Hooooooosiers!!!!

I will first say that, in the arena of watching sports on television, there isn't a better feeling than when one of your teams scores a winning basket, a winning run, or a go ahead touchdown.  When genuine excitement holds your body hostage and you leap around the room like you played an intrical part in the teams victory.  Its 2 hours of very focused, bottled up nervousness reaching a boiling point that manifests into a childlike stomp, shout, jog around your dining room table as the buzzer sounds. 

Tom Crean--the weirdest look a coach has ever had after a game winner

Indiana basketball has been dead for years.  Dead since 2000.  There has been success since then, but everyone who knows Indiana basketball knows it has been dead since Coach Knight was forced out after the 2000 season.  Davis was bad.  He had success with Knight's players.  Sampson was crooked.  Crean was maybe just what we needed.  Three god awful seasons (27-66) would make us think otherwise, until a 9-0 start and the best win the school has had since beating Duke in 2002.  We wanted someone great again and talked ourselves into believing that he was the right guy.  I wasn't convinced until Saturday.

Honestly, for the last 3 years I could hardly call myself a true fan.  I tried to watch a couple games a year and each time I found myself flipping to almost anything more interesting, like an SVU episode I could recite line for line.  I try not to call people fair weather fans after those three seasons because they were unwatchable and its almost impossible to stay on the bandwagon unless you have a son or a nephew on the team.

Life seems to be a little better with the Hoosiers in the top 20.  Waiting for ND football to join the National Champion discussion again, but I'm not holding my breath.
Thanks to Greg for this clip.  I can watch it over and over again.

Christmastime is Here

December 1 starts a month long celebration of the greatest time of the year.  Second place is a distant second.  You can talk about the end of March with March Madness and the beginning of the MLB season, or the beginning of Fall when it starts to get cool outside and the leaves are turning colors and college football is right in the meat of its season, but neither of these times come close to what we are beginning now. 
Find some way to slow it down a little because it will be over before you know it.
To ensure you are enjoying the season
1-Christmas playlist should include Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Dean Martin, Andy Williams, and of course The Boss.
2-Make sure you are watching the staples.  Charlie Brown, The Grinch, Christmas Vacation, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Its A Wonderful Life, Scrooged
3-Christmas Tree-Preferably live, but fake is better than nothing.
4-Pull out some old nostalgia that will bring a tear to your eye on a bad day.
5-Christmas Cookies-eat them, bake them, or both
6-Buy and Drink Hot Chocolate-with or without Bailey's.  Always with marshmellow cream


Christmas Present Hall of Fame (in no particular order)
Starting Lineup Talking Baseball- 

My grandparents gave this to me (probably in 1988 or 1989) on Christmas Eve.  If I'm not mistaken the voice was Vin Scully.  Or maybe I just wanted it to be Vin Scully.  By hitting a couple buttons in a timely fashion, in response to little red lights liting up, you could hit a homerun with Babe Ruth or Ted Williams or strike out Don Mattingly with Walter Johnson.  I was 10 and I couldn't be pryed away from this toy.  I didn't touch any of my gifts received on Christmas Day.

Nintendo

Gary was the first one to have one of these and I just played it a little.  We had a cheap atari that they didn't even make games for anymore, but that was more than satisfying at the time.  When we got that Nintendo everything else in life was blacked out.  There was no "outside", there was no "basketball", there was no leaving the basement.  My thumbs blistered out in the early morning hours of December 26 and I was unfortunately on the DL for a day or two, which was sheer torture.  Someone recently sent me an article where this question was asked "do over 50% of your childhood memories involve Nintendo?"  The answer is a resounding "YES".  (Mario Brothers 1, 2 and 3, RBI Baseball, Legend of Zelda, Metroid)

Doug Flutie Franklin Football

My Grandma June got this for me; back when I couldn't decide if I wanted to be an NFL quarterback, NFL kicker, MLB SS or MLB Pitcher.  As corny as it sounds I still remember the smell of the leather and I embarassingly slept with that ball for months. 
*I believe the ball was lost in 1995 while Mattingly and I drove around throwing footballs at some kids in my neighborhood. Funny and kind of depressing.

Have a good Christmas.

