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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open Thread

Open Thread

by John Cole|  October 14, 20121:10 am| 68 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Sports

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I think I have finally recovered from the WVU/Texas Tech. It isn’t too often you get to watch your team piss away a shot at a national championship and a Heisman in one game, so I got that going for me.

In my 42 years, I have learned that any recovery involves Perry Farrell:

I’ll also be listening to the Smashing Pumpkins, Siamese Dream, as well as some Seven Mary Three Cumbersome. I’m treating this loss like a bad breakup. Once the emo is done, I will move on to Pauls’s Boutique to lift my spirits.

The Who made millions on teenage Wasteland (***update*** Shit. I won’t even correct this and will just take my lumps). Why is there no middle-aged wasteland anthem?

Also too, fuck Craig James and Texas Tech. Seriously, Mountaineers- 49-14?

Fer fuck’s sake.

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68Comments

  1. 1.

    Xecky Gilchrist

    October 14, 2012 at 1:11 am

    Why is there no middle-aged wasteland anthem?

    Man, that one is just really hanging over the plate. I feel like a total simpleton not having some clever example in mind.

  2. 2.

    The Dangerman

    October 14, 2012 at 1:14 am

    It isn’t too often you get to watch your team piss away a shot at a national championship and a Heisman in one game…

    Matt Barkely on Line 2.

  3. 3.

    redshirt

    October 14, 2012 at 1:15 am

    I cooked breakfast for The Smashing Pumpkins, before they were famous – they were still driving their own van on a cross country tour (1991). I saw their show at Zoots on Friday night they slung them hash at Simple Simons on Saturday morning. And then they became famous. Co-incidence? Probably.

  4. 4.

    Violet

    October 14, 2012 at 1:17 am

    The Who made millions on teenage Wasteland. Why is there no middle-aged wasteland anthem?

    I think it’s called “Little Red Corvette.”

  5. 5.

    Spaghetti Lee

    October 14, 2012 at 1:17 am

    Hey, maybe it will be like 2007 and everyone else will lose and you’ll get back on top again. I don’t think Florida’s going undefeated and South Carolina lost. As a Mizzou and Illinois fan, I have NO SUCH WORRIES!

  6. 6.

    Short Bus Bully

    October 14, 2012 at 1:18 am

    John, your taste in music is always inspiring. Go Mountain Song and Ocean Size before you’re done tonight, you’ll be better for it.

  7. 7.

    Hill Dweller

    October 14, 2012 at 1:18 am

    Jeter has a fractured ankle, and will miss the remainder of the postseason.

  8. 8.

    Comrade Luke

    October 14, 2012 at 1:18 am

    Jeter: broken ankle, out three months.

    Over/under on number of times the media refers to him as The Captain? I’ll go with a million.

  9. 9.

    ranchandsyrup

    October 14, 2012 at 1:20 am

    The same Craig James that killed 5 hookers while at smu? http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2012/05/09/once-and-for-all-did-craig-james-kill-five-hookers-at-smu/
    It’s irresponsible not to speculate.

  10. 10.

    redshirt

    October 14, 2012 at 1:20 am

    Also too, the “Nothing’s Shocking” art is awesome early 90’s culture.

  11. 11.

    handy

    October 14, 2012 at 1:22 am

    The Who made millions on teenage Wasteland.

    You’re gonna get creamed for this one John Cole.

  12. 12.

    Warren

    October 14, 2012 at 1:22 am

    Middle-aged wasteland: it’s in the CDs marked “Guided By Voices.” Enjoy.

    As a Texas Tech Red Raider (class of ’91), I apologize, but look at it this way: those poor fucks have to live in Lubbock. Let them have this.

  13. 13.

    PeakVT

    October 14, 2012 at 1:23 am

    Oh, poor twisted John.

  14. 14.

    Spaghetti Lee

    October 14, 2012 at 1:23 am

    As for middle-aged wastelands, I once heard someone describe What’s Love Got To Do With It as such, although I’m skeptical.

  15. 15.

    handy

    October 14, 2012 at 1:25 am

    Middle-aged wasteland== “smooth” jazz?

  16. 16.

    Violet

    October 14, 2012 at 1:28 am

    @handy: Nah, Middle-aged wasteland = Putumayo World Music CD from Starbucks.

  17. 17.

    Michael

    October 14, 2012 at 1:29 am

    It’s called Baba O’Riley

  18. 18.

    The Dangerman

    October 14, 2012 at 1:30 am

    @Comrade Luke:

    Jeter: broken ankle, out three months.

