Well the Spurs again failed in their attempt to repeat. A good effort was given by them but in the end the Lakers were just quicker and wanted it a little more. Was age a factor? Maybe a little but in reality I think the banged up ankle of ManuGinobili took away the effectiveness of the Spurs' MVP this year. It's now time to look towards next year and begin to retool for a run next year. The championship window is closing with 3-4 more years left before Duncan and Pop ride off into retirement. Look for the Spurs to make a few moves to get younger and more athleticism on the roster. I see Horry and Finley retiring and don't see Kurt Thomas coming back.
The Spurs have their backs against the wall tonight as they face elimination. Will they be fishing or preparing for another elimination game? As the big optimist that I am I think they will win tonight and prepare for game 6 in SA. Here is why I am positive about this game. Spurs are 27-13 (67.5%) in elimination games during the Duncan era (being either they are set to be eliminated or do the eliminating) and 19-6 (76%) since the 2002-2003 Championship year. This year 3-1 in elimination games and 2-0 with their backs against wall.
With that being said Duncan, Parker, and Manu all have to play big or they will be fishing.
Up next in the ACL Preview series is one the fastest growing artist Ryan Bingham.
Ryan Bingham has burst on to the national scene this last year with the release of his debut Lost Highway Records and one of the best albums of 2007, Mescalito. With the grit and voice that sounds worn beyond his 26 years, Ryan brings a sound that masterfully blends country with soulful rock feel and all with great lyrics paint a picture of hard times and stick in your head and want more. Ryan is the next in the long list of great songwriters from Texas.
With the Spurs facing a critical must win situation tonight against the Lakers. It is imperative that the Spurs big three, Tim, Tony and Manu step up big tonight. While role players usually are the difference in a playoff series but if the superstars don't step up it doesn't matter what the role players do.
Tony was one of the Spurs I thought would have his way against the Lakers point guards of Fisher and Farmer. He has averaged only 15 ppg in the first two games.
That's where the Spurs have had their struggles in the playoffs. Look at the numbers of the big three: In 8 playoff wins: Parker - 26.8 ppg 52.5% FG 77.6% FT 7.5 apg Duncan - 23.0 ppg 51.4% FG 63.6% FT 14.5 rpg Ginobili - 22.3 ppg 44.7% FG 39.3% 3FG 88.4% FT 4.0 rpg 3.6 apg
In 6 playoff loses: Parker - 16.8 ppg 43.6% FG 66.7% FT 4.2 apg Duncan - 14.8 ppg 37.9% FG 56.7% FT 13.0 rpg Ginobili - 13.2 ppg 36.8% FG 29.0% 3FG 87.0% FT 3.7 rpg 4.5 apg
In San Antonio competing with the Spurs playoffs is a losing battle and last night was one of those nights. Tom Gillam and his band Tractor Pull making their San Antonio debut against the Spurs game one of the western conference final. I all have to say to all my San Antonio area readers if you were not there you missed out. While the crowd was small each one of them was treated to an incredible show and a true experience that won't be forgotten. Tom is an amazing singer, songwriter, and performer as well as an awesome band. Go check out his schedule and make it a priority to go see him live.
Upcoming Texas dates May 22nd - The Continental Club - Houston, Texas May 23rd - Momo's - Austin, Texas - (Live Recording) May 24th - White Water on The Horseshoe - New Braunfels, Texas - with Brandon Jenkins, Micky and the Motorcars and more.
The Spurs showed their championship toughness gutting out a 91-82 game seven win against the Hornets in New Orleans. The Spurs are now 27-13 in the Tim Duncan era in elimination games (either when they are about to be eliminated or can eliminate a team) and 24-7 in games where they can eliminate a team. Now for the first time the Spurs will be playing in the western conference finals in their quest to defend their title. The first 3 title defenses all ended in the first or second round.
Next in the way of the back-to-back title is the hated Lakers. Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and Derek Fisher are hated big time by Spurs fans. This will be a tough interesting series. I think the Spurs will continue to shock the sports world by beating the Lakers in 7. The Lakers have no one to match up with Duncan and Parker, look for them to have a huge series. Also look for Manu and Big Shot Rob to hit clutch threes in critical moments.
