Nutmeg Radio » Culture

African Cup of Nations Music: Gabon Gets An Anthem

Miriti Murungi — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:51:24 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhpyeLPcl1U

The 2012 African Cup of Nations (ACON) is about to jump off in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon in roughly 24 hours. I don’t know what to expect on the field so I won’t make any predictions. I mean I could take a couple of swings but does anyone really know what to expect out of the opening match between hosts Equatorial Guinea and Libya? We could be in for a tremendous spectacle with both sides having something to play for -- the hosts playing for pride on home soil, versus Libya playing for a nation that has recently gone through some, shall we say, explosive times.

If you’ve kept an eye on ACON qualifying or even read up on the tournament in the last couple of days, you know that many of the continent’s traditional powers didn’t qualify. But it’s the ACON, so it really isn’t that shocking. The lack of predictability is one of the tournament’s gifts. But if lack of predictability isn’t your thing, thankfully, there is still something for you to count on -- a new batch of beatery and magnificent imagery. In that respect, the ACON never disappoints.

For a taste of some of the flavor representing the 2012 tournament, try on WA WA WA for size, a track by the Zorbum All Stars -- an anthem for the Panthères du Gabon. It’s pretty hot. And hopefully it’s just a taste of future hotness to come from the motherland over the next few weeks.

Press play, and please do enjoy.

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PODCAST: The Confessional Episode 2 – BETA (cont’d) feat. Futfanatico

Miriti Murungi — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:10:05 +0000

And here it is. Episode 2 of The Confessional. Joy, I know.

This week, James and I continue our marathon conversation with Elliott Tucker / Turner / Futfanatico / inspiration to FakeFutfanatico and FakerFutfanatico. What’s covered in this approximate hour of goodness? James is inspired by Sid Lowe, Pendergrass the lovable chimp is introduced, we talk ethnic stuff and US soccer, I attempt to tell Elliott how we really feel about “his people” before technology steps in and eliminates an honest moment, James reveals some childhood vulnerabilities that we attempt to exploit at the end of the hour, we learn a bit about Elliott’s book, An Illustrated Guide to Soccer and Spanish, including how you can acquire the book in its various forms, and then we just ramble for a few minutes about the Amish, Vinnie Jones as an Arsenal physio, and then try to figure out how to say bye. Simple enough.

What else. There’s some music involved belonging to Puerto Rican reggae band Cultura Profetica, and some strumming and such straight from the Catalan capital from the uber-talented Jarabe De Palo. If you enjoy these types of things, that should be enough information to start exploring their sounds. If you don’t care for these types of things, well, that’s on you. But if I can add one thing, you should be embarrassed of yourself.

Fantastic. Please do enjoy. And as always, all feedback, questions, comments, concerns, whether good, bad, ugly, romantic, schizophrenic, Mandarin, or otherwise, are always appreciated.

And finally a few quick plugs. Time spent at Elliott’s blog, Futfanatico.com, is time well spent. We highly recommend regular visits. We also allude to Elliott’s two part series on Fox Soccer about “his people” and related interesting things. You’ll find those here (Part I) and here (Part II). For the social media addicts and those who prefer their information in relative real time, James is on the Twitter at @UFJamesT, Elliott can be found at @Futfanatico, and why not do the @NutmegRadio thing, too. All the kids are doing it, at least that’s what we tell ourselves.

Enough of this. Hit play and enjoy.

PODCAST: The Confessional Episode 1 – BETA feat. Futfanatico

Miriti Murungi — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:37:57 +0000

Why hello there.

Welcome to Episode 1 of The Confessional, a pod-like collaboration that we are launching with James Tyler, founder of the immensely entertaining Unprofessional Foul. This is the first test run, complete with words and such, but we’ve also included the scars (dropped calls, verbal gaffes, cover ups, etc.), because good scars keep you grounded when the millions of dollars start rolling in. Actually, that’s probably a lie. But anyway, hopefully you laugh at the scars, or even better, won’t notice them. Maybe you’ll even cry. We did.

