Australia: 6 [+1]
Brazil: 3 [-1]
Netherlands: 3 [-3]
GROUP B (Points [Rock Differential])
*England: 9 [+4]
*Wales: 6 [+3]
Germany: 3 [-1]
Nigeria: 0 [-4]
GROUP C (Points [Rock Differential])
*Jamaica: 7 [+4]
*Ireland: 6 [+1]
New Zealand: 4 [0]
Norway: 0 [-1]
GROUP D (Points [Rock Differential])
*Sweden: 6 [+1]
*Canada: 4 [+1]
Scotland: 4 [0]
France: 3 [-2]
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
England has wrapped up a spot among Group B. We’ll resist an in-your-face victory lap with The Beatles’ “Sie Liebt Dich,” we’re gonna rest the veterans and let our relative youngsters, Elvis Costello & The Attractions, close things out with this twofer of “Lipstick Vogue” and “Watching the Detectives”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCaDyN2kLcM&feature=related
I just want to say that first round of matches was absolutely sensational. Unfortunately, like the games in South Africa, I was asleep during most of the action. As an Australian, I am proud that we (note use of plural pronoun) have advanced to the second round.
And though the Young boys may have been spawned in Scotland, their first major league performances were in Australian colours so – go us!
(Thrilled by the performance of Rory Gallagher in snatching victory for Ireland, too. Sorry, Kiwis.)
Not for nothin, but Group C doesn’t add up.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all of the people who helped make this victory possible (wife, Jesus, all the little people, et al).
2KMan, that was a hell of a match. I will now admit that I was not expecting that Comeback Special version of Jailhouse Rock and I feared for the worst when I saw it. It definitely has a little something extra going on in it. And I don’t get bored of LARS. I think a large part of the Aussie attack was the element of surprise so the longer the poll stayed open, the more nervous I got…
Hey Mod, Do the points carry over from round to round? Or do the teams who make it to round 2 start with no points again?
Also, I am really enjoying this tournament. Kudos to Mr. Mod for all the organizing. While it is probably one of the dorkier things that I’ve done (and I played Dungeons and Dragons once in high school), it’s been a lot of fun so far. It’s got me thinking that we should have some sort of March Madness Tournament for different US cities/states/regions. Think about the teams from Detroit, Memphis, Minnesota, Ohio, No Cal, So Cal, etc. For solo artists, we could base their eligibility on their home town/state in order to keep LA, and NY from being to top heavy.
Brazil cannot hope to go downbeat to downbeat with the US squad. My only hope is try to confuse them and throw them off their game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpDzJRepUxo
My Portuguese interpreter tells me that Soy Loco Por To America means “I’m crazy for you, America.” I’m hoping the US players will be to flummoxed by what they take to be an expression of affection that they’ll think the crazy Brazilians are polymorphously and perversely hitting on them. They’re too narrow-minded to realize that there’s more to America than the US, and that the Brazilians are bringing the whole history of western hemisphere colonialism to bear on the match.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i7r3wn8ICw
My other strategy is to go avant garde with this Felliniesque clip. Yes, Caetano is finally coming off the bench and substituting for Bonde do Role, whose youthful enthusiasm has been a mixed blessing. (I thought rock was a young man’s game, but everyone seems to be going with their veterans.)
Estrangeiro was coproduced my Arto Lindsay, whose extraterrestrial guitar can be heard frequently. My hope is that atonalism, the brief glimpse of Sting in body paint, and the ballerina showing her boobs will distract the overconfident Yanks and allow the modernist lyrics and the synthesized version of indigenous rhythms to change the course of the game.
We Swedes would like to thank France and Scotland for their fair play and good musicianship, so we cannot in good conscience lay down for Canada by subjecting everyone to something like, say, Fernando, even though every bit of ABBA’s glacial courage and palindromic melodic mastery will be necessary in the knockout round. Since we are going through, I would like to offer an ABBA song out that was referenced in a fine song from a favorite Swedish band of mine left off the team –
Money Money Money – ABBA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCkOmcIl79s
[Here’s the Merrymakers reminding me of it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArOWNmxYASU&feature=related]
The Hives may be wearing thin, but my roster is thinner. I’ll pick “Die, All Right”, which Pelle has an introduction in French and English for the benefit of our Canadian foes in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hPSNEtwzE8
Knowing the fine rocking countries we will face soon, we may die, all right, but
NOT…RIGHT…NOW
Is +4 right for Jamaica? They beat Ire by 1 and Norway by 3? I would think that skunking the opponent would result in 2-0. Not complaining about the officiating but a 4 pt deficit seems impossible to overcome.