Will tonight be the end of the Spurs run for a repeat title? I sure hope not! As the Spurs face the Hornets in a win or go home game 7, I have a feeling that this game will be a dog fight and like the Spurs in a dog fight. This is only the 3rd game 7 the Spurs have played in the Tim Duncan era going 1-1 in those games, but the first on the road. In tonights game here are a few things to watch for. First the magic number for the first half for the Spurs is 50. Look at the 6 games in the series: Game 1 49-45 lost Game 2 43-42 lost Game 3 54-56 won Game 4 55-42 won Game 5 47-44 lost Game 6 58-51 won
Second Spurs defense in the 2nd half magic number under 45 for Hornets: Look at the 6 games in the series: Game 1 33-50 lost Game 2 41-60 lost Game 3 56-43 won Game 4 45-38 won Game 5 32-57 lost Game 6 41-29 won
Let hope the Spurs win and continue the drive for five.
The next artist up in the ACL Preview series is Shooter Jennings.
Shooter, the son of country music legends Waylon Jennings & Jessi Colter, started his music career as the front man of the L.A. based rock band Stargunn, but didn't start having sucess until he decided to start playing country music. His solo debut album Put The "O" Back In Country which released in 2005 was met with critical acclaim. While he has followed in his parents foot steps playing country music his music blends rock and country music. Since 2005 he has gone on to release two more studio albums Electric Rodeo and his newest album The Wolf.
Here is the schedule for the 12th Annual KNBT Americana Jam. I will be there from start to finish.
12:30 Zach Walther and the Cronkites 1:15p The Band of Heathens 2:05 Corb Lund 2:40 Scott Miller acoustic 3:20p Wade Bowen 4:10 Bleu Edmondson 4:55 Walt Wilkins and the Mystiqueros 5:45 Micky and the Motorcars 6:35 Tom Gillam and Tractor Pull 7:25p Hayes Carll 8:15p Cody Canada acoustic 8:45 Reckless Kelly 9:40 Stoney Larue 10:35 Robert Earl Keen
The ACL schedule is set to be announced on June 3rd. I always have mixed opinions on the day the schedule is released. One I am excited because I can start planning my schedule, but two its also the day I get screwed because multiple bands I want to see are scheduled to play at the same time. Anyways mark your calendar for June 3rd to check the ACL Festival web site to see when your bands are playing. Also check back here to see my tentative schedule.
The first band to take the stage at the Americana Jam this Sunday will be Zack Walther and the Cronkites. I have known Zack Walther for quite sometime now going all the way back to when his former Rodger Wilko were finishing recording their debut album. Years later Zack and his band the Cronkites are one of the best up and coming bands on the Texas Music scene. Touring in support of their new live album Live at Tavern In The Gruene (Click here to read our review of this CD). With a their weekly gig at Gruene Hall "Walther Wednesdays" and steady air play cross Texas they steadily build a nice fan base. Armed with great vocals as well the ability to write some great songs Zack as well as a great band consisting of Luke Leverett, Chris Compton, and Mel Nolte. These guys will be a great way to start off a great weekend.
With the Spurs facing a win or go home game tonight, I think it's time for Fabricio Oberto to return to the starting lineup. Ok say what you want about Oberto, I know a lot of people don't like him and don't think he is very good. However, I think when he starts and play major minutes the Spurs offense and defense are better and the numbers don't lie. Take a look:
In the 64 games Fab started in the regular season: Spurs record is 46-18 72% Fab avg 5.6ppg 5.6rpg Spurs avg 95.6ppg Oppt avg 89.7ppg
In the 40 games Fab played 20 plus minutes in the regular season: Spurs record is 30-10 75% Fab avg 7.1ppg 6.9rpg Spurs avg 96.8ppg Oppt avg 90.0ppg
In the 18 games Fab didn't start in the regular season: Spurs record is 11-7 61% Fab avg 2.1ppg 4.1rpg Spurs avg 94.6ppg Oppt avg 93.7ppg
In the 42 games Fab played under 20 minutes in the regular season: Spurs record is 27-15 64% Fab avg 2.7ppg 3.7rpg Spurs avg 94.0ppg Oppt avg 91.1ppg
In the playoffs Fab has started 2 games both games won by the Spurs. With him off the bench and Kurt Thomas starting the Spurs are 4-4.
