The Z Files

Better Call Saul!

2010-03-10T21:57:00.001-05:00

http://www.bettercallsaul.com/

Tenderoni

2010-03-01T22:06:00.001-05:00

Why do i love this so much?

2010-01-24T14:46:00.002-05:00

Football Spread Picks Year End Wrap up

2010-01-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everybody, I'm back! You may want to call me "Three Fourths" next year because after starting off really weak, I finished up like a true contender does. I ended up getting 76.3% of my bets against the spread for the year correct. Yes, of course that looks all fine and dandy, but does it make me any smarter for the playoffs. The short answer: NO. The lines are always so small and games so unpredictable based on the last twenty years of data which I have scoured through to find some sort of edge, and I have realized that is none. But, if you want to know who I would go for, if I was a playoff betting man, here they are.

NYJ (+2.5) over CINCINNATI - I know its not good to base judgment on the last game of the regular season, but I felt that both teams were playing hard for the first two series of the game. Rex Ryan, the biggest asshole in the game of football, does have some clever defensive schemes. I love these coaches/owners that go out on a limb and say crazy things, such as Ozzie Guillen and Mark Cuban, but Rex Ryan is not clever, sharp or anything. I hope Coors Light comes out with a new commercial specifically for this game. If you want more evidence on why the Bungles will lose, just look to Hard Knocks.

Philly (+4) over DALLAS - The Cowboys are hot, but Romo is Romo. Could this be Vick's Redeption?

Green Bay (+1) over ARIZONA - The Cardinals are hurt and do not have enough fight in them after making their improbable run last year.

Am I too ballsy to take the three road teams? I stay away from the Patriots games in the playoffs because it is too conflicting to comprehend.

McNuggetini

2010-01-07T17:51:00.000-05:00

After all these articles about people going crazy at McDonalds and such lately, here is something to cheer up you fast food lovers out there. McNuggets, Vodka and BBQ sauce. Whos in? Who in their right mind would ever want to eat this thing. Apparently its all the rage in the NYC and LA hotspots. Does this look good to anybody? Please let me know if it does, granted, saying that, I would take a sip.

Blast From the Past

2010-01-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

Used to listen to this a lot as a youth. Simply beautiful.

Kingston Trio - Greenback Dollar

Amoeba Music

2010-01-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

Amoeba record store in California puts together a web video series where artists walk around the store and talk about records. Interesting stuff. Here is the legendary Afrika Bambaataa being Afrika Bambaataa. Other interesting artists on there are Andrew W.K., Paul Shirley (exNBA now espn blogger), Mos Def, and many more!

Best of 2009 Albums

2010-01-03T18:06:00.000-05:00

The end of the year was amazingly busy. I know you are all probably sick of lists already but I'm gonna hit you with one more. I'm gonna skip any description and give it to you like it is. Peace and love in 2010.

1. Miike Snow - Miike Snow

2. Regina Spektor - Far

3. La Roux - La Roux

4. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

5. Major Lazer - Guns Don't Kill People, Lazers Do

6. Matt & Kim - Grand

7. Ida Maria - Fortress Around My Heart

8. Passion Pit - Manners

9. Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon

10. Jay Z - Blueprint 3

Don't Worry I'll Be Back Shortly

2010-01-02T11:00:00.002-05:00

2009-12-25T09:11:00.001-05:00

Rage Against the Machine

2009-12-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

I like their new British campaign to stop the winner of the "X Factor" from being the number 1 song in the UK for like the 7th year in a row. From my understanding which is limited, the "X Factor" is the British version of American Idol or something along those lines. Apparently, a guy on facebook organized everybody to vote for "Killing in the Name Of" by RATM to be the number one hit of the land, and are getting the support of the band, who I previously thought shunned the limelight like Nirvana. Those political wingnuts give a great interview followed by a great performance recently on BBC. Its close to 9 minutes long, I would recommend the whole tape, but if you want to get to the good stuff jump into it around the 8:52 minute mark where things get serious and there is a serious freak out. On a positive note, RATM is donating the earning from this sudden popularity boost to charity.

Jersey Shore

2009-12-22T14:00:00.000-05:00

By now, the cultural phenomena known as the Jersey Shore has taken over the United States and boosted the sales of DVRs to unheard of heights. And now we learn how it was done...

