Their resplendent approach is immediately noticeable throughout the immaculate buildup of the opening track “She Looked Like Me” with relaxing, pulsating synths that build up to explosive horns in the middle of the epic song. Despite making more grandiose musical choices, they still haven’t lost the catchy melodies and bridges that have always laid at the core of their music. This is best exemplified on “Death & Romance”, which might go down as the best pop song of the decade. The bright keys and catchy hook of this track centered around themes of eternal love is close to perfection with its psychedelic backdrop. “Image” is another catchy pop song with amazing bass lines that makes it nearly impossible to resist dancing.

There are many ways to objectively review an album, but the most absolute way to determine the quality and appeal of is to hear it played live. Fortunately, many students at the University of Iowa, including myself, were blessed with the opportunity of seeing them play live during the annual homecoming concert put on by SCOPE. Not only did the performance live up to my high expectations of the group, but they exceeded them by a large margin. Mica Tenenbaum’s vocals were ethereal, and the instrumentation was also cosmic with Matthew Lewin delivering on the keys and guitar.

Hearing songs off the album such as “Killing Time”, “Fear, Sex”, and a more punk like rendition of “That’s My Floor” with live guitar and drums showcased the artistry that is sometimes overlooked in their discography. The quality of the live vocals and rhythm sections were show stopping and gave new life to the songs as they evolved from the studio versions. The set was incredible with colorful, gleaming lighting fitting of their music, and came to a perfect end with the triumphant and bouncy track “The Ballad of Matt & Mica”, which gives a euphoric synopsis of the duo’s own personal lore.

In what has seemed like a major year of pop revivalism, Magdalena Bay deservedly stands at the forefront of a year of music loaded with incredible releases. It is one of the best things to witness in music when musicians at their artistic peak manage to effectively translate a cohesive, yet opulent vision to an album both conceptually and musically. This record delivered on all fronts and improved upon their first album in almost every way possible. In case you’ve never heard anything like it before, this album is pop music fleshed out at its highest level, balancing thoughtful and introspective songwriting, maximalist song arrangements, and catchy melodies that will be permanently inserted into your brain.

Official Maurice Crawford Score: 9.0 / 10

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Intended to reflect the often turbulent and ever changing summers of Las Nubes’ Miami home base, Tormentas Malsanas translates to “unhealthy storms”. Through seismic displays of fuzzy dream pop and whirring shoegaze, bandmates Ale Campos and Emile Milgrim are able to convey this feeling of unrest in a way that is accessible to anyone, anywhere. The album’s grungy and distorted sonic influences root its story in both the past and present. It feels fresh, but also familiar somehow, in the way many summers tend to be a limbo of old and new, trapped between lingering memories and potential for more.

The ten track album takes listeners through several cycles of build up and chasing release. The album opener “Would Be“, gives us the first taste of the idea of warm, almost comfortable feelings opening up into something much heavier. Hypnotic waves of guitar paired with the soft choral repetition of the words “I know the more I give, the less I get back,” are suddenly spun into crunchy power chords and hard snare beats in a moment of whiplash. The words that began as musings have become a chant of dissatisfaction, of feeling stuck.

If the entirety of Tormentas Malsanas is a storm, then track four, the ten minute epic “Caricia”, is the eye of the hurricane. The song hums and buzzes in a moment of calm, but the feeling of unease remains. The familiar circling feels prominent in this track, even as the humming becomes a louder and angrier drone before cycling back to a hum once again. It’s clear the release hasn’t been found yet. It feels like a summer rain that doesn’t cut through the heat, it just makes it thicker and stickier. 

“The Weeks That Followed” puts a name to the idea of spiraling thoughts that seem to orbit this album. The notions of thoughts circling and reliving memories are what drive this song forward, along with the struggle to know when it’s time to move forward and embrace the possibility of change.

Tracks like “Canse” and “Drop In, Ya Freaks” feel less like a thought spiral and more like the unwinding of one, like a release has been found. Heavy and anthemic guitar fuzz along with steady rhythms guide us through the final moments of the album. These songs feel like they’d be best understood driving the backroads of your hometown with your windows down, letting all of the heat and anger wash away with the wind and rain. Where “Canse” is loud, boisterous, and full of kinetic energy, “Drop In, Ya Freaks” is reflective of the time gone by. It acknowledges that the storm has passed, and that even if more should arise, we’ve learned by now that they are impermanent.

In a summer that has already had it’s fair share of heat and storms, both literal and metaphorical, Tormentas Malsanas feels fit to be the soundtrack to a mind that’s very prone to spiral. The story it tells and energy it transmits feeds those tendencies to dwell in the heat, while also encouraging the listener to let go and move forward when the time is right.

