World Cup stuff: We’re looking at a very disappointing (for me, at least) set of semifinal matches in the World Cup. I like Italy in principle, but watching the Italian team play isn’t much fun with them attacking the opposing team, delivering vicious elbows and tackles, and then flopping around anytime an opposing player is within 10 feet. Still, I have no interest in Germany winning, so I’ll cheer for Italy. I was really hoping Argentina would win this side of the bracket, but no luck there.
On the other side, I was really looking forward to an England v. Brazil matchup, but then both went and lost. Brazil never looked strong this year, but I didn’t really think anyone else did and was prepared for them to end up winning almost by default. I certainly didn’t think France (who looked pretty lost in their opening round matches) to be the one to knock them off. I’ll cheer for Portugal but don’t really have a strong interest here.
Music stuff: First off, everyone has an opinion about the Pitchfork trashing of the Sound Team. Put me with the group who thinks the album isn’t all that amazing (though I do like Movie Monster quite a lot), but a 3.7 is a slap in the face.
Also, tomorrow is the 4th of July, but I won’t have internet access, so here’s a few of my favorite songs about the holiday, and America in general. The first three are from two of my favorite artists, who do as good as job as anyone of giving voice to what is great (and not so great) about our country. These aren’t my favorite songs by them, but are still great tunes.
American Tune – Paul SimonIndependence Day – Bruce Springsteen4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) – Bruce Springsteen
The last two songs are a little more diverse. The first is a soft and pure little acoustic number by Aimee Mann that (like all her songs) has some great lyrics (“when they light up our time I just think ‘what a waste of gunpowder and sky'”). The second is from Team America: World Police and…well…you already know it, most likely.
4th of July – Aimee MannAmerica, Fuck Yeah! – Team America: World Police
Alright, hopefully all these songs will make up for my sporadic posting lately. I’ve got another few days of traveling, but should be settled in East Lansing by this weekend and can hopefully post a little more regularly starting then.