The trouble with Arsenal

Two years ago, Amy and I went and saw Arsenal (de Sarandí) play River Plate, and because the Rolling Stones were playing River Plate's stadium, the match was held at El Fortín. It was a little intimidating, especially the River ultras in the north end of the stadium. This year, it was more than that:

BUENOS AIRES, March 30 (Reuters) - Dozens of River Plate fans fought among themselves in a vicious battle on the terraces before their team's match against Arsenal in the Argentine championship on Sunday.

Television pictures showed the supporters lashing out at each other, some using ripped up plastic seats, at the stadium of Velez Sarsfield, where the game was played.

A hospital spokesman said seven people were injured in the brawl, including a policeman. One picture showed a supporter sitting on the terraces, covered in blood.

Argentine football suffers from chronic supporter violence.

The match between Racing Club and San Lorenzo last week was abandoned in the second half when home fans hurled missiles on to the pitch after their team had three players sent off and a goal disallowed.

Two weeks ago the San Lorenzo-Velez Sarsfield game was called off minutes before the kick-off when Velez fans rioted over the death of a supporter on the way to the match.

Media said Sunday's riot involved two different River supporters groups -- the Borrachos del Tablon against the Banda del Oeste.

River Plate were last year given a five-match home ban after fans fought with each other at a social club adjoining the club's usual home venue, the Monumental stadium.

River were playing at Velez on Sunday because their stadium was being used for another event.

You'll never walk alone

So now it's Liverpool three times in a week. A remarkable scenario, you'd have to admit. Anyway, here's hoping our friend and occasional commenter Philip is feeling well enough by Wednesday that I won't feel bad about us winning 4-0.

The way old friends do

I've done my very best to stay away while the fellas have been running the blog but I can't take it any more, I'm back for good. Or for a week or two at least!

We have a few friends in the music business, or something like that, and it might be nice to share what they're up to.

As you know, Stu is working his radio show on East Village Radio every Saturday. He's also been working his Icelandic connections, and hopefully our blog will be benefiting from that sooner rather than later.

Our friend Andrew Vladeck is, has been, and always will be putting the finishing touches on his next album. I've heard some mixes of it and it sounds really quality, but he's still playing with it. While we wait, he's doing a little Monday night residency thing at Pete's Candy Store in Williamsburg. This Monday he's appearing with Caithlin De Marrais from Rainer Maria.

Last year our buddy Marko Djordjevic released an album that I never got a chance to blog because it was right in the run-up to the wedding. I liked it, but there's nothing like watching Marko play, because he's so technically good but attacks the drums like a maniac. Anyway, I was cruising around our blogroll and I noticed that Marko has recorded a few videos in support of his album. I have one up top here, but definitely watch them all. He's playing a gig on March 15 at the National Underground, E. 159 Houston St.

The Rivals are playing their biggest show yet next Friday (as long as Laura doesn't pop first!). We'll have something more next week as a reminder, but no harm in passing it along now: Friday, 8 PM, Union Hall in Brooklyn.

I have resisted the temptation to do any Arsenal blogging (the world really doesn't need it), but I'm still basking in the 2-0 in the San Siro. Today we've already seen Man United blow the FA Cup in hilarious circumstances, and I've got a song ready just in case Liverpool can't keep up their late title charge. Have a good weekend!

We're stepping out...

...for a few days. For some well-earned R&R. (Well, earned by Amy, not by me!)

I've got a couple of songs lined up for next week, but we're relying on a pair of guest-bloggers to keep things ticking over. Jason will be here a week from now doing his meditations, plus we have a big time treat for you: Our friend Stu, late of East Village Radio (catch them tomorrow, 6-9!) and all sorts of adventures we've plugged periodically, is going to drop a couple of tunes on us. It's a can't miss proposition.

Anyway, we've been a little remiss in our Arsenal blogging lately, and that's set to continue, but it's a big week for us, no question. Man United tomorrow in the FA Cup, and Milan on Wednesday. Fingers crossed Man United gets stuck in Dubai and Milan disband for cheating, and they forfeit both matches...

Have a good weekend and enjoy the rollicking good fun next week!

GILA and FATA MORGANA

Listen to GILA by Beach House.


Listen to FATA MORGANA by El Guincho.

Hello February! A quick post for you from me, since as soon as Jason takes over he immediately skates off to Oz, I have to be my own Friday guest blogger!

Two songs that are widely available on the internet, so I don't feel bad about posting them, even though they're very new.

First is Gila by Beach House, from their brand new album "Devotion." I really love this music: a voice, a guitar, a metronome, and serious low-fi vibes. If you liked their last album, or this song, you'll like the entire new album. It all sounds the same. (Suffice it to say, if you don't like this selection, don't dig any deeper.)

El Guincho's album, "Alegranza," was released last year but is only very recently attracting attention. The most common point of comparison has been Panda Bear, which is certainly there. I haven't heard anyone compare it to a Cornelius record, which is how it sounds to me. Anyway, it's good fun.

