Pizza, along with bagels, are one of those foods that aren't great unless you get them from New York. Because pizza is a staple in New York, Nassau County is flooded with pizza places. Every town has at least a handful, if not more. I personally find that , more often than not, you're going to wind up having at least a good slice of pizza when you enter any pizzeria in Nassau County. However, there are a few pizzerias in Nassau that stand above the rest. Here are the top 10 in descending order.
10. Mario's
Location: Plainview, Syosset, Oyster Bay, Great Neck, Westbury, Seaford
Overview: As you can see, Mario's has a ton of locations in Nassau County to choose from. I grew up eating from the Plainview location (the original one I believe) and had no clue that they were anywhere else. I can only speak about the Plainview place, but they make a delicious slice of pizza and they are heavy handed with the amount of free garlic knots they'll toss your way.
Favorite Slice: Extra Cheese
9. Spasso
Location: Wantagh
Overview: The South Shore is flooded with great pizza places and Spasso is no exception. If you're not one to grab an All American burger (or 5) before heading to the beach (which is my ritual) you can't go wrong with grabbing a couple of slices from here.
Favorite Slice: Buffalo Chicken
8. Gino's
Location: Williston Park
Overview: We're approaching Queens with this location. Even though Queens has a ton of good pizza places, they might want to migrate over to Gino's in Williston Park. Delicious slices, especially their sicilian.
Favorite Slice: Sicilian
7. Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza
Location: Woodbury, Wantagh, & Carle Place
Overview: Hate putting a chain on the list (especially one with locations out of New York), but their pizza is just too good not to include on this list. I can't speak for locations out of New York, but I can you that Anthony's in Nassau makes a mean coal fired pizza pie. The large serves about 3 and the small serves about 2 -3. Being a fat ass, I can knock down an entire pie myself, but not recommended.
Favorite Slice: Cauliflower
6. Umberto's
Location: New Hyde Park, Plainview, Wantagh
Overview: All three locations are great, but definitely recommend New Hyde Park (the original and still the best).
Favorite Slice: Pazzo
5. Grimaldi's
Location: Garden City
Overview: What's a "best pizza in New York" list without Grimaldi's (be it Garden City or Brooklyn). The line is always huge and with good reason. The first time I tried this place I was aware of the hype and was worried I was going to be letdown because I expected so much. Wrong. Still exceeded my expectations. They are the one ones on the list where I'm recommending a plain slice as the slice of choice.
Favorite Slice: Plain
4. Salvatore's
Location: Port Washington
Location: Our friends over on the North Shore have one of the best pizza joints in Nassau County, and possibly in Long Island with Salvatore's. Their pies are fresh and delicious and don't require toppings to enhance their delicious flavors.
Favorite Slice: Tomato and Basil
3. Bella Vista
Location: Plainview
Overview: Most people from Plainview will swear by this place and with good reason. Bella Vista makes a great (and humongous) slice of pizza. Favorite, as with a lot of other places, is the Buffalo Chicken. You can't go wrong with a slice of this or a Buffalo Chicken roll.
Favorite Slice: Buffalo Chicken
2. La Strada
Location: Merrick
Overview: In my quest for good pizza in Merrick, I was coming up short outside of La Piazza (#1 on this list). I then discovered La Strada and haven't looked back. This place is more of a fancy Italian joint, but they do brick oven pizza extremely well.
Favorite Slice: Kirkwood Avenue
1. La Piazza
Location: Plainview & Merrick
Overview: I'm going to get yelled at for putting a chain like La Piazza at number one, but there is no denying how great their pizza is (and some of there pasta dishes, but that's for another list). Their buffalo chicken slice alone is one of the best pizza slices I've ever had. For you Suffolk County folks, you're in a luck as there is a location in Melville as well. Definitely my go to place for a great slice of pizza.
Favorite Slice: Buffalo Chicken
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Top 10 Sushi Places in Nassau County
Now onto Sushi! Sushi places are a dime a dozen in Nassau County, but for some reason there seem to be a lot more "subpar" sushi places than good ones. However, if you're looking for great sushi in Nassau County, check out these places. You won't be disappointed.
10. Himawari
Location: Long Beach
Overview: Himawari has more selections outside of sushi than the others on the list, but this place ranks as my favorite in Long Beach (where there are more than a fair share of sushi joints).
Try The: Krazy Angel Roll
9. Sushi Time 560
Location: Bethpage
Overview: Bethpage was lacking a really good sushi place and Sushi Time 560 came to the rescue. They offer a $20 all you can eat which is a great deal. The rolls are great, not the best, but more than adequate for an all you can eat place.
Try The: Godzilla Roll
8. Minado
Location: Carle Place
Overview: I love Minado. I probably go here more than a lot of other places on the list. The sushi is very good. Not as great as the others on the list, but still solid. The draw of this place is the "all you can eat" aspect. Not only is it all you can eat for their rolls, but they have a ton of different Japanese food. It's buffet style, but it's not "dirty" like you see with other buffets. Definitely give it a go if you have a big appetite.
Try The: Rock' N Roll Roll
7. Thai Show
Location: Massapequa Park & Levittown
Overview: The only place on the list that has two locations, score! If I had to pick the better location I'd go with Massapequa Park, but both are fantastic. Massapequa Park includes booths that are in line with traditional Japanese seating (where you go inside without shows). The sushi is always delicious and fresh, regardless of which location you choose.
Try The: Riverdance Roll
6. Tobiko
Location: Valley Stream
Overview: A place not only known for it's excellent roles, but it's excellent services. Makes for an overall fantastic dining experience. However, if you decide to takeout, you won't be disappointed as the rolls rarely ever disappoint.