But overcome we must. And stop mocking me from the Amazon link on the right, Rory, you feckin bastid.
Thanks to those of you who are keeping track of the rock differentials. To be honest I can’t remember all that went into Jamaica’s +4. Didn’t they absolutely spank Norway? I think the +3 may have been a result of that – or my own challenges with math.
As for cdm’s question about whether points carry over, the answer to that is NO. In NCAA hoops fasion, Round 2 will pit the Great Eight in single-game elimination matches within brackets, so Australia, for instance, will face the brutal task of a rematch with the victor of today’s USA-Brazil match.
Once we’re down to the Final Four we will match the winners of every other group, so Group A will play Group C and Group B will play Group D. Brutal!
The Jamaican coach doesn’t understand the scoring either, since he had to use up three songs against Ireland, while Ireland only used two, so maybe that’s the difference? But it’s all part of Jah’s plan, right mon? In my reading, Jamaica is through to the next round, regardless.
Man, you are really killing Australia with that setup. They have to face the US twice to get to the semifinals? I thought this would be like the cup stuff where 1st place group A faces 2nd place group B and like that.
I have to agree with the Aussie coach – while this is certainly a dorky exercise, I’m a dorky guy and I’m having a lot of fun with it. The YouTube videos add a lot, but they also limit some things (Are my guys all represented by the RIAA or something?). I wish I could find more Dylan videos.
I have to admit, I never thought I’d say that in my life!
Anyway, my picks are mailed in, and I’ll watch the match later this afternoon.
Team Germany coach Giorgio Moroder has sent in his strikes for a highly unlikely match against the already qualified England:
mockcarr wrote:
So THAT’S how they do it… Let me see if I can get my head around that system instead. I’m willing to consider using that format. Any help in helping me further understand the FIFA system would be appreciated. If #1 in Group A plays #2 in Group B and #1 in Group C plays #2 in Group D, does #1 in Group B play #2 in Group A or Group C?
Team USA has submitted its strikes vs Brazil. Direct from coach 2K:
With no hope of advancing, the Netherlands will give it one more push vs Round 1 upsetters Australia. Dutch coach Cesar Zuiderwijk will call on his own band, Golden Earring, to play its nation’s greatest contribution to rock ‘n roll, “Radar Love”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeRa3RtBiIU
Shocking Blue will close out the match with another tune of national pride, the excellent “Venus”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJqh6au7Ol0
“In retrospect,” noted Zuiderwijk, “we may have leaned too heavily on Van Halen in the early rounds. Perhaps we should have gone in for the kill from the start of tournament play and seen what momentum we could establish from there.”
We here at Team Australia are well aware of the general opinion that we are nothing but musical brutes, winning our games with a ham-fisted technique completely lacking in subtleties or finesse. We respond by first lulling the Dutch into a state of confusion with Nick Cave gem:
Where the Wild Roses Grow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8srgfw7GDkM
and then sealing the deal with more lunkheaded, yet undeniable ROCK:
Easybeats – Sorry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drNqZWzj5GY
I just looked at the FIFA bracket and in their tournament, Group A winner plays Group B second place, Group B winner plays Group A second place, Group C winner plays Group D second place, Group D winner plays Group C second place.
Group A winner and Group C winner’s games are on the same side of the bracket, as are the Group B winner and group D winner.
Of course they also have twice as many teams in the single-elimination round than RTH does.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/bracket?cc=5901&ver=us
USA/Brazil:
I really like that first Brazilian song, but I think I’m a bit of a musical xenophobe, and as such, I only have so much capacity to appreciate what I consider to be non-rock. I recognize that this is my failing, not the songs, but the bottom line is that you can’t fit a pint’s worth of beer into a shot glass.
As for the second song, the boobs really could have gone a long way to helping out Brazil, but that shot was immediately followed by a close-up of some dude’s nose hair and I never really recovered after that.
