Celtic Punk

In my second of my genre examinations, I'm going to go over one that I think is one of the best around, but is still a little underwhelming, Celtic Punk.

I first discovered Celtic Punk while in high school. I had downloaded a Dropkick Murphys cover of "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock n' Roll)". To put it simply, I was unimpressed at the time. I didn't know who they were, so I assumed they were just another punk band. I really got into the genre while listening to a "Rock Against Bush" compilation. There was a song by Flogging Molly, "Drunken Lullabies", and I fell in love with the Celtic Punk genre.

The genre was started in the 80s by The Pogues. Bands like Dropkick Murphys, The Real McKenzies, Flogging Molly and Flatfoot 56 are current leaders of the movement.

Celtic Punk is known for its rowdiness like at a soccer match. Many of the lyrical themes are based upon personal, socio-political issues, camaraderie and drinking, among other lyrical themes. It's punk, so it's fast, simple and rousing--very rousing. Dropkick Murphys, one of the genre's leaders, are known for their anthemic choruses that get you singing along easily. There is also a subgenre called Gaelic Punk, where lyrics are sung in Gaelic.

Instrumentation can vary, but it's typically the usual guitar-bass-drums but other instruments can be added. Bagpipes, flutes, mandolins, banjos, accordions and tin whistles are popular additions. Some bands are acoustic, but I find the best ones are electric.

While you may that Celtic Punk is restricted to Irish people and Irish-Americans, I disagree. There are Celtic Punk bands from Germany and Slovenia. There's even a Japanese band called The Cherry Cokes. Celtic Punk is like a party, and it's for everyone. It's arguably one of the most fun genres in music right now.

If you want to get started, here's some bands to give a listen:
The Pogues
Dropkick Murphys
Flogging Molly
The Real McKenzies
Black 47
Flatfoot 56
Mr. Irish Bastard
The Cherry Cokes

Happy hunting!

We're Waiting, Sepp

So Sepp Blatter thinks he can trick the European leagues into staging the World Cup in winter, does he? Man, what a bad idea. The problem with Blatter is that he seems to think it's all about money for FIFA. It's probably why he decided to help Qatar win the bid for the World Cup in 2022, although since it's possible the Qataris simply bought the voters for the World Cup.

Sepp has already come under fire from EPL chief Richard Scudamore, who is already saying that the World Cup should be moved out of Qatar. This is the most popular league in the world! You want to make them angry, Sepp?

Sepp, just do yourself a favor. Stop being stubborn and admit staging the World Cup in Qatar was a bad idea to begin with. Already you have a powerful voice criticizing you for what was obviously a short-sighted move without vetting the Qatari bid. And given how there's some evidence that the Qataris bribed World Cup bid voters, it's a little suspect.

Sepp, if you want money, here's an idea: Move the tourney to the US where it should have gone. Remember '94? The most attended World Cup in its history. We have excellent venues, a nice climate, passionate fans and a country ready to take the next step in world football. Just call up Sunil Gulati, Sepp. We're waiting.

Sepp Blatter Has No Idea What He's Doing, or How I Learned the 2022 World Cup is Impossible

Ever since the Confederations Cup was marred by an unforeseen but much-needed protest movement, there have been growing concerns about staging next year's World Cup. Some of the stadiums in Brazil are supposedly incomplete and there are concerns about the security and whether or not the stadiums will be complete by next year.

Brazil is certainly defending themselves about their ability to host. I have no doubt the soccer-mad country wants to host the World Cup. Perhaps things might get better by next year, but I'm not holding my breath just yet. US Soccer President Sunil Gulati has said that he has not been approached over hosting the Cup.

Speaking of which, Sepp Blatter is making himself look more like a fool each day he tries to keep the World Cup in Qatar for 2022. While Russia is still suspect about hosting, they have very little trouble when it comes to hosting. On the other hand, Qatar should never have tried to bid for the World Cup. They're too small and the litany of problems are showing that their desire to host was not driven by a love of soccer.

Indeed, Blatter is trying to get the World Cup moved to winter. However, this will likely not fly with the European leagues, who are all playing or on break at that time. The summer heat should have been a factor--oh, wait, they didn't think about it because Qatar bought the World Cup. Yeah, now you have to live with the consequences, FIFA.

You can redeem yourselves by revoking the World Cup from Qatar and giving it to either the US or Australia, like it should have been. Perhaps Blatter's obsession with hosting it in Qatar will abate and he'll listen to actual reason and revoke the World Cup and host it somewhere else.