Alyssa Milano's Evolution: Jersey Shore from Alyssa Milano

End of the Year Countdown Part 6

2009-12-21T22:21:00.000-05:00

The moment you all have been waiting for! Zeus' favorite four songs of the year 2009. Hopefully next week, I will have my top ten albums of the year for you to digest. And if you are in the Christmas spirit, feel free to click a ad or two, then x it out immediately, NBD. Much love to Magic Mike for multiple clicks, making the Z Files reach new heights and achieve staggering stats.

If you missed any part or feel the need to read or listen to a song again....
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

4. Passion Pit - Little Secrets

	Passion Pit - Little Secrets .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I thought after "Sleepyhead" Passion Pit's best days were behind them. A blog band one hit wonder. A flash in the pan. But they thoroughly surprised me for the better with the album Manners. This is clearly the stand-out track of it. And within the past month, I have started to hear "Sleepyhead" in a commercial, similar to another song on this list......Again, little kids and helium voice.

3. Miike Snow - Animal

	Miike Snow - Animal .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

The producers of "Toxic" by Britney Spears really outdid themselves with this track. A building beat with sounds coming from all directions and get stuck in your head vocals.

2. Major Lazer - Keep It Going Louder

	Major Lazer - Keep it goin' louder feat. Nina Sky & Ricky Blaze .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I still cannot figure out for the life of me how this song is not on top 40 radio? It would fit in right next to Ke$ha or Lady Gaga perfectly, I dont think Diplo & Switch have figured out payola.

1. Phoenix - 1901

	Phoenix - 1901 .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

You could not escape this song or Phoenix this year. Even my mom probably knows this track because I would always turn the TV up loud when the Cadillac commercial would come on. All that being said, I have not once gotten sick of it. Every listen is a rush of blood to various body parts.

End of the Year Countdown Part 5

2009-12-20T21:27:00.000-05:00

9. Kid Sister - Right Hand Hi

	Kid Sister - Right Hand Hi .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I don't really know how to classify Kid Sister, maybe club-hop? But whatever you call it, it sounds good to my ears.

8. Amanda Blank - Love Song

	amanda blank - a love song .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I have loved this song since an earlier version appeared on Diplo/Santogold's Top Ranking Mixtape (probably my all-time favorite mixtape) Download here. Surely enjoy the LL Cool J cover verse.

7. Soulja Boy - Turn My Swag On

	Soulja Boy - Turn My Swag On .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I hear this song everywhere and everytime I hear it the place goes bonkers. A fun song.

6. La Roux - Bulletproof

	La Roux - Bulletproof .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

This time baby......La Roux has been my diamond in the rough of the year. The whole album is great but this is definitely the highlight.

5. Ida Maria - Oh My God

	Ida Maria - Oh My God .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Ida Maria is a dirty Swedish girl, yet suprisingly not super hot. Nevertheless, she even puts in lip dip on stage, don't know how she sings while doing that. Also apparently she is a lush on stage and even quit in the middle of a show in Boston. Her biggest downfall this year was signing on to do Perez Hilton's tour, which had horrendous ticket sales. The whole Ida Maria album is good, but more on that next week with my top 10 albums of the year.

End of the Year Countdown Part 4

2009-12-17T23:30:00.000-05:00

14. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll

	Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

So many remixes of this track. The fact that every Yeah Yeah Yeah's album sounds differently yet you can easily distinguish it, if that makes any sense, makes me appreciate it more for the fact that people change tastes especially as artists and do not feel like putting out the same album 5 times in a row. (Hold Steady your the exception)

13. Shakira - She Wolf

	Shakira - She Wolf .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Such a different pop song, haven't really heard anything like it on pop radio before. I feel this song has some long lasting radio potential when other people jump on this new bandwagon.

12. Silversun Pickups - There's No Secrets This Year

	Silversun Pickups - There's No Secrets This Year .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Silversun Pickups previously album, Carnavas, is definitely on my top 10 albums of the last 5 years, so obviously I was excited for this new release. The album overall was a let down, but this lead-off track definitely gave me good first impressions.