Even the douche-baggery that emanates from Mike Love cannot detract from the greatness of Help Me Rhonda. And Team Australia is willing to overlook the King’s snide comments largely due to the strength of the song and the band.
USA takes it.
England/Germany:
A solid offering by the Germans, but Lipstick Vogue is one of my favorites by Elvis Costello. The rules-following Germans appeared baffled by the controlled chaos that is the Attractions.
Another win for England.
Thanks for the FIFA bracketing details, bostonhistorian! We’ll follow their model.
I’ve gotta hand it to Brazil for competing in this tournament with more national pride than any other nation in the bunch, but man, I needed a lot more boob from the ballerina to offset yellow card violation for nose hair that followed! That Caetano song was pretty cool, but I’d say it was no match for The King at the height of his late-reign powers and the Beach Boys sporting the best kits (that’s what they call uniforms in soccer, right?) in the tournament (mad props to the Hives, in this area, as well). Unless there is a wave of opinion counter to my thoughts on the matter, it looks like USA will move onto the second round…
I’m beginning to assess the Australia-Netherlands match now, but let me say that, for starters, the Aussies demonstrate much better nasal hair care than the Brazilians. Can’t Brazil develop a wax for that part of the body?
All right, that Kylie Minogue-Nick Cave tune, despite the exquisite display of nose hair grooming, was a deal-breaker! Australia should have used a Nick Cave-Polly Jean Harvey duet if they wanted to appeal to the judges’ sense of dirty rock sex appeal. And what’s with Minogue pulling that Pre-Raphaellite woman in the stream motif after PJ Harvey did it so much better in that “Down By the River” video, or whatever that song was called? I know it’s unfair to hold the video against the song, but the Cave-Minogue duet comes off like a Taster’s Choice commercial.
“Sorry,” meanwhile, almost singlehandedly forced a draw, but…THE NETHERLANDS WINS! Australia will move forward regardless. Thanks for playing, Team Netherlands.
Michty me, have ye no’ found the way to the Jesus and Mary Chain? Although The Wee Three is still wondering how the Rock Town Hall-ers have yet to see the merits of this find ensemble, we will gladly assist with any future play (especially if it means aiding the underdogs).
A lot is riding on your match vs France, Team Scotland. A tartan nation turns its lonely eyes to you!
I thought I was playing the Netherlands.
Anywho, I only wanted to use as much venom as was necessary for the kill but I knew I was cutting it close on that one.
Jeez, you were, and it was the Netherlands that won a match, pulling out all stops a match too late.
You were wise to play it close to the vest, cdm, although I’m surprised you played “Sorry” in that match. I own a ton of Easybeats, but it’s hard finding many more songs that most rock fans will agree on as stone-cold winners among their odd catalog. The more I think about it, though, you’re deep in AC/DC, and Cave’s got enough to offer, if played just right. You’ve also got fresh legs in the Hoodoos.
The judges’ love of Steppenwolf has put a scare into Team England. I did not expect Moroder to go All Steppenwolf in his club’s possibly final match. I thought German pride would ensure the inclusion of at least one suspect Krautrock number, allowing Elvis and the Attractions to carry the match. I’m leaning toward awarding Germany a tie, but I’ll listen to all arguments.
Yeah, I still think the absence of Magic Carpet Ride was a sign that Germany was already thinking of drowning their sorrows on the Reeperbahn. I give the edge to Elvis.
I needed to see the other side of Kylie in that video to have it trump Radar Love – Sorry wins over the excellent Venus, though, so I call it a draw, myself.
I didn’t know it was supposed to be “at your desire” and not “pure desire” in Venus; another misheard lyric for me.
I agree with a solid US win over Brazil also. But that performance of Help Me Rhonda featured one of the least soloey guitar solos I’ve ever seen.
As a Canadian of Scottish decent, I am hoping for a little luck today.
As for my match against Sweden, I offer up this:
-Neil Young comes off the bench, finally, with “Down by the River”
-The Guess Who bring it with “These Eyes”
I wouldn’t be worried if I were the Aussie coach – I know at least three more excellent Easybeats songs. I guess I don’t know if anyone ELSE would think so, though.
As good as that selection is, those eyes have not seen more tears than either of the ABBA women.