Try The: Spring Jamie Roll
5. Matsuya
Location: Great Neck
Overview: Great Neck seems to be the sushi capital of Nassau County. It is impossible to walk a block without seeing a couple of sushi places. In my opinion, Matsuya reigns supreme in a saturated market. Always fresh and always delicious. The locals will agree that this place will easily rank in their top 3 sushi places in the area.
Try The: O.M.G. Roll
4. Sushi Ya
Location: Garden City
Overview: Garden City is a mecca of delicious restaurants, including my all time favorite Waterzooi. If you're in the area and sick of mussels, check out Sushi Ya. They do the basics well (i.e. spicy tuna, etc.), but their special rolls are one of the best I've had.
Try The: Rich & Robert Roll
3. Nisen
Location: Woodbury
Overview: Nisen is located in a shopping center of deliciousness with Laguna Grille and Butera's also located in the same place. Nisen trumps these two excellent places because of how innovative and delicious their sushi is. While I love their sushi, go with some of their unique appetizers as well including the white tuna truffle and lobster taco.
Try The: Mama Buddha Roll
2. Sushi Ko
Location: Merrick
Overview: I discovered this place recently and am extremely glad I did. I've been searching for a great sushi place in Merrick for the last few months and finally found it in Sushi Ko. If you like Sushi Bar & Tea, which a lot of people seem to enjoy, this blows it out of the water. Not only are the rolls delicious, but they are extremely unique (even having a filet mignon one with Japanese bbq sauce). The staff is also super friendly.
Try The: New Orleans Roll
1. Kumo
Location: Plainview
Overview: Kumo is a little bit on the expensive side (which is the only drawback), but the sushi is phenomenal. It actually not only ranks as my favorite sushi place in Nassau County, but probably ever. Their pizza sandwich is at another level in terms of deliciousness. Don't confuse this one with the location out in Suffolk (this is a million times better).
Try The: Pizza Sandwich
10. Himawari
Location: Long Beach
Overview: Himawari has more selections outside of sushi than the others on the list, but this place ranks as my favorite in Long Beach (where there are more than a fair share of sushi joints).
Try The: Krazy Angel Roll
9. Sushi Time 560
Location: Bethpage
Overview: Bethpage was lacking a really good sushi place and Sushi Time 560 came to the rescue. They offer a $20 all you can eat which is a great deal. The rolls are great, not the best, but more than adequate for an all you can eat place.
Try The: Godzilla Roll
8. Minado
Location: Carle Place
Overview: I love Minado. I probably go here more than a lot of other places on the list. The sushi is very good. Not as great as the others on the list, but still solid. The draw of this place is the "all you can eat" aspect. Not only is it all you can eat for their rolls, but they have a ton of different Japanese food. It's buffet style, but it's not "dirty" like you see with other buffets. Definitely give it a go if you have a big appetite.
Try The: Rock' N Roll Roll
7. Thai Show
Location: Massapequa Park & Levittown
Overview: The only place on the list that has two locations, score! If I had to pick the better location I'd go with Massapequa Park, but both are fantastic. Massapequa Park includes booths that are in line with traditional Japanese seating (where you go inside without shows). The sushi is always delicious and fresh, regardless of which location you choose.
Try The: Riverdance Roll
6. Tobiko
Location: Valley Stream
Overview: A place not only known for it's excellent roles, but it's excellent services. Makes for an overall fantastic dining experience. However, if you decide to takeout, you won't be disappointed as the rolls rarely ever disappoint.
Try The: Spring Jamie Roll
5. Matsuya
Location: Great Neck
Overview: Great Neck seems to be the sushi capital of Nassau County. It is impossible to walk a block without seeing a couple of sushi places. In my opinion, Matsuya reigns supreme in a saturated market. Always fresh and always delicious. The locals will agree that this place will easily rank in their top 3 sushi places in the area.
Try The: O.M.G. Roll
4. Sushi Ya
Location: Garden City
Overview: Garden City is a mecca of delicious restaurants, including my all time favorite Waterzooi. If you're in the area and sick of mussels, check out Sushi Ya. They do the basics well (i.e. spicy tuna, etc.), but their special rolls are one of the best I've had.
Try The: Rich & Robert Roll
3. Nisen
Location: Woodbury
Overview: Nisen is located in a shopping center of deliciousness with Laguna Grille and Butera's also located in the same place. Nisen trumps these two excellent places because of how innovative and delicious their sushi is. While I love their sushi, go with some of their unique appetizers as well including the white tuna truffle and lobster taco.
Try The: Mama Buddha Roll
2. Sushi Ko
Location: Merrick
Overview: I discovered this place recently and am extremely glad I did. I've been searching for a great sushi place in Merrick for the last few months and finally found it in Sushi Ko. If you like Sushi Bar & Tea, which a lot of people seem to enjoy, this blows it out of the water. Not only are the rolls delicious, but they are extremely unique (even having a filet mignon one with Japanese bbq sauce). The staff is also super friendly.
Try The: New Orleans Roll
1. Kumo
Location: Plainview
Overview: Kumo is a little bit on the expensive side (which is the only drawback), but the sushi is phenomenal. It actually not only ranks as my favorite sushi place in Nassau County, but probably ever. Their pizza sandwich is at another level in terms of deliciousness. Don't confuse this one with the location out in Suffolk (this is a million times better).
Try The: Pizza Sandwich
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Top 10 Mexican Restaurants in Nassau County
As someone who likes to dine out fairly regularly (mostly in the Nassau County area), I'd thought it would be good to point out the top restaurants by cuisine, in my opinion. This post is focused on Mexican, but will be doing others revolving around Italian, Chinese, etc.
10. Three Amigos Mexican Grill
Location: Massapequa
Overview: What's good about this place is not only the food (which is excellent), but has something for non-Mexican lovers as well (i.e. salads, mozzarella sticks). Tacos are about the same price as Taco Bell's and much fresher (and better).
