James I am right there with you. Last year Princeton came out with an article essentially saying that we no lnger live in a representative democracy. All of congress are millionaires.

The middle class continues to shrink. Oart of the problem might be the pay of athletes. If Joe Schmoe earns millions playing a game and I am a CEO and I earn less than an athlete I might feel like I deserve more. That is one argument, I do not know if I fully support but it points to a cultural problem.

always read these blogs. and this is one of the better ones, even if it doesnt have a ton to actually do with hockey.

loved the write up of in utero as well.

James I am right there with you. Last year Princeton came out with an article essentially saying that we no lnger live in a representative democracy. All of congress are millionaires.

The middle class continues to shrink. Oart of the problem might be the pay of athletes. If Joe Schmoe earns millions playing a game and I am a CEO and I earn less than an athlete I might feel like I deserve more. That is one argument, I do not know if I fully support but it points to a cultural problem.
- BluemanGuruu

The reason athletes and movie stars making millions is a good thing is because people will buy the product at the exact point it charts on the supply/demand chart. If athletes and movie stars aren't paid accordingly, then that money just goes to the faceless rich people than already take half.

Anyone with the smarts to become a doctor or CEO should know better than to look towards entertainers and make such a false comparison because such a comparison is invalid - until people will pay $350 dollars to watch a guy perform a routine checkup.

Anyways, if democracy was representative then all of our laws wouldn't favor the super-rich. If poor people just voted for their own interests (and if young people voted at all) we would be fine. Unfortunatly, study after study shows that people vote based on where they think they will one day be (i.e rich) and not where they currently are (i.e below the poverty line).

always read these blogs. and this is one of the better ones, even if it doesnt have a ton to actually do with hockey.

loved the write up of in utero as well.
- stayinthefnnet

I appreciate it, but it is 99% of the time 100% about hockey. There just hasn't been a Coyotes game in about a week......and, well, I don't like to just post recaps and previews cause those are widely available elsewhere.

Although this may not look like such a big charitable contribution but lets break down what he did:

Ovi could have given the car away from his own bank account and it wouldn't have put a dent into the millions he makes every year. In fact, him giving away a car out of his own pocket would almost have been an insult for the amount the guy could have easily given away.

When Ovi was up to his antics at the draft, everyone was laughing and wondering, why does this guy want a free car so badly. In fact, they shouldn't even be giving free cars away to players, these guys make millions of dollars, it's a bit ridiculous whether you are drafted last or win mvp. They don't need it.

Because of this whole situation there is a spotlight on the whole ordeal. Ovechkin gets to do something nice for someone who needs help. Honda looks good for donating the car for the cause. The NHL and the Washington capitals look good by association. And more importantly than the gift of the car, is the awareness for those who need all the help they can get. This is getting so much coverage on the news, news sites and social media.

The car itself may be pocket change to someone like Ovi, but the charitable contribution that snowballed from the combination of his actions and his celebrity status, is priceless.

Agree 100% that our societal standards on philanthropy need a serious revision, especially when it comes to the economic elite.

I've really been digging the count down. Radiohead is probably my single favourite band but I have a whole lotta love for Led Zeppelin despite the massive overplay they receive as you pointed out on an earlier blog or comment thread. I saw Nirvana on the In Utero tour when I was 15 at Maple Leaf Gardens. I'll never forget it.

Arcade Fire are incredible too and I've enjoyed much of Damon Alburn's work, especially Gorillaz. Check out the DVD for Demon Days Live. There's a guy who isn't afraid to experiment.

Not a criticism and I know the list is a matter of personal opinion, but the list is awfully pale thus far.

Just for diversity's sake I'm going to throw out:

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On?

Bob Marley and The Wailers - Catch a Fire (While they still Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston)

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced

Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life

Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

I appreciate it, but it is 99% of the time 100% about hockey. There just hasn't been a Coyotes game in about a week......and, well, I don't like to just post recaps and previews cause those are widely available elsewhere.
- James_Tanner

oh i know. i did just say that i always read them, didnt i

but i dont mind a little side of humanity from time to time, and im always a sucker for good music.

Agree 100% that our societal standards on philanthropy need a serious revision, especially when it comes to the economic elite.

I've really been digging the count down. Radiohead is probably my single favourite band but I have a whole lotta love for Led Zeppelin despite the massive overplay they receive as you pointed out on an earlier blog or comment thread. I saw Nirvana on the In Utero tour when I was 15 at Maple Leaf Gardens. I'll never forget it.

Arcade Fire are incredible too and I've enjoyed much of Damon Alburn's work, especially Gorillaz. Check out the DVD for Demon Days Live. There's a guy who isn't afraid to experiment.

Not a criticism and I know the list is a matter of personal opinion, but the list is awfully pale thus far.

