New site

http://themusicaloutcast.com/

Sunday 30 June 2013

Confederations Cup: Italy vs Uruguay (Italy 3-2 on Penalties)

Italy did their bit to erase the penalty shootout memories of their semi-final defeat at the hands of Spain by clinching 3rd place in the Confederations Cup, beating Uruguay 3-2 on penalties.

As I settled down to watch this game I genuinely had the feeling that I was the only person who was doing so. There was no studio, no co-commentator just a commentator and a live feed on the BBC Sport website. I think the term to describe the coverage would be minimalist.
Anyway ‘low key’ coverage aside I have to say that that was quite an entertaining game all round, we were treated to 4 goals a sending off, and some pretty decent football.

On paper the two teams looked evenly matched, and for once these paper predictions were right on the money. Straight from the off both teams looked threatening going forward and it seemed there would definitely be goals. The Italians looked dangerous when the ball was moved wide while the ‘Big 3’ for Uruguay were combing well at the other end. But despite the attacking intent on show when the 1st goal did arrive it did so in slightly strange fashion. Italy won a free kick wide on the right and Alessando Diamanti’s in-swinging effort came off the back post then off keeper Muslera only to bobble along the goal line before Astori arrived to poke the ball into the net for his 1st international goal.
As the game rolled towards half time Uruguay came back into the game but they were only really threatening from long range, and as the whistle sounded Italy remained in front and deservedly so. The start of the 2nd half was about as low key as the TV coverage as not a lot happened. That was until the 58th minute when Uruguay won the ball on the half way line and it broke to Gargano who strode forward before sliding in Cavani on the left side of the area who calmly slotted the ball around Buffon in the Italy goal into the bottom right hand corner. The goal seemed to spark Uruguay into life as they started to get on top but there progress was soon halted by Diamanti once more. This time he curled a sublime free kick from just outside the area past Muslera to quieten the pro Uruguay crowd. However the scoring was not done there and seemingly taking Diamanti’s effort as a personal affront Edison Cavani took control of a free kick 30 yards from the Italian goal and hammered it past the dive of Buffon.

And as both teams seemed to tire the referee called time on the 2nd half and we got ready for an extra 30 minutes. And sadly there were no more goals, but there was time for Riccardo Montolivo to pick up a 2nd yellow card for a foul on Suarez. And in classic Suarez style the contact was minimal. It was time for penalties.
Italy seemed to be put in charge of the shoot out early on as Diego Forlan had his spot kick saved. Italy were in control but gave the South Americans fresh hope when young left back De Sciglio saw his penalty kept out by Muslera, but instead of taking advantage Caceres shot tamely at Buffon. Giaccherini then scored and put the pressure back on Uruguay, Gargano had to score to keep them in with a chance, but he couldn’t as he too saw his effort saved.

Uruguay had again lost in 3rd place playoff game but Italy bounced back from the disappointment of their defeat at the hands of Spain, and had come 3rd, which in the grand scheme of things counts for nothing, but at least for now maybe shows they are on the right track to return to Brazil next year and challenge for the biggest prize in the game.

Saturday 29 June 2013

Why I'm Falling Out Of Love With Formula 1

I have been watching Formula 1 all of my life, it might be hard to believe for some people who know me now but it was my 1st love before football as a kid. (I’m 23 now) Living in the UK I heard many a rant about ‘that move’ from Schumacher on Hill in 94, I grew up being regaled with stories about this legend of a driver called Senna who was sadly killed in a crash at the notorious Tamburello corner at Imola also in 94. I also realised pretty early on that following this sport takes some serious dedication. But that is part of the appeal. Getting up at stupid times in the morning to watch cars and drivers being tested to the limit on the other side of the world makes you feel like you are part of a really cool club of likeminded people. People look at you like you are mad when you tell them you are getting up to watch a motor race at 5am, but you don’t care it’s what you love and you know that yes you might be mad, but you are not mad on your own.