Favorite Dish: South West Burrito
9. Little Mexico
Location: Westbury
Overview: The name matches the size of the place. Very tiny, but place packs a lot of flavor. Definitely more of a takeout joint, but worth it if you're in the area. Also extremely inexpensive and has dishes you can't find elsewhere (i.e. beef tongue sopes and tortas)
Favorite Dish: Sopes De Lengua (beef tongue sopes)
8. Don Juan
Location: Massapequa Park
Overview: One of the more well known places on the list, Don Juan provides consistently good Mexican food (and drinks) at fairly inexpensive prices. A lot of people will list this as their favorite (mostly due to them not trying others on the list). While I don't agree that it's the best, it certainly is worthy of top 10.
Favorite Dish: Don Juan's Especial
7. On the Border
Location: Hicksville
Overview: On the Border is not only a great place for Mexican food and drinks, but one of the better Mexican joints to go to for Cinco De Mayo. I'm not usually a fan of putting a big chain on a list (hence why no Chipotle), but On the Border is good enough to make the top 10.
Favorite Dish: La Bandera
6. Aztec Emperor
Location: Wantagh
Overview: I love how this place is fairly unknown compared to others on the list (means less of a wait for me :) ). This place has the best salsa I've ever had making the chips and salsa they serve worth the trip alone.
Favorite Dish: Mole Poblano
5. Laguna Grille
Location: Woodbury
Overview: This place is always packed - and with good reason. Laguna Grille serves up above average Mexican food that's constantly great. They also not only give you salsa and chips before the meal, but plantain chips as well (a very nice touch). Laguna Grille is my pick for best steak fajitas on Long Island
Favorite Dish: Steak Fajitas
4. Cozymel's
Location: Westbury
Overview: Great place to visit during the summer as Cozymel's offers an outside patio. Regardless, if you enjoy Mexican food you'll enjoy the food at Cozymel's. The place also makes one of the best margharita's you can get on the island.
Favorite Dish: Homemade Tamales
3. Mangoes
Location: Bethpage
Overview: Casual, but still a good place to take a date to. Mangoes serves up great Mexican food at fairly decent prices. A big plus about the place is the Mariachi band that plays on Fridays and Saturdays. Definitely something you don't want to miss. Even if you come here on another day, the food alone will make it worth the trip.
Favorite Dish: Lobster Quesedilla
2. Zim Zari
Location: Massapequa Park
Overview: Not a fancy place by any means. This place reminds you of an eatery you'd see right off of the beach - including the surfboard shaped menus. The place boasts one of the best meal deals on Long Island with "taco Tuesday" which are $2 prices for their signature tacos. There tacos are the reason to come here ranging from their take on a surf and turf to tuna tacos and more. Taco lovers will not be disappointed.
Favorite Dish: Surf & Turf Tacos
1. Besito
Location: Roslyn
Overview: Besito is not only the best Mexican restaurant in Nassau County, but probably one of the best restaurants on Long Island (tied with Waterzooi as my favorite). It's upscale, not cheap whatsoever, but well worth the price. They have the best table side guacamole I've ever had and everything I've gotten there was beyond delicious. Plus, they have an amble amount of tequila and other alcohol. A+ all around.
Favorite Dish: Tie between the Costillas Al Piquin (short ribs) and Budin De Mariscos (shrimp and crab pie)
10. Three Amigos Mexican Grill
Location: Massapequa
Overview: What's good about this place is not only the food (which is excellent), but has something for non-Mexican lovers as well (i.e. salads, mozzarella sticks). Tacos are about the same price as Taco Bell's and much fresher (and better).
Favorite Dish: South West Burrito
9. Little Mexico
Location: Westbury
Overview: The name matches the size of the place. Very tiny, but place packs a lot of flavor. Definitely more of a takeout joint, but worth it if you're in the area. Also extremely inexpensive and has dishes you can't find elsewhere (i.e. beef tongue sopes and tortas)
Favorite Dish: Sopes De Lengua (beef tongue sopes)
8. Don Juan
Location: Massapequa Park
Overview: One of the more well known places on the list, Don Juan provides consistently good Mexican food (and drinks) at fairly inexpensive prices. A lot of people will list this as their favorite (mostly due to them not trying others on the list). While I don't agree that it's the best, it certainly is worthy of top 10.
Favorite Dish: Don Juan's Especial
7. On the Border
Location: Hicksville
Overview: On the Border is not only a great place for Mexican food and drinks, but one of the better Mexican joints to go to for Cinco De Mayo. I'm not usually a fan of putting a big chain on a list (hence why no Chipotle), but On the Border is good enough to make the top 10.
Favorite Dish: La Bandera
6. Aztec Emperor
Location: Wantagh
Overview: I love how this place is fairly unknown compared to others on the list (means less of a wait for me :) ). This place has the best salsa I've ever had making the chips and salsa they serve worth the trip alone.
Favorite Dish: Mole Poblano
5. Laguna Grille
Location: Woodbury
Overview: This place is always packed - and with good reason. Laguna Grille serves up above average Mexican food that's constantly great. They also not only give you salsa and chips before the meal, but plantain chips as well (a very nice touch). Laguna Grille is my pick for best steak fajitas on Long Island
Favorite Dish: Steak Fajitas
4. Cozymel's
Location: Westbury
Overview: Great place to visit during the summer as Cozymel's offers an outside patio. Regardless, if you enjoy Mexican food you'll enjoy the food at Cozymel's. The place also makes one of the best margharita's you can get on the island.