Rather than play music, Norway has decided to issue the following “statements” to the international rock community in the form of their two strikes against Ireland today.
From Mayhem:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0HX8d3SKzA
Burzum’s Varg Virkenes, at his sentencing for the arson and murder of a former Mayhem guitarist:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqMZrMx6mkM&feature=related
WOW, that “Money Money” song by ABBA really blows! No wonder they were open to a patented RTH BULLSHIT ON! designation a couple of years ago. Canada wins this match going away, putting even more pressure on France and Scotland today!
“one of the least soloey guitar solos I’ve ever seen”
Perfect!
And, ladymiss, keep in mind that Bob Marley is half-Scottish.
Venus always makes me think of the Bananarama version where they sing “And Venus was his name” which strikes me as one of the worst attempts to regender a song.
I’m going with England and the U.S., and thinking about Australia/Netherlands
Hey, for that second link, that Norge dude forgot to LEAVE THE COUNTRY like a proper Viking before he started killing and burning. Sheesh.
I dunno if Ireland can match up with this. Imagine if Courtney Love had made necklaces out of Cobain’s skull?
Actually, I can sort of imagine it.
Wha… ? I had no idea “double shots” were allowed in this contest!
Good point, all he’d need to do is use the Beatles #1 Album and he’d win.
There are no rules about double shots. In fact, I believe the official rules at the start of this tournament stated that a team could be compose of “up to three artists plus sub.” A few nations briefly considered entering only two artists.
USA wins and claims top spot in Group A based on rock differential!
So is the Netherlands/Australia match over? I saw some disagreement in the comments.
As for using Sorry after we had already secured our place in the next round:
a. I still wanted to give the Netherlands a good game. I sure wish we had gone up against Van Halen though.
b. I am trying to avoid ACDC fatigue among the judges.
Sorry for the quick judgment on your match, cdm, but I thought the Netherlands left it all out on the pitch. Unfortunately, USA took over the top spot in your group, which I believe means you’ll get to test out your strategy for England in Round 2.
Of the remaining games, what are we looking at?
Group B: England v Germany: The People seem to think England edged out Germany’s best effort. A “W” for England?
Group C: Ireland v Norway: All Ireland needs to do is field a couple of songs and avoid pissing off the Pope and this game should be in the bag, right?
Group B: Wales v Nigeria: Given Nigeria’s track record, Wales needs to field a team to possibly pick up a win by forfeit and 2 rock differential points. If Germany doesn’t pick up at least a point with a tie vs England then Wales has clinched a spot in Round 2.
Group C: Jamaica v New Zealand: Jamaica’s in, but New Zealand’s playing for all the marbles, especially considering the rock differential that Ireland can pick up in its likely win over Norway.
Group D: Scotland v France: A win by Scotland, then depending on its resulting rock differential, will make the final results in Group D VERY INTERESTING!
Sweden/Canada
I’m not the biggest Hives fan but they are really bringing it in this tournament. Great sound, great look (especially that bass player with the cheesy mustache) exciting stuff. I get tired of them quickly whenever I’ve heard more than a few songs of theirs in a row, but a song every day or so really works for them. They’re a great tournament band.
Then there’s ABBA. I’m pre-ABBA but holy crap that’s a bad song, and it’s made worse by the old-timey arm garters and striped vests that Bjorn and Bennie are wearing.
These Eyes maybe the best that the Guess Who has to offer.
Down By the River is undeniable. As Admiral Yamamoto famously said, “I fear we have awoken a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve.”
Canada wins.
should read “pro-ABBA”
Great poiont about The Hives’ ability as a tournament band! I’m with you 100%, cdm. From my perspective AC/DC’s also built for tournament play.
I agree about ACDC.
So if we had tied, we’d be playing Wales in the next round?
I think I’ve been watching too much SCTV, and it affected my ABBA choice.
Lots of match and decisions already made. I know Brazil/USA has been decided but thanks to BigSteve I listen to all his selections. Love Gil, the ex-Minister of Culture.
Elvis Costello with the Attractions are always better than Steppenwolf. Lawdy Mama was neat. It is one of those songs I only need to hear once every year or so.
Canada gets a win with Neil and my 2nd fav Guess Who track. Left “No Time” on the bench?
