Guy Berger

I think it's interesting that Miles used it in such an unconventional way -- it's never used (at least in the recordings I've heard) to actually lay down the rhythm. Guy

FWIW, Phil deserves some of the blame as well. Guy Maybe the recent failure of the Lakers is the result of the decision to build a "team" around Kobe Bryant as your focal point. I don't think he makes the players around him better. He is a skilled hot dog, and that's it. It seems like the only times they win are when he goes off and attempts to score 50/60 points. And then he's the hot dog, not the team guy. It's like the Iverson era in Philly. I think the problem is philosophical decisions that have been made, as much as any coaching and the players on the team itself. No doubt. But something clearly went wrong in the Lakers' meltdown during the 2nd half of the season -- and I don't think injuries account for all of it. BTW, the Lakers are lucky that Kobe is a better player than Iverson or they would be in real trouble. Guy

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FWIW, Phil deserves some of the blame as well. Guy

I have no clue how the white critics feel about him, but the "couldn't play at all" claim is crap -- whoever told you that has no clue what they are talking about. Guy

They did a great job guarding him at the end -- those double teams were brutal. Jason Richardson could be suspended for shoving a fan. Guy

What are the odds that this is a major disappointment? I heard the studio sessions were a disaster. Guy

Not exactly clear. He was clapping... and then he got ejected. I thought you needed two technicals for that, but apparently Jackson is on the accelerated program. Guy

Definitely a possibility. Guy

Damn... I really thought that the Warriors would pull that one out. That ejection of Jackson complete bullshit. Guy

Charles Barkley w/some Golden State midgets: I also like this one w/Dirk:

Yeah, it's a nice one. Fades a little near the end. Guy

I think I'd be more surprised if there are any jazz acts actually playing there... Guy

Let's be honest -- it doesn't cost 99 cents to encode an MP3 file. Nobody's pricing to marginal cost here. I think it's quite legit for them to charge more for a higher-quality product. Hopefully they'll succeed, at least as a niche. Guy

Well, I hope Stephen Jackson doesn't come to regret this, but:

"And then you've got Kwame Brown, who can't catch a ball to save his life, but apparently he can throw the hell out of a cake!" (1:30-1:37) Guy

Nuggets still ahead, despite another brickfest by Allen Iverson. edit: Spoke too soon -- Robert Horry strikes again. Spurs' defense is STIFLING. Guy

Cleveland pretty much mailed in their four victories against the Wizards. If they don't step it up in the 2nd round, Jersey could pull off an upset. Guy

I'm so glad that Derek Fisher can't blow games for the Warriors anymore. Guy

I probably should have done this a few weeks ago, but I'm throwing in the towel on this season (and the show). Guy

Still on an electric-Miles kick. I think this concert is an interesting counterpoint to the similar Agharta and Pangaea. The band is very similar (DM has an additional saxophonist and guitarist) and they share a lot of the same "compositions". On the one hand, it doesn't quite achieve the peaks of those two later recordings -- the band became more sophisticated over time. On the other hand, I feel that this is a more consistent, sustained performance; the 1975 albums have long lulls (especially in the second halves) when nothing much is going on and that doesn't happen as often on Dark Magus. I wish Michael Henderson had been recorded more prominently. Guy

BOOK IT!!!! It was over when Charles Barkley put on that Mavs jersey. Guy