Favorite Dish: Homemade Tamales
3. Mangoes
Location: Bethpage
Overview: Casual, but still a good place to take a date to. Mangoes serves up great Mexican food at fairly decent prices. A big plus about the place is the Mariachi band that plays on Fridays and Saturdays. Definitely something you don't want to miss. Even if you come here on another day, the food alone will make it worth the trip.
Favorite Dish: Lobster Quesedilla
2. Zim Zari
Location: Massapequa Park
Overview: Not a fancy place by any means. This place reminds you of an eatery you'd see right off of the beach - including the surfboard shaped menus. The place boasts one of the best meal deals on Long Island with "taco Tuesday" which are $2 prices for their signature tacos. There tacos are the reason to come here ranging from their take on a surf and turf to tuna tacos and more. Taco lovers will not be disappointed.
Favorite Dish: Surf & Turf Tacos
1. Besito
Location: Roslyn
Overview: Besito is not only the best Mexican restaurant in Nassau County, but probably one of the best restaurants on Long Island (tied with Waterzooi as my favorite). It's upscale, not cheap whatsoever, but well worth the price. They have the best table side guacamole I've ever had and everything I've gotten there was beyond delicious. Plus, they have an amble amount of tequila and other alcohol. A+ all around.
Favorite Dish: Tie between the Costillas Al Piquin (short ribs) and Budin De Mariscos (shrimp and crab pie)
Thursday, February 21, 2013
10 Great Bands Who Have Jumped the Shark
The term "jumping the shark" refers to a person, band, TV show, or anything that was once great, but has now surpassed that greatness with their new releases. There are many bands that made some outstanding albums, but are now releasing material that doesn't even come close to the greatness of their older work. We've identified some of these bands below.
1. Green Day
Best Album: Dookie
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: 21st Century Breakdown
Why? There really is nothing like old Green Day. Dookie, Insomnia, and Nimrod were all fantastic albums. Warning was more experimental for the band, but good and American Idiot was a solid rock opera. 21st Century Breakdown, however, felt like a B-sides compilation of American Idiot, which could be forgiven if it wasn't for the horrendous Uno, Dos, Tres albums that followed. Those felt like it came from a mediocre band trying to imitate Green Day. Gone are the glory days of Dookie
2. Smashing Pumpkins
Best Album: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: Machina: The Machine of Gods
Why? Smashing Pumpkins were one of the 90's best rock outfits. After some lineup changes and Billy Corgan becoming more experimental, they really haven't been the same since Mellon Collie. Adore was different, not as good as Mellon Collie and Siamese Dream, but still a good album. Then Machina came out and it was very disappointing. They haven't put out a good release since then (although their most recent album, Oceania, is the best of the worst).
3. Weezer
Best Album: Weezer (Blue Album)
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: Make Believe
Why? I remember the days when entire Weezer albums were great. This was the case with the Blue Album and Pinkerton. Most of the Green Album and Maladroit were excellent as well. Then Make Believe came out and there was this wrong of mediocrity. 2-3 great songs followed by mostly filler that has spanned their last four albums.
4. Red Hot Chili Peppers
Best Album: Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: By The Way
Why? You should expect a band's sound to evolve and change 20+ years into a career, but the Chili Peppers changed for the worse. Blood Sugar Sex Magik was the best album they released and did their signature funk rock better than any other album. One Hot Minute wasn't a good album (with the exception of 2 or 3 songs), but they redeemed themselves with Californication. That album wasn't as good as Blood Sugar, but was still a great album loaded with some of their best songs. I was excited for By The Way after hearing the title track, but was extremely disappointed when I realized that was the only great song on the album. Their last two releases haven't been much better. Stadium Arcadium did have some good songs, but the double album concept didn't work for them.
5. 311
Best Album: 311
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: Evolver
Why? A band with a sound like 311 can hardly be described as "boring", but since Evolver that has been the case. I loved Music through From Chaos (some might argue that they jumped the shark starting with From Chaos), but Evolver is a disappointing album bookend with two great tracks: "Creatures" and "Sometimes Jacks Rule the Realm". It's only gotten worse from Evolver making it very improbable that 311 will release anything on par with their self-titled album, Grassroots, or Soundsystem.
6. Oasis
Best Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: Be Here Now
Why? Oasis is on most people's "bands that jumped the shark" list and with good reason. Very rarely have I seen a band go from legendary to bad as quickly as Oasis. Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory were two genre defining albums and one of the best of the 90's. Then all of a sudden Be Here Now came out and you're left wondering what happened to this band? Since then, all of their releases have been bad. It's actually good to see that Oasis is no more since I don't know if I can tolerate another bad Oasis release.
7. Led Zeppelin
Best Album: Led Zeppelin IV
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: Presence
Why? Led Zeppelin still stands as one of the greatest bands of all time, but even they jumped the shark when it comes to album releases. I don't think any band in rock history has had a good of a six album run as Led Zeppelin did for Led Zeppelin through Physical Graffiti. Their two releases after, Presence and Coda, weren't that good (with the exception of a handful of songs). It makes you wish that the band stopped making music after Physical Graffiti and just toured with those 6 albums.
8. Jimmy Eat World
Best Album: Clarity
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: Chase This Light
Why? Jimmy Eat World doesn't fit the mold of the other bands here, but I'm including them because I really think Clarity is the best emo album ever made. Bleed American, their follow up, was an outstanding punk pop album. Futures, which followed after, was kind of a mix between Clarity and Bleed American's sounds. Not as good as those two, but still decent. Chase This Light and Invented (two albums after) are just middle of the road emo music. You might find a song or two that's good, but it doesn't even come close to the greatness of Clarity or Bleed American.