The first season that I remember is 1996. I was up at the crack of dawn with millions of others in the UK watching Damon Hill win his World Title in Japan. And I know I’m not alone when I say that Murray Walker’s commentary on that moment is something that will live with me forever. I was well and truly hooked and I’ve only missed a handful of races since. So the point of all that was just to demonstrate that I’m not just some fair weather fan who only cares when Lewis Hamilton is doing well, after all I stuck with the sport through the ‘Schumacher years’ for crying out loud!
But I have to say that sadly my heart isn’t in it like it used to be. It might be me just looking at the racing now with nostalgic eyes but the racing these days seems to forced. There are too many gimmicks. Basically these are my problems with the sport right now.

-          Tyres are dominating, there has always been an element of race and tyre management in F1 but it has been ridiculous this year with drivers just cruising around not trying to attack each other for fear of destroying their race by just going quickly for a few laps.

-          Gimmicks. At many tracks the use of DRS and huge DRS zones has taken away the art of the overtake. There is no skill involved in just driving past someone on a straight and as a result the skill of driving defensively has disappeared.

-          The coverage for us in the UK who don’t have Sky TV is crap. As part of the TV deal they haven’t got the wrong races, and they only seem to give a toss when they have a TV race and this is just annoying. We had Bahrain but no Monaco?
Next year there are going to be some pretty big changes in the sport with the engine changes etc, but I don’t know if it will be enough. Right now me and Formula 1 are like that relationship that you know is failing but you can’t quite walk away. You have your fingers crossed for the future because you know change is coming but you don’t know if it will work, in reality the only thing keeping you together are the memories.



Damon Hill’s last lap at Japan in 1996 as he wins the World Championship.

Thursday 27 June 2013

Throwback Thursday: All American Rejects - Dirty Little Secret

It’s another week but I’m still continuing my one man renaissance of early-mid 2000’s pop/punk. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t enjoyed spending far too long on YouTube over the last couple of weeks going through Green Day, Good Charlotte, Blink, Bowling For Soup, (Man I’d forgotten how good 1985 was!) and All American Rejects videos. You can’t beat nostalgia.

This week as you can see I’ve plonked for All American Rejects, I know they are hardly hardcore but a good tune is a good tune right? I actually got listening to this track after coming across ‘Swing, Swing’ which I always loved back in the day. I mean they have gone massively downhill since so this is how I prefer to remember them.
This track is taken from the album ‘Move Along’ which came out in 05. Before the album got popular they released this track and it only charted at 96 but was swiftly reissued later on and it landed at number 18.

Monday 24 June 2013

For No Real Reason: Ja Rule - Livin' It Up

As title suggests there is no real reason why I’m posting this other than it came into my head. Now these days admitting to liking Ja Rule isn’t far behind saying that Chris Brown has artistic merit in the ‘What the hell are you on’ stakes but back in the day everyone had a soft spot for at least one Ja Rule record. You had ‘Always on Time’ ‘I’m Real’ ‘Between Me and You’ and of course ‘Livin it Up.’

This record was huge man! Pretty much everyone to a man loved this tune. It charted at number 4 in the UK.
It might seem like a guilty pleasure track but don’t try and tell me it isn’t a pleasure.

Ja Rule – Livin’ It Up
 
 

Thursday 20 June 2013

NEW MUSIC!!! Arctic Monkeys - Do I Wanna Know?

Out of the blue, out of the ether and out of absolutely nowhere we have some new Arctic Monkeys. This song had been given an airing in a live show before but yesterday the proper song was made available on iTunes. There was no promo and no marketing campaign just… Boom there it was.

It continues the heavier theme of the last couple of albums. But if you compare this to their older stuff you’d swear it was a different band. But seriously don’t take my word for it, this is brilliant.
 

Throwback Thursday: Blink-182 - All The Small Things

Apologies for not really posting anything this week, this blogging ish doesn’t pay the bills (for now) so I’ve been out doing some real work. But I’m sure you are all relieved to see that I am back to bring you a track for Throwback Thursday.

I’m still stuck in my early 2000’s loop but I have shifted it a little bit this week. Over the last week or so I have got really back into that pop/punk-rock/nu-metal stuff in a real big way. So I was spoilt for choice this week I have changed my mind about this about this about 300 times, 1st it was going to be Papa Roach, then it was going to be Good Charlotte then something else but eventually I went for this.
This track comes from the album ‘Enema of the State’ which was a global smash when it was released in 1999. If you were a kid of my generation and loved guitars you had this record and played it to death. This track went to number 2 in the UK when it was released in January 2000, and not only is it a great song it provided a gateway for millions of kids my age into the world of punk, rock and nu-metal. I got into so many great bands and heard some amazing music because of this record. And to top it off the video is a classic! Seriously  you should check this track for the video alone.

So ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages I bring to you… Blink-182 and ‘All The Small Things’
 

Sunday 16 June 2013

Apparently I'm Now Taking Requests

I have to be perfectly honest with all you people out there in reader land; I have no idea what the hell I’m supposed to write here.

It is a particular friend’s birthday today (Hello Ab) and I was asked by said friend to write a blog to celebrate this occasion. And this is in no way being written to compensate for the fact I didn’t buy her anything other than a drink last night. How’s your head by the way?
Anyway... It’s Abbie’s 21st birthday today. She has a penchant for the random, a liking for Dr Who that I will never understand and she always ranks the wrong Oasis album as their best. (Definitely Maybe is better. Fact) Oh and while drunk I once promised to get her a goat.

And just to prove I do listen….
 
 

Saturday 15 June 2013

Summer Transfer Window 2013 - What To Expect (Part 2)

Welcome to part of my look at this summer’s transfer movers and shakers. I’m going to kick this part of with a look at the 3 promoted teams.

It has become popular in recent seasons to as soon as the teams get promoted to predict a struggle but this year I genuinely think that the 3 teams coming up could be in trouble, as they all look painfully short of quality. None of the 3 will probably try and break the bank as they will be more than happy to bank the TV money and the parachute payments should they go down, so expect them so gives chances to the players who got them into the promised land. But, as far as the business they will try and do, Cardiff desperately need a striker. They may have won the Championship last season but their top scorer finished with 8 goals and that just isn’t going to be enough in the top flight. Steve Bruce over at Hull will be key. He has been known to pull in some great bargain buys in the past, most notably at Wigan so if he can do the same again they will definitely be keeping an eye on. And as for Crystal Palace they are facing a struggle. The one hope for them is that they can Zaha back on loan for one more year but that can’t be guaranteed and attracting players to a team that seems destined for relegation will prove a challenge.
But for me 2 clubs above the others in the top flight are going to be very interesting to watch over the coming months and those 2 clubs are Spurs and Liverpool. Both made improvements last year and with the right investment they could make a few waves next season. I’ll have a look at Spurs 1 first.

It might be a bit of a bold statement but I really think aren’t that far away from having a team capable of challenging for the title. They a great goalkeeper, a good defence, a good midfield (Scott Parker not withstanding) and one of the best players in the league in Gareth Bale. I think what they really need to push them onto the next level is a 25 goal per season striker, because let’s be honest Adebayor just isn’t cutting it and Defoe although a good player can’t always be relied upon to get you a goal in the big games. Leandro Damio seems the obvious choice, but I don’t think it would do any harm to test the water around Lewandoski at Dortmund, stranger things have happened. And obviously keeping hold of Bale (I think they will) is very important. But most importantly for the love of God sell Scott ‘Scotty’ Parker!
Now Liverpool didn’t really pull up any trees in the 1st season under Brendan Rodgers, but there were definitely signs of progress. Personally I think they would have performed better had Brendan given his wife her coat back… honestly what the hell was that all about? I digress; they signed some decent young players and started playing some decent football although they were at times shockingly inconsistent. Coutinho has looked good since coming into the team and as much as he looks a bit of an arrogant plonker Sturridge has also played well. The big question over the summer is Suarez now that he has said that he wants to go. Personally I don’t think it would be much of a disaster if he went for the right money, he is talented but he has started to become a bit of a liability. A new central midfielder is needed, and the management must really have their fingers crossed over the signing of Kolo Toure who has been less than inspiring at Man City in recent times. I can’t pretend that I know about Aspas so will have to give him the benefit of the doubt. And as of today it seems to they are close to agreeing a deal to sign Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet for around £10 million, could Reina be on the move? So with these signings and maybe a couple more and if the likes of Allen and Borini can step up nest season they could be an outside bet to get into the Champions League places.