This weekend we have Man City early Saturday then we're hosting a shower for some twins-to-be. Sunday is the Super Bowl! Amy will be theoretically cheering for the Pats but probably just watching ANTM reruns...

Photos: iPhone Skies.

Good news, bad news

We won 3-0, but no on-field pugilistic entertainment this time around. Oh well. Speaking of mixed results, Liverpool spent most of the first half behind to some non-league part-timers. Liverpool haven't lost many games, but they must be having the most dispiriting "successful" season in a long time.

Law of averages

When we do it, we do it in style, don't we? Spurs no doubt deserved to go through, but that's what's so great about our approach to the League Cup. When we play our kids, wins are so humiliating, and losses are easy to shrug off.

Of course, we ended up playing a lot more first teamers than any of us would like, but at least none of them got hurt. Can't wait to read Spurs fans talking about how they've turned the corner against us...

Give him the ball and he will score

Arsenal beat Fulham yesterday, which was nice, but the best part of the match was the debut of a new Adebayor song, which the away end sang for at least five minutes straight through the television, loud enough that the commentators were obliged to comment on it. It was amazing. Not often that Arsenal deserves compliments for our singing, so cheers to the away support.

It goes "Adebayor, Adebayooooooooor, Give him the ball and he will score." And it's all over youtube already.

Does anyone care about the FA Cup?

I care that we won our match today, but is that the same thing? If I was told that we were disqualified tomorrow on account of Eduardo blinking too many times per minute, I'm not sure it would make any difference to me at all. Maybe this is where being a British/local fan against being an overseas fan comes most into play. I don't have any romantic attachments to the cup; I don't have any feeling whatsoever for Burnley, I don't even know where Burnley is (though I suspect that IS something I have in common with plenty of North Londoners). At the moment, I think I care more about the Carling Cup than I do the F.A. Cup, because the former is an undiluted glimpse of our team's future. Our F.A. Cup teams have an odds and sods character to them.

Meanwhile I still defend the college bowl system (though less and less all the time) mainly for its nostalgia value...

A sniff of the new year

Hope you all had a nice and easy New Year's Day, just like us!

Photo: Martin taking in 2008.

...And a Happy New Year!

I got an obnoxious email from a Manchester United supporting friend after they had briefly gone top of the table after Christmas.

Easiest. Retort. Ever.

SANTA LOOKED A LOT LIKE DADDY (DADDY LOOKED A LOT LIKE HIM)

Listen to SANTA LOOKED A LOT LIKE DADDY (DADDY LOOKED A LOT LIKE HIM) by Buck Owens and the Buckaroos.

This one's been a favorite of ours for years, in fact if any of you have ever come around chez nous at Christmastime you've probably heard it many times. The title and the performer tells you about all you need to know. Except also that it was recorded around 65, so Don Rich is playing on it, superbly.

***

No need to do a separate Arsenal post, just wanted to add that yesterday's match was as entertaining as I've seen in awhile. People that say we don't have strength in depth are crazy. Maybe not as crazy as me, who had this secret thought (at least until Boro) that our second team could win the league. Maybe not, but they are all very good.

Photo: Carlyle Motel (2).

You'll Never Walk Alone, But You'll Lose To Manchester United

Listen to YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE by Child.

This post originally read "You'll Never Walk Alone, But Uoull. Listen to SONG here." Philip provoked me into trying to post the song from Corner Bistro on beer number eight, but I didn't have good enough HTML fingers on the iphone.

So here's the second attempt. It's by Child, and it's the most over the top version I have of the song. My apologies to Liverpool fans for the the delay. You were really bad and could probably use the cheering up...

If only every day were like this...

The ceiling? Finished but for the drying. Christmas shopping? All done. The Arsenal? Back to winning ways. So, while you go visit Kate and Mayur's Christmas blog, I'm off to buy a lottery ticket!

You'll Never Walk Alone (But You'll Lose to Reading)

YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE by Ray Charles.

I was just telling Philip last night I was sad I hadn't been able to post more of these versions. Reading obliged by mugging Liverpool today, so I give you Ray Charles! You'd have to say Liverpool were unlucky with their finishing and the two referee decisions in the first half. On the other hand, Reading were impressively clinical with their chances and they never really looked like conceding once they got out in front.

Let's hope the same thing doesn't happen to us tomorrow!

UPDATE: It happened.

Here it comes again

Evening folks! Most of you won't be reading this tonight but a short short recap of the weekend's events is called for. Saturday morning followed the usual routine: a walk, then settle in on the couch for the soccer. Two nice things about our match: one, we won with some super stylish goals and pretty decent defending, two, at halftime we firmed up some arrangements on getting the ceiling finally put right. More on that a little later.

Amy and I spent some time Saturday cooking for a pot luck dinner at Helen & Oren's house to watch the OU game. Splendid stuff, though Maddox and I were both unusually downbeat at the end: depressed at how we managed to throw away a great chance to play for the national championship. Ah well, we'll be looking forward to buying all the preseason magazines next year listing us as the number one team in the country.