    I wonder if he had a hairline fracture from a couple nights ago (batted ball off same foot). Video tonight didn’t look like enough to snap his ankle unless his spikes caught in some freak manner (didn’t see it in the video).

  19. 19.

    GregB

    October 14, 2012 at 1:31 am

    Political Wire has two new polls. Both good news for the good guys.

    Up in Arizona and Ohio.

    Link.

    Title for Middle Age Wasteland:

    Bubba O’Reilly.

  20. 20.

    Comrade Luke

    October 14, 2012 at 1:32 am

    @The Dangerman:

    I was thinking the same thing. Wouldn’t surprise me.

  21. 21.

    PeakVT

    October 14, 2012 at 1:33 am

    @The Dangerman: IIRC Jeter fouled the ball off his left foot/ankle three times in game 4 against the O’s.

  22. 22.

    Gwiwer

    October 14, 2012 at 1:34 am

    I suppose there is no middle-aged wasteland anthem because people just aren’t inclined psychologically to be angsty and nihilistic at that point in their life. I mean, when you’re a teen, you think you’re going to live forever and nothing will ever change, so you have the luxury of feeling a little cynical and nihilistic about things. By the time you’ve hit your 40’s, most people have already become acutely aware that they’re not immortal and time isn’t on their side. It’s a little hard to feel nihilistic and cynical when you wake up every morning realizing that you’re only a couple decades or so away from the adult-diaper, 7 pills before noon, can barely remember your own name stage of life. Granted, that realization probably would leave some people feeling even more cynical, but I imagine most people are just happy they have all of their hair, aren’t yet going too gray, and haven’t had to experience a major health problem of their own yet.

  23. 23.

    Cain

    October 14, 2012 at 1:35 am

    John – May I suggest Porcupine Tree? Of course, not sure how you feel about prog rock, but Steven Wilson kicks ass.

    Anesthetize After the guitar solo, it really starts really starts to rock.

    Sound of Muzak

    Just about any song on Deadwing and “In Absentia” kick ass. I like their older stuff but it’s more of a “space rock” style.

  24. 24.

    handy

    October 14, 2012 at 1:35 am

    @GregB:

    Dem leaning, no? Still, up in AZ. That’s just wow.

  25. 25.

    Death Panel Truck

    October 14, 2012 at 1:36 am

    Pete Townshend did write a middle-age wasteland song.

    It’s called “However Much I Booze,” from The Who By Numbers.

    “But however much I booze/There ain’t no way out!”

  26. 26.

    Old Dan and Little Ann

    October 14, 2012 at 1:39 am

    Seeing Mariano Rivera crumpled in pain on the field earlier this year and now Jeter tonight. This after blowing 3 bases loaded opportunities and a crazy 9th inning comeback. Fuck!

  27. 27.

    redshirt

    October 14, 2012 at 1:40 am

    “Gish” is the best Pumpkins album. Raw 90’s alterna-grunge dream sludge.

  28. 28.

    Steeplejack

    October 14, 2012 at 1:43 am

    @Cole:

    Middle-aged wasteland? It’s a little down-tempo and a little before your time, but Danny O’Keefe takes a good shot with “Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues.”

    (But maybe middle age should be a little down-tempo.)

    Or how about Willie Nelson, “Funny How Time Slips Away.”

  29. 29.

    piratedan

    October 14, 2012 at 1:43 am

    for middle aged blues:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rYQLCeuVCY

    courtesy of Mr. Edmunds

    and another from Mr. Lowe

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbn48xbex-8

  30. 30.

    orygunian

    October 14, 2012 at 1:50 am

    Johnny Cash, Man comes around.

    http://youtu.be/k9IfHDi-2EA

  31. 31.

    Suffern ACE

    October 14, 2012 at 1:51 am

    @Death Panel Truck: There’s a whole genre of country music about either hitting rock bottom or just swimming above it. The reason though that there aren’t more middle-aged wasteland songs is that adults kind of know better specifically what is troubling them.

  32. 32.

    Tissue Thin Pseudonym (JMN)

    October 14, 2012 at 1:54 am

    @Cain: Geez, Anesthetize isn’t even the best song on the album.

    I’ve really been getting into Sylvan and Mystery lately.

  33. 33.

    Death Panel Truck

    October 14, 2012 at 1:58 am

    @Suffern ACE: The lyrics of “However Much I Booze” indicate to me that there’s an angst in Townshend’s soul that he really doesn’t understand.