9. Guns 'N Roses
Best Album: Appetite for Destruction
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: The Spaghetti Incident
Why? I almost didn't include them because The Spaghetti Incident was only one album and Chinese Democracy was a completely different lineup (minus Axl and Dizzy Reed and Dizzy didn't even show up until the Illusion albums). However, the Spaghetti Incident was so bad and Chinese Democracy was such a letdown that I'm including them on the list, especially when you consider how great their prior four albums were.
10. Live
Best Album: Throwing Copper
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: V
Why? Live peaked too early with their sophomore album, Throwing Copper, which was an outstanding album that the band never came close to achieving again. Secret Samadhi and The Distance to Here weren't as good, but they were worthy follow ups. Since V, the band has been taken pride in mediocrity making it seem highly unlikely we'll ever hear an album like Throwing Copper again from the band.
1. Green Day
Best Album: Dookie
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: 21st Century Breakdown
Why? There really is nothing like old Green Day. Dookie, Insomnia, and Nimrod were all fantastic albums. Warning was more experimental for the band, but good and American Idiot was a solid rock opera. 21st Century Breakdown, however, felt like a B-sides compilation of American Idiot, which could be forgiven if it wasn't for the horrendous Uno, Dos, Tres albums that followed. Those felt like it came from a mediocre band trying to imitate Green Day. Gone are the glory days of Dookie
2. Smashing Pumpkins
Best Album: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: Machina: The Machine of Gods
Why? Smashing Pumpkins were one of the 90's best rock outfits. After some lineup changes and Billy Corgan becoming more experimental, they really haven't been the same since Mellon Collie. Adore was different, not as good as Mellon Collie and Siamese Dream, but still a good album. Then Machina came out and it was very disappointing. They haven't put out a good release since then (although their most recent album, Oceania, is the best of the worst).
3. Weezer
Best Album: Weezer (Blue Album)
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: Make Believe
Why? I remember the days when entire Weezer albums were great. This was the case with the Blue Album and Pinkerton. Most of the Green Album and Maladroit were excellent as well. Then Make Believe came out and there was this wrong of mediocrity. 2-3 great songs followed by mostly filler that has spanned their last four albums.
4. Red Hot Chili Peppers
Best Album: Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: By The Way
Why? You should expect a band's sound to evolve and change 20+ years into a career, but the Chili Peppers changed for the worse. Blood Sugar Sex Magik was the best album they released and did their signature funk rock better than any other album. One Hot Minute wasn't a good album (with the exception of 2 or 3 songs), but they redeemed themselves with Californication. That album wasn't as good as Blood Sugar, but was still a great album loaded with some of their best songs. I was excited for By The Way after hearing the title track, but was extremely disappointed when I realized that was the only great song on the album. Their last two releases haven't been much better. Stadium Arcadium did have some good songs, but the double album concept didn't work for them.
5. 311
Best Album: 311
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: Evolver
Why? A band with a sound like 311 can hardly be described as "boring", but since Evolver that has been the case. I loved Music through From Chaos (some might argue that they jumped the shark starting with From Chaos), but Evolver is a disappointing album bookend with two great tracks: "Creatures" and "Sometimes Jacks Rule the Realm". It's only gotten worse from Evolver making it very improbable that 311 will release anything on par with their self-titled album, Grassroots, or Soundsystem.
6. Oasis
Best Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: Be Here Now
Why? Oasis is on most people's "bands that jumped the shark" list and with good reason. Very rarely have I seen a band go from legendary to bad as quickly as Oasis. Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory were two genre defining albums and one of the best of the 90's. Then all of a sudden Be Here Now came out and you're left wondering what happened to this band? Since then, all of their releases have been bad. It's actually good to see that Oasis is no more since I don't know if I can tolerate another bad Oasis release.
7. Led Zeppelin
Best Album: Led Zeppelin IV
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: Presence
Why? Led Zeppelin still stands as one of the greatest bands of all time, but even they jumped the shark when it comes to album releases. I don't think any band in rock history has had a good of a six album run as Led Zeppelin did for Led Zeppelin through Physical Graffiti. Their two releases after, Presence and Coda, weren't that good (with the exception of a handful of songs). It makes you wish that the band stopped making music after Physical Graffiti and just toured with those 6 albums.
8. Jimmy Eat World
Best Album: Clarity
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: Chase This Light
Why? Jimmy Eat World doesn't fit the mold of the other bands here, but I'm including them because I really think Clarity is the best emo album ever made. Bleed American, their follow up, was an outstanding punk pop album. Futures, which followed after, was kind of a mix between Clarity and Bleed American's sounds. Not as good as those two, but still decent. Chase This Light and Invented (two albums after) are just middle of the road emo music. You might find a song or two that's good, but it doesn't even come close to the greatness of Clarity or Bleed American.
9. Guns 'N Roses
Best Album: Appetite for Destruction
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: The Spaghetti Incident
Why? I almost didn't include them because The Spaghetti Incident was only one album and Chinese Democracy was a completely different lineup (minus Axl and Dizzy Reed and Dizzy didn't even show up until the Illusion albums). However, the Spaghetti Incident was so bad and Chinese Democracy was such a letdown that I'm including them on the list, especially when you consider how great their prior four albums were.
10. Live
Best Album: Throwing Copper
Album Where they Jumped the Shark: V
Why? Live peaked too early with their sophomore album, Throwing Copper, which was an outstanding album that the band never came close to achieving again. Secret Samadhi and The Distance to Here weren't as good, but they were worthy follow ups. Since V, the band has been taken pride in mediocrity making it seem highly unlikely we'll ever hear an album like Throwing Copper again from the band.
Monday, February 11, 2013
2013 MLB Standings Predictions
Baseball season is right around the corner! It's a little early, but we put together our rankings predictions for this year.