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One month ago, the College Football world told itself that the 4-team playoff would be filled with ease once again. At the time, the SEC, ACC, Big 10, and Big 12 conferences each presumed to be represented by their champion. Only the Big 12 conference’s presumed representative is the same as prior with the top of the rankings left to chaos. Oklahoma continues to hum past the remainder of the Big 12. The following list withhold the schools who were in the top 6 a month ago and still are today: Alabama. That’s it. The cast of teams surrounding the dominant

Alabama squad has shifted a great deal week by week. However, the phrase of “dominant” cannot be attached to Nick Saban’s team following last weekend’s contest. Upsets shake the world of College Football once again.

Throughout the previous month, the shapings of the playoffs have begun to take form. No team outside of Wisconsin and Central Florida makes out of the regular season unscathed. #1 Alabama fell to #6 Auburn in the Iron Bowl. The same outcome befell #2 Miami as they lost to an unranked Pittsburgh. Just two weeks prior, #9 Washington fell. #1 Georgia steamrolled #10 Auburn and #3 Notre Dame exposed by #7 Miami.  #6 TCU battles and loses to #5 Oklahoma. And lastly, #6 Ohio State received a beating in Iowa City to the unranked Hawkeyes.

Penn State fell off the planet after being ranked second in the nation a month earlier before losses against #6 Ohio State and #24 Michigan State. Upsets have completely ravaged the top 10 of the College Football rankings week after week.

Playoff Ramifications

Despite all of these upsets eliminating teams from playoff contention, eight teams still have a chance at making the playoffs. This amount of teams is the highest by such a large margin in the history of the playoffs. The following teams are currently contending for the top 4 spots: Clemson, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Auburn, Alabama, Miami, Georgia, and Ohio State. Among these, there are no certains. None whatsoever. Here are all the likely possibilities.

If Clemson, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Auburn all win in their respective conference championship games, each of them will compete for the playoffs in no particular order. This particular scenario plays out with Alabama being the first team out of the playoffs. Alabama losing to Auburn head to head and Auburn winning the SEC championship defends this scenario. If Clemson loses, Miami will make the national semifinal game in Clemson’s place. If Wisconsin or Oklahoma lose, however, the outcome may not be so simple. Alabama may take one of those places, so Ohio State or even potentially Georgia could retain the spot. If Auburn loses to Georgia, Georgia simply replaces Auburn in the playoffs. However, of all these contingencies, as a lifelong sports fanatic since birth and self-proclaimed expert since, the following is my prediction for the playoffs.

#1 – Auburn. After beating Georgia and Alabama in three weeks with both teams being ranked one at the time and defeating a #7 Georgia again in the upcoming week in the conference championship, Auburn rises the number one slot in the playoffs.

#2 – Clemson. First, this Saturday, Clemson will defeat Miami for the ACC Championship. Second, I cannot put Clemson at number one in the nation for only two reasons. Syracuse and schedule strength. The lone loss in Clemson’s repertoire is facing Syracuse. A loss against Syracuse is inexcusable. Despite Clemson defeating Auburn in a head to head matchup and Auburn having two losses to Clemson’s one, Auburn has proven in the last three weeks and will continue to prove once again this week that Auburn is the hottest and the best team in the nation.

#3 – Oklahoma. The Sooners hold strong in a rematch against TCU in the Big 12 Championship game and retain their previously given slot from the College Football Playoff Committee. Oklahoma deserves to be in the Playoffs but does not own the resume to be placed higher than here.

#4 – Alabama. The Big 10 will miss out of the playoffs for the first year. A two-loss Ohio State Big 10 champion will not make the playoffs as a two-loss Big 10 champ in Penn State missed out on the playoffs in 2016. Wisconsin has not faced a single worthy opponent all year and Ohio State has faced Oklahoma and Penn State as well as rivalry games against Michigan and Michigan State. The Big 10 will do as the Big 12 has done multiple times and beat itself out of the playoffs. This leaves Alabama to enjoy a rematch of the Iron Bowl against Auburn in the National Semifinals on New Year’s Day.

This Saturday will without doubt deliver with multiple conference championship throughout the day. Oklahoma-TCU at 11:30 CST on FOX. Georgia-Auburn at 3:00 CST on CBS. Clemson-Miami at 7:00 CST on ABC and Wisconsin-Ohio State at the same time on FOX. Each of these games will determine College Football Playoff selections with the official ranking show occuring on Sunday, December 3rd at noon.

The post Chaos Brews for College Football Playoff Committee appeared first on KRUI Radio.

As a Bears fan, the last decade or so of draft picks has produced little worth celebrating. The bears have only extended four draft picks since the 2007 draft, and right guard Kyle Long is the only current  Bear draft pick that is in his second contract with the team. That track record is just awful, but general manager Ryan Pace is determined to change that in his third draft with the team. The Bears have seven picks in the draft, with two fourth rounders and no sixth rounder, and will have the third overall pick behind the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers.