Gold Cup Champions, the Day After

So yesterday the USMNT broke six years of disappointment and a potential qualifying disaster when they beat Panama 1-0 to claim their fifth Gold Cup. The Yanks are riding high, having won 11 straight games, their own record! And now since they're squarely on top of the CONCACAF Hex, it looks like smooth sailing to get to the World Cup next year.

Unfortunately, it came with a price. Fan favorite Stuart Holden injured his knee--AGAIN--during the first half of yesterday's game and had to leave. We don't know the extent of the injury, but preliminary reports from yesterday told us that it's a sprained right knee. Holden should be getting an MRI today, so we'll find out eventually the extent of his injury. Hopefully it won't be much.

On the good news front, however, Aron Johannsson, a 22-year-old playing for AZ Alkmaar has announced that he'll be making his one-time switch to the USMNT. Klinsy's been keeping his eye on the kid who was born in  Mobile, Alabama to Icelandic nationals before moving to Iceland, so there's another international kid who will be getting time with the national team. Johannsson split AZ Alkmaar's scoring with Jozy Altidore last year and now that Jozy's moving to Sunderland, he should be getting a starting spot next season. Oh, and one more thing: apparently this guy scored a hat trick in under four minutes. WOW.

Also, now that he's been brought up back to his old playing level, Landon Donovan should be starting the big games once again once the USMNT resumes World Cup Qualifying. With him, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore in attack, they should finally have a trio of scorers to frighten their opponents.

And also, apparently someone on Tumblr decided to have some fun by mocking the USMNT by comparing them to the Women's team. Obviously that blew up in their face as they have been scolded by a few American soccer fans. Really, you should have thought before you posted that, whoever you are. Even if you were being a little smart aleck, you don't make it look like you're creating a rivalry between two teams of different gender who represent the same country.

Well that's my little update. I'll probably have more once World Cup Qualifying starts again and I'll have a few things to say then.

Gold Cup Post-Game: WE WON!!!

Okay, first off, this was an excellent second half. It just took some pressing and defense for the US to take the lead. Yeah, it wasn't perfect, but Panama was tough. I guess the US just decided to be patient in this half. They knew Panama was tough to get through, but it just took a substitution (again?) for them to beat Panama.

Just 42 seconds after coming in, Brek Shea scored on a pass from Alejandro Bedoya and a pass from Landon Donovan, right in front of the Panamanian goal. That was a brilliant goal that just needed the right push from the US offense. The Panamanian defense was tough, but even they couldn't stop the US.

Speaking of defense, that was a fantastic showing from the US. A scoreless game is one thing, but I noticed that at one point, the US had a 75-25% possession over Panama. And then there was that big flurry from Panama that looked like they were going to score, but the US held their own.

After six years, it's great to see American soccer back where it belongs, on top. We can only go up from here. And now that we've won 11 in a row (a record!), all that's left is to get qualify for the big show next year.

Gold Cup Final First Half Analysis

Okay, so things have been going okay for the USMNT, but it could be better... MUCH better. While I was glad to see Mexico knocked out, I can see why Panama made it this far. They're tough to get through and they're controlling the pace so far. The Panamanians have done a good job stuffing the American attack and preventing any good chances for the Americans.

The big gut punch in this half has been the injury to Stuart Holden. Given his history with knee and leg injuries, this is another big blow to a favorite American player. He's a guy you want to see succeed and this just hurts more. As I was writing this, we got word that Stu has a sprained right knee and he'll be evaluated. Hopefully that means he won't be out for very long.

The US will have to control the temp when they come out for the second half. We've seen the US can turn on the offense in the second half in this tournament, so it's not really much of a problem. But since Klinsmann's suspended, he can't be on the field to give orders like he usually does. I think the US should take control in the second half.

We'll be back after the second half for a post-match analysis.

My Second City Show

Just a quick post; if you live in Chicago, my show for Second City will be starting in October and will run for five weeks from October 25. It will be Fridays at 7:30. I won't be acting, but it's a writing show. I've been working and learning for almost year at Second City, so I have some high hopes for this show. I think I have some good material.

One sketch I know I will have in the show is one I called "The Python Sketch". Unless you don't know anything about comedy, it's an homage to Monty Python. It got great reviews and I know it will go great on stage.

So come out and watch it in October! You won't be disappointed!