Oh and between that dreadful ABBA video and the Norse ranting its like watching the Eurovision song contest here. Bring on the Estonians!
k
“No Time” was Team Canada’s first Guess Who song out of the gate. Coupled with some April Wine, was only enough to win a draw against Scotland, though.
I hope the Scots can continue their strong play against the French today. We’re having too much fun to quit now!
Team Ireland responds to those Norwegian death metal creeps with a sunny blast of interview positivity, coupled with some great flat-picked acoustic guitar, courtesy of team captain Rory Gallagher:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvxCPa27SvI&feature=related
Now, for the real counterstrike: an interview with not just Phil Lynott, but Phil Lynott’s mom! There’s so much love and positivity going around in this interview, I think I may hurl myself out a window. But that’s just what we needed, after the murder, arson, anger, hatred, satan worship, skull-fragment necklaces and other insanities brought to us by Norway. The crowd cheers, the vuvuzelas blare forth with a heavenly chorus of approbation, and the stadium lights up with the gleam of 100,000 bright African smiles!
Make sure you watch this from 0:54 onwards:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9ZBCDJhCRE&feature=related
HVB
The Glaswegians are ready with two football-themed titles:
Once again, Orange Juice make an appearance. “Falling and Laughing” is the band’s first single and the kick-off of the Postcard label. Edwyn’s lyrics do not reflect the Wee Three’s tendency to pull a foul. Instead, his musings about the start of a love affair should top any philosophical discussions about love that the French throw our way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GiyN_Ybm-k
And The Jesus and Mary Chain are back with a later, 1989 number, “Head On.” Refs, note cool “Love” t-shirt and (semi) expanded drum kit. This tuneful number was later covered by the Pixies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGp47YwDZ48
It’s official: England has narrowly edged Germany. The Steppenwolf double shot really impressed the English lads, but The People did not share my enthusiasm. Nice job, Germany. We hope to see you in 2014.
This Norway /Ireland match is a mess. While the Mod has come up with a novel way to play Norway without subjecting us to Black Metal, a Phil Lynott interview is NEVER a proper substitute for a Thin Lizzy tune (great, great band).
Rory Gallagher reminds me of a crazy friend of mine from NJ who sings folk songs in original Gaelic and once played with a state-fair touring version of the Outlaws. I’ll mention Rory to him; he probably worships the guy.
… and n.vancman I was sure you played “Undun”. My bad for not taking a minute to check back.
I think for the second round people should be encouraged to post mp3’s of the original versions of the songs or otherwise point to them. I’ve been posting youtube clips because I’m away from my music collection.
Brazil wouldn’t mind losing so much to the original versions of Suspicious Minds or Help Me Rhonda, but watching The King piss (or at least sweat) all over his legacy was painful.
I had to play this to cleanse my ears.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-0PSw7ScJY
Actually for those two songs, people could probably just say their titles. I think we all know them.
Anyway Brazil isn’t too tore up by its loss, esp since they’re one of the favorites to win the actual World Cup.
I’m of the opinion that the RTH tourney is USA’s to lose.
Team France is eager to return to the pitch. There was a slight delay while we ran out to buy more cigarettes and Bordeaux for Monsieur Gainsbourg.
Serge Gainsbourg “Requiem For A Con”. I know many town hall members are unsure what to make of the dirty Frenchman. This song should leave little doubt why we should be in the next round. Loosely translated a “con” means a prick or shameless jerk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELxr5asAe-4
Telephone – Serrez
I just can’t sit my offensive all stars. They are a little fatigued, but certainly up to whipping some tartan ass.
Coach Cliff Sovinsanity
With Telephone link…
Team France is eager to return to the pitch. There was a slight delay while we ran out to buy more cigarettes and Bordeaux for Monsieur Gainsbourg.
Serge Gainsbourg “Requiem For A Con”. I know many town hall members are unsure what to make of the dirty Frenchman. This song should leave little doubt why we should be in the next round. Loosely translated a “con” means a prick or shameless jerk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELxr5asAe-4
Telephone – Serrez
I just can’t sit my offensive all stars. They are a little fatigued, but certainly up to whipping some tartan ass.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVaZlok50go
Coach Cliff Sovinsanity
I can’t make heads or tails of the bracket system but I need to know who Team Australia would be facing in the next round if the match against the Netherlands had been a tie. I may need to file a protest…
That Serge track is tre merde and the Juice is not cutting it either, so for me this comes down to Telephone vs JAMC.