WOW!! What a two night run of unbelievable back to back shows by the best band out there, Wilco. As the final blog on this great weekend I am going to recap the weekend. Here is a breakdown by albums and the number of songs they played off them over both nights: 7 songs off of the A.M. album 7 songs off of the Being There album 2 songs off of the Mermaid Avenue album 5 songs off of the Summerteeth album 2 songs off of the Mermaid Avenue Vol. 2 album 11 songs off of the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album 8 songs off of the A Ghost Is Born album 10 songs off of the Sky Blue Sky album
Highlights and surprises of the two nights: John Straight singing It's Just That Simple "Cars Can't Escape" a song that never made it on an album was one from the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot session The number of songs played off of the A.M. album.
Another great show by Wilco last night. Playing their second of back to back shows at Stubb's BarBQ in Austin, TX and like the first night they covered a little bit from all there albums. Although the set wasn't completely different (11 songs they played the previous night) it was full of songs I hadn't heard them play before just like Sunday night's show. Highlights were hearing "Cars Can't Escape", "Passenger Side", and four straight Being There songs to end the show. The only thing disappointing was the fact that they would night be playing again on Tuesday night.
Here is Monday night's setlist: (* denotes song played on Sunday's show)
1. Via Chicago – (Summerteeth 1998) *2. Hummingbird – (A Ghost Is Born 2004) 3. Ashes of American Flags – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002) 4. Airline to Heaven – (Mermaid Avenue Vol. II 2000) *5. You Are My Face – (Sky Blue Sky 2007) 6. Box Full of Letters – (A.M. 1995) *7. A Shot in the Arm – (Summerteeth 1998) 8. Side With the Seeds – (Sky Blue Sky 2007) 9. War on War – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002) *10. Handshake Drugs – (A Ghost Is Born 2004) 11. Nothing'severgonnastandinmyway (Again) – (Summerteeth 1998) *12. Jesus, Etc. – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002) *13. Impossible Germany – (Sky Blue Sky 2007) 14. Shouldn't Be Ashamed – (A.M. 1995) 15. Passenger Side – (A.M. 1995) 16. Theologians – (A Ghost Is Born 2004) *17. I'm The Man Who Loves You – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)
Encore 1 18. Cars Can't Escape – (YHF Demo leftover) *19. Spiders (Kidsmoke) – (A Ghost Is Born 2004)
Encore 2 20. California Stars – (Mermaid Avenue 1998) *21. Hate It Here – (Sky Blue Sky 2007) *22. Heavy Metal Drummer – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002) *23. Walken – (Sky Blue Sky 2007) 24. Kingpin – (Being There 1996) 25. Red-Eyed and Blue – (Being There 1996) 26. I Got You (At The End of The Century) – (Being There 1996) 27. Monday – (Being There 1996)
Last night was the first of back to back Wilco shows at Stubb's in Austin. Let me say they were amazing and proved why they are the best live band in the world! I have seen a number of Wilco shows over the years and will say this was the best Wilco show I have seen. They played a number of songs that I had not heard them play live before. Covering their complete catalog from A.M. to Sky Blue Sky. The big surprise of the night was John Straight singing "It's Just That Simple" off A.M. I can't wait to see what they have in store for tonight's show. One thing is for sure it will be awesome.