Just for diversity's sake I'm going to throw out:

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On?

Bob Marley and The Wailers - Catch a Fire (While they still Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston)

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced

Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life

Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
- BlueBallz

No Illmatic?

No Illmatic?
- rangerdanger94

I just wanted to throw out 5, but Illmatic would probably fit in with some of the others in terms of substance better than 36 Chambers. Definitely an awesome album.

I appreciate it, but it is 99% of the time 100% about hockey. There just hasn't been a Coyotes game in about a week......and, well, I don't like to just post recaps and previews cause those are widely available elsewhere.
- James_Tanner

Glad to see that Radiohead made the list, and excellent choice of song from the album. As a kid who grew up in England it's nice to see some of my own people doing things right, and these guys nailed it pretty much every time they made an album. Moreover, as a 90s kid, I really love the electronic influences on this song in particular

Agree 100% that our societal standards on philanthropy need a serious revision, especially when it comes to the economic elite.

I've really been digging the count down. Radiohead is probably my single favourite band but I have a whole lotta love for Led Zeppelin despite the massive overplay they receive as you pointed out on an earlier blog or comment thread. I saw Nirvana on the In Utero tour when I was 15 at Maple Leaf Gardens. I'll never forget it.

Arcade Fire are incredible too and I've enjoyed much of Damon Alburn's work, especially Gorillaz. Check out the DVD for Demon Days Live. There's a guy who isn't afraid to experiment.

Not a criticism and I know the list is a matter of personal opinion, but the list is awfully pale thus far.

Just for diversity's sake I'm going to throw out:

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On?

Bob Marley and The Wailers - Catch a Fire (While they still Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston)

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced

Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life

Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
- BlueBallz

You know, it's funny but I was just thinking this. While I believe diversity is important and I swear (really !!) that I do have a very diverse music collection, ultimately I chose to list my ten best records (11) and guess what? it's 100% white and 100% Male (at least the singers, their may be a band featuring a female bass player later on in the countdown) and I am alright with that.

I believe it's more disrespectful to minorities or woman to give them token appearances if you otherwise wouldn't. I never considered gender or colour in my list and so hopefully that is a good thing.

I listen to a ton of hip hop and dance music and woman artists. But when it comes down to it I'm a white american-centic male rocker and I like what I like.

If the list counted down from a higher number, you would for sure have seen some Lucinda Williams and some Fiona Apple. Tori Amos Little Earthquakes came very close to making this list. Shinead O'Connor, Alanis, Patsy Cline, Aretha Franklin, Heart, Leslie Gore, Breeders and Bjork are all artists I am a huge fan of.

I can say I left Tha Carter III off of the list by the skin of it's teeth - I think it's the greatest rap album in the history of rap, but I also came close to including Fear of a Black Planet as well.

Paul's Botique, Desire about five Wilco records, Big Star, Beach Boys, Neil Young, Zeppelin, The Unicorns, Blur, Lowest of the Low, Tragically Hip, Sloan........A top ten list excludes almost everything, it turns out.

Anyways, hope no one thinks I'm a jerk for not being more diverse, but I always try to be as honest as possible in everything I do and those are my ten best.

Glad to see that Radiohead made the list, and excellent choice of song from the album. As a kid who grew up in England it's nice to see some of my own people doing things right, and these guys nailed it pretty much every time they made an album. Moreover, as a 90s kid, I really love the electronic influences on this song in particular
- lumlums

The best thing about Radiohead is their longgevity. Only the Rolling Stones continued to put out early career worthy records for so long. The King of Limbs, their latest, is iteself a minor entry into the Radiohead catalouge but better than 99.9% of anything most bands accomplish.

The best thing about Radiohead is their longgevity. Only the Rolling Stones continued to put out early career worthy records for so long. The King of Limbs, their latest, is iteself a minor entry into the Radiohead catalouge but better than 99.9% of anything most bands accomplish.
- James_Tanner

That's a great point.
I'm not a big dan of Radiohead, but they are pushing 20 years and still putting out albums that are solid from top to bottom. Not just dropping random singles accompanied by 10 tracks of filler.

I wouldn't have guessed they had been around that long until you mentioned it and made me think back to their early stuff.

That's a great point.
I'm not a big dan of Radiohead, but they are pushing 20 years and still putting out albums that are solid from top to bottom. Not just dropping random singles accompanied by 10 tracks of filler.