AL East:
1. Baltimore Orioles (97 - 65)
2. New York Yankees (90 - 72) (1st wildcard)
3. Toronto Blue Jays (86 - 76)
4. Tampa Bay Rays (84 - 78)
5. Boston Redsox (75 - 87)
AL Central:
1. Detroit Tigers (90 - 72)
2. Chicago Whitesox (82 - 80)
3. Kansas City Royals (81 - 81)
4. Cleveland Indians (79 - 83)
5. Minnesota Twins (67 - 95)
AL West:
1. Los Angeles Angels (95 - 67)
2. Texas Rangers (87 - 75) (2nd wildcard)
3. Oakland Athletics (79 - 83)
4. Seattle Mariners (73 - 89)
5. Houston Astros (68 - 94)
NL East:
1. Washington Nationals (98 - 64)
2. Atlanta Braves (88 - 74) (1st wildcard)
3. Philadelphia Phillies (83 - 79)
4. New York Mets (74 - 88)
5. Miami Marlins (69 - 93)
NL Central:
1. St. Louis Cardinals (87 - 75)
2. Cincinnati Reds (83 - 79)
3. Milwaukee Brewers (80 - 82)
4. Pittsburgh Pirates (79 - 83)
5. Chicago Cubs (74 - 88)
NL West:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (93 - 69)
2. San Francisco Giants (84 - 78) (2nd wildcard)
3. Arizona Diamondbacks (82 - 80)
4. Colorado Rockies (78 - 84)
5. San Diego Padres (68 - 94)
AL East:
1. Baltimore Orioles (97 - 65)
2. New York Yankees (90 - 72) (1st wildcard)
3. Toronto Blue Jays (86 - 76)
4. Tampa Bay Rays (84 - 78)
5. Boston Redsox (75 - 87)
AL Central:
1. Detroit Tigers (90 - 72)
2. Chicago Whitesox (82 - 80)
3. Kansas City Royals (81 - 81)
4. Cleveland Indians (79 - 83)
5. Minnesota Twins (67 - 95)
AL West:
1. Los Angeles Angels (95 - 67)
2. Texas Rangers (87 - 75) (2nd wildcard)
3. Oakland Athletics (79 - 83)
4. Seattle Mariners (73 - 89)
5. Houston Astros (68 - 94)
NL East:
1. Washington Nationals (98 - 64)
2. Atlanta Braves (88 - 74) (1st wildcard)
3. Philadelphia Phillies (83 - 79)
4. New York Mets (74 - 88)
5. Miami Marlins (69 - 93)
NL Central:
1. St. Louis Cardinals (87 - 75)
2. Cincinnati Reds (83 - 79)
3. Milwaukee Brewers (80 - 82)
4. Pittsburgh Pirates (79 - 83)
5. Chicago Cubs (74 - 88)
NL West:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (93 - 69)
2. San Francisco Giants (84 - 78) (2nd wildcard)
3. Arizona Diamondbacks (82 - 80)
4. Colorado Rockies (78 - 84)
5. San Diego Padres (68 - 94)
Thursday, January 3, 2013
NFL Playoff Predictions 2013
It's the NFL playoffs! What a crazy year it has been. 3 rookie QBs have found their way into the playoffs while other teams like the Giants and Bears find themselves on the outside looking in after a strong start. Here are my predictions for the playoffs this year.
AFC
Wild Card:
Texans over Bengals: 23 - 10
Why? The Texans have been looking like anything but elite after going from the 1st to 3rd seed, but they are the better team overall in this match up. I think the defense will do their job and be the reason the Texans win this game.
Colts over Ravens: 27 - 17
Why? If you read my power rankings, you'll notice how I think the Colts are worse than their 11-5 record. However, the Ravens have had a ton of issues lately, going 1-4 in their last 5 games. The Colts have been 4-1 in their last 5 and just came off a Texans win. I'm not one for non-football factors, but Chuck Pagano being back does help put a spark in this team as well.
Divisional:
Broncos over Colts: 38 - 17
Why? It will be an exciting game to watch Peyton face off against his old team, but it won't even be close. The Broncos have won 11 straight and are the team that nobody wants to face right now, including the Colts. They won't be able to match up against this Broncos team.
Patriots over Texans: 34 - 23
Why? Hard to go against the Patriots at home, in a playoff game, with Tom Brady as your QB. The Patriots are just too good on offense. Remember what happened last time these two teams faced off? 42-14 Pats.
Conference:
Patriots over Broncos: 24 - 20
Why? This game is a coin flip to me. Definitely can go either way. You can say that about any game in the playoffs, but think it's especially true for these two teams if they face each other. I think it will come down to Brady on a game winning drive and he'll get it down, making it the second straight Super Bowl appearance in a row for this Pats team.
NFC
Wild Card:
Packers over Vikings: 27 - 21
Why? These two teams faced each other the last game of the season with the Vikings finding themselves on the winning side. The Packers were fighting for a #2 seed, but the Vikings were the only team in this match up that desperately needed the win. Now they both will be fighting equally as hard to get to the Super Bowl. Adrian Peterson is a beast, but Aaron Rodgers is one of the most clutch offensive players in the league (and the Vikings have Christian Ponder). Going with the Packs here.
Redskins over Seahawks: 31 - 24
Why? This was the hardest match up for me to pick in the wildcard round. Seattle has won 5 in a row, Redskins won 7. Both are rookie QBs who have been playing amazingly, but again are rookies without any playoff experience. I'm going with the home team here.
Divisional:
Falcons over Redskins: 33 - 23
Why? The Falcons get zero respect even though they ended the season as the #1 seed in the NFC and tied for the best record in the NFL. I do think they aren't as strong as the Broncos, the other 13-3 team in the league, but are still one of the elite and think they'll get the job done at home against the Redskins. They'll be able to finally shut up critics who say they can't win a playoff game.