Friday 14 June 2013

Summer Transfer Window 2013 - What To Expect (Part 1)

Now that the football season is done and dusted and there isn’t really any football on this summer, thoughts of fans, players agents and chairmen alike have turned to the transfer window. I know the Confederations Cup is about to get underway but the Confederations Cup is to football and football fans what that really rough girl in your local is to dating… Really not good enough but if that’s all that’s on offer, then it might have to do.

So in light of that, it’s all about the transfer window. Is your star player going to stay put? Will your club finally make that marquee signing your chairman is always going on about? And is that kid you’ve signed from that team in Eastern Europe actually any good?
Here is my rundown of what types of business we can expect clubs to be doing. A full club by club list would have taken me forever so I’ve picked out what I think are the interesting bits. I also had every intention of doing this in one post but as I’m writing it, it seems it to be a tad long so this will now in fact be part 1.

I’m going to start with Manchester City, as they inevitably will be throwing money round like they are playing Monopoly, and they haven’t wasted any time in doing so having already signed Fernandinho and Jesus Navas for a combined £45.9 million. (Figures taken from BBC Sport website) But I do think that they have to spend as their squad could do with some serious freshening up, as I think they have a very strong 1st 11 but their squad overall lacks depth, and a few players could find themselves heading towards the door. Kolo Toure has agreed a move to Liverpool, and Lescott, Sinclair, Dzeko, Tevez, and Maicon will probably all move on.
Now I don’t know if you’ve heard but Jose Mourinho is back at Chelsea. I know it came as a shock to me as well when I read it, no one in the media had mentioned it. Yes the tabloid sports wring press’ wet dream has returned and he has returned to a team that in my view at least isn’t far away. It seems Lukaku will get his chance up top so they are pretty well stocked for strikers; they have some of the best attacking midfielders in the league, and a strong keeper. So I think a central midfielder as Lampard isn’t getting any younger and centre back as Cahill just isn’t good enough should be enough for them to mount a title challenge.

It is a similar story over at Manchester United. Despite what the press kept saying for much of last season there isn’t a great deal wrong with the squad. They still need a couple of central midfielders and they could do worse than taking Yohan Cabaye up on the ‘come and get me plea’ he made last week. Zaha has already come in although he may be loaned again back to Crystal Palace, and Uruguan U20 right back Guillermo Varela has been signed in the last few days. But more interestingly the Wayne Rooney situation rumbles on. When he last put in a transfer request he was in a position of power he was at the top of his game and playing well, but this time he is far from it. And a lot of United fans that I know are just getting fed up with him now and the way that I see it they already have a ready-made replacement in Kagawa so he can go if he wants. Having said this I think he will end up staying not because United need him or he has had a change of heart but rather that he has little to no realistic options available elsewhere.
Now that’s all for part 1, stay tuned for part 2 folks.

Thursday 13 June 2013

Throwback Thursday: Craig David - 7 Days

As you might have noticed over the last few weeks this feature has been stuck in a bit of an early 2000’s time warp. And fear not pilgrims I’ve decided not to call time on this Nelly inspired revival just yet. Just this time I have returned back to UK Shores for my inspiration.

So I bring to you Craig David and ‘7 Days.’ Craig actual David! If you felt old when I put up R. Kelly the other week you’re going to cry now… this tune is 13 years old! It was released on 24th July 2000 and reached number 1 in the UK and number 10 in the U.S.
Mr David’s pop, R&B, garage fusion dominated the summer of 2000 and I really don’t think he gets enough credit.  The album ‘7 days’ is from, his debut ‘Born To Do It’ sold 8 million; artists would kill to sell 8 million these days. But he can write a good tune and all jokes aside he can hold a note too.  So for this Craig I solute you.

Oh and not only is ‘7 Days’ a great record it has a great remix as well, and just because I’m in such a good mood I’ve even put that up as well.




Craig David feat Nate Dogg, Mos Def – 7 Days DJ Premier Remix

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Loving This Song! Guns N Roses - Civil War

I’d love to be able to sit here and tell you that there is a real deep and meaningful reason as to why I’m posting this track… like I was inspired by the events in Syria or something like that. But frankly if I did that I’d just be lying. I know in some journalistic circles that this is a 1st, but I’m all about breaking the mould.

In truth I hadn’t listened to this song for absolutely ages and then while watching random videos on YouTube I rediscovered it. It’s taken from Use Your Illusion II and its 7 and a half minutes and it’s brilliant.
And as for Syria the powers that be over there need to get their shit together and sort it out. There’s been enough death and destruction now, just calm down and look for a peaceful solution.