Episode 1, BETA, is with Elliott Turner (or is it Tucker, or is it @FakeFutfanatico?), founder of the hilarious and smart Futfanatico.com, and author of An Illustrated Guide to Soccer and Spanish. James and I briefly introduce the pod, and then we get down to pseudo-business with Elliott, discussing his attempt to mock a high school football coach as an adolescent, illegal immigrants, narco checkpoints, and mostly, developments in the soccer media space.

We hope you enjoy. Feel free to shoot over feedback. And if you do the Twitter (and you should), follow all involved. James can be found at @UFJamesT, Elliott at @Futfanatico, and, of course, follow us at @NutmegRadio. It will all be worth your time, or alternatively, a complete waste of your time.

(Quick note: You may hear Turner and Tucker used interchangeably. That’s all Elliott’s fault. He’s devious like that. You can inquire further on the Twitter. Mysterious, we know. We believe Bono once said about Elliott, “He works in mysterious ways.” At least we’re pretty sure he was talking about Elliott.)

And with that, here we go. Episode 1: BETA feat. FUTFANATICO, lead off by an introductory taste of some flavor from the upcoming SEPP BLATTER album. Obviously.

Dancing With Real Madrid feat. Sergio Ramos, Pepe & Adebayor

Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq. — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:08:55 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKtUEeB8Q-4

You know we love the dancing. Sometimes it’s beautiful, other times it’s fantastically awkward, which frankly often holds its own special kind of beauty. Take a look. You be the judge. I promise it doesn’t end with Adebayor having to apologize for something. Or does it …

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Didier Drogba and Magic System Hit the Airwaves

Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq. — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:43:45 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=puPi1vptWW8

Didier Drogba joins his buddies from Magic System once again. This time the guys take it to the Skyrock studios in Paris. If you can’t get enough of this, try on the full Magic System video featuring Drogba and his Ivorian teammates. You are sure to recognize a few faces.

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Ghana in Fog: Paul Octavious’ Unreal Video of Soccer in the Park

Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq. — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:28:17 +0000

Every now and again, you are rewarded for carrying around video recording capability.

Photographer and designer Paul Octavious was taking a stroll through the park. Unsurprisingly, there was a soccer game going on. So he decided to record. Turns out, he later found out that the team he was taping was the Ghanaian National Team.

Whether or not this actually is THE Ghanaian national team is a side issue. Many of us soccer folk have been told crazier stories by people claiming to be members of, or affiliated with, various national teams. The point is, this is a beautifully shot and edited video.

You can check out more of Octavious’ non-soccer work here, and then watch this over and over again. I can’t stop.

(H/T to @jellenp for putting us on.)

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The Ref: A Michael Mercy Soccer Comedy

Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq. — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:43:30 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=76iWe7pqqbI

Ah, soccer short films. Can’t get enough of ‘em, right? Actually, yeah, I haven’t seen very many of them either. But have no fear, we have a wonderfully crafted soccer short about a referee, a red card, a yellow card, and a series of decisions. And it’s hilarious.

Brought to you by Michael Mercy of Armchair Directors.

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Thinking Outside the Box with Aloe Blacc

Miriti Murungi — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:18:54 +0000

More MLS lessons. Thinking outside the box can create something beautiful. Watch what Aloe Blacc does to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xihryj8KRyw

And then the more up tempo version of I Need a Dollar:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zx-QNIGZ8Y

Special stuff, no?

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The Mos Def Swagger — “World Premiere”

Clive Longbottom-Fellow, Esq. — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:24:26 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w5oC1IsJc4

Who doesn’t spend time pondering how MLS should feel? I’m thinking that it should be something like this. A bit of soulful swag. And what a classy mic.

And kept the hair low and let the beard grow/
belly flat body fat like zero/
Flaco fresh and slim as King Michael/
I’m pretty like Ali, stinging butterfly flow/
from the gutter to the heights to the Eiffel/
walking through the clouds, dreaming, not an eye closed/
that ain’t a star, it’s lights from a sideshow/
poor haters they being so spiteful/
i love life, that’s why I never mind so/
I’m having a great time all the time folk/
snap the bolts off, baby, let you wig out/
quit frontin’, it’s you and me in here now/
How it feel now? It’s getting clear now/
I see your new steps, we need to work em out/
Close the door, we can get fresh n free/
Never mind how they got it, cuz it’s not like me/

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Nutmeg Radio Mixtape No. 4: The Texas-Style Quiet Storm

Miriti Murungi — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:09:43 +0000

[The following should be read in a baritone voice.]

