Rocktober the 2nd

Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight

ATE self titled album released in 2009 had 'Sometime Around Midnight' and was an instant hit. 

The song is an autobiographical song based around the lead singer who met his former girlfriend out in a bar when he realised he still had feelings for her. The lead singer Jollett took 3 days to write the song. 

The song begins with an emotional string section which sets the tone of the song. As the song progresses the body and structure builds, building up to a more powerful ending and emotions are easily distinguished with the listener able to related to what Jollett must have been feeling. 

The video also reflects this moment with Jollett writing the song and a dark abstract mood of the video captures the feelings/emotions that Jollett would have encountered when coming face to face with a former love. 

Song rating - 7/10

Video rating - 7/10

A dark song for those dark moods. Good song. 

Rocktober the 1st

Foo Fighters - The Pretender

Released in 2007 from the album Echo, Silence, Patience & Grace

It is one of the most successful Foo Fighters songs that they have released and is a fans favourite to get 'the party rocking'. 

It originally started as a song called 'silver heart' and the only section they had was the chorus. After a short break and time away from the song Grohl added the verses and bridge and upped the tempo to give it more bounce. The song has different layers with a single guitar and vocals at the beginning and strings being brought into the intro. As per Foo expectations the song thunders into heavy riffs and mosh building chorus'. A small 'breather' is thrown in, giving those listening to catch up before the end of the song ruptures back into the heavy riff. 

The music video is set in an aircraft hanger with all members of the band standing in front of a red screen. On the other side of the hanger a single member of what looks to be riot police stands behind a black line. As the song progresses the 'officer' is joined by other riot police and as the song increases blood levels the riot police are ready to charge and they do such that. Once the slow interlude of the song breaks back into the heavy chorus the red screen behind the band explodes and what looks like red water showers everyone ending with Dave Grohl on his hands and knees. 

Song rating 10/10

Video rating 10/10

A great rock song. 

ROCKtober

Rocktober

I've been seeing all these campaigns to quit things for October, such as STOPtober - give up smoking

Go sober for October - give up drinking.

Well I want to try something different. I want to bring something into people's lives. Give them the opportunity to try something new, something that they've known about but never given it a chance. I'm talking about ROCK!! No not the sort you find up hills and mountains, but rock music. 

Now I know that straight away some of you will think long greasy hair, black sweaty t-shirts and head banging. Well there maybe some of that (just a little) but what I'm trying to highlight the form of rock that is around and that not people know about or would normally classify as rock. There are thousands of rocks songs and many (MANY) of those that have been influential. Some artists have used forms of rock songs, licks, riffs in their songs and there will be some who will not know that it came from a rock song. 

What I want to do is highlight songs that have been influential, fundamentally important, set the bench mark, not only for me but that have also shaped the world of music that we all love. 

Please keep watching, reading and let the world of rock inspire you! 

F1 - Monza

Italian Grand Prix - Monza

All eyes on the front row. Rosberg vs Hamilton. After the 'did he, didn't he?' saga at Spa the F1 world were watching with intent. Was there going to be any revenge? How was Lewis going to react? 

The answer was that Lewis reacted in the best way possible. Pole position. He was quick and wanted to put Belgium race behind him. 

The lights went out, full throttle. Lewis lost 3 places after a sluggish start and this start was capitalised by Rosberg. It looked like that would be the race over with as Lewis reported technical issues. 

For the first 4 laps Magnussen was holding up Massa and Hamilton but surely the Mercedes engines were just too strong and by lap 5 both Massa and Hamilton passed the Dane. As the race progressed Hamilton seemed to have managed the early hiccup and now was picking up speed. He was catching Massa. Both drivers were hot on the heals of Rosberg. Maybe it wasn't going so simple after all as on lap 10 Lewis had 2nd place from Massa. 

Bottas was another victim of a slow start and he was fighting his way back up the pack from 10th and he over took Alonso on lap 16. The spaniard has not had a good season in an under performing Ferrari. 

It's was a different story for the Mercedes. They were just too powerful. They were extending their lead. They were too fast. Lap 29, Hamilton was applying lots of pressure on Rosberg and after chasing him down Hamilton was rewarded with taking 1st place from his team mate as Nico buckled under the pressure and at turn 1 braked late and had to take the run off and dodge the signs. Lewis took full advantage. Game on!!