For this mock draft, I included trades, made mock selections for each one of the Bears seven picks, and highlighted a number two option for each of the Bears first three rounds. Let’s get to it.

First Round-pick #3- Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU

If Adams is Gone? Jonathan Allen, Defensive Lineman, Alabama

The Bears secondary has been dreadful since Lovie Smith was fired in 2012, especially at safety. The Bears haven’t had a pro bowl safety since Mike Brown, and last season the Bears started four different combinations at the position. With there being so few options at the top of the draft at premium value positions like quarterback, offensive tackle, and pass rusher, Adams provides the Bears with playmaking ability in the back end of the defense. He’s a well rounded athlete who can play downhill in the run game, match up man-to-man on tight ends, and showed good range in zone coverage at LSU by snagging four picks his Junior season. While Jonathan Allen was dominant at Alabama, and would be a welcomed and immediate contributor on the defensive line along with Eddie Goldman and Akiem HIcks, the Bears can’t afford to take a player in this spot who has an extensive injury history. Allen has already had both of his shoulders operated on and it has been reported that he may already be suffering from arthritis in those shoulders. Adams on the other hand not only has a clean bill of health, but has been lauded by almost everyone in the evaluation process for his leadership ability. Considering that  the only secondary prospects that rival Adams, Malik Hooker and Marshon Lattimore from Ohio State, both come with reasonable durability concerns, Adams seems to be the safest and most sensible pick for the Bears at #3.

Second Round- pick#36- Adoree Jackson, CB/KR, USC

If Jackson is Gone? Chris Wormley,Defensive End, Michicgan

As I mentioned earlier, it’s no secret that the Bears secondary has been one of the league’s most disappointing for a few years now. An area where they are desperately lacking production is in the turnover department. The Bears were tied for dead last in the NFL in interceptions last season with eight. That number is abysmal, which is why I think Jackson would be another welcomed addition to the back end along with Adams. He played on the outside and inside at nickel over his career and picked off five passes while deflecting 11 more last season. Wormley may be the more polished prospect as of now, but defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has proven time and again he can take athletic players that are a little rough around the edges and develop them quickly. Throw in Jackson’s ability to step in day one as an NFL kick returner, and that’s a whole lot of potential value in the second round.

Third Round-TRADE DOWN WITH BUFFALO-pick #75- Tarrell Basham, OLB, Buffalo

If the Bears stay put? Nathan Peterman, QB, Pitt

 The Bears have the 67th overall pick, and with a few teams sporting multiple fifth rounders that may be eyeing a quarterback in the middle of the draft, this feels as good a spot as any to trade back for an extra pick in this deep draft. The Bears have been quiet about having any interest in some of the middle of the pack quarterback prospects, so if they aren’t in love with Peterman or Cal’s Davis Webb, find someone who is and make a deal. The third round projects to be full of pass rushing prospects, and Buffalo’s Tarell Basham has the body type at 6’4, 270 pounds to be a force off of the edge in the Bears 3-4 scheme. He played against weak competition in the MAC, but he can sit and learn behind veterans Willie Young and Pernell McPhee until he’s ready.

Fourth Round-pick #111- Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami FL

The Bears have done a lot of extensive research and scouting on this years quarterback class, but Ryan Pace continues to remain mum on the position and his interest on any one prospect. The two mid round prospects that have been most frequently linked to the Bears are Davis Webb and Brad Kaaya. Kaaya has three years of starting experience and has put up some pretty solid numbers in the ACC, and many scouts and coaches that have worked with him have praised his football intelligence. He obviously has some flaws in his game, with pocket presence and inconsistent accuracy under pressure being his most notable weaknesses, but the Bears have put off drafting a developmental quarterback for too long. Kayaa provides nice value for the Bears on the third day and he can sit behind Mike Glennon for a year or two and develop.

Fourth Round-pick #117-Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M

Reynolds’ lack of strength and quickness will drop him into the middle rounds of the draft, but at 6’4 with 4.52 speed and a 37 inch vertical there will be plenty of teams who will be after the all SEC receiver. Mike Glennon was at his best in Tampa Bay making spot throws to taller targets Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, and while the Bears added Marcus Wheaton and Kendall Wright in free agency, neither one of them has the height or speed that Reynolds possesses. The Bears can’t count on former first rounder Kevin White coming back healthy and with Alshon Jeffrey gone, it’s imperative that the Bears add another toy for Glennon to play with.