Packers over 49ers: 27 - 24
Why? These teams faced each other opening day with the win going to the 49ers. On paper, these teams are pretty evenly matched with the edge on offense going to the Packers and the edge on defense going to the 49ers. Kaepernick has been great, but a lot of these games come down to clutch plays at the end and hard to pick Kaepernick over Rodgers.
Conference:
Packers over Falcons: 30 - 20
Why? Simply because I think the Packers are a better team and it's Aaron Rodgers vs. Matt Ryan. The Falcons are at home, but don't think home field advantage will be enough for them to pull out a win against the Packers.
Super Bowl
Patriots over Packers: 34 - 30
Why? Patriots want redemption after losing last year, again, to the Giants in the Super Bowl. They'll get it this time. It will be a very exciting game that will go back and forth, but the Patriots will have the last drive of the game and Brady will get the job done.
AFC
Wild Card:
Texans over Bengals: 23 - 10
Why? The Texans have been looking like anything but elite after going from the 1st to 3rd seed, but they are the better team overall in this match up. I think the defense will do their job and be the reason the Texans win this game.
Colts over Ravens: 27 - 17
Why? If you read my power rankings, you'll notice how I think the Colts are worse than their 11-5 record. However, the Ravens have had a ton of issues lately, going 1-4 in their last 5 games. The Colts have been 4-1 in their last 5 and just came off a Texans win. I'm not one for non-football factors, but Chuck Pagano being back does help put a spark in this team as well.
Divisional:
Broncos over Colts: 38 - 17
Why? It will be an exciting game to watch Peyton face off against his old team, but it won't even be close. The Broncos have won 11 straight and are the team that nobody wants to face right now, including the Colts. They won't be able to match up against this Broncos team.
Patriots over Texans: 34 - 23
Why? Hard to go against the Patriots at home, in a playoff game, with Tom Brady as your QB. The Patriots are just too good on offense. Remember what happened last time these two teams faced off? 42-14 Pats.
Conference:
Patriots over Broncos: 24 - 20
Why? This game is a coin flip to me. Definitely can go either way. You can say that about any game in the playoffs, but think it's especially true for these two teams if they face each other. I think it will come down to Brady on a game winning drive and he'll get it down, making it the second straight Super Bowl appearance in a row for this Pats team.
NFC
Wild Card:
Packers over Vikings: 27 - 21
Why? These two teams faced each other the last game of the season with the Vikings finding themselves on the winning side. The Packers were fighting for a #2 seed, but the Vikings were the only team in this match up that desperately needed the win. Now they both will be fighting equally as hard to get to the Super Bowl. Adrian Peterson is a beast, but Aaron Rodgers is one of the most clutch offensive players in the league (and the Vikings have Christian Ponder). Going with the Packs here.
Redskins over Seahawks: 31 - 24
Why? This was the hardest match up for me to pick in the wildcard round. Seattle has won 5 in a row, Redskins won 7. Both are rookie QBs who have been playing amazingly, but again are rookies without any playoff experience. I'm going with the home team here.
Divisional:
Falcons over Redskins: 33 - 23
Why? The Falcons get zero respect even though they ended the season as the #1 seed in the NFC and tied for the best record in the NFL. I do think they aren't as strong as the Broncos, the other 13-3 team in the league, but are still one of the elite and think they'll get the job done at home against the Redskins. They'll be able to finally shut up critics who say they can't win a playoff game.
Packers over 49ers: 27 - 24
Why? These teams faced each other opening day with the win going to the 49ers. On paper, these teams are pretty evenly matched with the edge on offense going to the Packers and the edge on defense going to the 49ers. Kaepernick has been great, but a lot of these games come down to clutch plays at the end and hard to pick Kaepernick over Rodgers.
Conference:
Packers over Falcons: 30 - 20
Why? Simply because I think the Packers are a better team and it's Aaron Rodgers vs. Matt Ryan. The Falcons are at home, but don't think home field advantage will be enough for them to pull out a win against the Packers.
Super Bowl
Patriots over Packers: 34 - 30
Why? Patriots want redemption after losing last year, again, to the Giants in the Super Bowl. They'll get it this time. It will be a very exciting game that will go back and forth, but the Patriots will have the last drive of the game and Brady will get the job done.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
NFL Power Rankings - Final 2012
As a Giants fan, it's painful for me to write these final rankings, but here they are.
1. New England Patriots 421
1. New England Patriots 421
Last Week: 1
Notes: Another win keeps them in the #1 spot for the rankings. That win also gives them a first round bye.
3. Atlanta Falcons 340
Last Week: 2
Notes: The Falcons said they weren't going to play soft even with having the #1 seed clinched, but it sure looked that way against the Buccs.
4. Seattle Seahawks: 326
Last Week: 5
Notes: The hottest team in the NFC and in the NFL (minus the Broncos). Nobody wants to face this team in the playoffs.
6. Houston Texans 271
Last Week: 4
Notes: Another win keeps them in the #1 spot for the rankings. That win also gives them a first round bye.
2. Denver Broncos 408
Last Week:3
Notes: The Broncos are the #1 seed in the AFC after winning an impressive 11 games in a row.3. Atlanta Falcons 340
Last Week: 2
Notes: The Falcons said they weren't going to play soft even with having the #1 seed clinched, but it sure looked that way against the Buccs.
4. Seattle Seahawks: 326
Last Week: 5
Notes: The hottest team in the NFC and in the NFL (minus the Broncos). Nobody wants to face this team in the playoffs.
5. San Francisco 49ers 289
Last Week: 7
Notes:They beat the Cardinals and hold onto the top spot in the NFC West (and get a first round bye). 6. Houston Texans 271
Last Week: 4
Notes: The Texans have been looking anything but elite lately and could find themselves struggling against the Bengals.