Today I visited Laura and Corbett to preview this year's Christmas CD for them and to hear some of the songs he's blogging this week. We're going on a five-songs-per-week schedule through Christmas at least: too much good material!

Before that Amy and I attended Luke's first birthday party. Luke's arrival on the scene was one of the very first posts on this blog. Speaking of, we wouldn't be doing ourselves justice if we didn't note that this weekend marks the one year anniversary of the public debut of this here blog! Happy birthday to us!

Arsenal post: feel free to skip!

Well, interesting game, shame to lose, but it's not a surprise. It's difficult to go with a weakened team, nothing (or very little) to play for, against a team that raises its game against big teams, and who would be especially motivated against us.

It would probably be unfair to criticize any individual players, but what you can say at the very least is that few of them that came in did their cause much good. With the possible exception of Eduardo, they all had mediocre games.

Traore never ever got forward or did anything (though he was against Alves); Senderos was poor, almost as poor as his reputation (which I've felt is undeserved but not on today's evidence!); Hoyte was rightfully substituted; Gilberto was sluggish, laid Seville's first goal on a plate; Denilson was just okay.

As for Bendtner, I have to admit to having it in for him a little bit. He's a popular alternative among forum denizens who think Adebayor isn't good enough. I think those people are crazy. Bendtner did some good things in the box, and he has qualities Adebayor doesn't have.

But the latter would never give the ball away on his halfway line like Bendtner did three times in the second half. It really put us under pressure, whereas Adebayor keeps possession as well as anyone in the league.

Anyway, I'm not bothered about this match at all. I would have liked to see individuals performing better, but it's good experience for all involved. Let's hope Fabregas isn't too badly injured and move on to the Villa match!

La Francophonie

While (hopefully) all of you have been listening to Bokme from yesterday, I've been listening to this out-of-print Guinean record, "Venez Voir!!" by the 22 Band. There's very little I can tell you about it, except it's a large West African ensemble, circa 1980, fusing electric with "traditional" with Cuban styles, so it sounds vaguely similar to the Rail Band and Orchestra Baobab (though not really too close). If any of you are interested in it, let me know, I've got it uploaded already in fact.

So yes, the Francophonie. Arsenal-blogging has been kind of silly this season so far, we've yet to lose, and haven't even conceded a goal in Europe, so writing it up is almost gratuitous. I watched the match yesterday, and the only thing I can brag about is that after 15 minutes of watching Alexander Hleb miscontrol every single ball that went to him and looking completely hopeless, I thought to myself, "He's now bound to set up a goal, or score, or both." Which was true! Too bad I didn't get my prediction in print!

More like this please

With Arsenal not playing until tomorrow, I was allowed a rare weekend of non-soccer disruption (never to be repeated until... NEXT weekend), but I did watch a lot of college football, and it was, as Brian put it, an almost perfect day. Ohio State lost, Notre Dame got embarrassed again, OU won though Baylor was respectable, Kansas won, beating I'm-a-man-I'm-forty, Missouri won. We're now one more loss from having our destiny back in our hands--it's been a crazy college football year!

I've come awful close

With Corbett doing an admirable job with the songs (and photos!) this week, I can't get my normal bloggy fix. Hence this post! Last week some of you might have read that Porter Wagoner died. You don't need me to tell you what a legend he was. But his (frankly) weird persona always interested me, as did his Nudie suits. With his passing a few people posted songs from his album he released this summer, an album he called his best work. I have to say it's pretty engaging, and I might have to pass a selection on here.

Amy and I put Porter and Dolly on one of our favorite Christmas CDs, "One More Round, Bartender, It's Christmas!" I was sad to read that another guy we featured on that mix, Hank Thompson, is struggling with cancer. To be honest, I was surprised to find out he was still around. I've got a whole lot of Hank Thompson and His Brazos Valley Boys, it's all top notch musicianship and always with a good sense of humor. Just last week I tracked down his Wednesday Night Waltz for a project I'm kinda working on. Best wishes to him and his family.

Next, this American Gangster movie, I didn't realize was a biopic. I think it grew out of this interesting article on Frank Lucas from 2000. One of the many anecdotes in the article has to do with his (possible) connection to a hit on an Italian lawyer who owed Lucas money. Gino E. Gallina, "then a Pelham Manor mouthpiece for 'top drug dealers and organized-crime figures,' was rubbed out 'mob style . . . as many passersby looked on in horror.'" I only bring this up because that hit happened thirty years yesterday, and it happened at Varick and Carmine, down the block from where Windy now lives and exactly where we watched the United match Saturday morning. Well it was interesting to me!

Finally, when Stu got back from the Iceland Airwaves, he was telling me about this traditional Iceland dinner he went to with Valgeir and the guys from Grizzly Bear. He said that one of the girls there told this too-absurd-to-be-true story about a discovery some friends of hers made in the woods while tripping on acid. And here is that story!

Late Update: Hank Thompson has died. RIP.