Telephone once again is a stunning surprise. Great track. Who would have thunk it.
Unfortunately, the Scos have played what I consider to be their trump card. This is Scotland’s No Matter What or their Radar Love.
Match: Scotland
Scotland / France
Orange Juice just refuses to push that Nik Kershaw button and I cannot abide that barking part at the end.
Best J&MC song in my opinion. Score and Scotland supporters Teenage Fanclub go wild!
The Telephone/Serge combo that worked so well last time has lost it’s element of surprise. That Serge clip may be the coolest thing I’ve seen in a while but I also think that about “cool” 60’s films like Beyond the Valley of the Dolls and Blow Up that I can’t defend the next day.
Scotland wins 1 – 0.
Message from Team France:
We are a little shocked by the early comments suggesting that we are bringing more of the same. It is a little unfair to compare our strikes with the previous game. We’re sticking with our heavy hitters for now.
Sure, we could have easily played Francoise Hardy and France Gall, but then we would have been ripped for being too lite.
Further, playing the JAMC “trump card” with Head On shows a lot of desperation at this point…oui ou non??
Seemingly Nigeria has lost internet access. Nonetheless, Wales will send out Tom Jones with the Welsh national anthem “Delilah”, and just to keep in shape and honor the late Peter Quafe (lead singer Gruff Rhys looks very Kinky in this video), the Super Furry Animals will send out “If You Don’t Come Me to Destroy You” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dp9P0NbNes&feature=related
Will Nigeria show up?
Catching up after a long night trying to get a cool, little tube stereo amp and speakers hooked up. It’s an audiophile affair, meaning it looks amazing, sounds amazing, and involves cables and terms that I couldn’t figure out for the life of me. Finally I put a call into my man Sethro, who hooked me up in no time. Then we sat around and listened to some dollar-bin albums from the ’70s he recently picked up and cleaned in his super-duper-fancy-pants vinyl cleaner, so that they now sound like German true stereo, 360-gram, virgin sacrificed vinyl. I think I got at least one good thread out of our session. Anyhow…
cdm, if we move ahead with the World Cup format, you would be poised to play England. Let me think about it. I’m sure no one wants to play England, but someone will have to and someone will have to play the ultimate game to take them down. Maybe I can pick matchups out of a hat or consult Eno’s special deck of cards.
As for the ongoing matches, we can let them ride into tomorrow. We won’t start the next round of play until Monday – the pace has been grueling, and there are probably some Townspeople who shun the sports-rock themes we occasionally get into who need to sink their teeth into an old-fashioned, palette-cleansing Last Man Standing or whatever.
I’m leaning toward the analysis some others have shared re: Scotland-France. I admired many aspects in the Orange Juice song, but they always blow it for me in some way. This is a terrible thing to say, but they just don’t seem like guys I could ever hang out and just be a guy. In a social sense, when I listen to their music, I’m reminded of people who, just as I feel like I’m getting to know something about them, flit off to another topic. Maybe it’s my fault.
On the other hand, the Jesus & Mary Chain song was SOLID! I actually liked that one. I forgot that I could sometimes enjoy their music. This song sounds more like how their music is described by critics. I can totally hear The Pixies covering this song. It sounds like the kind of Pixies song I can like. All in all, a strong showing by the Scottish team, although I would have killed for Teenage Fanclub in this competition.
I agree that Telephone has delivered another strong, previously unknown entry. This one, however, never quite hits that point of transcendence that I’m expecting as the song builds, but it sticks in the back of the net. The Gainsbourg clip starts like a house on fire. The cinematography helps a lot, but the backing music is very cool. Then Gainsbourg does his talk-sing-smoke routine and I start feeling like the old guy, who walks out of the studio with little emotion. If Gainsbourg had made half an attempt at exerting energy he would have been the original Richard Hell. I can sense the cool, but I get nothing from him musically.