  34. 34.

    stannate

    October 14, 2012 at 1:58 am

    I’d say that West Virginia’s performance today was like the next track off of this album, particularly with regards to the line about slapping yourself in the face. But as mentioned earlier, you could be a fan of Missouri–a team that can’t beat Vanderbilt–so there’s always someone else worse off.

  35. 35.

    FlipYrWhig

    October 14, 2012 at 1:59 am

    Anything by Richard Thompson is middle-aged wasteland.

  36. 36.

    Cain

    October 14, 2012 at 2:03 am

    @Tissue Thin Pseudonym (JMN):

    That’s my favorite song.. it gets your feet moving. “Way Out Here” is pretty awesome as well.

    Also Rush’s new album Clockwork Angels is pretty damn good.. My favorite is BU2B Some really great music there.

  37. 37.

    Cain

    October 14, 2012 at 2:04 am

    I’m staying out of the middle age wasteland.. although I did dive into Rush which I guess is even older than middle age wasteland? :-) But then again they are still putting new albums which are relatively fresh.

    Still looking for some new music. :-) I like some of Opeth’s later stuff, minus the death metal.

  38. 38.

    PeakVT

    October 14, 2012 at 2:21 am

    @orygunian: Cole needs to break his rusty cage.

  39. 39.

    James E. Powell

    October 14, 2012 at 2:49 am

    When your middle-aged, if you’re doing it even close to right, you know you can’t comfort your angst by declaring to be a wasteland, a nothing. It’s filled with stuff, and you, and people and things you like.

    Middle-age is more like this or this.

    And if that’s a bit much, just start with the first album Steve Earle did after he got out of jail. Then move forward one at a time.

  40. 40.

    Fordpowers

    October 14, 2012 at 3:00 am

    Jesus. Christ. Ur serious with these song choices….? Jesus Effing Christ

  41. 41.

    James E. Powell

    October 14, 2012 at 3:02 am

    Saw a headline on my google: Brit Hume says Joe Biden looked like a cranky old man.

    It Hume afraid that Biden is stealing his act?

  42. 42.

    Honus

    October 14, 2012 at 3:27 am

    @stannate: It’s not like the team has any connection to west Virginia other than the uniforms. I don’t think there’s a single west Virginia native on the roster, and the coaches and AD are all Texans.
    As for Craig James, this:
    He finished a distant fourth with about 4% of the vote. Public Policy Polling found during the race that “as Craig James has become better known he’s just gotten more and more unpopular.”

  43. 43.

    Emdee

    October 14, 2012 at 3:27 am

    It isn’t too often you get to watch your team piss away a shot at a national championship and a Heisman in one game

    Welcome to the Big 12. It happens about twice every three years in this conference.

  44. 44.

    Legalize

    October 14, 2012 at 3:36 am

    Middle-aged wasteland would be “Losing My Edge” by LCD Soundsystem. Said song also happens to be the best song ever recorded.

  45. 45.

    wasabi gasp

    October 14, 2012 at 4:08 am

    Pavement – Terror Twilight

  46. 46.

    jomike

    October 14, 2012 at 4:29 am

    @stannate:

    you could be a fan of Missouri—a team that can’t beat Vanderbilt—so there’s always someone else worse off.

    Isn’t it cute how Mizzou and A&M actually thought they would be competitive in the SEC?

    And speaking of teams that’re worse off than yours, how about Auburn? Losing to Arkansas is one thing, but getting blown out in the fourth quarter by Ole Miss is just plain embarrassing. Tommy Tuberville must be grinning so hard his face is gonna break.

  47. 47.

    Uncle Cosmo

    October 14, 2012 at 4:48 am

    I feel for Cole. First the Tar&Urine, now the Inbred Coalminers–in the span of less than 48 hours.

    @Hill Dweller, @Comrade Luke, @PeakVT, @Old Dan and Little Ann: Confusion to the Skankees, & fuck all their fans with a rusty chainsaw.

    ETA: Awaiting moderation? FYWP! We’ll see if it shows up by morning…

  48. 48.

    Gogiggs

    October 14, 2012 at 6:24 am

    For middle-aged wasteland listen to Pulp’s “This is Hardcore”, then take your pick. Heck, there’s even a song with the lyric “I’m not Jesus, but I have the same initials” that you can pretend was just for you.

  49. 49.

    wasabi gasp

    October 14, 2012 at 6:35 am

    Paul Motian Band – Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

    I’ve posted this link before. I just got a notification that the album it’s from is available for $1 from an amazon seller. Two ninety eight shipping. Figured I’d throw it out there. Feel weird about putting a direct link, but it should be easy enough to find.

  50. 50.

