Coburn's Outburst Overshadows Chrome's Miraculous Run

On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of racing fans packed Belmont in an attempt to witness history as California Chrome tried to win the first Triple Crown in nearly 40 years. A record 102,000 patrons made the trek to Elmont on a beautiful Saturday in June. After a full day of racing, the main event took place at 6:55 PM Eastern time.  Now, primarily, myself and Ben won't post too much sports on here, although that's our area of expertise but I figured that this story is comical, intriguing and also embarrassing for those involved. Because, you know we're all about comedy here at two guys, one blog....

I watched the race at Camden Yards as they switched on the race right before first pitch to my approval because this is a MAJOR sporting event. Regardless if you're a casual horse racing like myself or have minimal interest, everyone with a pulse can agree that they enjoy wagering on horse racing. Personally, I had no money on this race but I had double the excitement to watch the final leg of the Triple Crown due to the history it carries along with it.  12 other horses have tried to win the Belmont to complete the TC since Affirmed and they have all failed. These days, this is one of the longest standing records/accomplishments in sports and has been frequently challenged in the past but rarely duplicated. This attributed to the magical last 6 weeks for a horse named California Chrome. By now, you all know the story about how the horse wasn't highly regarded coming into the Kentucky Derby despite being pegged as a favorite. When it won, America fell in love with the horse - as what happens with most - in addition to the reactions of owner Steve Coburn who gave a heartwarming post-race presser as he described the unbelievable determination of said horse. Of course, weeks later Chrome would win at the Preakness with the same reaction from Coburn and other owners, including trainer Art Sherman. With the win at the Preakness, it set up Saturday's race as another shot to rewrite the history books. The buzz surrounding the event took it to proportions rarely seen in the horseracing community.  Hell, the fake twitter account for Cal-Chrome generated over 18,000 followers...although I'm slightly envious of Chrome's social media success...I was hoping that he would be the horse that could finally notch another triple crown for the sport.

Back to the race, just from watching on the scoreboard in Baltimore you could sense a feeling of tension, hope and excitement throughout the crowd as the horses reached the starting gate and the same sentiments echoed throughout Oriole Park. Once the gates opened, floods of cheers filled the TV speakers and the ballpark as one of the most exciting 90 seconds in sports had begun. As the horses navigated around the track, everyone had their eyes on Chrome to see if it had just a little more magic left in those hooves. Alas, as he hit the backstretch, jockey Victor Espinoza surprisingly left his position on the rail to make a break for the outside which proved costly.  Tonalist, a horse that didn't race in the first two events (you'll see the significance soon enough) triumphed in the 140th Belmont Stakes and ended the dream for Coburn, Sherman, Chrome and most importantly AMERICA. Once the race was over, everyone went back to their lives as another chance at the racing immortality fell by the wayside.

As the race concluded, NBC caught up with Coburn for one final post-race interview and he unleashed a profanity-filled rant that called out the horse owners that only raced their stallion in the final race in an attempt to knock of Chrome. Although Coburn has a point (somewhat), this is something that has been done for decades and there is simply no way of avoiding it.  Coburn's wit and passion for his horse had previously captivated the nation but on Saturday, he looked like an ignorant, sore loser and still, a Wilfred Brimley look-a-like (Diabeetus).  Similar to one of those kids that always gets what  they want and then receives a reality check when they get to real world.  Regardless of Chrome's finish (5th, by the way) it would've been a landmark day in horseracing as they posted ratings that rivaled Game 2 of the NBA finals. Instead, now we'll always remember when the mustache-clad Coburn chose to take the lowest of roads possible and question an institution that's been in place for over a century. Colin Cowherd said it best on his show yesterday by saying that his ridiculous argument was like "a lottery winner trying to teach finance at Harvard." Coburn hasn't been in the sport nearly as long as Chrome's trainer Art Sherman yet he remained positive even after Tonalist won the Belmont.  It's understandable that Coburn was upset that he lost the opportunity for glory but he tainted his reputation forever. If that incident wasn't bad enough, Coburn remained passive-aggressive the next day, calling out the owners of the other horses once again.

Coburn would eventually apologize Monday morning in a tearful appearance on Good Morning America but the damage has already been done and there's no remorse for this man who had captivated the nation weeks prior.

50 Cent - "Animal Ambition"

When the man known as "50" graced us with his debut album 'Get Rich or Die Tryin', it rewrote the book on gangsta rap. Bringing it to a mass audience thrust him into immediate stardom that lasted through the remainder of the decade. As 2010 rolled around, 50 had released 4 albums, 2 additional albums with G-Unit and starred in a movie loosely based on his life.  He was a top-5 male artist throughout the decade in terms of record sales and in addition to smart investments (Vitamin Water), 50 had enough money to walk away from the game for a few years and count his millions.

