Top 25 Albums (25-15)

25) Alice in Chains - Nothing Safe: The Best of the Box
I know it's easy for a Greatest Hits album to be solid, but my gosh, this band is amazing. It's a shame Layne Staley went down the wrong road in 2002. Staley and Jerry Cantrell were musical geniuses. Not many bands can pull off the dark heavy metal acoustics like Alice in Chains. Wait...no bands can pull off the heavy metal acoustics like Alice in Chains.

24) Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head
The wave of Great Britain music is due in large part to Coldplay. They are a breath of fresh air compared to all the crap that's out there today. The Scientist is one of the best songs of this era. It has very soothing piano and acoustics, followed by a climatic electric guitar to finish off the song. Not to mention it won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album.

23) Beastie Boys - Licensed to Ill
Straight out of Brooklyn come these 3 wiggers who revolutionize the music industry at 18 years old. The lyrics are hysterical, but that's beside the point. The Beastie Boys demonstrate rap music the way it's supposed to be played: catchy riffs with clever lyrics.

22) Counting Crows - Films About Ghosts
Just an all-around good album. They are a very solid, artistic band. Sure the lyrics are weird and no one can relate, but they still make good music.


21) Hootie & the Blowfish - Cracked Rear View
When Hootie hit the music scene in 1994, they were the best thing since sliced bread. Darius Rucker led a catchy band to the top with their original tune, Only Wanna Be With You. It was a feel good song that always put a smile on my face.

20) Third Eye Blind - Third Eye Blind
Just about every song on this album is a hit. Numerous soundtracks have partaken of the tracks from it. Their first major hit, Semi-Charmed Life instilled the imagination with the impression of a nice summer day on the beach with nothing to worry about. Their deep love songs, How's It Going to Be and God of Wine contain lyrical brilliance.

19) Stone Temple Pilots - Thank You
This album includes 15 of your typical STP tracks, which translates into 15 well-written songs. STP versifies music in a talented variety. From the heavy tunes such as Vasoline and Sex Type Thing to the alternative riffs of Plush and Interstate Love Song. From a mellow Lady Picture Show to an insightful Creep. STP was a different band. I wouldn't know some of the songs were actually STP if it weren't for Scott Weiland's legendary vocals.

18) Green Day - Dookie
Quite possibly one of the greatest punk albums ever. This fast-paced album provides a lot of energy for people who like to jump around and shove each other. Plus, the secret song finishes off the album with a comedic touch.

17) Nirvana - Nevermind
Kurt Cobain is a musical genius. Dave Grohl, drummer turned singer/guitarist is one of the most talented musicians of his time. We all know that. The path leading towards an insurmountable career was cut short when Cobain took his own life (or did he?). Thankfully, Nirvana left their mark by opening the doors to grunge, which is one of the greatest genres in music.

16) Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dreams
I think this album is all about youth "sticking it to the man." The Simpsons nailed it on the head when Homer attended Hullapalooza and was called a "nark." That's the kind of audience this album is targeting. Today has a light, memorable riff to open the song, followed by heavy distortion that's perfectly suited for making heads bang. Disarm is a deep song about growing old and how things used to be. And let's not forget the fast-paced jam, Cherub Rock.

15) No Doubt - Tragic Kingdom
Gwen Stefani is hot...and she can rock. Don't Speak was the radio hit, but Spiderwebs and Just A Girl are the 2 more notable songs on this album. The paralleled mixture of the high hat symbol and guitar in Just A Girl complement each other nicely. Spiderwebs is just a clever song, and one of my all-time favorites. Did I mention that Gwen Stefani is hot?

"Blank-er Than Balls"

It's one of the most frequently used phrases in the male language.
"It's colder than balls."
"She's hotter than balls."
"This is harder than balls."

So what does it mean? Are balls ever really that cold? Are balls on the same attraction level as a good-looking girl? Have I ever taken a test that was so hard, it automatically made me think of my balls? Doubtful. But I say it on a daily basis.

I have no idea what its intended use is, but I want to applaud the guy who invented the "blank-er than balls" phrase. Without him, my vocubulary would be inept and boring. It's a staple in every male's dictionary. So, today I salute you, inventor of the phrase:"blank-er than balls." You have contributed to the male language a large portion of everyday conversation. Without you, there would be no means of comparison between two things. That being said: "This phrase is cooler than balls."

Congratulations to the Houston Astros

For the many of you who know me; you know I'm one of the biggest die-hard Astros fans alive. Some might think I'm too pessimistic, but that's what a die-hard fan does. You know you're passionate about a team when Albert Pujols hits a balls that's probably still on it's way up, and it makes you think life is not worth living. In hindsight, it's quite commical.

We have been season ticket holders for 12 years now, and I have probably been to over 100 games...including most home Playoff games, the Homerun Derby, the All-Star game, and Game 4 of the World Series.

I would like to take this time to congratulate my team on an amazing season. After starting 15-30, to win the Wild Card and advance to the World Series for the first time in franchise history is pretty incredible. From Roger Clemens throwing a shutout every single game (and still losing), to Bagwell's walk-off single against the Brewers, Lance Berkman's grand slam, Brad Ausmus's game-tying yak, and Chris Burke's walk-off dong in the 18th, it was an unforgettable season. I'm glad Biggio and Bagwell finally got to enjoy the World Series experience. I'm glad Clemens and Pettitte made an appearance in the World Series for their hometown. I'm glad I'm a huge fan of this great organization.

I will have several posts regarding the Astros. I just wanted to reflect on a great season and hope we can return next year. Start shopping Drayton. GO ASTROS!!!

Mt. Mutombo

Today, as my dad and I were walking up to the galleria, I noticed an unusually tall man standing in the door way. We were on our way to Neiman Marcus (or "Needless Mark-up" as my dad calls it) when we approached Mount Mutombo. My initial thought was, "That's got to be a basketball player." I was thinking it was Stromile Swift. As we neared the glass doors, it was freakin' Dikembe Mutombo! My dad walks in and says "Does anyone around here play basketball?" Mutombo just laughs and says "Yes," in a Kinishan accent. I just said "Mount Mutombo" and waived my finger at him...even though I was eye-level with his crotch. He smiled and waived his signature finger back at me. All in all, he was a class-act and very polite. He shook our hands and we went our separate ways.