El Classico

El Classico

The first El Classico of the season and the first competitive game for Barcelona's new signing, Suarez. The focus of the game usually lies on the history or Ronaldo vs Messi. It did have that but there was a feeling that with his return looming it didn't distract the emphasis away from the game, merely, let us know that this was in the background. 

Suarez was charged with biting an opponent in the World Cup and was banned for 10. Many had said that he should have been banned full stop, or a much harsher penalty. He will always divide opinions, but one thing is for sure is that he is a gifted player. As it had been such a long time since his last competitive, he was always going to be 'rusty', not fully match fit. But nevertheless, all eyes wanted to see the new number 9. 

It was an action packed game right from the get go. If you didn't take your seats early you would probably have missed the first goal. Neymar opened up the scoring with the first goal for Barcelona. A cross field ball from Suarez found the Brazilian who cut back across to guide to ball into the corner. This electric start set the tone for the game. 

As expected, the Bernabau was alive. The vicious roar from the crowd was deafening. They were the wind in Reals sails. 

Every challenge was welcomed by appeals from the Galacticos fans. If this was in a Roman arena, they would be calling for blood. 

A penalty appeal was awarded and That man Ronaldo took he chance to equal the score and to turn the tide in Reals favour. Very very entertaining and if there were new viewers to the biggest derby in Spain  are being treated to a great spectacle. 

The entertainment continued in the second half and both teams battled. One thing is for sure. Real Madrid are DANGEROUS on the counter attack. Whenever Barcelona lost the ball real surged forward with menace. A real treat to watch. The dominance showed and they were rewarded for their efforts as Pepe scored his first goal in an El Classico game. The dangerous counter attack again work in Reals favour yet again and they increased their lead with a Benzema goal. 

Towards the end Barcelona had given up. There was no conviction, drive or desire to get back into the games and because of this they were leaving themselves susceptible to more and more attacks from Real. In the end. A comfortable win for the Galaticos.    

The night was not only about the history of the El Classico, or that Suarez was returning. It was also Ronaldo vs Messi. Arguably the best 2 players in the world at the moment. And it was Ronaldo who came out on top. He had the fire burning deep, a desire which was visible to see. Every ball that was passed he wanted to be on the end of it. He wanted to be in the game at all costs. He lived every moment in the game, whereas Messi, vacant. Gave up to easily. 

Though Ronaldo still struggles to win people over, one thing is for sure. He is world class. 

Rocktober the 21st

Motion City Soundtrack - Last Night I Fell In Love Without You (acoustic)

This version is an alternate release to the album version released in 2008 and off the Gossip Girl Soundtrack. The original version if off the 2007 album 'Even if it kills me'.  

The album version is the opening track and is played in a completely different way. It is played much faster and also includes a key change whereas the acoustic version is much slower, accompanied with piano and string instruments. It is a striped down which gives the song a new dimension. 

The music video is set with the band playing the song on a beach which looks to be in with a beach party.  It also features a young couple who make their way to the beach where the band are playing. As the song progresses the night falls and the couple watch a firework display. 

Song Rating: 8/10

Video Rating: 7/10

A great example of how a song can sound when it is played in a completely different manner. 

Still more problems?

After the full time whistle it was clear to see that all is still not well at Manchester United. And the thing is, everyone is able to see where the problems lie. 

Another change in defence, another new partnership. Jones alongside Rojo. Is Van Gaal still unsure of who the best partnership is as since the new season started his has used 5 central defenders. Now I know injuries really have caused an issue but considering how active The Reds have been over the summer, is was somewhat a surprise that no new defenders were signed. Yes Shaw is a defender that was brought in this summer but that was before Van Gaal took charge. Was he seeing something that we don't know? 

From the statistics from the West Brom game, Man Utd completely dominated. Possession, corners, shots but the score line confirmed the ongoing issues. For both of the goals conceded, defenders were out of place, they were trying to close down the opposition, but with that was their undoing. Quick intricate passing enables the Baggies to swiftly counter and punish their opposing team. And also to be fair, both goals were very well taken. 

It is clear to see that from midfield, Blind onwards, there is no issues whatsoever. Man Utd have a very dangerous attack. Scoring goals? No problems. I have no hesitation is saying that Falcao will achieve 15+ goals this season. 

In January new arrivals will again be talked about. It's a sure thing. Will they, however, be able to secure that marquee player to provide that stability, even if it's to help the inexperienced settle down. Become more comfortable in their surroundings? There are already rumours of Pique, Hummels, Alvez, buts that's what they are, rumours. 

One thing is for sure though is that Van Gall has to sort the defence out, and he will, but he has to install the fear back into the team so that when teams come up against his side, they panic, crumble, buckle under the pressure when they stand opposite the Devils. Old Trafford will be a fortress again. 

 

Rocktober the 19th

Bloc Party - Real Talk

Off the bands fourth album 'Four', Real Talk is track number 4. The album was released in 2012 and was the much anticipated album for the band as they had come back from a temporary hiatus (of 4 years).

The album has a feeling of their first album which is much more striped down and more instrument orientated and was a great move from the band. 

