Mexico, RSL, and other random thoughts

I was able to go down to Nogales, Sonora, Mexico today to buy some cheap gifts, and practice my horrible, awful, broken Spanish. I've never been to Nogales before, and aside from a couple of alleys that were pretty nice, the town didn't strike me as very different than any other border town. The first solicitation for goods and services came from a man, shortly after we crossed the border, asking if we needed directions to a "titty bar" - which we declined. Then he offered us his sister. It would not be the last such offer. We also received many offers for wide varieties of narcotics and other drugs. It was all very interesting, particularly in light of the ease with which we crossed back over the border.

I did, however, actually enjoy some of the conversations I had with some of the merchants. We talked about religion, fatherhood, politics, and Mexican and American punk rock. I hate the pushy, "Hey, amigo," sales pitches, but I do enjoy the more meaningful interactions that can take place. It's fun to "get to know the neighbors."

I also noticed this sign, right when I first crossed into Mexico, which brings me to my next topic:


I saw a lot of Club America and Chivas gear while in Nogales. Strangely enough, however, I never got the chance to discuss soccer with anyone around me. No matter, I returned home in time to watch RSL get their first road win of the season, and their first ever win over Chivas at the Home Depot Center. Robbie Findley also scored his second goal in an RSL uniform at the HDC. As long as we're looking in the history books, I wonder if RSL might just go on a bit of a tear after this one, similar to the unbeaten streak of four games that also began at the HDC in 2006? With four of the next five games at home, I can dream, can't I?

Back on the subject of Mexico, I'm excited for this year's Xango Cup. I think Santos will make for an exciting match, both in terms of the athletic competition on the pitch, and in competition between each of the groups of fans. I welcome partnerships with the Mexican league going forward. It would be nice to create some goodwill between our two leagues, and among the fans of each side. I only regret that I will be stuck in Arizona for this one. :(

=w= (6)

I bought this album earlier this week and I just can't stop listening to it.

Weezer's sixth effort, and their third self-titled album (unofficially dubbed "the red album") is the most creative album in the band's catalogue, and very satisfying. It's a journey into the musical frontiers that Rivers has been exploring over the past several years. But this is not the Rivers Cuomo show, as Brian, Pat, and Scott all take turns at center stage - and with good results.

At first listen, some of the songs may sound unfamiliar, but as Rivers sings in "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived," "Hey, this is nothing new / I've got more than enough for you." The line is almost a reassurance that Weezer is far from done - a promise that they've got more to give their fans. The song itself is a showcase of a broad range of musical styles, which is probably why some people are comparing it to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." The bottom line is that it works, and it rocks.

Of course, you can't talk about the album without mentioning "Pork and Beans." When Weezer released the song on their website, I let it loop over and over. I still haven't gotten sick of hearing it. To me, the song is a proclamation from Rivers to the world, announcing that he is finally secure in who he he is - that's he's finally got a self-esteem. The video takes that message to the next level, becoming an anthem for misfits everywhere who just wants to be themselves. And who better to empower us weirdos than the guys that made geek chic 14 years ago?

The rest of the album doesn't disappoint either. "Troublemaker" is catchy; "Heartsongs" is heartfelt, and different; and Pat's "Automatic" is impressive. "Dreaming" and "The Angel And The One" are the most Weezer-like of any on the album, and they're both nice. I'm glad that the rest of the album is so divergent, however, because after five albums I wasn't really hoping to hear the exact same stuff on album six.

Only time will tell how this album stands up against the rest of the band's catalogue, but I don't get the feeling Weezer really cares how this one is remembered.

=w=