I wouldn't have guessed they had been around that long until you mentioned it and made me think back to their early stuff.
- Vanoxy

Most people just want to hear their favorite band play the same stuff every album and a lot of artists get crushed when they take big departures. For whatever reason - I suspect they are just unusually gifted artists - they've always been able to keep it fresh.

no Pink Floyd...list invalid

Nice comeback with the albums...


the previous ones would have earned you the title hippie and commie... now its just your article

The best thing about Radiohead is their longgevity. Only the Rolling Stones continued to put out early career worthy records for so long. The King of Limbs, their latest, is iteself a minor entry into the Radiohead catalouge but better than 99.9% of anything most bands accomplish.
- James_Tanner

James.... I know i'll see some pearl jam on the top ten list right? RIGHT?!

Dead wrong about that. Believe me. I'll take my Giroux and Voracek thank you very much. At least they back check.
- GOA88

Take them all you want but right now Ovie has a playoff spot whereas you are hanging with the Metro cellar dwellers (NJ, CAR and COL).

It's one thing for the Flyers guy to talk trash - at least we know that the Flyers will bounce back quickly if they miss the playoffs because that is what that organization does - hilarious for a fan of the Oilers, who could be given the overall top pick for the next 10 years and still find a way to (frank) it up.
- MadCap2008

Not to sure about that? Flyers are in some trouble with their D. They have some serious garbage contracts that'll be hurting them for some time. You shouldn't let him trash talk you like that

James.... I know i'll see some pearl jam on the top ten list right? RIGHT?!
- benjichronic

I'd guess No.
(Not sure if there's an inside joke here that I'm outside of)

Pearl Jam were the right band at the right time. I loved them for a couple of years in the mid 90's, but then I turned 20 and outgrew them.

Tanner is about the same age and has similar musical tastes. I'm guessing he'd put them in his top 200 but not top 10.

And don't take this as a knock on Pearl Jam. They are talented. I just don't think their stuff had held up over time. I keep hoping to like Eddie's new stuff but can't quite buy into it the way some people do.

no Pink Floyd...list invalid


- desi08

I have spent what seems like a decade slugging my way through the entire Pink Floyd library and while I am a big fan, they just really do anything for me these days.

Meddle is my favorite record, followed by the Final Cut (which, if I ever do a most underrated set, it will rank high) but I could never consider them top ten material.

I'd guess No.
(Not sure if there's an inside joke here that I'm outside of)

Pearl Jam were the right band at the right time. I loved them for a couple of years in the mid 90's, but then I turned 20 and outgrew them.

Tanner is about the same age and has similar musical tastes. I'm guessing he'd put them in his top 200 but not top 10.

And don't take this as a knock on Pearl Jam. They are talented. I just don't think their stuff had held up over time. I keep hoping to like Eddie's new stuff but can't quite buy into it the way some people do.
- Vanoxy

I am actually a pretty big Pearl Jam fan. I've seen them in concert three or four times, I have all their records, as well as a bunch of live records, collectibles, rare ones and singles. I probably know how to play at least the basic riff or chords of 50 pearl jam songs....but there's not way they're going top three.

I'd have Vitalogy and VS. fairly high though if we started getting into a longer list. VS is an amazing record - if PJ didn't stick around so long after their prime they'd probably have a higher critical regard.

Nice comeback with the albums...


the previous ones would have earned you the title hippie and commie... now its just your article
- ChrisMS

!!!!! I don't know too many hippies who like Morrisey and Robert Smith though.

My (frank), I can not wait for the Coyotes to play another game. Just finish this damn music countdown Rick the Temp, and get back to your predictions, you know, the poop that has made you popular on Hockeybuzz.

Anyhow George Strombolopolous, the next time i give you a heads up on something ridiculous, like that Max Domi goal, I want credit when you post it on your blog. As if you'd ever had found out about it if it wasn't for me. It's quite clear that your tv is always set to much music. Now I get why you always have to "DVR" hockey related stuff....

lastly, finding reason to complain about good publicity towards NHL players is cheesy, even for you. Seems as if the media is only interested in reporting which professional athlete beat up his spouse, who cheated by deflating poop, or PEDs. I'm quite surprised you are upset that the media, as someone who financially benefits because of the popularity of the sport, one would think you'd enjoy the NHL getting positive attention, especially in American networks.

Makes me wonder if you'd be this upset if OEL was getting the praise for trying to donate pocket change he tried to win.




PS. I know for a fact, if Domi donated his mouthguard, you'd write a 16 part blog about it.

I am actually a pretty big Pearl Jam fan. I've seen them in concert three or four times, I have all their records, as well as a bunch of live records, collectibles, rare ones and singles. I probably know how to play at least the basic riff or chords of 50 pearl jam songs....but there's not way they're going top three.

I'd have Vitalogy and VS. fairly high though if we started getting into a longer list. VS is an amazing record - if PJ didn't stick around so long after their prime they'd probably have a higher critical regard.
- James_Tanner

Please don't tease us with that notion and not follow through bro, I'm getting giddy just thinking about it.