That’s the Syrian crisis sorted.
Guns N Roses – Civil War

Thursday 6 June 2013

F.A Women's Super League - Arsenal Ladies 2-1 Chelsea Ladies

Arsenal Ladies tonight moved up to 4th place in the Super League table with an assured 2-1 victory over Chelsea Ladies at Borehamwood, overcoming the loss of their captain to injury in the process.  Goals from Gilly Flaherty and Alex Scott had put Arsenal 2 goals to the good as Eniola Aluko’s 2 half effort proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

I must confess that I haven’t watched a great deal of women’s football over the years but the F.A Cup final and England games  have been a point of interest for a couple of years now. So settling down in front of the TV tonight I can’t lie, I was a little curious about what I might find. But im pleased to report that although at times it was not always the most riveting of contests there was more than enough to hold a football fans attention.
The opening 10 minutes were a scrappy affair as neither team was able to hold on to the ball for any length of time. But I should probably point out that some of this was down to the quality of the pitch, as it was clear to anyone with eyes that the grass was far too long, which meant the ball got stuck under the players feet on numerous occasions. However and it wasn’t long before Arsenal got into their stride with their passing and movement putting them firmly in control of the game. This control though did come at a price as Captain Steph Houghton was forced to leave the field with an ankle injury as a worried England boss Hope Powell looked on from the stands.

Arsenal soon got a reward for their dominance when Flaherty rose to meet a Kim Little corner from the left powering a header into the corner of Carly Telford’s net. Jordan Nobbs should have doubled the Gunners lead 10 minutes later when through on goal she shot over from close range. Even so as the game approached half time Arsenal were well in control, but there was still the odd reminder from Chelsea on the break with Aluko squandering a good chance when one on one with the keeper.
The 2nd half began as the 1st had ended with Arsenal firmly in control and pressing for a 2nd goal, with the influential Little shooting over from close range 2 minutes after the restart. Rachel Yankey had flitted in and out of the game but to my eye the most naturally gifted player on the pitch started to really show her quality with some fabulous touches and a shot across the Chelsea goal which brought the best out of Telford. The decisive goal came shortly after as Scott exchanged passes with Nobbs down the right hand side before moving into the area and finishing well past Telford.

But Chelsea were not quite done yet, and in the 64th minute they pulled one back as Aluko capitalised on a mistake from Beattie, to at 1st force a good save from Byrne before putting in the rebound. Fans of the Blues must have hoped that this would spark a revival but their team continued to huff and puff without much to show for it. The game somewhat petered out after the goal with Arsenal occasionally looking threatening in the form of the impressive Davison on the right of midfield.
All in all I don’t think Chelsea will have any complaints, they were just beaten by the better team. There was no faulting their effort and they did have their chances but you did feel that their opponents had a few more gears in them should they have been needed. The Gunners controlled the midfield and kept the ball far better than those in blue while Yankey and Davison looked dangerous out wide.  They will have to keep improving if they are to retain their Super League crown but on this evidence it will take a very good side to deny them come the end of the season.

Throwback Thursday: Nelly - Hot In Herre

After a very in depth meeting with some of my readers last night (I met a few of them in the pub) it has come to light that they think that I’m writing too many sports blogs. I don’t think I do but I’m willing to listen to the people who take time to read what I do, I can’t afford to lose anymore readers! So in response to that request this will be the 1st of many music related posts to come in the future.

So, right, back to the matter in hand. This week’s throwback track is ‘Hot in Herre’ by Nelly. It’s hard to believe looking at his latest material that 11/12 years ago Nelly was huge! Everything he put out was a hit. His debut album Country Grammar was a massive hit and the follow up Nellyville kept his good run going.
This record produced by The Neptunes was released in April 2002 reached number 4 in the U.K. And before anyone throws a strop over the fact I’ve picked another Nelly track, I’m only putting up what people ask for, so if there’s something you want to hear let me know.

In the meantime, turn this all the way up and pretend its 02 and you’re still living the dream
 
 

Tuesday 4 June 2013

NEW MUSIC! J. Cole feat TLC - Crooked Smile

Yet more new music from Cole. Album comes out in a couple of weeks. This track is everything Drake wishes that he was, enough said. Check this.