Fifth Round-pick#147-Adam Bisnowaty,OT,Pittsburgh

The interior of the Bears offensive line is set for years to come, but starting tackles Charles Leno and Bobby Massie had their fair share of struggles last season. The Bears didn’t make any serious additions at offensive tackle in the offseason, so the 6’6 three year starter will have the opportunity to step right in as the team’s swing tackle off the bench.

Fifth Round-pick#156-Isaac Rochelle, DE, Notre Dame

The Bears have more needs than they can address in their first five picks, so one major need will be addressed later than it should have. The way I see this draft shaking out, I would bet that defensive line is the one spot where the Bears end up passing on some guys in the early rounds and settling late in the draft. The leader in the clubhouse for the Bears starting defensive end opposite of Akeim Hicks is last years third round pick Jonathan Bullard. There were concerns in Hallas Hall that Bullard was too lazy and inconsistent and it cost him playing time. If nothing else, the high motor Rochelle can provide effort and energy that can hopefully push Bullard to raise his competitiveness, and hopefully that will result in better production on the field.

Seventh Round-pick#221- Jacob Hollister, TE, Wyoming

It’s anyone’s guess as to how the last round will play out, but I’m guessing that the Bears add to a position that was sorely lacking after Zach Miller went down for the season with a foot injury. The Bears added a block first tight end Dion Sims in free agency and return the oft-injured Miller, and that’s about it. According to pro football focus, Hollister has the potential to be a serious threat down the field, comparing him to Julius Thomas.

So there you have it, eight picks, split evenly between offense and defense. Let’s trust that Ryan Pace knows what he’s doing, the Bears don’t have any more room for error.

The post Chicago Bears Mock Draft appeared first on KRUI Radio.

It also means that Opening Day is around the corner.

For every club, the dream of a championship resonates throughout the organization.

While it may be more realistic for some teams to contend for baseball supremacy in 2015 than others, it is also time to take a look at some teams who are on the brink of contending this season and beyond.

Cleveland Indians

 If the baseball world did not know about Corey Kluber, they do now. The reigning American League Cy Young winner had a sparkling 2.44 ERA in 34 starts striking out 269 batters a year ago. Along with Kluber, the Indians also have young pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer ready to take the next step for manager Terry Francona.

Offensively, Cleveland ranked roughly in the middle of the pack in the MLB in the most important offensive categories. Catcher Yan Gomes and outfielder Michael Brantley had career years in 2014, and they will look to build on their previous successes. Key offensive cogs Carlos Santana and Jason Kipnis had disappointing years after stellar 2013 campaigns, and they will be looking to lead the charge for the Indians in the now highly competitive American League Central.

Seattle Mariners

 The Mariners were in the playoff race until the final day of the regular season. Despite adding Robinson Cano from the New York Yankees, the Seattle offense was still among the worst in the league.

This winter, the Mariners added outfielder Nelson Cruz, who led the Majors with 40 home runs a season ago, to the fold and give the lineup a little more pop in the heart of the order. Playing half of their game in one of the most spacious ballparks in all of baseball, Safeco Field, will be a hamper on their offensive numbers.

The pitching staff for the Mariners is among the best in the league, anchored by perennial ace Felix Hernandez. Hernandez forms a capable duo with Hisahi Iwakuma ready to lead Seattle to the postseason for the first time since 2001.

The youth of the rotation is ready to take center stage for manager Lloyd McClendon. Southpaw James Paxton had success in his brief stint in the majors before suffering a shoulder injury and missing four months. Young righty Taijuan Walker is also looking to take the next step and become an annual fixture in the Mariner rotation.

 Miami Marlins

 Yes, they have two of the brightest young stars in the league in Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Fernandez. Both, however, are coming off major injuries.                                                                                          

Stanton is getting back into full form after taking a fastball to the face in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers late last year.

Fernandez is coming off of Tommy John surgery and will not be ready until about the All-Star Break in July.

Both will be instrumental in getting the Marlins to the playoffs this season, but a new cast of characters will also be apart of the journey.

Miami was one of the most active teams in the offseason getting the likes of Mat Latos, Dee Gordon, Michael Morse, and Martin Prado through free agency and trades. Miami should be considered one of the dark horses for a playoff spot in the mediocre National League East.

San Diego Padres

 The Padres were arguably the most aggressive team in the offseason. A team that has had four straight losing seasons and ranked dead last in virtually every offensive category needed a change.

They addressed their glaring need for offensive firepower by acquiring Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Derek Norris, and Will Middlebrooks to try and ignite the dormant Padre offense.

San Diego were no slouches in acquiring pitching arms either. The Padres acquired James Shields and Brandon Morrow to go along with Josh Johnson, Tyson Ross, and Andrew Cashner to presumably form the 2015 rotation for manager Bud Black.

These teams are looking to break through the proverbial wall to the playoffs in 2015, and should be monitored as potential candidates to make some noise in the postseason.

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