It was easy to forget about Curtis since he hardly appeared on any tracks for a 3 year span.  Following him on social media, I'm aware that he's spent the last few years living lavishly without a care in the world. As expected, the urge to make music struck him again and he began to release single after single that were rumored to appear on his newest album, "Street King Immortal".  Over time, it was announced that he would also be releasing an album months before entitled "Animal Ambition: An Untamed Desire to Win". Released independently after severing ties with Interscope, 50 has tried to create hype through social media, public appearances and even his now famous disaster that was a first pitch at a recent Mets game. In my first official review for this blog, I will breakdown the album track by track, similar to the phenomenal job that Benny Fontana did with his Coldplay review (give it a read).

The album starts out with Hold On, a classic 50 Cent slowed down jam that has my attention from the first note.  After my first listen it was by far my favorite song off of AA and I would proceed to listen to it several times after.  This is the closest he comes to GRODT material and affirmed that 50 still has the capability to make hits since I was unimpressed with the singles he had previously dropped.

Track 2, Don't Worry 'Bout It (feat. Yo Gotti) simply serves as a song to remind everyone that although 50's been away from the game for a extended period, he's still has millions.  Constantly stating in the song that he's wealthy is not what the album is about, it's the ambition and grind that got him there.  In my opinion, it's a throwaway song. The production had potential but the repetitive lyrics weren't for me.

Next, we have the title track Animal Ambition, another odd song that deals with the themes presented in the album title.  Jungle beat with growling in the background doesn't sound like a typical 50 track but it gives the listener a taste of what the rest of the album offers. The offbeat growls compliment 50's snarling vocals with his classic "warning shot" lyrics, giving those who stand in his way a violent ultimatum.  This type of drive is what brought 50 to the top of the charts, hope to see more like this the rest of the way.

Pilot is another nostalgic 50 track, slowed down that talks about his wealth (in moderation) but also takes the time to properly call out his haters obtained in his long career. Besides Hold On, this is my favorite beat on the album as Shamtrax produces something in the style of Jay-Z on MCHG.

The followup was an underwhelming track, Smoke (feat. Trey Songz) and most importantly, produced by Dr. Dre.  No further explanation needed on their chemistry over the years (Heat, If I Can't, In Da Club, Outta Control). However, the song's lyrics were corny at times in my opinion with a boring hook from the talented Mr. Songz. So now that we're 3 for 5 on this album, 50 has impressed at times but also disappointed. The last track seems like a huge opportunity wasted from a Dr. Dre & 50 Cent. This single is probably destined to be a club single but that's about it.

Everytime I Come Around (feat. Kidd Kidd) is a return to his earlier work once again, flaunting his wealth but in a passive-aggressive tone to boot. Kidd Kidd's verse may feature "boo-hoo" and "Blues Clues" but it surprisingly still fits the song. Lyrics are just too simple to make this song a hit.

In a whispering track that mirrors the song title, Irregular Heartbeat (feat. Jadakiss & Kidd Kidd) that perfectly captures the hustler's ambition. An old school hip-hop feel to it, all three featured send out their own threats with different tones but the theme remains throughout...watch out for 50.

Hustler features another throwback beat with witty lyricism to show his grind and determination to be back on top although he's currently thriving. "Stacking paper that could fix the national debt" might be hyperbole but is also to show that he isn't settled with wealth, he wants to reclaim the throne.

Twisted (feat. Mr. Probz) seems as though he took a play out of his former rival Kanye's playbook. A reflection track that features a plethora of instruments to represent an orchestra feel with a soulful hook. Mr. Probz's lyrics may be elementary but his perfect mix of autotune and smooth voice offers a soothing compliment to the track.

Winner's Circle is a song about triumph and the path taken to achieve it, that also resembles a track off of "Late Registration" just lacking the superb wordplay of a "Yeezus".  However, the song still taps into the drive that continues to motivate Mr. Jackson even when he has nothing left to prove in his career. The natural feeling of conquering the obstacles placed in your way by critics spawned this song and quite frankly, the entire album.

Animal Ambition concludes with a G-Unit/Massacre era hit, Chase the Paper (feat. Prodigy, Kidd Kidd & Styles P) throwing blow after blow into the gut of their opponent with each additional verse. Each performer builds off the former rapper in the spirit of G-Unit's "Beg For Mercy". Only problem with this song is the placement on the album. Hold On was excellent starter and Winner's Circle was the perfect closer. This song belonged in the middle of the album but I can't complain too much since the LP ended on a very strong note.