The song really does strip it down back to basics. A simple beat with a broken up off beat guitar and bass strumming pattern. The verse is again just as simple with Kele singing the words on each beat. The chorus follows the pattern of the verse with an added guitar part thrown in. The songs does have a Red Hot Chilli Pepper style about it and of anyone was the listen to the song part way through they could possible think they were listening to the RHCP's. 

There is no music video with this song as is wasn't released as a single. 

Song Rating: 8/10

Video Rating: n/a

A song reminiscent of the band we first heard and proof that they are still very talented songwriters. 

QPR 2:3 Liverpool

Super Sunday is back again and this early afternoon game saw QPR take on Liverpool. From the statistics we were presuming that this would be a one way game and the result predictable. Fortunately we were left watching a very entertaining game. 

The opening 10 minutes were completely dominated by QPR and they were unlucky not to take the lead through Austin. He powered his way through Johnson and Skrtel but couldn't get his shot away in time. 

QPR were intent on and succeeding in stopping Liverpool having any possession, but also stopping the fast, high pressured approach that they have been adopting under Rodgers. You may be forgiven for questioning QPR's position in the league as they were playing with intent and confidence. Can they get that goal that is so precious for them?

The crossbar was rattled and QPR again, should have taken the lead. Another quick passing exchange led the ball being played square across the box only for Fer to strike the ball against the bar. It seems that Fer was playing the crossbar challenge as again, the ball hits the bar. This time it falls in front of goal, a goal mouth scrabble and Liverpool were able to clear away. 

Liverpool must have been wanting half time to arrive a lot quick then QPR did, but they nearly snatched a cheeky goal against the run of play. Gerrard had found himself in the box, and placing a shot just wide of the goal. And another quick break from the reds resulted a poor effort from Balotelli receiving some stern words from his team mates who had joined him on the attack. 

Brendan Rodgers had identified that QPR were causing lots of issues through the centre with balls directed to Zamora, and he moved Gerrard back into a more defensive role to try and snuff out future danger. This did have an effect on the way the QPR played, but it also enabled Liverpool to build on their poor first half. It nearly paid off but that man Balotelli missed a glorious chance when a saved shot fell kindly to him only for him to blaze the ball high over the top. 

The first goal of the game is one that is never going to be remembered as the goal of the season. Sterling won a free kick close to the corner flag, and as the players for QPR protested, he and Johnson took a quick free kick where Johnson played the ball across the goal for Dunn to deflect into his own goal. Very harsh, and some say undeserved, but they all count. 

The equaliser came late late on. And from another set piece. A floated ball from the half way line into the Liverpool box was not fully cleared and as the ball was played back into the box, it was headed back across goal for Vargas to pounce and score a goal that QPR have deserved all game. 

A great ending to the game and a great counter attack from Liverpool gave them their lead back. A quick turn and break from Sterling resulted in Coutinho to bury to ball into the bottom corner. However, that wasn't the end of the entertainment as straight from kick off QPR got a corner and super sub Vargos ghosted across Henderson to head in. What a great 10 minutes of football. 

We did see a winner, and another own goal. From a QPR free kick Liverpool again showed how dangerous they are on the counter attack. Sterling again showing his pace (must have had a good rest over the international break) to get onto a through ball, and as he passed the ball across the goal, Caulker couldn't sort his feet out and unfortunately deflected into his goal. 

QPR were unlucky not to get anything from the game as they did play very well, and the admittance from Gerrard proved that. Credit Liverpool for not giving up and they showed that you must always press up to the last whistle and you may get something in return. 

Rocktober the 17th

Eels - Last Stop This Town

Last stop this town was a 1998 single released from the Eels second studio album 'Electro-Shock Blues'. 

The song begins with a 3 bar intro before E starts with the verse. The drums follow to give the song more body. The bass then joins in on the second verse and the song is well under way. The chorus has what sounds to be a sample being mixed over a distorted effect. The interlude is a breakdown of the effects and sample before going back the the main melody. The song has a nice twinkle, Christmassy end to it. 

The music video has E from the Eels singing directly to the camera. At his side is a carrot being supported on a stand. A strand on hair is taken from E and injected into the carrot. As the video progresses the carrot transforms into E. They both sing parts of the song and it finishes with the carrot being placed into a toy robot. A different points of the video there is also shots of the band stood on rotating platforms. 

Song Rating: 7/10

Video Rating: 8/10

Rocktober the 16th

Cornershop - Sleep on the left side

Sleep on the left side was the follow up single to the successful song 'Brimful of Asha' in 1998. Cornershop had made a name for themselves when Norman Cook remixed the song. So when 'Sleep on the left side' was released it did well in the UK charts reaching 23. 

Cornershop were formed in 1991 by Tjinder Singh and their style of music mixes different types of genres including rock, pop punk, dance and Indian music. The name of the band was taken from the stereotypical label given to Indians who own corner shops. 

The song starts with an accordion intro followed the by drum beat which is echoing a hip-hop style rhythm. The melody of the song has a sample of a style of keyboard which is played backwards. This melody remains constant throughout the song where the verse and chorus fall. 

The video is another example of low budget filming and that of a band starting off in the public eye. The video itself is full of colour with silhouettes of dancers and of the band. The film also has a 70's feel about which is also taken with the possible meaning of the song. No fancy shots, no fancy effects. Just good old plain simplicity. 

 

Song Rating : 7/10

Video : 6/10