Noj

I'm flummoxed.

Considering Artest's history, I'm shocked the suspension wasn't longer. My guess is they saw some validity to Artest's claim that he didn't mean to hit anyone with the elbow. Why else be lenient? I suppose there could be ratings to consider, if the Lakers and Thunder were to meet in a later round it would really spice things up. Are Stern and company that nefarious? That said, if this somehow serves to shorten the tenure of David Stern it can be seen in a positive light.

Here's my "best case scenario explanation." Not an excuse, but... What I was imagining is that Artest didn't think the elbow would connect, you know sort of like a "get off me" motion intended to come close but not connect. He was (stupidly) counting on Harden to be paying attention and get out of the way. When it did connect with Harden's head he thought best to act as if he didn't notice. Maybe that's too far-fetched and the crazed animal had every intent of assaulting Harden. Either way, he's hurt the Lakers' already slim chances in the playoffs and I feel the same disappointment as Magic Johnson expressed at the half. I hate when any player gets hurt and I dislike players who play basketball with the intent to injure.

They're speculating a 5-10 game suspension on Sportscenter. If he misses the entire postseason, I'm hoping he's played his last game as a Laker.

Watching the replay, Artest never actually looks where he's throwing the elbow...but there's no place for that vicious elbow motion on a basketball court. Like Durant said at the half, "that's not a basketball play." Ron's volatile, loses control, and loses touch with reality. I never wanted Artest on the Lakers, and hated that they didn't pay to keep Ariza. I hope Harden is OK.

"Rockit" is a 80s hip hop/breakdance classic, along the same lines as these tracks: Herbie could just hear what was happening, so naturally he could, well...rock it. It's just groovy dance shit with that 80s sensibility. And great stuff, imho. It's not jazz, and it's not supposed to be. Jazz *does* more than this, but the dancefloor doesn't want music to do more.

Hahaha, Fassy's phone is fancy.

Bizarre. I guess if they have his family's permission then there's no harm, but...it's just weird.

Sunlight & Secrets both, I have come to appreciate much more in the last few years, as I've come to more fully appreciate "dance music" (what was conveniently but ultimately sloppily labeled as "disco" at the time) as dance music and not expecting everything to be overtly aimed at also being "mentally engaging" (which was definitely going with those first Headhunters-era records). Finally hearing what it is that is trying to be done rather than what I'm expecting to happen. Sunlight in particular has some really nice tunes on it that might have benefited from just a teence more imaginative arrangements or productions. Perhaps not coincidentally, that's the time the whole VSOP thing started happening, so...too many irons in too many fires, maybe. The ones I've still not gotten into are Feets Don't Fail Me Now & Monster. Those...should not have happened..but they did, so, hey. But Mr. Hands is a bitch, so it's not like the well was totally dry during those years. I have both Sunlight and Secrets and will re-listen. Thanks Jim. Joel, as a non-musician I just don't have the insight to hear music for the level of difficulty in terms of playing, but thanks for your comment. Since I know Larry Kart and Allen Lowe are as knowledgeable a pair as there is in the world of jazz, I know to respect their opinions in any discussion. They hear what my untrained ears will likely never have the scope to understand. All the same I'm listening to "Toys" from Speak Like A Child now, and I think it's pretty. It would be pretty boring if we all agreed all the time, and I love reading the sheer expertise from all you guys. Great thread.

I don't see how anyone who likes funk can listen to albums like Headhunters, Thrust, Man Child, etc. and NOT think it's absolutely smokin'. Again, I encourage a review of what happens at 8:36 from "Chameleon." The band starts channeling otherworldly levels of pure funk deliciousness of drumming and basslines the likes of which have rarely been equaled. I don't see his electric funk material as a sell-out in any sense of the term. Herbie was just plain bad ass. While I'll agree he lost the touch by albums such as Sunlight it's not like there wasn't a whole lot going on before that point (and isn't there a bit of leniency when one is clearly reaching for that next step?). And when Herbie made pop music he made some cuts that have really stood the test of time (ei. early Michael Jackson or "Rockit" [jam and a half, don't fight it]). Listening to Speak Like A Child now...wow, I can't imagine what the beef is with this fine record. Beautiful stuff.

Holy smokes. "Love and Jackson performed with more than 30 members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, played on 14 Grammy-winning songs, 52 No. 1 hits and 113 Top 10 singles. Together and individually, they played on 83 gold and platinum records that have sold an estimated 40 million copies." RIP

I love Herbie's playing in virtually any context. Jazz, funk, pop...the guy can do it all and do it all well. And the break at approximately 8:36 of "Chameleon" is easily one of the funkiest sounds ever recorded. Listening to that album now...I still love it. However, I have a great affinity for music which builds around a funky rhythm. Some jazz fans tend to get bored with the repetition. You "get" it if you dig The Meters, or The J.B.'s. If not, oh well.

Many of the different sections of my collection are each relevant to separate social circles I am a part of. Metal and classic rock, my brother and his friends. Hip hop, my high school buddies. Jazz, a few close friends but moreover the BNBB and organissimo communities. Electronic music, my friend Greg and his wife Becky. Of course, it's not as clean cut as that, but it's true to a degree.

I like even the corniest stuff I ever liked, even though some of it makes me laugh and I probably wouldn't play it around certain friends.

I wish Lamar was still anchoring the Lakers' bench. Perennial 6th man of the year, and the Lakers just threw him away because he got pissy. Mitch and Jim should have just told him to STFU and play instead of discarding him.

He was the Kenny G of painting, in all the sickly sweet sense of the comparison. There was an audience and he catered to them.

Always liked this funkified "Summertime," but then I dig lots of versions of that one. I can't say I know I'll dislike a standard until I hear the version.

I have the Glasper disc, but I haven't listened to it yet. I see that Erykah Badu has done a version of "Afro Blue," and my first thought is, "she's got her work cut out for her with all the great versions of that one." Listening now... For me, hip hop makes perfect sense in the history of American music. It's as relevant as any genre. A person who has liked any of the hits can explore it for more. No one is forced to. Even the rotten club rap stuff with the raunchy monotone lyrics makes perfect sense to me. That's all about the demands of certain dance floors and what it takes to move a certain crowd. I don't hear anything groundbreaking on this Glasper thing, but I like it. It's mellow and melodic, with funky drums and sounds and enjoyable vocals. My kind of stuff. The other branch of rap, intended for chilling out and listening.

Playing my way through the Coltrane Fearless Leader, Side Steps, and Interplay box sets as I load them into my computer.

What Ray said!