Hey! That's up for review!

    The National Basketball Association just crowned the Golden State Warriors as World Champions for the 2nd time in 3 years. In those 3 years, the Warriors have had the same opponent in the Cleveland Cavaliers.     I could say the Finals for the past few years have been exciting, but I'd be lying to you. I could say the NBA has done a great job of creating a league of parity, but again I'd be lying to you. What has happened to change the landscape to what it is today? Why does every series feel like a re-run?     The best NBA I knew were in the 90s. From 1990 to 1999, we saw 4 different NBA champions. We saw Jordan go 6-0 in finals appearances. We saw the Lakers dynasty get kicked off. This is when the NBA was at it's apex in my opinion.     The most important statistic from that era is in those 10 years we saw NINE different matchups for in the finals. Why? It's because the league was hungry. The Association promoted par...

    Listen to alt-J and you'll see the indie rock scene is alive and well thanks to their contributions out of Leeds, England. They offer a truly incredible sound led by one of the most unique voices in music today. Sometimes when listening to rock (especially indie rock) many of the artists start sounding the same but you'll never have that issue as soon as Joe Newman starts to sing. No one does it like he does.     Joe and the boys are back for their 3rd studio album, Relaxer. This album has a different feel for me than the others. Sitting at 8 songs and just 39 minutes, it's their shortest album, but doesn't quite have the homerun as "This Is All Yours" had. Happy to get more music from alt-J and I'm looking forward to catching them when they start touring the US again.      Let's take a look at the album track-by-track: "3WW" - Gives a great opening feel to the album. It's slow with a powerful chorus which tells us of the sta...

    Last night, at the Hi Tone in Memphis, TN, a Welsh alternative rock band took the stage. Ritzy, Rhydian, and Mr. Thomas did what they always do... they brought the house down.     Every time I see The Joy Formidable I am reminded there is something that makes them unique. That being: They seem to really enjoy their music as well as each other. The on stage banter during song breaks and the interaction amongst one another during the show illustrates the tight nit family they are. It's truly enjoyable to watch.      They had a perfect setlist. Played all the crowd favorites even an "acoustic" version of "A Heavy Abacus." They ended the show with "The Whirring" and walked out under distorted reverb.      One thing I think they have mastered is filling the venue space with constant harmonious music. It almost feels like it is turning into noise but they tread the line wonderfully. I think that brings a unique energy to each of t...