WELCOME to NUTMEG RADIO MIXTAPE No. 4: THE TEXAS-STYLE QUIET STORM!! Shhhh. Keep your voice down. This week we’re slowing it down and taking the mixtape back to its origins. Yes, I’m talking about the slow jam. Dropping some sensitivity on you today, with a personal selection of jams and memories, is none other than Orlando City S.C. midfielder/forward Jamie Watson, the man who tweets much harder than you Facebook.

Jamie has been on quite the journey since his days crushing opponents with U.S. youth national teams. Jamie was ACC Rookie of the Year at the University of North Carolina, and only a few years later, was selected in the first round of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake. But then things quickly turned south. After years of early success in his playing career, maintaining the focus and discipline necessary to stay at the top level became an increasing problem, which all led to Jamie’s release from MLS in 2008.

Much to his credit, he has acknowledged many of his missteps and initial struggles transitioning into the professional game at such a young age. Faced with diminishing career prospects, at a time when he could have dwelled on everything that wasn’t going right, Jamie decided to rededicate himself to his craft. And that’s where his story starts to turn around.

Focused on moving back up the ladder and proving his worth, Jamie suited up for the Wilmington Hammerheads of the former USL Second Division in 2009. By the end of the season, he was named to the USL-2 All-Star team, won the scoring title (on total points), and was named league MVP.

Jamie signed with the USL Pro League’s Austin Aztex the following season and continued to put up fantastic numbers. A move and a name change later, the Aztex are now Orlando City S.C. That means Jamie’s road show is continuing, one game at a time, one season at a time. But if Jamie keeps doing what he’s been doing the last couple of years, there is nowhere to move but back up.

Given his incredible ride, we got together with Jamie to talk slow jams. Obviously. What else would we talk about? He’s a man who can appreciate sentiment. And out of all that came Nutmeg Radio Mixtape No. 4: The Texas-Style Quiet Storm.

So with that, let’s turn it over to Jamie to walk us through his jams. Back up, ladies.

***

NR: Slow jam thoughts. What role have slow jams played in your life, on and off the field? Walk us through your mixtape.

Jamie Watson (JW): Who doesn’t love a good slow jam?! This category is right in my wheel-house. My iPod is chalked full of extremely questionable slow songs and ballads like you wouldn’t believe. No shame in my game. Check the ego at shotgun and expect to join in on a slow jam singsong when you roll with me in the white Lexus. Windows down and music blaring is pretty standard for me! Make no mistake about it, I’m a Top 40 guy through and through. I can 100% guarantee that if you throw this mixtape in, you will think about an ex from your past, reminisce on some places you’ve been or come from, and appreciate life in general. I’ve changed as a person through my career, on and off the field, and now I’m a lot more thankful for everything, so a good slow jam that’s thought-provoking is okay in my book. This is quite a bit of insight to what goes on in my head when I’m listening to some of my favorite jams. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy the little stories that go along with the tracks!

***

Track #1: “Chasing Cars” – Snow Patrol

JW: Anyone who knows me knows I love this song. So simple, yet it says a lot. I remember coming out of a break up after I left Salt Lake City and having this song on repeat over and over and over again. (Oh, don’t act like you haven’t done that either after a break up. We all have. You’re the weird one if you haven’t, not me!) I was in a pretty long relationship with this girl and it was only the time I’ve ever been in love so give me some slack for being a softy after the break up! Getting let go from Real Salt Lake and having to move back to Texas to join FC Dallas caused the relationship to become long distance and eventually led to it ending. Often, without wanting to, you have to pick up and leave your girlfriends and friends you’ve made in a city, and eventually you lose contact with so many people who became like family while you were in the city you played for. This is the part people don’t tell you about playing professional soccer. Anyway, if you look at my iTunes, this song sits at the top of the play count and is in no danger of being caught.

Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars

Track #2: “Unanswered Prayers” (Live) – Garth Brooks

JW: I’m proudly from Coppell, Texas (just outside of Dallas), so you had to know a country song was going to be thrown in the mix. This one is a fantastic song that puts life in perspective. How many times have we all been talking to the Big Man upstairs and pleaded that if just this one thing goes our way, we’ll never ask for anything ever again? I would need a calculator to add up all the times I’ve made that offer, and without fail, most of them seem to never happen. Then, without fail, something great comes along after and it all ended up working out for the best. Sometimes I equate that to my soccer career. This song perfectly relates to that. One of my favorite quotes is, “Everything happens for a reason.” What better song to sum that up. Sentiment at it’s finest!

Garth Brooks – Unanswered Prayers (en vivo)

Track #3: “I Can Love You Like That” – All 4 One

JW: How could you have a mixtape without a Boyz II Men track? Narrowing it down to just one by them was nearly impossible. So I went with a group that sounds like them, All 4 One. I went with “I Can Love You Like That” because I remember standing with my friends on the opposite side of the gym from the girls at middle school dances absolutely terrified to walk over and talk to a girl or ask her to dance. I was the kid with a chili bowl haircut parted down the middle and a tan that would make casper look golden bronze. I wasn’t exactly a chick magnet in those days. (Cue the “some things never change jokes” … haha.) Somehow, I convinced a girl to dance to me and, without fail, All 4 One came on. I was at full arms-length away from the girl swaying side to side awkwardly, and off beat I’m sure. I didn’t care though. If a girl didn’t say no, I was loving life. Fun fact about me, my first kiss was in 6th grade at a dance with a 7th grader! No big deal. I think I was actually cool for like 3 days after that. A make out session with an older girl back then earned you props from the boys and for a week. I was the man. Throwback classic joint right there!

All 4 One – I Can Love You Like That

Track #4: Something You Forgot – Lil Wayne

JW: Weezy is the man. Period. And when my man comes out with a slower jam about a girl that’s sampled from another classic song, well, it’s going on my mixtape 10 times out of 10. Sorry, I’m not sorry. Weezy proves it’s gangsta to be soft at times with this one. I probably need to throw the NSFW disclaimer on this one because in typical Lil Wayne fashion, he drops about 4387344375 cuss words. I remember my boy Christian telling me about this song, and for like three weeks straight it was on heavy rotation in my car. Whenever I’d burn CDs, this was always track #1 for like 9 consecutive CDs so it would come on first even if it was a short car ride. If it goes #1 on a burned CD, that’s when you know it’s a hit. You’re welcome for this one!

Lil Wayne – Something You Forgot

Track #5: “Back Where I Come From” – Kenny Chesney

JW: Saving the most sentimental one of them all for last. This songs makes me reminisce about my 3 wonderful years in Salt Lake because I actually got a chance to meet Kenny before a concert in Salt Lake thanks to the governor and his wife and beautiful daughter, Abby. (I went three years in a row to his concert and was so stoked to meet him. (P.S. I’m taller than him. I NEVER get to say that about anyone!) I did a lot of charity work with their family and Kenny and Abby were friends so she set us up to meet him with her family and I RSVP’ed with the quickness! This song always makes me think how great and lucky I was to experience all the things I did at a young age in Salt Lake and it was all thanks to playing soccer. It’s crazy to me that I’ve gotten a chance to live this crazy, amazing life all while playing the same game I have played every Saturday morning since I was 5! This is the greatest “job” in the world and I never take it for granted. What a great song to remind myself of where I came from and what I’ve been fortunate to experience. Perfect song to bring it on home.

Kenny Chesney – Back Where I Come From

***

And so Nutmeg Radio Mixtape No. 4: The Texas-Style Quiet Storm comes to a close with a few moving selections from Jamie Watson. Put your hands together. *clap, clap, clap.* Now do it again. *clap, clap, clap.* Thanks for sharing, Jamie. You sir, have kept it real.

And finally, you’ve heard these final words before: Clear some space, Nutmeg Radio Mixtape No. 5 is on the way soon. Tell your friends.

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