Sunday 2 June 2013

England vs Brazil - Well, What Happened There?

I’m really not sure where to start with this one. The game on Wednesday was easy to write about, the result was rubbish and England played rubbish. See? Simple. But what we have seen tonight is going to cause some problems in the media; they aren’t going to know what to do with themselves. In the eyes of the media England swing between useless and world class, depending it seems on the weather so anything could happen after this. Are they amazing or have they fluked it? On the face of it England have gone away to Brazil and earned a good 2-2 draw, but at the same time for large parts of the game they were awful. As I am going to soon be joining ‘the media’, I will attempt to make sense of it.

So let’s start at the beginning. After the mess that was Wednesday night Roy Hodgson started with a formation that might actually prove to be some use. They reverted back to 3 in midfield with 2 men wide with Rooney through the middle on his own. I wasn’t optimistic but at least there were reasons to at least think England could make a decent contest of it. Besides the last time England played Brazil in the Maracana John Barnes scored that goal and England won 2-0 so according to ITV that meant they were in with a chance. Er… not quite.
In the 1st half England were awful. And I mean awful. The best player for the men in red was goalkeeper Joe Hart. That should tell you everything. This is not to say that Brazil were fantastic, contrary to popular belief they haven’t been for years, they were just quite a bit better than England. England constantly gave the ball away inviting pressure, and their 1st real attempt on goal didn’t come until the 39th minute when Walcott had a shot well saved by Cesar in the Brazilian goal. On the whole England once again seemed incapable of stringing 3 passes together and had begun aimlessly clearing the ball from the edge of their area rather than trying to pass it to a teammate. And even though Hart had so far been the best English player his continued poor distribution meant that the ball just kept coming back at him. Brazil had been on top and had had chances but entertainment was at a premium.

Those of us watching the game on T.V were in danger of missing the 2nd half as the live feed apparently wasn’t working and we were left to wonder what was in the mysterious rucksack that had appeared next to Arian Chiles. (My money was on Lee Dixon)Was that the God’s trying to tell us something? At the start of the 2nd half there was an improvement in tempo from England but not an improvement in quality. In fact nothing much of anything was happening. Things only livened up when the Brazilian fans rose as one to vent their frustration at the substitution of Oscar, for Lucas Mora. But then much to the relief of everyone involved the game sprung to life. Hernanes picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and curled a superb effort against the crossbar and while the English defence stood and admired his effort Fred pounced to slot away the rebound. But their lead would last all of 10 minutes. Oxlade-Chamberlain had been brought off the bench causing a bit of a reshuffle, and despite my low expectations it actually worked.
Chamberlain received the ball from Rooney on the edge of the area and fired into the bottom corner of the net. England had their equaliser and Chamberlain had scored on the same ground where his Dad had represented England 29 years earlier. You may have been forgiven for thinking that this was going to be as good as it got for England but how wrong we all were. Rooney picked the ball up half way inside the Brazilian half and in some sort of flashback to 2004 he ran at the heart of the Brazilian defence and his deflected shot found its way into the top corner. Chants of ‘Rooney, Rooney’ echoed around the Maracana. No, I didn’t expect to be typing that either.
However just as England fans were beginning to think that somehow they were their way to victory Paulinho was left all alone to volley home a Lucas Mora cross from 15 yards out. Well, they always say that it’s the hope that kills you. Brazil pressed for the remaining minutes but could not find a winning goal. England had just held Brazil in the Maracana but it had nearly been so much more. But, before we all get a bit carried away sadly it’s my job to bring a little realism to proceedings.

The only reason England got close to Brazil tonight is that Brazil aren’t very good. I mean they aren’t hopeless by any means but they are far from world beaters. England may have got a draw but all of the old flaws remain. Glenn Johnson is still a liability at right back, Hart’s distribution is still poor and as a team they still seem to think that if they keep the ball for more than 30 seconds at a time it will explode. Although having said that, it was an improvement on Wednesday night, not that that was difficult.
Before I go I’ll leave you to ponder this… England just held Brazil in Brazil while having some key men out injured. The World Cup has got to be in the bag right?