Alonso retired from the race that same lap with technical issues. Not what he, or his team wanted. 

On lap 39/40 there was a great battle further down the chain between Button, Perez and Ricciardo. Button and Perez trading places, they were going wheel to wheel. Neither were backing down. A great battle to watch. Ricciardo watch watching this battle with poise as any mistake from any of the 2 drivers in front and he would pounce. He did just that with a sweet overtaking move on Button. A little further up the field Bottas takes 4th from Vettal. Great determination from the Fin. 

Ricciardo was showing his racing potential. Pushing and pushing and he takes 5th from Vettal on lap 44 with the same passing move on the same corner he smoothed passed Perez. 

There was a very close shave as Kyvat's car suffered braking failure off the long straight and he skilfully manoeuvred his car around Raikkonens car and down the run off. Nicely done. 

The race finished with a comfortable Hamilton win. It's what he would have wanted and he was going to get it no matter what. 

1st-Hamilton

2nd-Rosberg

3rd-Massa

The fans stormed the starting grid to watch the presentation. Flags waving, chanting. But they were not so happy when Rosberg was interviewed. Boo's were ringing out. Maybe Nico reactions over the last few races are turning people off. Are the getting bored of him?

4+5=9

From one bad boy to another. 

The news that Liverpool had signed Balotelli would have come as a surprise not only for the Liverpool fans themselves, but for the whole of the premier league. 

With the expected and obvious departure of Suarez, Liverpool had plenty of transfer funds available for a replacement. And they haven't been shy in the market so far with the signings of Lambert, Lallana, Lovren, Manquillo, Can, Markovic and Origi they cannot say they haven't been active. But there was always this need, this desire to sign a world class striker. There was rumours of Falcao or Cavani filling the big name slot missing in the changing room but that's all it was, rumours. 

But on Thursdays 21st August news broke that Liverpool had lodged a £16m bid for Balotelli. Really? Him? He is a top player, prolific, direct and can deliver but unfortunately comes with 'baggage'. Was this the 'name' they have been looking for?

The Premier League was introduced to Balotelli when he signed for Manchester City in 2010 and to say the least, was a colourful career. He arrived from Inter Milan (after being seen wearing an AC Milan shirt) for a fee of £24m. He was involved in numerous altercations both on and off the pitch, training grounds bust ups and the emergency services. As a neutral he was fun to watch but a nightmare at the same time. 

Now with his arrival confirmed he will continue to wear the number 45 shirt which he has always worn, and his talent will shine through. But there is that doubt that he is a ticking bomb and it won't be long before he will be in the headlines again, for the wrong reasons. 

£16m for this talent may be a bit of good business but with it comes a level of uncertainty. 

Paper over the cracks?

With a performance reflecting the moral of last season, United's game against Swansea will want to be forgotten quickly. In his words he has become 'the devil' and the squads confidence 'smashed'. It will though will be a small boost with the signing of Rojo mid weed and the strong rumours that Di Maria will be a United player this coming week. 

LVG has stuck with his 3-5-2 formation, and with a few changes has brought in Van Persie, Cleverly and Valencia. He will be looking for an improvement from the opening game from those who have kept their places. Ashley Young in particular. 

If Van Gaal's words were correct, United were lacking confidence. Their performance was, for such a dominant team of the last two decades, was embarrassing to watch. Whenever they were pressed or made to hurry, ball control was lacking. Mis-controlling, bad passing, it was missing. Something is wrong, deep within the core of United. The best way I can describe their performances is that you have select United in a football computer game and given the controller to your pet dog. 

Even though the lead was taken through Mata, Sunderland continued to be the dominant side and deservedly equalised. Yes they started to control possession but that was it. No one to grab the game and in a split second switch it up or inject pace to catch Sunderland off guard. Rooney and RVP were able to receive the ball but the midfield were very static. No over lapping, or options in movement. It inevitably resulted in the ball being passed back. And with that lack of creativity from the midfield the more worry creeps into the mindset of those players. 