Unguarded-Chris Herren Documentary

The documentary on Chris Herren last night was as good as any of the 30 for 30s that ESPN has put out in the last couple years.  I remember Chris Herren when he was at Fresno State and I made it a point to try to catch their late night games that were televised the same way I would try to catch Al Dillard and the Arkansas Razorbacks or Loyola Marymount a couple years previously.  He was the show.  Not just because of how good he was, but because there was something so intriguing about a person who made collosal mistakes and had so much going for them; they had so much to lose.  Its funny how I was always more impressed with the athlete whose life was a trainwreck of drinking and drug use and crime than I was with the straight laced guy who was better.  (Chris Kingsbury was one of my favorites too.  LONG range shooter from Iowa.  Remember.  Jess Patterson said he used to come to study halls drunk. Also Parish Caspier at UE.  Good stories about him going straight to early morning conditioning after being out all night.  Winning every sprint)

I feel like there will never be another Chris Herren type player.  I know there won't be.  No high school athlete (other than football) is remembered for their high school season.  State championships don't mean as much.  Kids play more for the next year and the next level than they do for the moment.  Its all summer ball now. (AAU was just getting huge with Herren's class--Felipe Lopez, Iverson).  There isn't a Damon Bailey from Bedford North Lawrence or Alen Henderson from Indy Brebeuf or Glen Robinson from Gary Roosevelt.  Its all Georgia Stars or the Illinois Warriors and they play 50 games in front of gyms full of scouts.  The internet wasn't there as much in the mid-late 90s to put in print every detail of every game.  There was still some mystique to it all. 

The story of Chris Herren is entertaining and inspiring and great and nostalgic for a number of resasons. 
1)  Fall River.  A mill town.  Working class people.   Hard nosed east coast kids.  Everyone in the world pulls for the blue collar kid. 
2)  He was a great college basketball player back when college basketball players could be great.  There is a reason college basketball is half as exciting now as it was back then. 
3)  We love stories of redemption and second (and third and fourth and fifth) chances.  People who seemingly have nothing and self destruct make sense to us.  Its harder for us to understand someone so talented that continues to sabatoge their life.  Its easy to judge when its not you.
How amazing is it that he went out and balled after doing coke until noon. 


If you haven't checked it out DVR it Saturday morning at 7am on ESPN.  Great story.

Is it a coincidence that movies have gone to shit, HBO series and documentaries are getting better and better.  Nope.

Mini Videos and Lyrics Session V- Mutineers--Indiana

Indiana
All those anti war hippie kids who cry for life, but don't give a shit
they organize their sit ins wearing flowered shirts and peace sign pins
while the children who have courage are far across the sea
I wish that I was like them, unfortunately I can't be

Singing songs like Indians or make that Native Americans
You can't open your mouth today without starting a protest parade
or inciting one more riot, "I'm just trying to fight it"
and now I'll close my eyes, and in disappear into my best disguise

Do razor blades and shotgun shells decay
Ungrateful little children run and play
Today we're all ok
Today we're all ok
Today we are ok

Caught up in middle America our dreams won't lead us out of here
watch the current of the river, its steady flow will live forever
like the men who came before us, singing backup in the chorus
I'll lead the charge as we push along and I'll light the match at the fireworks display

Buildings crumble to the ground like clay
Brick by brick we'll build them back to stay

Today we're all ok
Today we're all ok
Today we are ok

Mini Videos and Lyrics Session IV-Ce N'est Rien--I Didn't Come Here To Lose

Another installment of our award winning series Mini Videos and Lyrics.  Here you go...one take from Ce N'est Rien.  Song is I Didn't Come Here to Lose

I DIDNT COME HERE TO LOSE

I looked my old life in the face

It smiled back and got its way

It's just a fever it'll pass but it still hurts all the same

Screw the note screw the key

There is no one here but me,

  And I didnt come here to lose

I held your hand and then your shoe

You left so fast I thought you flew

I try to forget the kiss and harness the excuse

Why you said your tongue was fused to mine:

  'Still had that accent to lose

  And the South to leave behind

And "I'm sorry I'm leaving, dont you know I live my whole life acting out?

I'll dream about you wherever I can..."

Just got too darn real for you now

Go the way of all my dancing girls

I hope you find what you're looking for,

  I'm sure you lost a few steps

  Spinning in circles on the floor

You trust me, dont you?...

I spent all my good years in a bath

I first had you go in, I first had you goin'

My skin has shriveled up into ash--

Let's go towards the light and try to smoke it

I will be born again in your lungs and in your breath I withhold from you

I give and give as you take

I made the choice sun-blackeyed-burned

I wont be coming back for what you keep trying to...

  It's like you're trying to lose

  I didnt come here to lose...

Adele Tiny Desk Concert

I usually don't care too much about singers with great voices.  At least conventionally great voices.  I don't know what about Adele's voice that is so great but its pretty amazing.  The first song is why I am posting this and if that song was 30 minutes long it would still be too short.  Have a listen.

A Couple Great Songs To Welcome You Back To Work

Here are a couple of songs for your first day back after a long 4th of July weekend.  I don't think you will be able to listen to these songs just once.  I haven't been able to stop listening to them today.  They are great catchy songs.

Song/Video #1 Abducted by Cults
I'm addicted to this song and am probably going to buy this album tomorrow
Have a couple listens


Song/Video #2 We Sing In Time-The Lonely Forest
Good catchy pop song.  I like it.