The title of the album mirrors the sentiments of his early work and 50 does his best harnessing the energy of his classic debut album, a masterpiece in the gangsta rap genre that changed the game. His hard hitting hooks, stunning samples and production were flawless back in 2003 but one could say he's lost a step or two over the years. The experiences over a decade in the business sharpened his views and crafted a style that is second to none which remains true to this day. His vice at times may be to simply flaunt his wealth throughout songs nowadays but he's earned the right because he, unlike many others in hip-hop, can back it up. With that being said, the album is more enjoyable due to my admiration of his polished career and Animal Ambition still ranks above the mediocre rap music being made by a bevy of new artists. He may fall into tendencies of modern-day hip-hop at times but when it comes down to it, he sticks to his roots.  Fans of 50 will come to appreciate this album and the upcoming one as well but if you're expecting another masterpiece, do yourself a favor and lower your expectations and enjoy the album for what it is.

I give 50's latest venture a 6.5/10 with a majority of my praise coming from the various music sampled in the album.  The one thing that still rings through in his work are the smooth as silk R&B and Funk samples that complimented his aggressive lyrics perfectly. It's a different world from when GRODT was released but 50 does what he knows best, calling out his critics with a verbal assault.

FX's "Fargo" Reviewed

A Review: Fargo

I don't watch Game of Thrones. I didn't watch Breaking Bad. I haven't been obsessed with the hysteria of a mainstream TV drama since Lost. Pre-twitter era. Shocking, I know.

But Noah Hawley's Fargo changes that for me. I still don't tweet about the show, but that doesn't mean I'm not glued to my TV every Tuesday night at 10 p.m. The show is mystery. The show is violence. The show has more twists and turns than an M. Night Shyamalan movie.

Fargo works on so many different levels. It's creepy, and it's worth it.

If you don't believe me, just watch the pilot. It will be two hours well worth your time. There are ten episodes planned for this season. A season that is already eight episodes deep. In these eight episodes so far, things have gone from freakin' awesome to even more freakin' awesome. Allow me...

The pilot The Crocodile's Dilemma is a murderous heap of "Did That Just Happen?" television. I guess this show isn't for the faint of heart. The character driven show centers around some folks we meet here. 

Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman) is a timid middle-aged man who lives in Bemidji, Minnesota with his wife. Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) is the bad guy who traverses the area and doesn't care what anyone thinks. Yes, he kills people. Deputy Molly Solverson (Allison Tolman) is the one trying to right all the wrongs. And Officer Gus Grimly (Colin Hanks) is an intelligent, yet extremely cautious lawman from Duluth caught up in the whole thing.

I realize the show is called Fargo. But the events take place in Minnesota in 2006. North Dakota is brought into the storyline later, but the title is mostly based off the Coen Brothers Oscar-winning 1996 film of the same name.

Four people die in the first episode. The Chief in Bemidji, Lester's wife, some naked guy in Malvo's trunk, and a man who used to bully Lester named Sam Hess. If you like shocking television, again, this show is for you.

More characters are introduced in The Rooster Prince. Mr. Numbers and Mr. Wrench are hired guns from Fargo (see!) who investigate the Same Hess murder. The cool thing about Mr. Wrench (Russell Harvard) is that he is a deaf actor. Trust me, this show is cool. Even on a casting level.

You might be thinking, "More characters? How can I keep up?" It's easy. All the story lines are intertwined! Even eight episodes deep, connections continue to pop up. For example...

In episode three, A Muddy Road, Stavros Milos (Oliver Platt) and Don Chumph (Glenn Howerton) are introduced into the storyline connected to Malvo. Stavros owns a supermarket chain called "Phoenix Farms." You can't miss a second of the show, because it pops up again.

If that isn't enough to grab you, I promise episodes four through eight are just as gripping. Malvo kills more. Lester frames his brother for a murder. Grimley shoots Solverson. We lose recurring characters. And more pop up.

Funny guys Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key appear in later episodes as FBI agents tracking Malvo. The duo supplies comic relief while showcasing their serious acting chops.

In this past week's episode, The Heap, Fargo took a serious turn. A time jump. With dozens of questions still unanswered, the show leaps one year into the future! Solverson is pregnant, Malvo looks radically different, and Lester isn't the same timid man we met in the pilot.

If you want a gripping drama to tune into every week, I suggest Fargo. I've yet to be bored by Hawley's creation. If it can entertain me, it can entertain you. With two episodes left, no one can predict what will happen next. A second season is confirmed, but questions remain about the show's future. Rumor has it Fargo could end up like FX's other murder-driven drama American Horror Story. Some recurring actors and characters, but a different storyline. I couldn't fathom that scenario with Fargo! The show has surprised me this far. No matter which way the network decides to go, I expect that trend of surprise to continue. 

With Freeman transforming from quirky to power-hungry and greed-driven, Fargo also displays some actor's talents previously undiscovered. Who knew a Brit could talk like he's from Minnesota? Allison Tolman? Who's she? An actress working her day job when she got the call to become Deputy Solverson, Tolman has turned heads.

I give Fargo an 8/10*. 