I would comment on the second half but it was just as poor. As a United fan it's a hard watch. It's the second game of the season and there are players with an attitude of an over paid, over rated teenager. Young, none existent again, Cleverly's form rapidly decreasing. Sunderland weren't exactly top drawer. They stuck to their guns, defended in numbers and got the result they would be happy with. 

For LVG he must be wondering what happened to the squad that played so well in America? For they were a polar opposite of his team on UK soil. There was glimpses of a team that had quality in all departments and from senior players to youth. But now, he is watching players with no idea how to break their opponents down. He needs Mr Woodward to pull a rabbit or two out of a hat in their final week of the transfer window but even he may have to resort to his plan B of transfer targets. 

Maybe a win against MK Dons on Tuesday in the league cup may be what they need in order to get that confidence, to build from a win. The new signings may be that missing link or may just paper over the cracks. 

Time to change, and fast. 

 

Manchester United Transfer Targets

It has been an ongoing debate about the squad strength at Old Trafford and after the result on Saturday it confirmed the obvious with the fans. 

It's evident what LVG is looking to do. A fast, direct and strong approach to each game. Unfortunately for him, what he already knew was all to clear to see. He hasn't got the players. Now he did say that it takes him 3 months to get going, and I bet that he is glad he did say that as now he must be thinking he really needs that time. 

With the transfer deadline quickly approaching here is a list of the rumours that are doing the rounds and who United could do with/need if they are ever going to pose a threat. 

1) Angel Di Maria - there have been very strong rumours that a whopping £100m deal is being put together for the Argentine winger (£50m transfer and £50m wages) in order to tempt him over from the Galaticos. A quick, tricky player who is direct. With the under performing Ashley Young, Nani and Valencia. Di Maria would fit the attack play on the width. However, with the 3-5-2 formation he would have to up his defensive duties in order to support the back 3. 

2) Marcus Rojo - another Argentinian. This defender has caused a few arguments at his current club if reports are to believed in order to push a way through to join the Reds. As a defender he is desperately needed, and being young and have represented his country he has a wise head on his shoulders. If he was to join United he would have to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, quickly. This is a strong rumour of £16m plus a Nani season long loan has been agreed. 

3) Daley Blind - with LVG aware of Blind's talents with an excellent performance for Holland in the World Cup, this player would be the ideal for his formation. Already aware of what is required for the wing-back role he is powerful, talented and physically fit to get forward and back. With Luke Shaw busting a gut to get fit this transfer may not transpire but recently reports have suggested talks have progressed well. Time will tell. 

4) Arturo Vidal - the tough tackling defensive midfielder is a must and is urgently needed at the club. Manchester United are desperate to have a player who will protect the defence, but also have the ability to get forward and be creative in attack. With a deal on, then off, then on and then back off again no one is sure where this is deal is at. Juventus not willing to let him go on the cheap (£47m) and United unsure of his fitness (knee), until 31st August the public will have no idea if this will ever happen. 

5) Matts Hummels - another strong, defensive and experienced player who is hot on United's radar. He has just been named club captain at Dortmund so a deal may not happen. Though it's never too late until the fat lady sings. His strong performances for his country in the World Cup he is another player who would fit into the defensive straight away and could even be the captain for his new club. A £29m bid is beating prepared and United will not calm their interested. 

6) Medhi Benatia - the in form defender has rocketed in popularity with a number of top European clubs showing an interest in the Moroccan defender. He helped Roma to their defensive record last season and if he continues with his form he will no doubt be one for the future. He has been seen as Vidic's replacement, and with this hole to fill, Benatia would restore a weak defence. But there United are also looking to raid Roma with a double swoop...

7) Kevin Strootman - LVG is looking at a double deal to bring Benatia and Strootman to Old Trafford. This midfielder is a dynamic player who is cod ident on the ball. Can pass well and very quick to turn defence into attack with one ball. There is nothing wrong with quick passing that United are trying to adapt to, but they haven't got all the players to cut through strong defences. So with Strootmans ability mix it up he would be a welcomed addition. 

Possible line up;

De Gea

Jones

Rojo

Benetia

Blind

Di Maria

Vidal

Strootman 

Herrera

Mata

Rooney

These players would instantly strengthen any team. And LVG should pull no punches in getting Woodward to get that cheque book out.