    Josie

    October 14, 2012 at 6:44 am

    It could be worse, John. You could be a Longhorn fan, like me.

  51. 51.

    Charlie Dodgson

    October 14, 2012 at 8:40 am

    Middle-aged wasteland seems like half of Springsteen’s output; the most anthemic off the top of my head is Atlantic City (leaving aside Born in the USA which is so anthemic that it makes people miss the point), but I’m probably missing something. See also: Dylan, “When the Night Comes Falling from the Sky”, “Idiot Wind”, or “Up to Me” and “Tangled Up in Blue” for quieter takes.

  52. 52.

    Charlie Dodgson

    October 14, 2012 at 8:41 am

    Also Talking Heads, “Once in a Lifetime”…

  53. 53.

    Nicole

    October 14, 2012 at 9:00 am

    “Losing My Religion.” I was young when the song came out and it made me feel old. I don’t mean that in a negative way.

  54. 54.

    wasabi gasp

    October 14, 2012 at 9:00 am

    @wasabi gasp: Same seller has a shitload of albums marked down to $1(+sh) including the Pavement album I posted earlier in this thread. I picked up 9 CDs for around forty bucks, so far. If you’re a CD buyer with something on your mind, today might be a good day to give amazon a peek.

  55. 55.

    MuckJagger

    October 14, 2012 at 9:11 am

    One middle-aged anthem, at your service:

    John Eddie – Forty

  56. 56.

    Lojasmo

    October 14, 2012 at 9:30 am

    “Dancing for Money” by Talking heads is a pretty good middle age wasteland song. Nobody’s ever heard it, though.

  57. 57.

    The Red Pen

    October 14, 2012 at 9:31 am

    Seeing Smashing Pumpkins live on Thursday. Then flying to DC for a wedding. Hopefully I will also be celebrating a resurgent Obama campaign.

  58. 58.

    chrome agnomen

    October 14, 2012 at 9:36 am

    middle age wasteland? jethro tull– ‘fat man’

    people would say that i was just good fun…

  59. 59.

    WaterGirl

    October 14, 2012 at 10:16 am

    @Steeplejack:

    …and a little before your time

    I saw how you slid that in there. Man, that’s a low blow in a thread related to age. :-)

  60. 60.

    Roy G.

    October 14, 2012 at 10:45 am

    The new Pumpkins album Oceania is excellent. If Billy Corrigan can rock it like he used to, so can you, Cole.

  61. 61.

    gbear

    October 14, 2012 at 10:50 am

    Why is there no middle-aged wasteland anthem?

    ‘Mother’s Little Helper’ by the Rolling Fucking Stones in 1965.

    ‘Is That All There Is? by Peggy Lee.

    The Kinks Are The Villiage Green Preservation Society’ album and 50% of the songs Ray Davies was writing in the late 60’s.

  62. 62.

    Jamie

    October 14, 2012 at 10:56 am

    @Gwiwer:

    I suppose there is no middle-aged wasteland anthem because people just aren’t inclined psychologically to be angsty and nihilistic at that point in their life.

    Speak for yer fecken self. Staring at 40, unemployed and currently sitting in a hospital bed (it was serious, but I’ll be fine, at least until I get the bill), I am basically nothing but angst and nihilism.

    Sorry to be a downer. The music selections are basically what I grew up on.

  63. 63.

    Azelie

    October 14, 2012 at 11:41 am

    James McMurtry is all about the middle-age wasteland.

  64. 64.

    gbear

    October 14, 2012 at 12:20 pm

    @Azelie: Yep. I love his music. Seems to always be about not being happy where you are and wanting to go somewhere else.

  65. 65.

    KXB

    October 14, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    Hell man, you want middle-aged anthem, I go with Billy Strayhorn’s masterpiece (Johnny Hartman’s version) “Lush Life”

    romance is mush
    stifling those who strive
    I’ll live a lush life in some small dive
    and there I’ll be, while I rot with the rest
    of those whose lives are lonely too

  66. 66.

    nitpicker

    October 14, 2012 at 12:51 pm

    As a Kansas State fan, I was rooting for WVU, because the last thing I wanted was to face a pissed off team on their home turf next weekend. Still, should be a great game and we’re making the trek to Morgantown.

  67. 67.

    Charlie Dodgson

    October 14, 2012 at 1:16 pm

    Pretenders, “Time, the Avenger”.

    Grateful Dead, “Touch of Grey”.

  68. 68.

    Sir Colgrevance

    October 14, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    Ugh, you have the musical tastes of a true sports fan.

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