*SO FAR. I know there is more this show has to offer. Eight episodes into the ten episode season. In two weeks, this should be 10/10.

Coldplay's "Ghost Stories" Reviewed

A Review: Ghost Stories

With its sixth studio album, Coldplay tops the charts again. I've been an avid fan of the band for nearly ten years now, following the band's every moves. Even though the sound of the band has changed, it is undeniable that Chris Martin & co. continue to pump out hit after hit.

My first reaction to Ghost Stories wasn't favorable. When +Coldplay tweeted out the audio version of Midnight on my birthday back in February, I thought "What the hell is this?" Let's just say, the track has grown on me. It did not deserve to be the band's first single, but it works well in the middle of the album because...

This is concept album. Ghost Stories is the telling of a tale within the head of Chris Martin. Following the end of his tumultuous relationship with Gwyneth Paltrow, Martin felt the need to put his feelings into song ... vis-à-vis Taylor Swift ... but on a much more intellectual level.

"The idea of Ghost Stories, for me, was "how do you let the things that happen to you in the past – your ghosts – how do you let them affect your present and your future?" Because there was a time when I was feeling like they were going to drag me down and ruin my life, and the lives of those around me. I was very lucky to meet a very good sufi teacher who started to introduce the idea of "if you sit with your experiences and the things you've been through, they alchemize." At the time he said that, I didn't really know what that meant, but I trusted that it would work, and the more that I was learning about that, the more music just started flowing through." - Chris Martin

Ghost Stories is slow. It's painfully slow at times. But after hours of listening, I get it. It starts with Always In My Head. Gwyneth is always in his head, get it? From perusing the internet, it's apparently about Martin's sleepless nights thinking about her. For me, it's just a song. It's not a song that should start a concert, however. I'll miss the days of Politik blasting through arena walls, but this song signifies the transition away from 2011's Mylo Xyloto.

Magic is Nick's favorite song. Track two reminds me of trudging through the city of Greensboro, North Carolina in a storm of slush. I must have listened to Magic more than fifty times during the ACC women's basketball tournament. It works for me like Cemeteries of London in Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends. It's a track with a pounding drum line that begs to build up to something.

And it does. Ink has claimed the title of Ben Fontana's second favorite song from Ghost Stories. "Just want a way of keeping you inside..." cuts deep for me. I never liked the idea of having a tattoo, but the idea of what a tattoo means is special. Even to me. A tattoo hater. It's a constant reminder. And the woo-ing in the midst of the verses make this track haunting. Much like the title of the album suggests. This, perhaps, a harbinger of things to come.

True Love starts out promising. The musical diversity of this album is astounding. Love is the story of every relationship. "If you don't, then lie to me..." The song is sad, but the beat is promising. It makes me want to snap my fingers, but cry for Chris Martin. It also makes me feel bad for Apple and Moses. Music is successful if it can bring out emotions.

At first, I told you I didn't get Midnight. But it's what Ink was building up to. And honestly, what's scarier than 12:00 a.m.? You can barely understand what Martin is saying. Hell, I don't even know what he's saying, but it sounds like a ghost story, and that's the point.

Within the first ten seconds of hearing Another's Arms, I immediately thought of Princess of China. I heard a woman's voice, and I gotta think Rihanna. But the swooning adds to the sadness. "Is there someone there to reach me? Is there someone there to find me?" Someone's there Chris. You deserve her.

Coldplay's most successful album might just be its first. Parachutes was filled with strumming acoustic beats that, at the time, were unmatched. Oceans reminds me of that. Though meant to be more like M.M.I.X. or U.F.O. (as a prelude track), the song works beautifully alone. It's offers hope, like the ocean. Endless possibilities.

A Sky Full of Stars obviously takes the cake. In my opinion, this has to be the song of the summer on top-40 radio. An Avicii produced stadium anthem, I have never heard a Coldplay song like this. Think EDM, but better. It's not a computer. It's a piano, it's drums, it's Jonny's guitar, it's Guy's bass. It stands out from the rest of the album, in a good way.

The 9-track album ends with O. A short  song name with a grandiose message. Like Everything's Not Lost, Up With The Birds, and 'Til Kingdom Come, I continue to fall in love with the final track of Coldplay albums. Past the six minute mark, Apple Martin provides backing vocals. Powerful stuff, based on what the album is about ... the break-up of her parents.

When it's all said and done, Ghost Stories will be remembered as another brilliant Coldplay album, but not the best. It's powerful enough to top the charts for weeks. But not powerful enough to endure the lasting legacy of one of the world's most popular bands.

The truth is ... I can't choose a favorite Coldplay album. I love this one just as much as Parachutes, AROBTTH, X&Y, VLVODAAHF, and Mylo Xyloto. 

I'm giving Ghost Stories a 10/10*.

*Biased review