Enjoy it

Mini Videos and Lyrics Session III-The Mutineers--Its Getting Dark Outside

ITS GETTING DARK OUTSIDE


I've got you right where I want you
With my hands right around your neck
I can feel all your bones, they tremble
While your ghost swims around your head


Can you picture Hitler with his rattle
Doodling swastikas in his crib
don't you know evils been created
well before evils born


Somebody tell me a story
something with a happy ending
something where the mighty heros being tossed in the air
and the villains being buried


Two innocent enter the pine woods
ones got evil on his mind
one walks closer and he enters the water
I'm afraid only one of them is leaving alive


he didn't want to become
a murderer


Run for shelter its getting dark outside
Things aren't what they seems
Board up the windows its getting dark outside
Light up the torches its getting dark outside
Close your eyes before it gets dark outside
and lets hope for a dream

Mini Videos and Lyrics Session II- Blind Dead Duck--Let's Just Escape For A While

LET'S JUST ESCAPE FOR AWHILE
 
Come on down out of your tree
And take a walk, a walk with me.
We can go somewhere nice, 
we can go where there is no light.
Let's just escape for awhile.
 
Somewhere down the road you'll see
just how much you mean to me.
And I will take you by the hand and travel 
all over this great land.
I'll take you wherever you want to go.
 
But this road is long.
And I'm ready to take it on.
As long as you're by my side
I don't have a single thing to hide.
Just put your faith and trust in me.
 
Somewhere up yonder I do see.
A place that was built for you and me
to settle on down and stare at the stars
on a blanket or the hood of my car.
Either way I just want to be next to you.
 
But this road is long.
And I think we can take it on.
Together as one we'll rise above and
overcome all obstacles in front of us.
Just put your faith and trust in me.
 
So come on down out of your tree.
And take this walk, this walk with me.
Don't be afraid to come along,
I'll be beside you singing this song.
I'm not going anywhere anytime soon.
 
But this road is long.
And I think we can take it on.
As long as you're by my side
I don't have a single thing to hide.
Just put your faith and trust in me.

Mini Videos and Lyrics Session I- Ce N'est Rien, All I Can Manage

The Sun Sets On Indiana is starting a new and interesting series called Mini Videos and Lyrics.  We thought about calling it Minivids and Lyrics but the quirky abbreviations isn't our thing so here is the deal.  The members of Sun Sets:  The Mutineers, Ce N'est Rien, Blind Dead Duck, and Mt. Pleasant will be posting mini videos, recorded from our phones and presented to this forum.  We will post lyrics and the rest  is up to you.  All 8-10 of you.  Our first Mini Video is from one of our favorites, Ce N'est Rien.  This song is called All I Can Manage and that instrument is a Ukelele.

All I Can Manage Before

the only promises are ones I can no longer hold you to,

the little lady, her little folded hands kneeling down with you,

and at the foot of her bed

you lead her in a prayer for me

come on, do it again

and make up for a life I shouldve spent with you

and feet I once swept you off would only fail me now

Im right where you left me last

but we continue on, call it Home or not Im not there yet

I been all over thinking sooner or later I am bound to stumble on one

I lead the choir in, take in a silent film

to emulate the sin I have trapped inside my skull

a score that never makes it past the ceiling snow

words like feet are swept away and only fail me now--dont fail me now

Im right where you left me last

it's not my floor to speak

it's a game of 'All I can get out before--'

my voice starts breaking off, come on soldier-up

rope the wall stuck in my throat with every thought of you

but it wont make up for a life I've failed you now.

Bon Iver

Hello again.  Think I am going to buy this cd today because this song sounds pretty great.

The Strokes-Under Cover of Darkness

In case you missed it last night this was the saving grace from Miley Cyrus hosting SNL.  This cd is going to be good.

The Mountain Goats and Letterman

Highly anticipated album.  The Sun Sets On Indiana is watching paint dry as we await its arrival.  All Eternal Decks out soon.
For some reason it doesn't work
Go to Pitchfork to check it out

New Music Worth Your Time

There appears to be a resurgence in music lately.  Not a resurgence in the sense that there are a lot of good 'new' bands coming out with albums, but familiar bands coming out with great albums.  2010 was the worst.  Excitement about getting a new album felt forced and cds wore out there welcome after 1 or 2 full listens.  Recently the Decemberists have come out with a great record called The King is Dead.  Gillian Welch sings on it and the songs have a country feel that didn't exist on their other previous records.  Iron and Wine (Kiss Each Other Clean) still has great songwriting, but now adds some electronic stuff that I have to say I have always enjoyed.  It doesn't seem out of place and the listening experience is enjoyable.  Bright Eyes (The Peoples Key) comes out in a couple weeks.  If you order it from Saddle Creek right now they will send you a digital copy to download right now.  Or you can go to NPR and listen to the album in its entirety without spending a penny.  I am doing that right now because the download thing doesn't work and so far it seems pretty great.