11. Donnis - The Beginning

What hasn't been said about this guy. His style is so smooth and delivery so quick and efficient yet not obnoxious.

10. Zac Brown Band - Chicken Fried

	Zac Brown Band - Chicken Fried .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I spent a week up in Maine over this summer and this was the jam that I heard every day and fell in love with. It is confusing to me what radio stations decide to play what song because this is definitely a cross-over song and could hit the adult-contemporary radio stations, yet many are still scared to play it. (which I don't understand after the crossover appeal of Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.)

Football Spread Picks Week 15

2009-12-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

So I did not have time to make the picks public last week. But it was a very good week for the Zeus, I went 11 of 16, and hit on my two best bets of the week. Sadly, since today is Thursday and I already know the result of the game today, I am 0-fer 1 on my best bets this week. Without further ado.

JACKONVILLE (-3.5) over Indy - How are the guys that set the lines so smart? It was one of my best bets of the week.

Dallas (-7.5) over NEW ORLEANS - One of the two undefeated teams must fall this week.

New England (+7.5) over Buffalo - The Patriots still have a lot to prove. Many people think after the loss to Miami their reign is over as a supreme team.

Arizona (-10.5) over DETROIT - How many people in America want to seriously injure Kurt Warner this week after ruining countless fantasy seasons on Monday Night?

TENNESSEE (-3.5) over Miami - Very interesting matchup of two potential playoff teams. I am going off of old knowledge of the Titans of last year finally getting their act in gear. My advice, do not bet on this game.

KANSAS CITY (-2.5) over Cleveland - Can they cancel this game?

Houston (-9.5) over ST.LOUIS - Kinda nervous about that pick, I feel the Rams are just playing for all the pride they have left in their system this week. But the Texans are still trying, after around 5 years in the league that they are not a joke.

Atlanta (+6.5) over NYJ - A rookie quarterback cost his team the season a few weeks ago by not learned from Joe Giradiri, but did you except anymore? And if you did, did you expect the 1.21 gigawatts to come true too?

San Fran (+7.5) over PHILLY - Classic class of the let down week after a big win over the Giants last week.

Chicago (+10.5) over Baltimore - Jay Cutler wants to prove he is worth his money and Ray Lewis wants to prove that he is not washed up. Sadly, the NFL has now instituted a steroid policy when eliminates steroids and murder. Sorry Ray Lewis.

Cincinnati (+6.5) over SAN DIEGO - Hard to bet against a team with a player that just passed away.

Oakland (+13.5) over DENVER - Too large of a spread.

PITTSBURGH (-0.5) over Green Bay - Too many embarassing losses to DA BURG to endure in a row.

SEATTLE (-7.5) over Tampa Bay - When coaches come out and say their team is underestimated, they better back it up.

Minnesota (-7.5) over Carolina - The Panthers simply cannot find a way to win a football game. and after their spread against NE last week. This is a no brainer.

NYG (-3.5) over Washington - The Redskins?

BEST BETS - Jags & Cowboys (already 0-1) but overall prior to this week (16-12)

End of the Year Countdown Part 3

2009-12-16T18:54:00.000-05:00

Part 1 here
Part 2 here
Feel free to stream/download and click and ad if you love me.

19. La Roux - In For the Kill

	La Roux - In For The Kill .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I really like this girls voice and the funky synths everywhere.

18. Pink - Sober

	Pink - Sober - Main Version .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Song was released at end of 2008, but I love it so much that I had to include it. Without question, my favorite strictly pop song of the last year plus. As much as Kanye wants to hype Beyonce "Single Ladies" video, which I love as a song, Sober also has a great video.

17. Lily Allen - 22

	www.big.az - lily allen 22 .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

The lyrics in this song are hilarious with a catchy little riff backing it up. Was my life over at 22 as well? Tough to tell, but I see another person going darkside to Yuppieville every few days. (not to be confused with Beakniks)

16. Miike Snow - Silvia

	Miike Snow - Silvia .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

This is a six and a half minute song on the album, but when they play it live, they stretch it out to over ten minutes without acting like Phish. Big Plus. Plus they perform on stage with Phantom of the Opera masks on. Also as much as its a very electronic album on disc, when performed live with six people on stage, all the noises come out and it gets bananas.