Here is the set list from last night with the album and year of the song:
1. Sunken Treasure – (Being There 1996) 2. You Are My Face – (Sky Blue Sky 2007) 3. Remember The Mountain Bed – (Mermaid Avenue, Vol. II 2000) 4. Company In My Back – (A Ghost Is Born 2004)
5. Handshake Drugs – (A Ghost Is Born 2004)
6. Pick Up The Change – (A.M. 1995) 7. Hummingbird – (A Ghost Is Born 2004) 8. On And On And On – (Sky Blue Sky 2007) 9. Pot Kettle Black – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002) 10. A Shot In The Arm – (Summerteeth 1998) 11. Summer Teeth – (Summerteeth 1998)
12. Jesus, Etc. – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002) 13. Impossible Germany – (Sky Blue Sky 2007) 14. It's Just That Simple – (A.M. 1995) 15. That's Not The Issue – (A.M. 1995) 16. Walken – (Sky Blue Sky 2007) 17. I'm The Man Who Loves You – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002)
Encore 1: 18. Misunderstood – (Being There 1996) 19. Poor Places – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002) 20. Reservations – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002) 21. Spiders (Kidsmoke) – (A Ghost Is Born 2004)
Encore 2: 22. Hate It Here – (Sky Blue Sky 2007) 23. Heavy Metal Drummer – (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 2002) 24. Casino Queen – (A.M. 1995) 25. Hoodoo Voodoo – (Mermaid Avenue 1998) 26. Outta Mind (Outta Sight) – (Being There 1996)
We are basically 2 days from the first Wilco show in Austin on Sunday and it can not come any faster! Next song up in my countdown series is "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" off the critically acclaimed Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (also was the title the the documentary DVD on the recording of YHF). This entire album is great one of the best ever but I love the lyrics in this song such as these few verses:
I am an American aquarium drinker
I assassin down the avenue
I'm hiding out in the big city blinking
What was I thinking when I let go of you?
and
Disposable Dixie-cup drinking
I assassin down the avenue
I'm hiding out in the big city blinking
What was I thinking when I let go of you?
Watch Wilco perform I Am Trying To Break Your Heart
One of the artist I look forward to seeing every year at the KNBT Americana Jam is Tom Gillam. Tom is from the Philadelphia area and one of the great Americana artist out there. His 2007 release Never Look Back was met with rave reviews in the Americana scene. It seems like only time he is in the Texas area is at the Jam. I remember the first time I saw him a few years ago at the Jam, I had been looking forward to seeing him and then read he had a triple bypass after a heartatack, a few monthes latter he was on stage at Gruene Hall. This year will be my third time seeing Tom and his band Tractor Pull. However this year will be alittle more special because I have the honor of booking him at Sam's Burger Joint the Wedenesday (May 21st) after the Jam. So if you are in the San Antonio area make sure to mark your calenders to go see him. If you are not in the San Antonio but in Texas make sure you check him out on his Texas swing that starts on May 15th.
Here is the complete Tom Gillam Texas tour. Thursday, May 15th, 2008 Cheatham Street Warehouse San Marcos Tx Friday, May 16th, 2008 Poor David's Pub Dallas TX Kane,Welch and Kaplan
Saturday, May 17th, 2008 Lorraines Marble Falls TX
The next song on the countdown is "Sunken Treasure" off Wilco's second album Being There. This song as well as the album Being There slowly started the transformations from the alt-country moniker to one of the greatest indie rock bands of our modern era. "Sunken Treasure" also would latter be the title to Jeff Tweedy's solo DVD project called Sunken Treasure: Live From The Pacific Northwest. Listen to Sunken Treasure off Being There click here
Here is Jeff Tweedy performing Sunken Treasure solo
With today being the day new CDs are released, I thought I would go over a few of the Texas/Americana albums being released and date of future releases.
We are now 5 days from the first of back to back Wilco shows in Austin at Stubbs. Man I can't wait. The next song in the countdown is "The Late Greats" from the 2004 album A Ghost Is Born as well the 2005 album Kicking Television: Live In Chicago. Here are the lyrics:
The greatest lost track of all time:
The Late Greats' "Turpentine"
You can't hear it on the radio
You can't hear it anywhere you go
The best band will never get signed
K-Settes starring Butcher's Blind
Are so good, you won't ever know
They never even played a show
You can't hear 'em on the radio
The greatest singer in rock and roll
Would have to be Romeo
His vocal chords are made of gold
He just looks a little too old
The greatest lost track of all time:
The Late Greats' "Turpentine"
I can't hear it on the radio
I don't hear it anywhere I go
The best song will never get sung
The best life never leaves your lungs
So good, you won't ever know
I never hear it on the radio
Can't hear it on the radio
This song is in a way about the state of music and the industry in the fact that some of the best songs and bands never get heard because they dont fit the industry's way. I think this is the reason I like this song because that is the way I feel about the music industry. Alot of the best musicians will never be known by the masses because they don't or didn't fit a mold. A few artists that come to mind are Gram Parsons, Townes Van Zandt, and John Prine.