Here are some other things The Sun Sets On Indiana is enjoying:

Television: (Here are some recommendations for the people who 'don't watch too much television' because their lives are too important)

1.  Portlandia-  Carrie Brownstein (Slater Kinney, NPR All Songs Considered) and Fred Armisen

This is on IFC and they put on little short skits about Portland.  Two episodes in and its nothing less than hilarious.

2.  Breaking Bad- (Bryan Cranston) Chemistry teacher/cancer patient selling meth.  Always a recipe for success.  Didn't catch it when it first came out.  Heard about the hype but never watched it.  We have purchased the first two seasons and its amazing.  

3.  Parks and Recreation-  Rob Lowe is a highlight, but so is each character on there.  Aziz Ansari, Amy Pohler just two more funny funny people.  Its hard to overshadow 30 Rock, but Parks and Rec is coming close.  Good thursday night of tv there.  

Beer:  We did thing we had a beer guy willing to do a weekly, monthly column on beer recs, but I think he forgot about us.

1.  Bells Hopslam- 10.0% a/v IPA.  A six pack costs around $15 but if you think about it there are about 12 beers worth of alcohol in each six pack of beer.  If you can find it, buy it and enjoy it.  Its not around often and its delicious.

2.  3 Floyds Gumballhead- A wheat IPA.  If you aren't in Chicago you are not going to find this.  It's my favorite beer I have ever had.  I think its hard to get even if you live in Chicago.

This is ice not snow.  If I tap a tree right now I think it might crumble.

Winter Blues

As the Midwest gets bombarded with more inclement weather, I'm bottled up in my apartment hoping that it passes or limits the damage to only rain. Wishful thinking. Probably won't know until the morning when I wake up at the crack of dawn to check for school closings. The life of a substitute teacher. So, if you are in the same predicament enjoy the time off and use it to your advantage. I'll probably spend my time reading, listening to tunes, and praying for an early spring. How bout a great tune for a miserable day inside?

LA---Ce N'est Rien

Another video to watch and enjoy.


Untitled from Ryan Connors on Vimeo.

New Bright Eyes tune---Haile Selassie

More new music to look forward to.  Seems like we went a year without getting excited about anything.  And now we have Iron and Wine and Bright Eyes and The Mountain Goats all with new albums here or coming in the near future.  Here is a new one from Bright Eyes.  Have a great listen.  It will be sent to your email.

Tree By The River by Iron and Wine in a Take Away Show

Here is Sam Beam playing a song under your floor boards or below the steps of your basement.  New album comes out tomorrow so go buy it.

Iron and Wine | Tree by the river | A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Blind Dead Duck-James Alley Blues

A nice New Years performance by Blind Dead Duck.  Halfway through, what appears to be an earthquake, is just the camera holder clapping along.  And the hits just keep on coming...

Blind Dead Duck from Ryan Connors on Vimeo.

A New Installment of Live From New Years. He is ADAM and this is the Eagles.

Sit back and listen to the silky smooth vocal stylings of Adam and the metronomic rhythm of Mere.  Nice work!  Due to some technical difficulties the performance is in two sections.  This is Part I.

Untitled from Ryan Connors on Vimeo.


This is Part II

Untitled from Ryan Connors on Vimeo.

Some More Ray....

I can't lie...I'm into this guy right now. This is my new favorite. One of those I've kept on repeat in my car for, oh, I don't know 3 straight days now. Hope you like it....

New Okkervil River Song On Jimmy Fallon

I know it seems like there isn't any music that is worth a shit anymore, but its not entirely true.  You just have to be persistent and patient, if you can do both of those things at once.  This song sounds great and I hate that we all have to wait 5 months for the album to come out.  Hope this works, I had a little difficulty getting it going.  Just because you are getting older doesn't mean you have to stop making time for music.  Have a listen and then get on with your life.

Wonder Years, A Snowday and Ce N'est Rien- A Cane To A Marching Band

Its 11:55, I am up watching Wonder Years (Punky Brewster and her adolescent boobs make an appearance in this one) and I am pretty much banking on a snow day tomorrow.  If it doesn't happen I will be heartbroken and tired...but we roll the dice and enjoy the evening.
In honor of his birthday lets play another song by Ce N'est Rien.  This one great and I hope you guys all enjoy the snow day, if you get one.

The Mutineers sing Two Headed Boy directly to you

The Mutineers playing on New Years.  There are more performances to come.

Good New Year With Ce N'est Rien

Good New Year to all of you faithful viewers.  I will try to get some videos out from New Years Eve.  This is an edited version.  We took out some of the MC joke telling at the beginning.  The quality isn't great but the song is.  Have a listen.