15. Ke$ha - Tik Tok

	Kesha - Tik Tok .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Jay-Z did not succeed, Autotune is not dead. Happy to finally see this song catching on with the mainstream, even if it is a rip off of Uffie-Pop The Glock.

Really?

2009-12-15T13:00:00.002-05:00

I just saw this commercial on TV for a local car dealership, really don't know how to handle it.

End of the Year Countdown Part 2

2009-12-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

Part 1 here. Part 3 hopefully coming Wednesday.

24. Tie - Taylor Swift - Love Story
Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me

	Taylor Swift - Love Story .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

	Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Another song you couldn't avoid anywhere this year. She definitely satisfies my needs for a country-pop singer, and her whole album is pretty solid.

23. Matt & Kim - Daylight

	Matt and Kim - Daylight .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

The most happy song of the year. Also helped that they got a push from a Bacardi commercial.

22. Major Lazer - Pon De Floor

	Major Lazer - Pon de floor' feat. VYBZ Kartel .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I love the ridiculous singing combined with the simple snare. Lots of crazy sounds going on the whole song.

21. Cold War Kids - Audience of One

	Cold War Kids - Audience Of One .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Definitely the best song these guys have released since their Up In Rags EP.

20. Tegan and Sara - Hell

	Tegan and Sara - Hell .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I think I may have put this song a little too high on the list. Its just a simple pop-rock song with none of the folk or dueling vocals that they have become known for. The whole new CD greatly disappointed me but once I get over the repetitiveness of this song I can dig it.

2009-12-14T11:30:00.001-05:00

End of the Year Countdown

2009-12-13T23:14:00.002-05:00

The moment all of you have been waiting for all year is now upon us. As we approach the end of the calender year, like every other blog out there, I will be listing my favorite songs of the year as well as my ten favorite albums. After scouring both my ipod and itunes most played as well as my personal feelings towards songs. Songs are judged primarily by which brought me the most happiness in the past tumultuous year. Without further ado. I am trying some wild stuff for these postings. Hopefully I will be able to have most streaming/download from this website, if not then I will have a youtube link. Also to clarify, if the song/album came out in the last few months of 08, it does qualify for this list (I make the rules here) If all goes according to plan, there should be a new set of 5 songs everyday until we reach number one like a modern day Casey Kasem.

37. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Home

	edward sharpe & the magnetic zeros - 06 - home.mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Folky song with the talking part at end that lets you know they are serious. Also qualifies with a female singer which I was missing a lot of this year. You can hear bits of bands from the last few years in it as well, particularly Arcade Fire, but this is much more positive sounding. Also sounds like they recorded this using old technology and it sounds really good.

36. The Kickdrums - Things Work Out

Simple structured pop song with interesting lyrics from a hip-hop beats band. Also interesting in concert, but they still have a lot to work on taking their show from the production booth to the stage. I am not sure if they will focus more on their own stuff or continue to make beats for the likes to Kanye and 50 Cent.

35. The Hold Steady - 40 Bucks

Nice, typical Hold Steady track from their live album "A Positive Rage" to hold me over until their new album hopefully comes out this summer.

34. Passion Pit - Let Your Love Grow Tall

A late album track that didn't really get my attention at first. Heard it a lot on bootlegs and such and it grew on me fast, only listen if you can handle helium voices and little kids singing.

3. La Roux - I'm Not Your Toy

	La Roux - I'm Not Your Toy .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

The dancability factor on this ditty is sky high as well as its replay value.

31. Lonely Island - I'm a Boss

	The Lonely Island - Like A Boss .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Everybody knows about the boat, but this is the track that really stood out to me on the album and definitely makes me laugh every time I hear it.

31. Los Campesinos! - The Sea is a Good Place to Think About the Future

	Los Campesinos! - The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Probably the most serious Los Campesinos song they have ever done. Really makes me intrigued to see these Welsh where they go on their next album after putting two full lengths out in 2008. Interesting side note, they recorded said new album in my former domicile of Stamford, CT.

30. Star Fucking Hipsters - Two Cups of Tea

	Star Fucking Hipsters-Two Cups Of Tea.mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

This band really remind me of Warped Tour 1996 or so with Pennywise and similar bands. It actually contains former members of Leftover Crack, the Slackers and World/Inferno Friendship Society.