Take a listen to a portion of "The Late Greats" as performed here earlier this year at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa
Also click here to listen to the complete song. Previously in the Wilco Countdown: Via Chicago
While the Spurs got blown out for the second game in a row last night, one of the things that has been missing is the Big 3. They have combined to score only 89 points in the 2 games this series an average of 44.5 per game. That's well below the 72.6 points they averaged in the first round against the Suns, and even below the almost 60 points per game in the regular season. So if you see these guys tell them they are needed at the AT&T Center, Thursday night for game 3. While I have yet to concede this series to the Hornets, the Spurs need Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili to step up their games big time!
As we continue to bulid up to this years ACL Festival the band I have chosen for the third installment of my preview series is the South Austin Jug Band.
Let me start by saying this, because I am sure it came to your mind, there is no jug palyer in the South Austin Jug Band. While they have a strong bluegrass feel because there’s fiddle, mandolin, an upright bass but with drums, the occasional electric guitar and even digital looping which has them developing into a more than just bluegrass and into a mellow roots-rock band. The South Austin Jug band consisits of James Hyland, Brian Beken, Dennis Ludiker, Matt Mefford, Rob Kidd and Joe Beckham. Fresh off the release of their new album called Strange Invitation, which came from a lyric of Beck's song "Jackass" and is also the only cover, will be a band I will not want to miss.
One of the greatest bands in the world, Wilco, will be playing two sold out shows (Sunday, May 11th and Monday, May 12th) at the legendary Stubbs BarBQ in Austin, Texas. I will of course be going to both shows. As I eagerly await for Sunday to come around, like a kid waiting for Christmas, I am going to feature a favorite song or two over the next 6 days leading up to next Sunday. First up is "Via Chicago" from Wilco's third album Summerteeth as well as the 2005 album Kicking Television: Live In Chicago. I love multiple things about this song. First is the lyrics I mean look at the first verse it's pure genius!
I dreamed about killing you again last night
And it felt alright to me
Dying on the banks of Embarcadero skies
I sat and watched you bleed
Buried you alive in a fireworks display
Raining down on me
You cold, hot blood ran away from me
To the sea
Second is the music and the vocals while the song goes along at a nice mellow pace and then the song breaks in what I describe as controlled noise all the while Jeff Tweedy keeps singing at the same level and then in a snap the song goes back to the original tempo. Just pure greatness!
One of my favorite sports writters is the Sports Guy Bill Simmons from ESPN. This past week on E:60 Bill heads to Vegas and looks into prop betting. In case you missed it here it is.
The Spurs take the next step to defend thier Title. Next up will be the New Orleans Hornets, lead by my vote for MVP Chris Paul. Parker vs Paul will be the headline match up speed vs speed. I however don't think the Hornets have an answer or someone to guard Manu Ginobili. I look for the Spurs to take another step to another title. Winning the series 4-1.
I am a music aficionado or as some people say a music snob. I like all types of music rock, country, jazz, blues, punk, and some rap. As long as it is good true and orginal. I run a web site Texas Music Mob.com and have started a booking/talent buying/artist management/promotion/production company called Waldo Entertainment.
Well the Spurs again failed in their attempt to repeat. A good effort was given by them but in the end the Lakers were just quicker and wanted it a little more. Was age a factor? Maybe a little but in reality I think the banged up ankle of Manu Ginobili took away the effectiveness of the Spurs' MVP this year. It's now time to look towards next year and begin to retool for a run next year. The championship window is closing with 3-4 more years left before Duncan and Pop ride off into retirement. Look for the Spurs to make a few moves to get younger and more athleticism on the roster. I see Horry and Finley retiring and don't see Kurt Thomas coming back.
Ryan 