How ’bout Ireland trying to fight fire – or interview clips – with fire? A totally unexpected response. I still don’t get Phil Lynott. I went on to watch a few more videos of him, and he strikes me as a big sad-sack who was sweet enough for others to want to have hang around. Gallagher seems like a lot more fun. However, wouldn’t the worst Thin Lizzy song have put the match out of reach? I’m curious to hear what others think about this one.
Thanks to Wales for putting forth some strong numbers in a likely forfeit by Nigeria. Giving everyone another day may enable sir telewacker to get back on line and play out a match.
BigSteve, I like your idea of having all, or at least more, audio clips for the final rounds. We should be able to make that so, but you’ve got to admit that back-to-back videos contrasting nose hair grooming styles of Brazil and Australia (?) would not have been possible if we didn’t use this quick-and-easy way of sharing tunes.
Thanks again to all who’ve participated so far and who will participate in the coming week. For those who’ve been sitting this tournament out, other content is appearing – and you’re always welcome to launch your own threads for our discussion! I mean it, not a day goes by that I don’t take a minute to marvel at all the creative rock thinkers who hang in these hallowed halls.
Jamaica has put forth its roster for its match vs New Zealand. Coach bostonhistorian sends the following:
By the way, we talked offlist about the role of King Tubby, primarily a dub producer, as Artist. The dub producer takes other people’s material and reshapes it as something new. Sometimes he’s credited as the artist, sometimes not, but I was thinking about someone like Mickey Dread, whose dub versions of Clash songs are thought of as Mickey Dread songs that are guesting on Clash albums. Make sense?
Ah, Mr. Mod, you have guessed the Scottish team’s substitute. I’ve been holding out on bringing in Teenage Fan Club. Although the musicians have appeared on several of the Orange Juice/Edwyn Collins videos that you can find on YouTube. If Scotland makes it to the next round, TFC will be starting off.
Have a good weekend, y’all. You deserve some rest.
And to Les Bleus – Requiem For A Con is one of Team Scotland’s favorite tracks…
Les Bleus part deux – I am still saving what I consider the best JAMC song. Ah, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I’m confused by Ireland/Norway. First, it was labeled a Rory Gallagher interview but if my vision isn’t failing me that’s young John Cusack who has stolen one of Cher’s wigs. Then again, the creepy smiling Norwegian who killed one of his band members? That’s pretty hardcore and all, but smiling is bit much. You really need to do a Charlie Manson and carve a pentagram on your forehead for maximum rock and roll effect. Meanwhile, I can’t think of anything less rock and roll than meeting someone’s mom. We know Elvis was a mama’s boy, but he’s the only one I can think of, Jim Morrison’s little oedipal problem notwithstanding.
I just don’t know what to do. A poll perhaps?
Mod, the Wizards of OZ are not afraid of England (well, maybe a little bit) and we’re up for the challenge. To be clear: we’re not asking for the rules to be changed, we’re just making sure they’re being followed.
Make sure you bring your A game on Monday. Tell Mick and Keef and John and Paul to quit drinking, get lots of sleep, and refrain from intercourse over the weekend. We’re not going to make it easy.
NZ is ready for its last ditch suicide mission against Jamaica. This will give players here one match to chew on over the weekend.
The La De Das will play the song that brought them to my attention. “How is the Air Up There?” leaped off of the Nuggets II box and got me to look into the band’s other output. Guitarist Kevin Borich has had a pretty interesting career down under. Back to the strike; I don’t think any team in the competition has delivered a VOX organ, fuzz guitar garage/psych blast like this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_BTCxhDwdE
Lining up their best shot, the Chills give you “I Love My Leather Jacket”. I’ll let Townsman mickeydread describe it (note the blatant plea for support here):
https://www.rocktownhall.com/blogs/index.php/wish-you-were-here
I believe the drummer in that video is Caroline Easther, who could give Meg White a run for her money. Plus, she can play drums (rimshot).
Let the game commence.
I guess I’m still sore from pulling out all the stops and having my hopeless attempt to unseat USA ruined by some unforeseen nosehair phobia.
No, I think youtube is very convenient. What I’m suggesting is avoiding live clips in favor of the canonical versions of the songs solely because of their youtube availability. I don’t think I’d ever seen Orange Juice play, so I enjoyed that clip, but the studio version of Falling and Laughing is so much better than what was in play.