29. Donnis - The Underdog

This track just kills with the horns and such. Great production from DJ Benzi and Mick Boogie. Download here. His flow/style is similar to Kanye and is on Atraks Fool's Gold label. He is due to break after his peers Drake & Kid Cudi took over mainstream last year. But sadly I would not reccomend seeing him live yet. Side fact: he was in the military for a while and went to school with Ciara.

28. Miley Cyrus - Party in the USA

	Miley Cyrus - Party In The USA .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

The pop song you could not escape all summer/fall. But you can't say its not fun.

27. Kid Cudi - Up Up and Away

	Kid Cudi - Up Up & Away [Explicit] .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Last song on the album that needs a lot of listens to understand, but this song is instantly accessible.

26.Dirty Projectors - Stillness is the Move

	Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is The Move .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Took me a while but I finally fell to the hype to listen to the Dirty Projectors and this song definitely gives me lots of hope for the whole album, which I sadly haven't gotten my hands on yet.

25. Portugal The Man - People Say

	Portugal. The Man - People Say .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

An upbeat bluesy number that always cheers me up when I hear it.

The next installment should come on Tuesday with hits 25-20. Also on the agenda this week should be an Atlantic City recap and an update on my new job and apartment. Been really busy last week or so, actually haven't even cooked a meal at my new place yet.

Blast From the Past

2009-12-13T11:06:00.002-05:00

I love when they wear plaid. I am a little sad that I will not be able to attend the "Hometown Throwdown" this year. It was practically raining in the Middle East last year from the heat/water pipes. Also they just released a new album, their first in 7 years, called "Pin Points and Gin Joints." I just got my hands on it and going to give it a few spins in the next few weeks.

Here is a little fan video from the Throwdown last year that me and G attended. (illustrating the 575 person capacity in the basement)

Mixtape

2009-12-08T15:00:00.000-05:00

I can't say I am the biggest fan of cartoons or of the Adult Swim on Cartoon Network. I also am not a fan of the paranoia of the police when the figure shown above shut down more than one city in this great country of ours. But, it did lead my to this mixtape. I am not sure what connection it has to the show, but it does offer all the songs for free to download or stream. I am definitely loving it already. Sadly, its a little late to make Zeus' end of the year list, which has been already formulated and is coming soon, keep your eyes open for it. Give it a listen to break up your day if you want to hear the direction of rap music, and by that eventually pop music, if its not already there. Also, let the hype build for the Diplo / Gucci Mane mixtape coming out soon.

Tiger Woods

2009-12-08T11:00:00.001-05:00

I have been waiting weeks to comment on this story. I have been loving every second of it. I can't get sick of it. For someone who was built up to be superman to show some regular human flaws thoroughly pleases me. The world only has the space for three supermans, Oswald Cobblepot, Victor Stagnetti and Sad Kermit. The clincher for the Tiger Woods story was not the Tool Academy association, but that definitely added to it, it was the startling revelation that Rachel Uchitel was from my alma mater, the University of New Hampshire. For the record, I already updated the UNH wikipedia page to add another famous accomplish alumni to the roster. Tiger has finally reached the lucky number 7, [edit now 10] for alleged mistresses, which include adult film stars, pretty girls, not-so-pretty girls but no guys so far. I would say at least 8 of them do not compare to his current wife as of the moment, though I have read that she has since moved out and is attempting to take custody of the children. A hidden gem within this whole saga is the re-emergence of Ashley Dupre, of Client Number 9 fame. As the Beatles once said, "Money can't buy me love" always rings true.

Fear Not

2009-12-07T21:55:00.000-05:00

Just because Zeus got a job, it doesn't mean he is abandoning you. Here is the quick rundown of the first day and the extended outlook. Got my first deadline working on a project in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. After I kill that per usual, I work on a project up north dealing with the legendary Howe Caverns. My new house-share in the village of Nyack is really solid as well, three bedrooms and two and half baths. Also, it is within walking distance of downtown which is a really solid strip of art galleries, bars, restaurants and niche stores. (plenty of antiques as well) So, the groundwork has been laid for pillars for the Juice, lets see if he can build them. Pillars are contagious.....