7 Green Bay Packers:247
Last Week: 6
Notes: A loss against the red hot Vikings moves them into the #3 seed and facing the Vikings yet again in the playoffs.
8. Chicago Bears 203
9. Cincinnati Bengals 179
Last Week: 10
Notes: A win that that moves the Bengals to 10-6 on the season.
13. Minnesota Vikings 148
14. Indianapolis Colts: 109
Last Week: 14
Notes: They finally win convincingly against a good team, but I still think the Colts will find themselves struggling in the playoffs.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers:55
Last Week: 17
Notes: A win prevents the Steelers from ending the season below .500
7 Green Bay Packers:247
Last Week: 6
Notes: A loss against the red hot Vikings moves them into the #3 seed and facing the Vikings yet again in the playoffs.
8. Chicago Bears 203
Last Week: 9
Notes: Yes, they didn't make the playoffs, but they still deserve this spot in the rankings. Despite a last half collapse, they still put up a 10-6 season behind a great defensive unit. Still wasn't enough for Lovie to keep his job.9. Cincinnati Bengals 179
Last Week: 10
Notes: A win that that moves the Bengals to 10-6 on the season.
10. Baltimore Ravens 171
Last Week: 8
Notes: The Ravens are fortunate to play a Colts team who, to me, are the weakest playoff team, but still might find themselves struggling against them.
11. Washington Redskins: 166
Last Week: 11
Notes: The Redskins win the NFC East and now have a rookie QB showdown against the Seahawks.
12. New York Giants 162
Last Week: 13
Notes: Where was this play the last two weeks? I get it was against the Eagles, but if the Giants put up half the effort they did against the Eagles against the Ravens and Falcons they might be in the playoffs.13. Minnesota Vikings 148
Last Week: 12
Notes: AP misses the record by 8 yards, but more importantly the Vikings clinch a playoff birth.
14. Indianapolis Colts: 109
Last Week: 14
Notes: They finally win convincingly against a good team, but I still think the Colts will find themselves struggling in the playoffs.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers:55
Last Week: 17
Notes: A win prevents the Steelers from ending the season below .500
16. Dallas Cowboys: 16
Last Week: 15
Notes: Yes they were one game away from making the playoffs, but the Cowboys still end the season on a mediocre note with an 8-8 record.
17. New Orleans Saints:15
Last Week: 16
Notes: The Saints are eager to forget this season and welcome back Sean Payton.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:2
Last Week: 22
Notes: The Buccs remind me of a slightly better version of the Bills last season. They started the season like a legit playoff contender and then completely fell off the radar. The key is Josh Freeman playing at a high level all season long, which is something I'm not sure he can do.
Last Week: 15
Notes: Yes they were one game away from making the playoffs, but the Cowboys still end the season on a mediocre note with an 8-8 record.
17. New Orleans Saints:15
Last Week: 16
Notes: The Saints are eager to forget this season and welcome back Sean Payton.
18. San Diego Chargers 2
Last Week: 20
Notes: Norv is gone, leaving the Chargers the most enticing of the open head coaching jobs (maybe outside of the Bears).19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:2
Last Week: 22
Notes: The Buccs remind me of a slightly better version of the Bills last season. They started the season like a legit playoff contender and then completely fell off the radar. The key is Josh Freeman playing at a high level all season long, which is something I'm not sure he can do.
20. Carolina Panthers:0
Last Week: 21
Notes: After the way the Panthers started, a 7-9 record is impressive.
21. St. Louis Rams: -20
Last Week: 19
Notes: The Rams finally lose a divisional game. They'll be a stronger team next year.
21. St. Louis Rams: -20
Last Week: 19
Notes: The Rams finally lose a divisional game. They'll be a stronger team next year.
22. Miami Dolphins: -23
Last Week: 18
Notes: This season might be viewed as a disappointment for Dolphins fans, but things will get better likely next year.
Last Week: 18
Notes: This season might be viewed as a disappointment for Dolphins fans, but things will get better likely next year.
23. New York Jets:-121
Last Week: 23
Notes: Rex Ryan keeps his job, for now, but the Jets have a lot of questions to answer in the offseason specifically who is going to be their QB.
24. Buffalo Bills: -123
Last Week: 27
Notes: A win couldn't save Champ's job for this lowly Bills squad.
25. Cleveland Browns: -138
Last Week: 24
Notes: The Browns clean house, but better things are ahead for this young Browns team.
26. Arizona Cardinals -164
Last Week: 25
Notes:A very disappointing season after starting out so strong.
26. Arizona Cardinals -164
Last Week: 25
Notes:A very disappointing season after starting out so strong.
27. Detroit Lions: -165
Last Week: 26
Notes: 4-12 is shocking after making the playoffs just last year.
28 Tennessee Titans: -212
Last Week: 29
Notes:A terrible team that beat an even more terrible team.
29. Philadelphia Eagles: -264
Last Week: 28
Notes:The Andy Reid era is over after going 4-12 and losing horrifically to the Giants.
30 Oakland Raiders: -266
Last Week: 30
Notes: The Raiders will have a hard time competing the next couple of years with the Broncos having Peyton and the Chargers likely to improve their team in the head coaching area.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars: -361
Last Week: 31
Notes: Surprisingly 2-14 didn't clinch the first pick in the draft.
Last Week: 30
Notes: The Raiders will have a hard time competing the next couple of years with the Broncos having Peyton and the Chargers likely to improve their team in the head coaching area.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars: -361
Last Week: 31
Notes: Surprisingly 2-14 didn't clinch the first pick in the draft.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: -375
Last Week: 32
Notes: The Chiefs say goodbye to Romeo and need to do some genius picks in the draft to have a chance at competing.
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