And let me say what a brilliant stroke it was for Jamaica to pick a producer/remixer rather than a performer. It gives their coach a very broad range of records to choose from. Toots is the rockingest reggae artist, so he was a good choice too, but imagine if your ‘team’ was Coxsone Dodd and Lee Perry. Jamaica would have been unbeatable. The RTH governing body would probably have had to step in and rule against that strategy.
Another point of clarification for all future matches, Mr. Mod: We can go with ANY band/solo artist that our original three sired? Ok, that sounds kinky. But, for example, for New Zealand, the Finns were in the Split Enz, Crowded House and had solo careers, so songs from any of those incarnations would be permitted?
And BigSteve makes a good point: the YouTube videos are fun, but they can be distracting too. Should future posts include YouTube live videos, YouTube “slideshow/album cover” recordings, or mpsomething recordings of the songs? Does it matter?
ladymiss, we’re supposed to go with the artists we submitted, as we submitted them. As HVB found out in the first game, using a Them song when he entered Van Morrison specifically was not allowed. I have had to resist calling on Ringo’s “Back Off Boogaloo,” which is not supported under The Beatles’ colors.
Thanks for your feedback on how to improve future rounds and the 2014 World Cup. Let’s see if we can’t submit mp3s for the coming rounds. I’ll ask you to send them to me at the same e-mail address we’ve been using for the submission of opening and possible third strikes.
The Jamaica line-up is a mighty one. I’d say goodnight Auckland on the evidence of that.
As for JAMC, wouldn’t the be better off here with You Trip Me Up?
PS, looking forward to kicking England’s pale butt.
Just like the Germans tonight.
Some final Round 1 results are in:
Ireland defeats Norway, barely, based on bostonhistorian’s John Cusack-Rory Gallagher comparison. Being John Malkovich was on last night, and seeing Cusack with long hair in this movie sealed the deal.
Wales wins over Nigeria by forfeit.
Scotland-France and Jamaica-New Zealand need more commentary – and possibly a poll – to decide!
You know what that guy from Mayhem says about you deciding Ireland has defeated Norway? Fuck you. And fuck them.
I hope no Irish churches get burned as a result of this match.
I certainly did not think I was flaunting the rules with my selections from the Finn Bros. I was just taking the broad view to present the best possible material (and you can see where that has gotten me).
Listened to the Jamaica entries this morning and does anyone else have problem appreciating deep bass dub stylee on tinny little laptop speakers? That is no fault of the historian, I enjoy his entries since my knowledge of Reggae doesn’t go far past Marley/Harder They Come/that band that does reggae versions of classic rock albums.
Et tu, mickeydread?
Round 1 Games Come to Conclusion!
Some tough calls at the end of the day. In the Jamaica-New Zealand match, The La De Das and The Chills played their hearts out to a draw with Jamaica, which had already clinched a spot in the second round.
As some others had noted, the Scotland-France match really came down to the JAMC track vs the Telephone track. Serge’s band did a fine job setting up attacks from midfield, but the old codger could not finish. Orange Juice seemed to lose concentration whenever it got near the 18. JAMC and Telephone, on the other hand, fired a number of strong shots on goal. JAMC’s touch was a bit better, however, putting Scotland up 1-nil.
By tomorrow I will post the lineups for Round 2’s elimination matches. Thanks to all who have played and commented!
Mr. Moderator,
Team France salutes you on all your hard work during the first round of the RTHWCORR. Although our team wasn’t successful in making it to second round, it was a lot of fun while it lasted. Heard some good music, and read some rather hilarious posts over the last week and now looking forward to the second round.
We are also looking forward to a return in 4 years ??
Au revoir…
The Wee Three also thank the lot of you in listening to us.
Just for a little fun, before you write off Orange Juice, may I suggest you give a listen to “Blue Boy.” Listed as one of Pitchfork’s top 500 singles from punk to the present, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. It would have been one of my next strikes.
Also, thank you for all of you accepting my hissie-fit about JAMC. I was saving “Just Like Honey” for any final matches. My husband’s favorite song, ever.
And lastly, I would have swapped in my substitute, Teenage Fanclub. They have a new album out and will be touring soon. Mr. Royale and I will be there when they come to San Francisco.
We Glaswegians fondly say, “Guid cheerio the nou!”